It’s June, and you know what that means… You’re only allowed to watch LGBTQ+ movies this month — yes, we’re checking. We should, of course, celebrate Pride all year long, but Pride Month gives us a special opportunity to celebrate our love, highlight our struggles, and honor our history. As the great Roger Ebert said, “The movies are like a machine that generates empathy,” so what better way to do all that than through films?
This list brings together 15 exceptional LGBTQ+ movies, ranging from cult classics and tearjerkers to feel-good comedies and cinematic masterpieces.
15
‘God’s Own Country’ (2017)
- Release Date
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September 1, 2017
- Runtime
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105 minutes
- Director
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Francis Lee
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Alec Secăreanu
Gheorghe Ionescu
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Josh O’Connor
Johnny Saxby
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Francis Lee’s feature directorial debut, God’s Own Country, is a stunning British romance drama movie. Unfolding in the rugged landscapes of Yorkshire, the plot revolves around a sheep farmer whose life gets turned upside down when his family hires a Romanian worker to help out with their farm. Initially met with hostility, Gheorghe’s kindness is what breaks through Johnny’s defences, leading to a tender and passionate love affair.
Breathtakingly Raw Love Story
When it comes to quiet storytelling, the movie is a masterpiece. In addition to the beautiful romance at its core, God’s Own Country also deals with deep topics, such as isolation, having to make the hard decision to stay living in the countryside instead of pursuing your dreams, and gradual self-acceptance. The cinematography captures the beauty of the countryside, but it’s the authentic performances from Josh O’Connor and Alec Secăreanu that received praise. If you love queer countryside stories, this one’s for you.
14
‘Tangerine’ (2015)
Shot purely on three iPhone 5S smartphones, Sean Baker’s Tangerine focuses on a transgender sex worker who, after getting out of prison, finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. She decides to storm through Tinseltown to confront him, dragging her best friend Alexandra along for the ride. But their journey is filled with unexpected encounters…
A Vibrant and Groundbreaking Indie
Tangerine received huge critical acclaim for its direction and screenplay, but mostly for the real representation of transgender individuals. The movie offers a raw, energetic, and sometimes upsetting look at the lives of trans sex workers, but the way it revolutionized indie filmmaking and paved the way for more films with authentic stories and sharp humor is remarkable. Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor deliver phenomenal performances and make it easy for viewers to connect with their characters.
13
‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ (1999)
As a movie with a huge cult following, But I’m A Cheerleader simply cannot be omitted from a list of the best LGBTQ+ films. It’s an American satirical comedy starring Natasha Lyonne in the main role as Megan, who gets sent into a conversion therapy camp to “cure” her lesbianism. Initially, Megan resists the idea that she’s anything but straight, but as she bonds with Graham, a rebellious teen, she begins to question everything she has been taught.
Cult Classic With Campy Charm
For a 1999 movie, it was definitely ahead of its time as it satirically deals with internalized homophobia and the ridiculous way queer people were and are treated in our society. Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall shine as the film’s central couple. The playful visuals and subtle defiance against societal norms make it a beloved classic. It is cute, funny, smart, heartbreaking at times, but overall so progressive that you won’t believe it came out 26 years ago. Plus, RuPaul is there.
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12
‘Paris Is Burning’ (1990)
Paris Is Burning offers a dazzling glimpse into the underground ballroom scene of 1980s New York through the lives of African-American and Latino individuals. The competitive call culture and voguing give them a sense of belonging, a means of expression, and a reason to trudge on. We follow legendary figures like Pepper LaBeija, Willi Ninja, and Dorian Corey as they navigate a world where gender, race, and class intersect in interesting ways.
Has Cultural Significance
Directed by Jennie Livingston, this is more than just a film; it’s a historical artifact. Told through compassionate interviews and electrifying footage of the calls, the documentary explores identity and ambitions as those featured give birth to a subculture that shaped modern queer expression. It influenced mainstream pop culture, with RuPaul’s Drag Race being an ideal example. Definitely a vital watch this Pride Month.
11
‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ (1985)
Adapted from a screenplay written by Hanif Kureishi, this romantic comedy is set against the backdrop of Thatcher-era London. It tells the story of Omar, a young Pakistani-British man, and Johnny, a working-class punk with a rebellious past (played by Daniel Day-Lewis with incredible frosted tips). When Omar is given the opportunity to work at a laundromat, he enlists his former lover Johnny’s help, but prejudices keep them apart.
A Bold and Subversive Love Story
Directed by Stephen Frears, My Beautiful Laundrette subverts expectations with its nuanced portrayal of a forbidden queer relationship. With its striking blend of social commentary, it tackles issues of race, class, and sexuality in a way that’s tender and transformative at the same time. It was a groundbreaking film for its time, but the simplicity of the characters and the layered dialogue make it timeless.
10
‘The Watermelon Woman’ (1996)
Directed by Cheryl Dunye, The Watermelon Woman is a witty, meta, and self-reflective exploration of the history of queer representation. In the film, Cheryl stars as a young African-American lesbian filmmaker who becomes fascinated by the story of an obscure ’30s African American actress who was often cast in stereotypical roles. As Cheryl puts together her story, she navigates her own experiences with love and filmmaking.
A Powerful First Feature
Dunye is the first openly lesbian African American woman to ever direct a feature film, which makes The Watermelon Woman a landmark in LGBTQ+ filmmaking. She takes a metafictional approach and offers insightful commentary, challenging the erasure of queer experiences, both in the past and the present, and celebrating the power of storytelling to reclaim one’s narrative. Let us be clear, though: this movie is hilarious, and if you only watch one movie from the list, it should be this one.
9
‘Desert Hearts’ (1985)
- Release Date
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October 1, 1985
- Runtime
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91 minutes
- Director
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Donna Deitch
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Patricia Charbonneau
Cay Rivvers
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Audra Lindley
Frances Parker
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Easily one of the most romantic movies of all time, Desert Hearts tells the story of Vivian Bell, an introverted Columbia University professor, who arrives in Reno in the 1950s to finalize her divorce and seek some solitude. Instead, she encounters Cay Rivvers, a free-spirited and confident woman who works at the ranch Vivian is staying at, and is immediately drawn to her.
Swoon-Worthy and Sincere
Helmed by pioneering lesbian filmmaker Donna Deitch and based on Jane Rule’s 1964 novel Desert of the Heart, the movie is a landmark achievement in cinema. It offers a sensitive portrayal of same-sex relationships at a time when such stories were rarely seen on the big screen, which makes the love between Vivian and Cay all the more dating and transformative. The chemistry between Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau is palpable, and the fact that it ends on a hopeful note is amazing.
8
‘Fire’ (1996)
Fire
- Release Date
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August 22, 1997
- Runtime
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108 minutes
- Director
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Deepa Mehta
- Producers
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Bobby Bedi
Cast
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Kulbhushan Kharbanda
Ashok
In a patriarchal household in India, Radha and Sita, two sisters-in-law, are trapped in a loveless marriage. Radha, bound by duty and tradition, has spent years in a marriage devoid of intimacy, and Sita, newly married, quickly realizes that her husband is indifferent to her and is cheating on her. Their friendship deepens into love, and they are forced to face their own fears while challenging societal norms.
Makes a Bold Statement
Loosely based on a short story written by Ismat Chughtai and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta, Fire is a powerful, sensitive, and incredibly crafted exploration of female sexuality and the struggle to determine one’s desires within the confines of a male-dominated society. Anchored by captivating performances of Nandita Das and Shabana Azmi, the film explores the emotional complexities of its characters with a lush visual style and raw emotion. After its 1998 release in India, the film sparked protests and led to conversations about free speech, which is why its impact on Indian cinema and queer visibility cannot be overstated.
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7
‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2018)
Set on a secluded island in 18th-century France, Portrait of a Lady on Fire follows Marianne, who is commissioned to secretly paint a wedding portrait of Héloïse, a reluctant bride-to-be. As Marianne observes Héloïse, memorizing her features and actions in stolen glances, a deep and intense bond forms between them, and it soon grows into a passionate love affair.
A Masterpiece of Longing and Desire
The love story of Marianne and Héloïse is both fleeting and eternal. Céline Sciamma paints a movie where their time is marked by stolen moments, quiet understanding, and the realization that their love, though doomed by circumstance, will remain important in art. It is a visually stunning and emotionally devastating film elevated by gorgeous turns from Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. The movie won the Queer Palm at Cannes and Sciamma won Best Screenplay.
6
‘Totally F***ed Up’ (1993)
A fragmented portrayal of queer youth in 1990s Los Angeles, Totally F***ed Up follows six gay and lesbian teenagers navigating love, heartbreak, and alienation in a world that refuses to understand and accept them. Told through a mix of documentary-style interviews and handheld footage, it captures their journey as they create their own chosen family and drives the narrative to a devastating climax.
A Time Capsule of Queer Rebellion
Gregg Araki’s film is a cornerstone of New Queer Cinema, and the director describes it as “kinda cross between avant-garde experimental cinema and a queer John Hughes flick.” The lo-fi, guerrilla-style filmmaking enhances the authenticity and makes the characters feel achingly real. Critics praised the unapologetic depiction of LGBTQ+ youth and the vulnerability and recklessness that comes with it.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
