HI GAY! It's June, which means it's the most important month of the year for queer representation, Pride Month! To celebrate this, I've accumulated a list of my top 10 favorite LGBTQ+ movies.This list is in no particular order, because the thought of ranking them filled me with too much dread: it was the Sophie's Choice for some of my favorite movies.
(Note: Sophie's Choice is not in this list, that shouldn't be surprising.)
Read on for my top 10 LGBTQ+ films:
Weekend (2011)
Weekend is a movie that sneaks up on you and decides to punch you right in the gut with feels. A simple story about a chance meeting and a whirlwind weekend romance, this romantic drama explores the complexities of relationships, sex, and humanity. It does so in a way that is heartfelt and touching, while also being genuinely good story telling. Fantastic performances from the two leads, a great script and wonderful direction make this movie a must see for any lover of LGBTQ+ cinema.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and AppleTV
Pride (2014)
Lesbians and gays support the miners! Pride, based on actual events, is a heartwarming tale set during the UK Miners strike of the late 80s. A group of queer people get together to help support the striking miners and in doing so forge a connection that still has repercussions today. A fantastic ensemble piece about the connections that bring people together, and that we are truly stronger together. This one will have you cheering, laughing, crying and quoting it for days to come.
Available to watch on Hulu, Amazon Prime and AppleTV
Moonlight (2016)
What is there more to say about Moonlight that hasn't already been said? One of the greatest explorations on masculinity and queerness in contemporary black America to ever be put on film. Watch as Chiron grows from a young boy to adulthood, and how that intersects with his budding queerness. Stunning visuals, amazing performances and a story that is as thoughtful as it is devastating, this drama is easily one of the best films ever made, LGBTQ+ or otherwise. It rightfully deserved all the Oscars it won.
Available to watch on Vudu and Amazon
But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)
One of the funniest LGBTQ+ films ever, But I'm a Cheerleader is a satirical take on a teen coming-of-age film. Follow Megan, as she discovers that she might be a lesbian, goes to a conversion therapy camp, and maybe, just maybe, falls in love. This film brilliantly derides the absurd concept of conversion therapy, making it clear that attempts to change queer people are moot. Stacked with a cast of then up-and-comers who are now stars, this film is a delight from start to finish.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime, Tubi and AppleTV
The Birdcage (1996)
There are classics for a reason and The Birdcage is one of them. A mid-90's take on the popular french comedy La Cage Aux Folles, this film stars Nathan Lane and Robin Williams as a couple who successfully raised a son, but now that son is marrying the daughter of a conservative senator. Hilarity and hijinx ensue that will leave you rolling on the floor with laughter and quoting it for years to come. And yes, we all know who the real villain of this movie is: VAL.
Available to watch on Paramount+, Amazon and Tubi
The Normal Heart (2014)
Yes, this film is about the AIDS epidemic. Yes, this film will tear your heart out, stomp on it and then set it on fire. Yes, this film is still essential watching for any LGBTQ+ person. The Normal Heart, based on the play of the same name, loosely follows the initial response to HIV/AIDS and the inception of the Gay Men's Health Crisis. Blistering performances from an all star cast, fantastic direction and writing make this film one of the most harrowing portrayals of the early days of the AIDS epidemic, and an important cinematic exploration of the queer community's history.
Available to watch on MAX and Amazon
Flee (2021)
Flee is an animated documentary recounting the tale of Amin, a queer Afghan refugee living in Denmark. He recounts the story of his and his family's terrifying escape from Afghanistan to Russia, and finally to Denmark and Sweden. His story is truly heart-wrenching, but also has moments that inspire and allow us as the audience to experience the power of resilience in humanity. This film will tug at your heart strings and allow you to see the world through a different lens, and a beautifully simplified animation style.
Available to watch on Hulu, Amazon, and Vud
Disclosure (2020)
TWO DOCUMENTARIES IN A ROW! I honestly could make a separate list of important LGBTQ+ documentaries, and this one would be right at the top. Disclosure explores trans representation in media, specifically film and television, and how it has changed throughout the years. It showcases some of the earliest explorations of gender on film and highlights where it's been right and also where it's been harmful. Filled with candid interviews from some of the industry's top trans and queer artists, this film serves as a testament to the power of trans representation, and how far we still have to go.
Available to watch on Netflix
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
You knew there was going to be a musical on this list somewhere, and it had to be this one. Hedwig and the Angry Inch follows the titular rock star as she tours alongside the concerts of her former lover Tommy. Through this, she musically tells the story of her life and how the on-stage persona of "Hedwig" came to be. This musical comedy/drama is at times hysterical, thought provoking and profound in ways you don't expect it to be. John Cameron Mitchell makes a star performance as Hedwig, singing truly sensational songs that will get stuck in your head long after the credits roll.
Available to watch on Amazon and Vudu
Parallel Mothers (2021)
Pedro Almodóvar is a brilliant filmmaker, and his 2021 film about the relationships between mothers and womanhood is a wonderful addition. Parallel Mothers follows Janis as she copes with being a single mother, and the various complex relationships in her life. It takes you on twists and turns that you're not expecting, but ultimately leaves you thinking about legacy and how what we do today can impact future generations. Penélope Cruz gives a masterclass performance as Janis, a woman on the precipice of her life, dealing with several wild circumstances that come her way. This film is entirely engrossing and leaves you guessing till the final moments.
Available to watch on Hulu, Starz , and Vudu.
That's my list! Hope you liked it and check out any of these you haven't seen yet!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or feel free to send me an email at queerreviewed.site@gmail.com