We Ranked 15 Popular Sex Positions—And The Top One Might Surprise You

There are plenty of reasons to have sex—for connection, curiosity, release, or simply because it feels good. But if there’s one universal truth, it’s that pleasure should always be the main event. Whether you’re exploring something new with a partner (or partners) or rediscovering what turns you on solo, the goal is to find what makes everyone involved melt (and maybe laugh a little along the way).

Of course, that’s easier said than done when the Kama Sutra alone could fill an encyclopedia. Between timeless go-tos like missionary and doggy style to more adventurous moves like the Pretzel Dip or Butter Churner, figuring out what actually feels best can be its own escapade. But hey, that’s half the fun, right?

With that in mind, I rounded up 15 positions that tend to get rave reviews and ranked them to find the most reliably satisfying options. Of course, sex isn’t one-size-fits-all—what makes your best friend see stars might make you cramp up, so this ranking accounts for intensity, accessibility, and more.

Remember, every body responds differently, but if you’re wondering what’s actually as reliable and incredible as people say, keep reading. These have all been tried, tested, and rated by a woman who loves to keep things interesting.

15. Elevated Doggy

Elevated Doggy is all about control. To get into it, the receiver stands at the edge of the bed, leaning forward, while the giver positions themselves behind. One knee lands on the bed, and the other stays planted firmly on the floor, setting up the perfect balance. From there, the giver can hold onto the receiver’s hips and enter from behind, giving both partners extra control and the ability to explore deeper penetration.

Even though this position offers extreme control and deep angles, it’s physically demanding, awkward to maintain, and requires precision. It’s less accessible than most other positions on this list, which is why we ranked it last. However, it’s all about experimenting and finding what makes both partners gasp. I recommend playing with angles, circles, and shifts in motion to hit the G-spot in ways that a straight thrust never could.

14. Cuddle Squat

The Cuddle Squat is all about closeness, which is why it’s almost always a favorite. In this body heat-forward position, the giver sits back—on the edge of the bed, a chair, or wherever feels right—with their legs crossed or out in front of them, while the receiver straddles in a mini squat on top. From there, it’s all about finding the perfect rhythm, whether that’s gentle bounces or slow, teasing side-to-side rocks. Once the groove clicks, the giver can wrap their elbows around the receiver’s shoulders or neck for extra intimacy and friction.

This position is intimate and fun, to say the least, but because it requires a decent amount of balance and leg strength, we ranked second-to-last. It’s more about connection than intensity, making it a “good” rather than mind-blowing choice for most.

13. Pretzel Dip

Don’t let the name scare you—the Pretzel Dip is way less tangled than it sounds and is basically a hybrid of spooning and missionary. The receiver lies on their side, with their bottom leg straight and their top leg bent. The giver kneels between the receiver’s legs, lifting their bent leg to open up the perfect angle for deep penetration while keeping full-body contact.

This position definitely adds novelty and offers adventurous angles, but the complexity makes it trickier to maintain rhythm and flow, so it’s not as universally reliable for quick gratification. Still, it’s a position that manages to be both adventurous and grounded, mixing comfort with a little extra energy, so if it’s a favorite of yours, I totally get why.

READ: The Pretzel Dip Position Is Surprisingly Sexy—Here Are 4 Ways to Try It

12. Happy Scissors

Offering all the classic perks of missionary, but with a little extra oomph, is the Happy Scissors position. The receiver lies back on the bed (or the floor if you’re feeling adventurous) and spreads their legs wide, giving the giver prime access. The giver takes the reins, holding the receiver’s ankles like a pair of scissors, and slides in from above.

This position offers deep, satisfying penetration, intimate eye contact, and plenty of room to sneak in some clitoral stimulation. But still, it requires some flexibility and isn’t as accessible or sustainable as simpler positions, making it slightly less universally pleasurable.

11. Reverse Cowgirl

Reverse Cowgirl takes everything we love about being on top and adds a cheeky twist. Facing away, the receiver straddles the giver, who is lying on their back, and takes complete command of rhythm and depth. From here, the receiver can stay facing away, or add a little playful tension by turning their torso and glancing back at the giver.

Without eye contact, every movement is heightened, making it all about sensation, angles, and that perfect spot of penetration. However, it’s the lack of eye contact that makes this position feel less intimate overall. Plus, it requires more core strength and balance than other popular positions.

READ: This Sex Position Guarantees Deep G-Spot Pleasure—Here Are 6 Ways to Try It

10. Spooning

Spooning is hands-down one of the most popular sex positions out there. It’s intimate and all about full skin-to-skin contact, making it perfect for first-thing-in-the-morning fun or a lazy afternoon that somehow turns very, very productive. Both partners lie on their sides, with the giver nestled snugly behind the receiver, bodies pressed together like a hug. From there, the giver can slowly enter, letting the rhythm build naturally. Since this is mostly hands-free for the giver, they can use their fingers or a vibrator to take the pleasure to the next level for the receiver.

Overall, this position is low-effort but high-reward. It emphasizes comfort and intimacy over intense stimulation, which is why we ranked it here. It’s ideal for lazy sessions but less intense compared to other positions ranked higher on this list.

9. Reverse Oral

A cozy move that works just as well for lazy Sunday mornings as it does for steamy midnight rendezvous, the Reverse Oral position is pure magic. Both partners lie flat on their stomachs, with the giver nestled right behind the receiver. This angle offers the ability to stimulate the clitoris perfectly, but to make it even better, the receiver can also choose to lift their hips ever so slightly and have the giver hold their thighs.

It’s intimate, playful, and surprisingly precise, but doesn’t provide the full-throttle intensity of positions like Butter Churner, which is next on this list. Still, it’s fun and exactly the kind of position you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

READ: 7 Oral Sex Positions to Try This Weekend

8. Butter Churner

Trust us on this one. The Butter Churner looks intimidating at first, but it’s simpler than it seems—and once you get a good rhythm, it’s insanely satisfying. To get started, the receiver lies on their back with legs lifted, head pressed toward the bed, while the giver kneels in front, thrusting downward.

It ranks here because its unusual angle allows for some of the deepest, most intense penetration possible, though it demands more flexibility and trust. It’s a bold, physically exposing position, but that unique “churning” angle delivers some of the deepest penetration possible. Intense, thrilling, and easier than it looks, it’s a move that leaves both partners breathless—which is why it earns a top spot on our list.

READ: The Butter Churner Position Delivers Deep, Intense Pleasure—Here Are 5 Ways to Try It

7. Cowgirl

This one’s for those who like to take charge. The Cowgirl position gives you front-row access to your partner’s face—and every reaction that comes with it. To get into the position, the giver lies flat on their back and the receiver straddles on top of them. In this position, the receiver gets full control over depth, speed, and angle, making it easy to find exactly what feels best.

It’s ranked here because it offers maximum control and the ability to adjust stimulation precisely, though it can be physically taxing for the rider if sustained. However, if you forget the usual in-and-out rhythm and opt for a slow rocking motion, that’s where the magic happens. It not only keeps things smooth and sensual but also saves your thighs from burning out too soon, letting the moment last even longer.

READ: 5 Ways to Spice Things Up When You’re On Top

6. Hands All Over

Like cuddling, but way hotter. Both partners lie on their sides facing each other, bodies pressed close enough to feel every breath. The receiver lifts one leg to open things up, letting the giver slide in easily while creating friction against the clitoris. The receiver can hook their leg over the giver’s hip for deeper penetration or just to stay wrapped up together. A toy can take it to the next level, but honestly, the closeness alone is enough to make sparks fly.

Between the eye contact, slow kisses, and whispered things that don’t need to be repeated, this one’s pure intimacy. Overall, it’s incredibly intimate and versatile, but penetration is less intense, making it a slower-burn pleasure rather than an all-out knockout.

5. Kneeling Doggy

If you’re into the classic doggy style, this twist is about to become your new favorite. It keeps all the intensity of rear-entry positions—deep penetration, a killer angle, and plenty of connection—while adding a little more comfort and control for both partners. The receiver gets on all fours and rests their thighs against the giver, who kneels close behind. Hands stay pressed to the bed (or floor) to keep things steady, and from there it’s all about syncing up and finding that addictive rhythm.

We ranked this position here because it ramps up intensity over positions like Sideways Pillow Princess (which is up next), but requires a bit more stamina and coordination. If you can maintain it even for a minute, the giver gets a view worth remembering, the receiver gets everything they need to reach the edge, and together it’s pure, skin-to-skin perfection.

4. Sideways Pillow Princess

If there’s one thing we’ll never apologize for loving, it’s a position that lets the receiver kick back and fully enjoy the moment. Dominant energy has its place (and we love it), but sometimes the hottest move is total surrender—the kind where you stop overthinking and just feel. The Sideways Pillow Princess is made for that. The receiver lies on their side while the giver kneels behind, one knee slipping between the legs, to enter with complete control over depth and rhythm. Have the receiver twist slightly toward the giver for some slow, smoldering eye contact, and consider this your fast pass to an orgasm.

We ranked it here, close to the top of the list, because it balances intimacy and intensity. It’s easy to hold, but still delivers powerful sensations, especially with slight twists or pressure adjustments. It’s lazy in the best possible way, all hips and heat, with just enough grind to keep things electric.

READ: Is Being a Pillow Princess Really That Bad? I Asked a Sex Coach

3. The Spider

The Spider might look like a chaotic puzzle, but it’s actually one of the coziest positions around. Both partners are lying down, limbs intertwined, which makes it perfect for those lazy, slow-burning kind of nights. To get there, the giver and receiver wrap their legs around each other until it feels right. There’s no need for precision, just do what feels good.

This position ranks third because it’s less about raw intensity and more about sustained intimacy, making it perfect for couples who want closeness over spectacle. It’s not about deep penetration but about friction, rhythm, and that delicious closeness that builds heat fast. Throw in some lingering eye contact and you’ve got a recipe for slow, teasing pleasure that sneaks up on you.

2. The Corkscrew

Equal parts cozy and thrilling, the Corkscrew is one of those positions that just makes sense. The receiver gets to stay lying down—a major win—while the giver takes full control. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and surrender, all built on trust. All you need to do is have the giver stand or kneel next to the bed and enter the receiver from the side, creating a new, deeper angle that hits differently in all the best ways.

It ranks higher than the Spider because the angle allows for more targeted stimulation and variation in depth, giving the giver more power and the receiver more precise pleasure. It’s also an easy way to change things up without straying too far from your comfort zone.

1. Classic Missionary

Yes, missionary tops this list, and honestly, it really does deserve the crown. There’s a reason this classic has stood the test of time—it’s simple, intimate, and adaptable in all the right ways. The setup is straightforward, with the receiver lying flat on their back while the giver kneels or hovers above. From there, things can shift in seconds. Slip a pillow under the receiver’s hips for extra clitoral pressure, or hook a leg over the giver’s shoulder to change the angle and turn up the intensity.

It earns the top spot because it’s versatile, emotionally intimate, and easy to execute—making it accessible yet capable of mind-blowing pleasure. It’s one of those positions that can be slow and romantic or deep and powerful depending on your mood. And because it keeps you face-to-face, it builds connection as much as it does pleasure.

READ: 7 Ways to Make Missionary Even Sexier

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alyssa Rotunno, Contributing Writer

Alyssa Rotunno is a NYC-based writer with a focus on beauty, fashion, shopping, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, Parade, and other national outlets, where she brings a sharp, timely lens to the products, places, and trends worth knowing. She’s endlessly curious about what people are talking about—and loves connecting the dots between trends, products, and real life.

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Featured graphic images credited to: Maruna Ryazantseva | Pexels

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