What is the ruling on watching pornographic films and seeing the nakedness of women to satisfy desires and avoid the unlawful?

Allah commanded lowering the gaze, and whoever disobeys His command exposes himself to Allah's wrath. Opening pornographic websites and watching what displeases Allah is haram (forbidden), and is considered a form of the "adultery of the eyes" mentioned in the noble Hadith. It is a precursor to zina (fornication/adultery), corrupts the heart, and incites lust. It is not permissible to do it with the intention of staying away from haram. Watching the awrat (private parts) of women is also haram. Lowering the gaze has great benefits, including obeying Allah's command, bringing peace to the heart, strengthening and enlightening it, closing the doorways to Satan, and freeing the heart to contemplate its true interests. One must cease this act and repent from it.