Movies with LGBTQA+ Representation

'Duck Butter'

This is, hands down, the most aesthetically pleasing lesbian film I've ever seen. A woman, Naima, is dissatisfied with her life and meets the illustrious and whimsical Sergio. On a quest for intimacy, they choose to spend 24 hours together. A film filled with lust and gorgeous cinematography, it is a must see. And Naima is played by Alia Shawkat, who is like...super hot.

'Carol'

Speaking of lesbians, of course this Christmas classic is on the list. It is a dream come true, and Cate Blanchett as our leading lady is an absolute treat. This British film centers around the relationship of Therese, an aspiring photographer in New York, and the ever-beloved Carol, an older woman going through divorce and a custody battle. Full of sexual tension and a heart-wrenching twist, this movie is a pinnacle for queer cinema.

'Love, Simon'

How can one make a list of LGBT films without including the #1 gay rom-com of the century? This movie is a complete game changer in the way of teen romance films. We finally have a super real, super gay protagonist to sympathize with. And the way it handles coming out is so raw, and so true for so many, it uncovers the truth there is to coming out in high school. A favorite for queer teens nationwide, people of all ages should see this movie.

'Alex Strangelove'

Not quite as popular as Love, Simon, but arguably even better of a film, is Alex Strangelove. A Netflix original that premiered shortly after Love, Simon, it is another rom-com for this generation of queer. It tackles how realizing you're gay after being in a heterosexual relationship is just downright weird, and how awkward navigating this can be. A quirky but fantastic film, perfect for anyone who cried during Love, Simon (which, let's be real, was all of us).

'Moonlight'

This award-winner is incredibly crucial for understanding the queer experience, especially the POC queer experience. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, the plot is heartbreaking and fantastic, and the characters are real and flawed. This film is a must-see for all.

'Brokeback Mountain'

AKA, the OG gay film. Any gay with cowboy aspirations has seen this film, but it's also an interesting look at how queer films have changed in the last 10 years. This, and Blue Is The Warmest Color, focus on, well, sex. But now, queer films are more than that. They focus on the romantic relationship more than sexual. But, still, this is the OG, so it should be watched.

'Blue Is The Warmest Color'

AKA, the OG lesbian film. Not really my favorite ever, I could do with less 10-minute whale-noise scissoring sections thank you very much. I also found the lack of soundtrack jarring. The ending still made me cry, though. As an OG, it should be watched, but feel free to skip those misrepresentative sex scenes.

'Mama Mia!'

Okay, yeah, I know there's exactly one gay character, and the film doesn't even center around him, but what gay person doesn't love this wild musical? I mean, come on, it has ABBA songs. And the second one is even gayer (Donna singing "When I Kissed The Teacher?" 10/10 bisexual subtext.) So if you need a break from high-drama gays, give these musicals a shot.

'The Way He Looks'

The cutest gay film I have ever seen. Centering around a blind boy and a very gay boy, they strike the most innocent and adorable relationship in all of gay cinema. And there's no sex scenes! It is in Spanish, though, so turn those subtitles on. But seriously, I love this movie, it gives you all the warm and fuzzy feels.

'Almost Adults'

Now, this is how you do a lesbian rom-com. About two best friends going to college and growing up, it is by far one of the funniest lesbian films I've seen. There's also a gay best friend whose one-liners are priceless. This movie contains sarcastic commentary on modern portrayals of queer people in pop culture, and makes fun of every common gay trope. If you need a laugh, grab the popcorn and watch this.

'The Miseducation of Cameron Post'

Freshly released, this lesbian drama is based on the award-winning book and stars Chloe Grace-Moretz as our leading lady. If that didn't persuade you, I don't know what will. The movie primarily focuses on part three of the book, with brief flashbacks to parts one and two. Still, the way it shows the conversion camp and the bonds made between the three young gays is a fantastic reflection of the book.

'God's Own Country'

Set in Scotland, this gay film is kind of confusing for the first hour, but still amazing. It focuses on a young farmhand, who forms an unlikely bond with a fellow hand. With underlying themes of broken family, internalized homophobia, and substance abuse, this film is a raw look into closeted gay culture. The shots of the Scottish countryside are stunning, and the soundtrack is beautiful.

'3 Generations'

Finally, a movie for transgender people. One-of-its-kind, this film follows a young trans-man as he navigates getting testosterone, coming out, and bullying by his peers. And the ending is super cute and happy and makes me cry every time I watch it. If you are trans, watch this movie to feel like things will be okay.

'Rent'

Of course this is number one on the list. This musical tackles so many issues, including the AIDS crisis, intersectional identity, substance abuse, and biphobia. If you ask any theater gay their favorite musical, this is a very common answer, and for good reason. Every song is a bop, and the plot keeps you on your toes, and usually bawling your eyes out. If you haven't seen Rent, you better be going to Netflix to watch it right now.