The best LGBTQ movies on Netflix right now
The selection of LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix continues to increase each month. These films include a healthy mix of every possible genre, from straightforward dramas to rom-coms and even a few genre pieces. The so-called King of the Streamers has a wide selection of queer movies available, offering enough entertainment to make this an even more enjoyable spooky season.
These films feature compelling queer stories and characters that will make their audience feel seen, perhaps for the first time. New movies come to Netflix every week, meaning there’s a consistent and varied collection of queer-themed pictures available. Some are acquired tastes, while others are critically acclaimed classics. Others are animated, while some are decidedly not kid-friendly. With so much to choose from, it might be tedious to search for just one title. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together a list of the best LGBTQ-themed movies on Netflix right now.
When you’re done going through this list, check out the best LGBTQ films to stream right now, the best new movies to stream, and the best Netflix original series you can stream right now.
Will & Harper (2024)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Duration: 114m
Genre: Documentary, Comedy
Stars: Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, Tim Meadows
Directed by: Josh Greenbaum
Josh Greenbaum’s documentary Will & Harper chronicles a 17-day trip across the United States by longtime friends Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, the latter of whom came out as a trans woman during the COVID pandemic. The documentary is a heartfelt look at the nature of an ever-evolving friendship with profound insights into the trans experience from a remarkably funny and sympathetic individual.
Moreover, Will & Harper is insightful and endearing without ever feeling exploitative or manipulative; instead, the camera shows two people clearly comfortable with each other, capturing their everyday interactions and presenting a refreshingly honest portrayal of allyship.
Fear Street: 1994 (2021)
Metacritic: 67%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 107m
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Stars: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr.
Directed by: Leigh Janiak
The first part in the Netflix Fear Street anthology, Fear Street 1994 follows a teenager and her friends as they take on a dangerous threat that has seemingly plagued their town for years. Made in the classic vein of the slasher genre, Fear Street Part One: 1994 benefits from an engaging collection of characters in service of a traditional yet satisfying supernatural horror tale.
With a tremendously compelling LGBTQ+ protagonist and final girl, the criminally underrated Deena Johnson, brought to life by the equally underappreciated Kiana Madeira, Fear Street: 1994 is the perfect choice for those looking for an LGBTQ+ story with a healthy dose of fright.
The Invisible Thread (2022)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Duration: 109m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Stars: Filippo Timi, Francesco Scianna, Francesco Gheghi
Directed by: Marco S. Puccioni
A modern take on an old story, The Invisible Thread is a dramedy of familial trouble and self-discovery. The plot centers on Leone, a young man working on a project about LGBTQ+ rights, using his personal experience as a child of two fathers for inspiration. While dealing with questions about his sexuality and a newfound attraction for a classmate, Leone will find more about himself than he could’ve anticipated.
The Invisible Thread is a fun, if not particularly groundbreaking, entry into the coming-of-age genre, but it doesn’t need to push boundaries. Instead, its strength relies on being a fun, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt depiction of family love and LGBTQ+ bonds.
Ahead of the Curve (2021)
Metacritic: 62%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Duration: 98m
Genre: Documentary
Stars: Franco Stevens, Melissa Etheridge, Kim Katrin
Directed by: Rivkah Beth Medow, Jen Rainin
A documentary about an influential yet sadly underappreciated figure in lesbian entertainment, Ahead of the Curve shines a light on a modern icon that has spent far too long in the shadows. It chronicles the story of Franco Stevens, a visionary woman who launched Curve, a bestselling lesbian magazine that reshaped the LGBTQ+ cultural and entertainment landscape of the ’90s.
It focuses on the magazine’s beginnings and its enduring legacy for the LGBTQ+ community. As an insightful peek into one of the community’s most prominent publications, Ahead of the Curve is a valuable look into a crucial moment in LGBTQ+ history and one of the key figures in the movement.
A Secret Love (2020)
Metacritic: 77%
IMDb: 7.8/10
Duration: 83m
Genre: Documentary
Stars: Terry Donahue, Pat Henschel, Diana Bolan
Directed by: Chris Bolan
Yet another documentary, this time focusing on the hardship and secrecy that, unfortunately, accompany many LGBTQ+ relationships. As the title implies, A Secret Love tells the story of a former baseball player who must keep her seven-decade relationship with the woman she loves a secret from her family and society.
As they come out during their golden years, they realize some struggles never end. A Secret Love is both a sobering and rewarding watch, ideal for all those who want to reminisce on how far we’ve come and how long we still have to go. With a tender story at its center, A Secret Love is among the most worthwhile documentaries on Netflix.
The Inspection (2022)
Metacritic: 73%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Duration: 95m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Jeremy Pope, Gabrielle Union, Bokeem Woodbine
Directed by: Elegance Bratton
Jeremy Pope delivers an intense performance in Elegance Bratton’s 2022 drama The Inspection. The film follows Ellis French, a Black gay man who endures a harrowing training process while at a Marine Corps boot camp. A never-better Gabrielle Union co-stars as French’s estranged mother. Although it doesn’t handle all of its weighty themes with the delicacy they demand, The Inspection remains a worthwhile film, largely thanks to Pope’s Golden Globe-nominated performance, which captures the vulnerability and resilience that so many LGBTQ+ youths must summon to endure similar situations. Challenging but rewarding, The Inspection is a thought-provoking drama worth your time.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Metacritic: 94%
IMDb: 7.8/10
Duration: 132m
Genre: Romance, Drama
Stars: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg
Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Already a modern classic of LGBTQ+ cinema, Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name is as affecting today as it was in 2017. The film chronicles the summer romance between 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer) in 1980s Italy. Based on the eponymous novel by André Aciman and with a scene-stealing supporting turn from the ever-reliable Michael Stuhlbarg, Call Me by Your Name is an insightful, seductive, and bittersweet depiction of the life-changing power of first love. Chalamet shines in his Oscar-nominated performance, while Guadagnino’s sensitive yet sensual direction heightens the story’s main themes.
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
IMDb: 6.6/10
Duration: 94m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars: Laurel Holloman, Nicole Ari Parker, Maggie Moore
Directed by: Maria Maggenti
A pioneering entry in sapphic cinema, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love stars Laurel Holloman and Nicole Ari Parker and follows the love story between two girls from opposing high-school cliques in a small town. Unlike other movies of the time, this one actually ends on a happy and uplifting yet still realistic note, pointing out that LGBTQ+ couples will always have to deal with background noise but must always do their best to drown it. Although massively underrated, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love is a must-see for LGBTQ+ fans and a brilliant example of how queer cinema can deal with severe topics without necessarily ending in tragedy.
Carol (2015)
Metacritic: 94%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Duration: 118m
Genre: Romance, Drama
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Cate Blanchett delivers one of her finest performances in Todd Haynes’ 2015 period romantic drama Carol opposite an equally brilliant Rooney Mara. Based on the groundbreaking novel The Price of Salt, Carol depicts the romance between a mature woman undergoing a divorce and a young woman discovering her sexuality in 1950s Manhattan. Arguably Haynes’ best film, Carol is a masterclass in eroticism in service of a narratively powerful story. Blanchett and Mara share a passionate yet warm chemistry that further adds depth to this story about love, class, self-discovery, and the desire to be free from society’s constraints to pursue one’s true self.
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution (2024)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Duration: 100m
Genre: Documentary, Comedy
Stars: Lily Tomlin, Rosie O'Donnell, Sandra Bernhard
Directed by: Page Hurwitz
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution explores the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians who defied conventions and challenged notions through the power of laughter. It features many prominent comedians, including Lily Tomlin, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, Eddie Izzard, Sandra Bernhard, Joel Kim Booster, Tig Notaro, and many more. The documentary is a funny and insightful look behind the scenes at the journeys of these trailblazers, reminding audiences of the importance of humor and the need for it as an instrument for true and meaningful social change.
Strange Way of Life (2023)
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 31m
Genre: Drama, Western, Romance
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Pedro Pascal, Jason Fernández
Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar
Pedro Almodóvar’s second English-language project stars Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke and The Last of Us season 2 star Pedro Pascal. Strange Way of Life follows Jake, a sheriff in a small town who is investigating the murder of his brother’s widow. Things get complicated when his ex-lover, Silva, arrives, only for Jake to realize Silva is the father of the main suspect in the crime. Strange Way of Life deals with many of Almodóvar’s favorite themes, including masculinity, homosexuality, and repressed emotions. The 31-minute runtime might leave audiences wanting more, but Almodóvar’s distinctive voice and the chemistry between Hawke and Pascal more than compensate for it.
Tangerine (2015)
Metacritic: 86%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Duration: 87m
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Stars: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian
Directed by: Sean Baker
Sean Baker’s acclaimed comedy-drama Tangerine follows the titular character, a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp cheated on her while she was in prison. Determined to learn the truth, she joins her friend Alexandra on a trip through the Los Angeles night scene. Known for being shot on three iPhone 5s, Tangerine is an insightful and poignant queer film that showcases Baker’s singular voice. Lead actress Kitana Kiki Rodriguez is a revelation, supporting an often intense but always earnest narrative and preventing it from descending into despair.
Brother (2023)
Metacritic: 70%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Duration: 120m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Lamar Johnson, Aaron Pierre, Kiana Madeira
Directed by: Clement Virgo
Based on David Chariandy’s novel and set in 1990s Toronto, Clement Virgo’s Brother is an intimate portrayal of brotherhood and masculinity. Aaron Pierre and Lamar Johnson star as Francis and Michael, two brothers dealing with several issues. The film alternates between their childhood, teen years, and young adulthood, leading to a tragic ending. Brother deals with its LGBTQ+ themes subtly, but cleverly, blending them with the narrative’s other concerns rather than placing them at the forefront. The result is a nuanced yet impactful coming-of-age story that rises on the strength of the lead character’s loving bond.
Chabuca (2024)
IMDb: 6.9/10
Duration: 120m
Genre: Drama, Romance
Stars: Sergio Armasgo, Izan Alcázar, Miguel Dávalos
Directed by: Jorge Carmona
Peruvian entertainment personality and drag queen Ernesto Pimentel is the subject of the 2024 biopic Chabuca. The film chronicles his childhood and the circumstances that led to the creation of La Chola Chabuca, a defining character in South American television that changed his life. Chabuca is a revelatory, yet loving portrayal of a larger-than-life figure who many might not know much about. Although it adheres to the classic biopic formula, Chabuca remains a fascinating depiction of its subject, coming from a clear place of admiration and respect.
Hurricane Season (2023)
IMDb: 5.8/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Stars: Edgar Treviño, Andrés Cordaz, Ernesto Meléndez
Directed by: Elisa Miller
The Mexican drama thriller Hurricane Season is based on Fernanda Melchor’s 2017 eponymous novel and directed by Elisa Miller. Set in the rural village of La Matosa, the plot centers on a group of teenagers who stumble upon the corpse of La Bruja, a respected, but mysterious woman. The film uses a nonlinear narrative focused on several characters and explores their involvement in the crime and the circumstances that led to it. Hurricane Season depicts their lives and experiences through sexuality, relationships, and self-discovery, addressing classic coming of age themes and expertly blending them with a riveting thriller narrative that will keep audiences on the edge.
The Persian Version (2023)
Metacritic: 61%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 108m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shafieisabet
Directed by: Maryam Keshavarz
The Persian Version tells the story of Leila, a young Iranian-American queer writer whose life unravels after a one-night-stand ends in a very complicated situation. Reuniting with her large family for her father’s heart transplant, Leila finds herself at odds with her domineering mother, Shireen. Mixing a classic clash-of-cultures story with a compelling narrative about self-acceptance and finding common ground with those closest to us, The Persian Version finds new ways to tell a well-known tale. It might not reinvent the genre, but it contributes to it with a well-crafted, endearing story many will relate to.
Eternal Summer (2006)
IMDb: 7.0/10
Duration: 96m
Genre: Drama, Romance
Stars: Ray Chang, Joseph Chang, Kate Yeung
Directed by: Leste Chen
The 2006 Taiwanese romantic coming-of-age drama Eternal Summer is among this century’s most underrated LGBTQ+ movies. It centers on childhood friends Jonathan and Shane, whose connection is tested when a new girl, Carrie, arrives at their school, expressing an interest in them. To further complicate matters, Jonathan begins questioning his sexuality and his feelings toward Shane. Eternal Summer is an emotional and insightful depiction of young love at a pivotal period in a person’s life, when feelings are unclear, and everything seems like a matter of life and death.
Shortcomings (2023)
Metacritic: 67%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Duration: 92m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars: Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola, Ally Maki
Directed by: Randall Park
Randall Park’s feature directorial debut, Shortcomings stars Justin H. Min and Sherry Cola as Ben and Alice, two young adults dealing with messy love lives and uncertain professional futures. When Ben and his girlfriend, Miko, break up, he begins dating again, relying on Alice, who is queer and ready to commit. Sweet yet surprisingly incisive, Shortcomings is a worthy entry into the ever-growing romantic dramedy subgenre. It offers interesting commentaries about the queer and Asian-American experiences through witty and intelligent humor, resulting in a film that deserves more attention from the masses.
Maestro (2023)
Metacritic: 77%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Duration: 131m
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Stars: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper, Matt Bomer
Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper’s sophomore directorial effort, Maestro, apirs him with fellow Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan to tell the story of Leonard Bernstein’s marriage to Felicia Montealegre. The film chronicles their relationship over the years, including his incredible success and his dalliances with other men. Maestro offers a superficial, but still compelling look at the private life of a musical genius, and while it doesn’t reveal anything new about Bernstein, it at least offers plenty of opportunities for its two leading actors to shine. Nominated for seven Oscars, Maestro is one of Netflix’s heavy hitters for the 2024 awards season.
Good Grief (2023)
Metacritic: 59%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Duration: 101m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Stars: Dan Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel
Directed by: Dan Levy
Following the success of Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy is embracing his directorial sensibilities. The multi-hyphenate writes, directs, and stars in the 2024 dramedy Good Grief, which co-stars Hamish Patel and Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga. The plot follows a man grieving the loss of his husband with the help of his two best friends. Although it treads familiar territory, Good Grief remains a sweet and sentimental examination of grief, love, and acceptance. Levy relies on classic tropes of the genre, but the result is affecting and rewarding nonetheless.
Down Low (2023)
Metacritic: 48%
IMDb: 5.3/10
Duration: 94m
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Zachary Quinto, Lukas Gage, Sebastian Arroyo
Directed by: Rightor Doyle
Down Low is the kind of silly fun perfect for a Saturday afternoon. Zachary Quinto stars as Gary, a divorced, closeted father of two in his 40s who hires Cameron, a young prostitute played by Lucas Gage. The plot quickly descends into chaos in this wickedly black comedy about embracing life’s opportunities and making the best out of every moment. Those who enjoy a morbid comedy will get a kick out of Down Low, an uneven, yet biting film that packs quite a punch, largely thanks to Quinto and Gage’s chaotic chemistry.
Heart Shot (2022)
IMDb: 4.9/10
Duration: 19m
Genre: Romance, Crime
Stars: Elena Heuzé, Nia Sondaya, Bethany Curry
Directed by: Marielle Woods
Short films can pack quite a punch despite their limited runtimes, and such is the case with 2022’s Heart Shot. The short follows teenagers Nikki and Sam, whose plans to run away together are derailed by Nikki’s dangerous past. Flawed but undeniably compelling, Heart Shot is a compact love story about youth, passion, and the desire to escape one’s mistakes. Running a little under 20 minutes, Heart Shot falls short of fully exploring its premise, but it remains a powerful slice of sapphic romance that should be a must-watch for queer audiences.
Rustin (2023)
Metacritic: 68%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Duration: 108m
Genre: Drama, History
Stars: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman
Directed by: George C. Wolfe
Emmy winner Colman Domingo stars as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in George C. Wolfe’s 2023 biopic Rustin. The plot follows his efforts advising Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to organizing the 1963 March on Washington. However, it also deals with the repercussions his openly gay lifestyle brought upon him. Elevated by a tour-de-force performance from Domingo, Rustin is a familiar, yet insightful look into the life and legacy of a prominent historical figure who has spent far too long in the shadows.
NYAD (2023)
Metacritic: 64%
IMDb: 7.1/10
Duration: 121m
Genre: Drama, History
Stars: Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans
Directed by: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin
Four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening and two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster star in the 2023 sports biopic Nyad. The film chronicles the efforts of Diana Nyad, a marathon swimmer who, at 64, attempts to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without using a shark cage. Nyad’s real-life story is surrounded by controversy, but Bening and Foster deftly navigate a thorny story to deliver a crowd-pleasing film that will keep audiences entertained.
Nuovo Olimpo (2023)
IMDb: 7.2/10
Duration: 112m
Genre: Romance, Drama
Stars: Damiano Gavino, Andrea Di Luigi, Luisa Ranieri
Directed by: Ferzan Özpetek
Ferzan Özpetek’s 2023 romantic drama Nuovo Olimpo tells the story of two men who meet in 1970s Rome. Their quick and torrid romance is interrupted by an unexpected event, leading them to try to find each other again for the next 30 years. Although it treads familiar territory, Nuovo Olimpo remains an emotional and affecting story about love, longing, passion, and regret that’s deftly guided by Özpetek’s direction and supported by the terrific performances of leads Damiano Gavino and Andrea Di Luigi. Those unafraid of subtitles should absolutely check out this underrated gem.
Elisa & Marcela (2019)
IMDb: 6.6/10
Duration: 118m
Genre: Drama, Romance
Stars: Natalia de Molina, Greta Fernández, Sara Casasnovas
Directed by: Isabel Coixet
Based on a true story, this Spanish drama begins in 1885, as Marcela and Elisa meet and form a deep bond. Their friendship becomes a passionate and forbidden love affair that leads them to defy conventions. In 1901, Elisa adopts a male identity in order to marry Marcela. Propelled by its compelling lead performers, Elisa & Marcela overcomes dramatic clichés and a conventional narrative to deliver a tender romantic story about love in the face of prejudice. Although far from perfect, Elisa & Marcela is a worthy entry in Netflix’s LGBTQ+ library.
Mutt (2023)
Metacritic: 69%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 87m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Lio Mehiel, Cole Doman, MiMi Ryder
Directed by: Vuk Lungulov-Klotz
The 2023 drama Mutt follows Feña, a trans man whose life dramatically changes over 24 hours after reconnecting with his foreign father, ex-boyfriend, and estranged sister. Chronicling his struggles since transitioning, Mutt is an insightful and poignant exploration of the reality many transgender people experience. The film handles its delicate issues with remarkable empathy, resulting in a thoughtful and affecting drama that might be required viewing for most LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Metacritic: 89%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Duration: 128m
Genre: Drama, Western
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kirsten Dunst
Directed by: Jane Campion
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness star Benedict Cumberbatch received his second Oscar nomination for playing a rough and sexually repressed rancher in Jane Campion’s masterful neo-Western The Power of the Dog. The plot follows Phil Burbank, a brutal rancher whose carefully controlled life is threatened by the arrival of his meek brother’s new wife and her gentle and alluring son. Dealing with themes of masculinity, fragility, sexual attraction, and sexuality, The Power of the Dog is a powerful and thought-provoking deconstruction of the Western genre elevated by career-best performances from Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst.
Boy Erased (2018)
Metacritic: 69%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Duration: 115m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe
Directed by: Joel Edgerton
Academy Award winners Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe star opposite Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges in Joel Edgerton’s 2018 drama Boy Erased. The plot centers on Jared Eamons, a boy sent to a conversion therapy program by his religious parents. While there, Jared learns to find his own voice and accept his sexuality. Boy Erased navigates a potentially thorny subject with admirable empathy, and while it doesn’t do nearly as much as it could with its intriguing premise, it succeeds as a powerfully acted and delicately told drama.
Do Revenge (2022)
Metacritic: 66%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Duration: 118m
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Camila Mendes, Maya Hawke, Austin Abrams
Directed by: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Camila Mendes and Stranger Things Volume 4 star Maya Hawke star in the pastel-colored teen revenge comedy Do Revenge. The plot centers on two teenagers who join forces to get revenge on each other’s enemies. However, their plan soon leads to unexpected results. Loosely inspired by the Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train, Do Revenge borrows from the many better teen movies that came before. However, a witty screenplay and Mendes and Hawke’s perfect performances elevate this teen movie.
Marry My Dead Body (2023)
IMDb: 7.1/10
Duration: 130m
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Action
Stars: Greg Hsu, Austin Lin, Gingle Wang
Directed by: Cheng Wei-Hao
Ming-han is a homophobic and skeptic policeman who gets accidentally betrothed to a recently deceased gay man, Mao Pan-yu, after accidentally picking up a red wedding envelope. To rid themselves of the marriage, the cop and his “ghost husband’ must work together to discover the mysteries behind Mao’s unsolved death. A deranged comedy for fans of the now-defunct screwball genre, Marry My Dead Body is a delightful effort benefitting from a ludicrous plot and a committed cast.
Nimona (2023)
Metacritic: 75%
IMDb: 7.6/10
Duration: 101m
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang
Directed by: Troy Quane, Nick Bruno
Based on the eponymous 2015 graphic novel, Nimona stars a voice cast led by Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, and Frances Conroy. The film is set in a Medieval-inspired fantasy world and follows a knight falsely accused of a crime. Desperate to prove his innocence, he joins Nimona, a young girl and shape-shifter who joins his quest for justice.
Nimona is a beautifully animated and thought-provoking animated adventure benefitting from a spirited voice performance by the ever-reliable Moretz. Stylish, humorous, and filled with subtext, Nimona will satisfy adults and children alike.
Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate (2023)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Duration: 92m
Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Benjamin Cantu
The 2023 documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate shines a line in a pivotal period of German history. The film focuses on the lives of LGBTQ+ people during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany, using the titular queer nightclub Eldorado as the setting. Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate features several prominent queer figures and offers an accessible and engrossing look at a much-discussed period in history through the eyes of a group that suffered greatly at the hands of Nazi Germany.
Operation Hyacinth (2021)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Duration: 106m
Genre: Thriller
Stars: Tomasz Zietek, Hubert Miłkowski, Adrianna Chlebicka
Directed by: Piotr Domalewski
Hyacinth is a Polish thriller directed by Piotr Domalewski. The plot follows Robert, a young police officer new to the force. His investigation into a serial killer targeting gay men in Warsaw leads him down a path of self-discovery and mystery, as every choice he makes leads him closer to discovering the truth.
The film is based on the real-life Operation Hyacinth conducted by the Polish force between 1985 and 1987, aiming to register every known homosexual and those close to them. Engrossing and gritty, Hyacinth condemns the real operation while delivering a compelling mystery that will leave audiences satisfied.
Time Out (2015)
IMDb: 6.1/10
Duration: 98m
Genre: Drama, Family
Stars: Pranay Pachauri, Chirag Malhotra
Directed by: Rikhil Bahadur
The 2015 Bollywood comedy Time Out tells a classic coming-of-age story about sibling love and identity. The plot follows Gaurav, a 14-year-old who struggles to accept his older brother, high school jock Mihir, is gay. As Gaurav deals with his first love and family trouble resulting from Mihir’s confession, he’ll realize the true meaning of brotherhood. Time Out is sweet and funny, offering a heartfelt look at a pivotal moment in a young boy’s life and dealing with deep and crucial themes with warmth and empathy.
The Perfection (2018)
Metacritic: 60%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 90m
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Stars: Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Weber
Directed by: Richard Shepard
The ever-underrated Allison Williams stars in the 2018 psychological horror thriller The Perfection. The plot centers on Charlotte, a talented but troubled musical prodigy who returns to a prestigious music school, where she develops a complicated relationship with Lizzie, the new rising talent.
The Perfection is the perfect mix of gory thrills and near-campy silliness, elevated by Williams’ outstanding lead performance. Gripping, but never taking itself too seriously, The Perfection is an LGBTQ+ story for fans looking for something other than romance.
Badhaai Do (2022)
IMDb: 7.0/10
Duration: 147m
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Stars: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Seema Pahwa
Directed by: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
The Hindi dramedy Badhaai Do follows a gay man and a lesbian who enter a marriage of convenience to avoid coming out to their families. Their peaceful cohabitation is upended when the woman’s girlfriend comes to live with them, throwing their lives into chaos.
Thoughtful without sacrificing the humor, Badhaai Do is a funny and heartwarming story about identity and inclusivity that marks another step in the right direction for LGBTQ+ representation.
So My Grandma's a Lesbian! (2020)
IMDb: 4.4/10
Duration: 97m
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Stars: Rosa María Sardà, Verónica Forqué, Ingrid García Jonsson
Directed by: Ángeles Reiné
The 2021 Spanish comedy So My Grandma’s a Lesbian follows Eva, a woman engaged to a member of a prominent and ultraconservative family who discovers her grandma plans to marry her best friend. Don’t be fooled by the truly awful title — the Spanish original, “Salir del Ropero,” literally means “Coming Out of the Closet” — because the film is a heartwarming story about coming out in your golden years. Powered by a charming performance from Rosa María Sardà, the film is the rare story that places an older woman in the spotlight.
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020)
Metacritic: 76%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Duration: 96m
Genre: Documentary
Stars: Walter Mercado, Willy Acosta, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Directed by: Kareem Tabsch, Cristina Costantini
The late Walter Mercado was among the most important astrologers in the world and a cultural icon in Latin America. His influence spread across every Central American and Latin American country, with audiences loyally following his teachings.
The 2020 documentary Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado gives viewers a closer look into his life and career, chronicling his rise to fame and success and discussing his lasting influence in Latin American television.
Dance of the Forty One (2020)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Drama, History
Stars: Alfonso Herrera, Emiliano Zurita, Fernando Becerril
Directed by: David Pablos
Based on the real-life scandal that took place in Mexico in the early 20th century, The Dance of the Forty-One stars Alfonso Herrera and Emiliano Zurita. The film is a fictionalized take on the events leading to the eponymous event, a party of gay men, many of whom were dressed as women. Featuring impressive production values and compelling performances, The Dance of the Forty-One is a well-crafted and well-told portrayal of a pivotal moment in Mexican history.
Cobalt Blue (2022)
IMDb: 6.5/10
Duration: 112m
Genre: Romance, Drama
Stars: Prateik Babbar, Neelay Mehendale, Anjali Sivaraman
Directed by: Sachin Kundalkar
The Hindi-language LGBTQ+ drama Cobalt Blue is a poignant portrayal of same-sex pairings and their often confrontational relationship with traditions. The film centers on an aspiring author and his sister, who both fall for the enigmatic and attractive guest at their home. As their dynamics with him evolve, their traditional family faces a reckoning.
I Care a Lot (2021)
Metacritic: 66%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Duration: 119m
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller, Drama
Stars: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González
Directed by: J Blakeson
Rosamund Pike delivers a wickedly-delicious, Golden Globe-winning performance leading an ensemble including Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, and Diane Wiest in J Blakeson’s scathing satirical comedy I Care a Lot. The film centers on Marla Grayson, a court-appointed guardian who exploits her elderly charges while putting them in involuntary assisted living facilities. However, things get complicated when she tries to scam the mother of a dangerous gangster, putting her in a potentially deathly situation.
Single All the Way (2021)
Metacritic: 49%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Duration: 99m
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Stars: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Luke Macfarlane
Directed by: Michael Mayer
Who doesn’t love a great Christmas movie, even if it’s not yet Christmas? Single All the Way stars Michael Urie as Peter, a recently-separated man who wants to avoid his family’s scrutiny over being single during the holidays. Persuading his best friend, Nick, to pose as his boyfriend for the trip, the two travel to Peter’s family’s home. However, their ruse soon reveals the lingering feelings between them. Philemon Chambers, Like Macfarlane, Kathy Najimy, and Jennifer Coolidge also star.
Bruised (2021)
Metacritic: 52%
IMDb: 6.2/10
Duration: 129m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Halle Berry, Adan Canto, Sheila Atim
Directed by: Halle Berry
Halle Berry delivers her finest performance in years with her directorial debut, Bruised. The Oscar-winning actress stars as Jackie, an aging and disgraced former MMA fighter forced to face the consequences of her life’s choices when the son she hasn’t seen for years shows up at her doorstep. With one last shot to get her life back on track, Jackie starts a new chapter in her personal and boxing journeys, but the demons of her past refuse to let go.
Dumplin' (2018)
Metacritic: 53%
IMDb: 6.6/10
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 110m
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Stars: Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) is the plus-sized, teenage daughter of her small Texas town’s most legendary beauty queen (Jennifer Aniston). Today, her mom runs that local pageant and, just to prove how shallow-minded the pageant is, Willowdean signs up to compete. What starts as a mother-daughter spat, however, escalates into a full-on protest as other outcasts follow Willowdean’s steps to enter the pageant — all spurred on by a group of drag queens who refuse to let the girls settle for less.
The Prom (2020)
Metacritic: 55%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 132m
Genre: Comedy, Music, Romance
Stars: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman
Directed by: Ryan Murphy
It’s not as good as it should be given the outrageously talented cast, and James Corden got perhaps one of the most undeserved Golden Globe nominations ever for it, but The Prom is nonetheless fun in a Ryan Murphy all-out glitz and glam sort of way. When a group of Broadway has-beens sees a news story about a small Indiana town that won’t let a teen go to the prom with her girlfriend, they flock to the town in an attempt to revitalize their careers through some performative activism. But soon, they find they might have more depth than they even realized themselves.
Let It Snow (2019)
Metacritic: 51%
IMDb: 5.8/10
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 93m
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Stars: Joan Cusack, Isabela Merced, Odeya Rush
Directed by: Luke Snellin
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Maureen Johnson, Let It Snow is the story of a small town called Waffle Town. Julie Reyes (Isabela Merced), a high school senior who has been accepted to Columbia University, is nervous to leave her ailing mother alone in W.T. When a snowstorm hits the community on Christmas Eve, Julie and her circle of acquaintances will discover the true meaning of the holiday when relationships crack open, romances are revealed, and new futures are created. A pleasant watch for the holiday season and any other time of year, Let It Snow will win you over in more ways than one.
The Half of It (2020)
Metacritic: 74%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 104m
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Stars: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire
Directed by: Alice Wu
Dubbed a loose retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac adjusted to fit the times, Ellie is a shy and lonely teenager who is often commissioned by fellow students to do their homework. She’s more than happy to do so and charges a fee to help her family make ends meet. But she gets a strange request when the school jock, Paul, asks her to ghostwrite love letters on his behalf to his crush, Aster. It works well at the start until Ellie begins to fall for Aster herself, which complicates the situation for everyone involved. It’s a sweet story of what truly makes people fall for one another and the importance of being true and honest to oneself.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Metacritic: 87%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rated: R
Duration: 94m
Genre: Drama, Music
Stars: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman
Directed by: George C. Wolfe
This multi-Oscar-nominated film based on the August Wilson play of the same name stars Viola Davis as the title character, a blues singer from the 1920s. Davis mesmerizingly transforms into the influential woman who was not only a talented singer but also an advocate for Black and LGBTQ+ rights, even if she wasn’t as overtly outspoken as others. Rainey made no apologies for her lifestyle, openly dating women at a time when the mere thought was taboo, particularly for a woman of color. While the movie is worth watching for the incredible performances alone, including the late Chadwick Boseman as the ambitious trumpeter Levee Green, it’s an important film that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
The Boys in the Band (2020)
Metacritic: 70%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rated: R
Duration: 121m
Genre: Drama
Stars: Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Matt Bomer
Directed by: Joe Mantello
As important as the message this film portrays is the fact that the cast is made up entirely of openly gay actors. They play a group of gay friends who get together to celebrate a birthday in an Upper East Side Manhattan apartment. But things go awry when the host’s former college roommate, who happens to be straight, shows up uninvited. With an eclectic group of characters and personalities, the 1968-set, Ryan Murphy-produced drama explores the age-old issue of dealing with societal rejection and coming to terms with one’s truth and self-worth. The film is based on a Mart Crowley off-Broadway play from 1968, which was made into a movie in 1970 starring the same cast. The full cast of this new film played the same roles in a Broadway revival of the play in 2018 as well.
