40 Best LGBTQ+ Movies To Watch

I’m tired of watching the same 10 movies on LGBTQ+ movie roundups on all websites (hey, I still love it Please call me in your name and moonlight Don’t come for me like the next person! ), so as my own stranger, I wanted to shed some light on underrated films that don’t get the attention or credibility they deserve. Below are 40 things you really think you’ll love. If you need more suggestions, you can check out My Run List for LetterBoxD There are almost 250 movies. enjoy!

1.

Young heart (2024) is a modern coming-of-age story about two 14-year-old boys who fall in love for the first time. This Belgian film is nasty, sweet and painful. I can’t rave about it enough. The only downside is that 20 years ago I was their age and didn’t release it when I needed it the most.

2.

national anthem (2023) is one of my favorite movies of the last few years, so I hope you see it (well, demanding). It has a soft and refreshing look that means strangeness and a chosen family and actually belonging. Too many people sleep with Charlie Plummer, but we need the world to know that he is and always be a star.

3.

Other people (2016) centers around a gay comedy writer (Jesse Plemons) who returns home to look after his dying mother (Molly Shannon). Written and directed by Chris Kelly. The other two And it was SNL The headwriter, and that’s the funny, sad, and heartfelt equal parts.

4.

Wedding banquet (2025) is a remake of the iconic 1993 film. This will be appearing on People You Like (Bowen Yang! Lily Gladstone! Kelly Marie Tran!). It’s modern, fun and interesting, and a breath of fresh air.

5.

Secret Love (2020) is a documentary about two women who fell in love but kept their lesbian relationships secret for nearly 70 years. Their names were Pat and Terry, who was a professional baseball player in the 1940s. Their own league. At one point, I had to pause the film to literally gather myself, sobbing so hard.

6.

Death Strap (1982) is a campy murder mystery about a washed-down playwright (Michael Caine) and his hot young student (Christopher Reeve). It’s twisted, full of surprises and makes you laugh out loud. Hmm, I love this black comedy.

7.

Strange people by the lake (2013) is an erotic French thriller that you should not watch with your parents. It is set on a nude beach where men like to cruise, but things get particularly intense after the murder occurs. Yes, do you want to see some penis? Well, this movie is for you!

8.

I watched the sparkle of the TV (2024) is a surreal film about strange identity that may leave you with more questions than answers. This is the ultimate heat dream, and it’s probably the best when you enter blindly. Have fun.

9.

We are all strangers (2023) is a genuine, soft, emotional story about love, loss, and the ghosts that remain in our lives. Andrew Scott somehow couldn’t get an Oscar nod for his performance (but he should have won everything!), and I would never forgive the academy for not giving Jamie Bell nominations.

10.

Mysterious skin (2004) Young Joseph Gordon Levitt stars in a devastating, raw, and powerful view of how trauma affects you and your life forever. This is dark but stunning and will absolutely destroy you.

11.

Pass (2021) is an adaptation of the Nella Larsen novel. It follows two black women (one who died as white) reunited in New York in the 1920s. It’s tense and unforgettable, but you can’t help but look away.

12.

A look at parting (1986) is a groundbreaking film as it was one of the first films to deal with AIDS in a realistic way. Steve Buscemi is one of the first acting roles ever, and the best part is that this film treats gay characters like ~Real~People. This is a small movie that doesn’t even know that the general population exists, but wow, it certainly packs punch.

13.

Tragic girl (2017) is a Campie Slasher film about a teenager plagued by the deaths of two people who become serial killers to help support social media followers. It’s so fun and funny, and I’m mad that more people haven’t heard it.

14.

Tea and sympathy (1956) follow “sensitive” prep school teens who are bullied for being different from other students and teachers. He finds comfort in an older woman played by Deborah Kerr. And the whole thing is very beautiful.

15.

Beach Rat (2017) My King, Harris Dickinson, stars in an intimate and nasty view of what it’s like to struggle to find your place in the world. He plays a closet teenager in Brooklyn, hangs out with friends during the day, but cruises an older man online at night. If you’re quiet but need hypnosis, this is for you.

16.

Andre says the gospel (2017) is a documentary about André Leon Talley, a larger-than-life Vogue editor who helped shape (and redefine) the fashion industry. The whole thing is a celebration of excellence and style, not yourself.

17.

aisle (2023) is one of the most painful films of the past few years. It’s about toxic love (one man in a gay relationship has something to do with a woman!), and things get wilddddddddd. You’ll see all the inches of Ben Whishaw in this film, and wow, I’m still so mad that he couldn’t get an Oscar nomination for his performance.

18.

run away (2021) is a breathtaking animated documentary about gay Afghan refugees who are telling his story for the first time. There is so much emotional depth to the film, and in fact it was nominated for three Oscars (Best Animation Features, Best Documentary, Best International Film). A must-see.

19.

Torch Song Trilogy (1988) is an apocalypically strange story about gay drug performers in New York City. This will make you want to ask Harvey Fierstein to write more films. Also, with Anne Bancroft and the young Matthew Broderick starring, I think the dreams are really coming true.

20.

Age (2022) is a romantic drama centered around a young man who makes unexpected hookups with his best friend’s older brother. There are lots of cool twists that occur, and I promise they will make sure you have all your emotions possible.

twenty one.

Love bleeds (2024) is a very intense ROM thriller (I’m inventing that term) starring Kristen Stewart as gym manager, and her character engages in a female bodybuilder who is about to become a pro. There is murder, gender and drugs, and the film was made by A24, so it should be convincing enough for you.

twenty two.

Fam (2023) centers around drug performers who try to revenge on the closet man who attacks them. The acting in it is great, but the subject is pretty heavy, so consider this your warning as this film deals with some rather traumatic subjects.

twenty three.

Forced (1959) is followed by two hot guys, secretly, oddly, strange college boys who commit murder and think they are too clever to escape. It is loosely based on a real-life murder trial and is so much fun, so trust me about this.

twenty four.

The secret history of Scotty and Hollywood (2017) is a scandalous documentary that follows Scotty Bowers, a real-life man who basically pimps for gay celebrities in the 40s and 80s. The story in it went so funny, and if you love old Hollywood or celebrity gossip, you need to see this.

twenty five.

Dreamer (2003) is about an American who becomes very close to a brother and sister duo in Paris in the 1960s. The reason is rated as NC-17, so you can see why. Again, don’t watch this with your parents.

26.

path (2016) stars Russell Toby as a closet professional footballer connecting with his teammates, and sees how their relationship changes over the years. They are basically shirtless in most of the movies, so you’re welcome.

27.

How he views (2014) is a Brazilian adult film following blind teenagers and new students in schools who try to navigate life, love and independence. That really makes you smile soooo much.

28.

Handsome devil (2016) is an adult film starring Nicholas Garlitsin as a school-secret gay rugby star. It’s just heartfelt and Andrew Scott is in it, so I promise you’ll love it.

29.

Another country (1984) is a drama in which Rupert Everett and Colin Firth play outsiders at a boarding school in the UK in the 1930s. It’s beautiful, smart and instant classic. If you like it Maurice or Please call me in your namethen you’ll love this.

30.

Shatter (2022) is a high school romcom who joined the track team and joined the track team to get closer to her crash. The best part is that all the characters are already out and proud and have no trauma or relationships. This is very rare in YA queer films.

31.

tangerine (2015) is very confusing in the best possible way. It follows two transsex workers on Christmas Eve in Hollywood, and things get so overwhelming and busy. The film was actually shot entirely on an iPhone by Sean Baker. Anora and Florida Projectin case you need yet another reason to see.

32.

The edge of the city (1957) is a gritty drama about the friendship between Sidney Poitier and John Cassavetes characters. It’s rough and tough, with lots of weird subtext. Ruby Dee also appears in the film, and she is particularly amazing.

33.

Closet monster (2015) centers on alumni seniors who desperately want to escape from the complicated dynamics of his small town and his family. Connor Jessup will star. Isabella Rossellini also voices the imaginary thoughts of his hamster.

34.

Taekwondo (2016) is a sleeper, which means that I don’t really happen in the film much (but the payoff is incredible!). Go blindly and know that everything about Marco Burger’s film is strange and painful.

35.

Sauvage (2018) is a super live film following a sex worker in his 20s on the streets of Paris, and he just really wants to find love. Some scenes are particularly intense and are warned because they are NSFW.

36.

Portrait of a woman litting (2019) is a French-era drama about Forbidden Love, and it’s hot enough to melt your face. I think about the ending randomly at least once a month. Look at it the same way.

37.

Disclosure (2020) is a fascinating documentary examining how Hollywood has portrayed the trans people in television and film over the years. Through interviews with experts and celebrities, it reveals how the portrayal has influenced society and American culture. This should be something you need to see for everyone.

38.

I’m Jonas (2018) is a French drama centered around a strange man at two important points in his life. First up as a teenager and then in his 30s. Get ready as there are some wild plots that may emotionally destroy you.

39.

I can’t forget (1963) is an innovative horror film that is one of the only lesbian characters of a feminine and non-predatory era. This film is based on a book I can’t forget Hill Houseand has finally turned into a very popular Netflix series, so if you like either, you should watch this too.

40.

And finally, Fire Island (2022) is basically a gay and modern remake Pride and prejudiceand it stars in all your new favorites. We all need more fun movies in our lives, so what do we want more?

Looking for more LGBTQ+ content? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s posts to celebrate Pride 2025!