These beautiful films tell amazing stories outside of the traditional, heteronormative mould. Here are some of the best thought-provoking LGBTQ movies that will excite and delight!
If you’re planning on catching a film during a night in, might we suggest something a little different from the typical heteronormative narrative? While movies with gay themes traditionally began as more melodramatic tales that rarely had happy endings, the rise of more LGBTQ creative voices brought out some truly incredible stories in need of a spotlight. With the rich history of romantic, animated, and Hong Kong queer films, we’ve rounded up some of the best LGBTQ movies of our time – celebrating both how far we’ve come in terms of visibility as well as how far we still have to go.
Fantastic LGBTQ movies to discover and enjoy
1. Moonlight (2016)
Arguably one of the finest films in the last few decades, Moonlight is a timeless tale of growing up, self-discovery, and human connection. Following Chiron throughout three distinct stages of life, from childhood to adulthood, this coming-of-age drama sees him exploring who he is as a Black man and a gay individual. Despite maturing in a drug-addled and sometimes violent environment, Chiron makes a life-defining connection with another boy. Bathed in an incredibly dreamy colour palette, Moonlight explores the intersection of Black masculinity and vulnerability, with Barry Jenkins directing the three actors portraying Chiron into one unforgettable performance.
2. A Fantastic Woman (2017)
A groundbreaking Chilean film featuring a powerhouse lead performance by Daniela Vega, A Fantastic Woman is one of the best LGBTQ movies exploring trans existence in a heteronormative society. When Marina, a trans singer and waitress, suddenly loses her older lover Orlando to a brain aneurysm, she faces severe scrutiny and harassment by both Orlando’s family and the authorities. Depicting Marina’s resolve in the face of further humiliation and hardship in an already devastating situation, A Fantastic Woman is a film that will stay in your heart.
3. Paris is Burning (1990)
Required viewing for any fan of Rupaul’s Drag Race, Paris is Burning is a seminal queer documentary following the thriving Ballroom culture in NYC in the mid-to-late 80s. Depicting the elaborate competitions and prominent individuals of the NYC Ball scene, the film delves into the largely Black, Latino, queer, and trans community that helped define much of the modern drag culture we see today. With interviews from legendary figures like Pepper LeBeija, Willi Ninja, and Angie Xtravaganza, Paris is Burning also touches on issues faced by the community such as AIDS, homophobic violence, racism, and poverty. Although complicated discourse has arisen since the filming of this documentary, it remains one of the most interesting looks at this extravagant subculture.
4. Atomic Blonde (2017)
If you’re looking for a jolt of adrenaline in between viewings of queer dramas and comedies, look no further than the action-thriller Atomic Blonde. Starring Charlize Theron as Lorraine, an ass-kicking, bisexual MI6 spy, the film battles its way through 1989 Berlin – days before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Chasing a mysterious KGB double agent, Lorraine encounters many shadowy figures including a beautiful novice French agent. With amazingly choreographed fight scenes, Atomic Blonde isn’t afraid to put its lead through the wringer in this action noir.
5. Rafiki (2018)
Meaning “friend” in Swahili, Rafiki explores a touching romance between two young girls from opposing political families in Nairobi. However, ever-present in the background of Kena and Ziki’s sweet courtship are the oppressive societal forces around them – as homosexuality remains illegal in Kenya. In a meta twist of fate in the real world, Rafiki became one of the best LGBTQ movies in recent memory despite remaining banned in its home country of Kenya.
6. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Based on the popular novel of the same name by Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue is a charming gay romantic comedy. When Alex, the First Son of the US, and Prince Henry of England start to fall for each other, hijinks ensue as they try to keep up a secret romance in the midst of a presidential election. With charismatic performances from the two leads and a fantastic supporting ensemble, Red, White & Royal Blue is an endearing look at love, politics, and royalty. Come for Alex and Henry’s love story, stay for President Uma Thurman’s Southern accent!
7. Bound (1996)
Before their breakthrough with The Matrix, filmmaking team The Wachowskis made their feature directorial debut with Bound. In the neo-noir crime film, Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon give sensational performances as mob girlfriend Violet and ex-con Corky, respectively. After an electrifying initial encounter, Violet and Corky embark on a steamy romance and eventually form an elaborate plot to steal a stash of mob money. Certainly not for the faint of heart, Bound does not shy away from violence and sensuality as the directing team sought to capture authenticity – which resulted in them making one of the greatest lesbian movies of all time.
8. Happy Together (1997)
One of the best LGBTQ movies straight from Hong Kong, legendary filmmaker Wong Kar-wai’s Happy Together has stood the test of time as an enduring look at queer love. Starring Hong Kong icons Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung as lovers in Argentina stuck in a volatile relationship, the film vividly captures longing, loneliness, and love. With incredible cinematography by Christopher Doyle, Happy Together is a movie that stays in your bones even after the 100th rewatch.
9. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Can you believe that some of Hollywood’s most famous, macho action stars donned drag to play the leads in a camp classic queer comedy? Well, it happened in the underrated gem To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo play a trio of drag queens stranded in a small town during a road trip. A groundbreaking film of its time with its portrayal of drag queens (and an implied transgender woman) in a mainstream movie, the three leads play their roles earnestly without an ounce of ridicule. You’ll be delighted by Swayze strutting in heels just as smoothly as he roundhouse kicks thugs.
10. But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
One of the most beloved and best LGBTQ movies of all time, But I’m a Cheerleader is a satirical take on the serious topic of gay conversion therapy. A young Natasha Lyonne and Clea Duvall shine as teens who are sent by their parents to the conversion camp True Directions and end up falling in love. An incredibly campy look at gay teens in an unsettling environment, director Jamie Babbit balances satirical humour with touching young love excellently. Also featuring a young Rupaul in a rare out-of-drag role, the influence of But I’m a Cheerleader’s amazing costumes and set design can still be seen in queer works decades later.
