Easy Rider (1969)

Long before Dennis Hopper made an impression on moviegoers in 1986 with his killer performance in Blue Velvet and his Oscar-nominated turn in Hoosiers, he cranked out the cult classic Easy Rider (1969). Not only did the multi-talent serve as the film’s director, he and Peter Fonda played the lead roles and co-wrote the screenplay with Beatnik novelist Terry Southern. As you can see, the biker movie had all the earmarks of a counterculture hit. Indeed, the indie flick was a box office smash as well as a critical darling — garnering an Academy Award nomination in the Best Original Screenplay category for the hipster trio and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Jack Nicholson. In fact, this meandering masterpiece is still lauded for its ability to poetically summarize a generation as it follows free spirits Billy (Hopper) and Wyatt (Fonda) riding from California to New Orleans after a drug deal. Their life views unfold through various meetings with people across America, including a sex worker played by pop singer Toni Basil. While Billy and Wyatt run into plenty of close-minded folks, they also find time to let their freak flags fly. In one scene, the dudes doff their duds to go skinny-dippy with Sarah (Sabrina Scharf) and Lisa (Luana Anders). Fast forward to the 40-minute mark to ogle Mr. Fonda’s naked chest. Although we don’t get to see Peter’s peter, Mr. Hopper reveals his drenched pecs and wet rump. Thanks to this sexy scene, Easy Rider will get your motor running!