70 Best Queer Movies to Watch

70 Best Queer Movies to Watch

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In a world that celebrates love in all its diverse forms, queer cinema has taken center stage, weaving powerful narratives that challenge societal norms and redefine storytelling. From heartwarming romances to thought-provoking dramas, these queer movies are the cream of the crop, bursting with authenticity, emotion, and unapologetic pride. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or simply appreciate exceptional filmmaking, these captivating tales will whisk you away on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the universal pursuit of love. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and entertained as we delve into the best queer movies that demand your attention.

70. Desert Hearts (1985)

7.3

Country

United States of America

Director

Donna Deitch, Female director

Actors

Alex McArthur, Andra Akers, Antony Ponzini, Audra Lindley

Contemplative English literature professor Vivian leaves New York for Reno, Nevada, to facilitate her divorce from a lifeless marriage. There she meets Cay, a sculptor and free spirit living relatively uncloseted for the time. What starts as an inspiring friendship soon turns to attraction. It is partly the story of Vivian’s sexual awakening, partly a transformative love story persuasively depicted through earnest, unadorned dialogue and love scenes, and vulnerable performances. A heartfelt and tender romance, the scenes are delightfully set to a soundtrack of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash singles and filmed over the expansive horizons of the Nevada desert.

69. The Half of It (2020)

7.3

Country

United States of America

Director

Alice Wu, Female director

Actors

Alec Tincher, Alexxis Lemire, Becky Ann Baker, Billy Thomas Myott

Moods

Easy, Feel-Good, Slice-of-Life

This lovely romance is about Ellie, a straight-A student who takes money from a classmate, Paul, to write love letters for him. Ellie does this to help with the household bills but there is one big problem: the girl Paul is in love with is also the girl Ellie has a crush on.

This might seem like the set-up for a standard Netflix comedy (and if you’re thinking Bergerac, you’re right, it is based on the famous play) but as the introduction of the film reads: “This is not a love story … not one where anyone gets what they want.”

It is in fact, personal work from a brilliant and quality-focused director, Alice Wu. Her last movie, Saving Face, a pioneering lesbian romance set in an Asian American context, was released a long 15 years ago.

68. Dear Ex (2018)

7.4

Country

Hong Kong, Taiwan

Director

Chih-Yen Hsu, Female director

Actors

Ai-Lun Kao, Clover Kao, Danny Liang, Fang Wan

Moods

Discussion-sparking, Dramatic, Emotional

Dear Ex is a family drama that explores LGBT+ issues in contemporary Taiwan. As much as it is a movie about how people cope with loss, it’s a powerful, heartwarming, and intimate portrait of the relationship between Jay and Song Zhengyuan and all the obstacles they face.

While the themes of Dear Ex are heavy, the director makes the viewing experience easier for the audience thanks to humorous and witty dialogue. Meanwhile, the history between Jay and Song Zhengyuan’s relationship unfolds in a very beautiful, almost poetic way, and by the end of the movie, we understand that everyone gets their own kind of forgiveness. The way the characters effortlessly show that love is something beyond genders is admirable, and it is great to see how everyone gets their own kind of forgiveness whether it’s from themselves or from others by the end of the movie.

67. Maurice (1987)

7.4

Country

United Kingdom

Director

James Ivory

Actors

Arthur Whybrow, Barry Foster, Ben Kingsley, Billie Whitelaw

Moods

Dramatic, Lovely, Romantic

In this romantic drama, James Ivory adapts E.M. Forster’s novel Maurice. Set in the early 20th century, Maurice Hall befriends Clive Durham while studying at Cambridge. Clive is rich, handsome, endlessly charming—and in love with Maurice. The two’s relationship blossoms quietly as they steal intimate moments in lush pastures and empty hallways. Fans of Call Me By Your Name will recognize some of the most tender and tense scenes, wherein Clive and Maurice lie together in the grass, surrounded only by weeds and flowers, as if they were the only two lovers left in the world. 

But their love story is stunted and complicated by notions of class and etiquette in an oppressive, conservative England. This is a coming-of-age story in which Maurice must ask himself not only who he is, but also who he wants to become, and how to live an earnest, honest life in the light.

66. Heartstone (2017)

7.4

Country

Denmark, Iceland

Director

Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson

Actors

Baldur Einarsson, Blær Hinriksson, Diljá Valsdóttir, Katla Njálsdóttir

Moods

Slice-of-Life

This coming-of-age drama is set in a remote fishing village in Iceland. It follows a group of boys during a summer who catch a break from the harsh Icelandic nature. They spend a lot of time outdoors bonding together and discovering themselves.

One of the boys develops feelings for his best friend, Kristian, while Kristian chases a girl.

Watching the boys wrestle with their growth in this wasteland playground is amazing, but the shots of fjords, beautiful coastline, and living so in touch with nature, all of that almost steals the show.

65. C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

7.4

Country

Canada, France, Morocco

Director

Jean-Marc Vallée

Actors

Alex Gravel, Danielle Proulx, Denis Trudel, Élizabeth Adam

Moods

Original

C.R.A.Z.Y. is crazy good, so to speak. A portrait of a French-Canadian family in 70’s Quebec that will knock your socks right off, it’s the story of a boy struggling with his identity and his relationship with his father. Featuring a killer soundtrack (including but not limited to Bowie, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones), it received Best Canadian Film in 2005 at Toronto International Film Festival. There are many things I would like to say about C.R.A.Z.Y. but I fear it’s one of those films you enjoy best when you go into them not knowing much.

64. Cloudburst (2011)

7.4

Country

Canada, United States of America

Director

Thom Fitzgerald

Actors

Brenda Fricker, Jeremy Akerman, John Dunsworth, Juanita Peters

Moods

Feel-Good, Funny, Sunday

Cloudburst is the very funny and heartwarming story of two old ladies, Stella (played by Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis) and Dotty (played by another Academy Award winner, Brenda Fricker) who escape their nursing home and drive to Nova Scotia, Canada to get married. Along the way, they meet Prentice, a hitchhiker on his way home to Nova Scotia as well. Cloudburst is the story of their road trip. Dotty is lascivious and loving. Expect to be shocked by Stella’s potty mouth. The whole film is a great love story about devotion, acceptance and living life to the fullest.

63. Tongues Untied (1989)

7.5

Country

United States of America

Director

Marlon Riggs

Actors

Eddie Murphy, Michael Bell, Willi Ninja

Moods

Challenging, Discussion-sparking, Dramatic

An eye-opening 1989 American documentary that boldly explores the experiences of Black gay men in America. Directed by Marlon Riggs, this film challenges societal norms and sheds light on the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity. Through a mix of personal testimonies, poetry, and distinctive visuals, Tongues Untied captures the struggles and resilience of its subjects, offering a raw and honest portrayal of their lives. Riggs’ poetic approach and unflinching storytelling create an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impact. The film confronts issues of homophobia, racism, and social exclusion but also celebrates the strength and beauty of self-expression.

62. The Way He Looks (2014)

7.5

Country

Brazil

Director

Daniel Ribeiro

Actors

Bárbara Pereira, Daniel Ribeiro, Eucir de Souza, Fábio Audi

Moods

Character-driven, Heart-warming, Slice-of-Life

The Way He Looks revolves around Leonardo, a blind teenager, as he navigates the complexities of high school life and explores his budding feelings for Gabriel, a new classmate. The chemistry between the characters feels genuine, and the slow-burning romance between Leonardo and Gabriel unfolds with a sense of tenderness and vulnerability. Director Daniel Ribeiro crafted a comfortable watching experience and a true slice-of-life story that doesn’t divulge more than this sliver of time in these teens’ lives. Director Daniel Ribeiro’s debut is a hopeful take on a queer, disabled romance that feels natural, sensitive, and refreshing.

61. In Between (2016)

7.5

Country

France, Israel

Director

Maysaloun Hamoud

Actors

Amir Khoury, Firas Nassar, Maisa Abd Elhadi, Mouna Hawa

Moods

Character-driven, Discussion-sparking, Emotional

In Between is a beautiful and poignant film that offers a sensitive and nuanced exploration of the lives and experiences of three Palestinian women living in Tel Aviv. The film follows their struggles to reconcile their traditional and cultural identities with their desire for independence, freedom, and self-expression. The stunning visuals, evocative and emotional score, and brilliant performances of the cast combine to create a powerful and moving portrait of resilience, sisterhood, and hope. Profoundly human and deeply affecting, In Between offers a fresh and important perspective on the complex realities of life in Israel and Palestine.

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