Join to get exclusive perks & news!

Top 20 Must-Watch LGBTQ+ Movies to Celebrate Pride Month

1-20

Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - June 8th 2025, 11:02 GMT+2

Cropped all of us strangers — 20. All of Us Strangers (2023)

*All of Us Strangers* is a deeply emotional, genre-blurring LGBTQ+ drama that dives into themes of memory, love, and grief. Directed by Andrew Haigh, the film follows Adam, a lonely screenwriter portrayed by Andrew Scott, who finds his world shaken after an unexpected romantic connection with his mysterious neighbor Harry, played by Paul Mescal. As their bond deepens, Adam begins revisiting his childhood and confronting unresolved feelings about his past and his parents. The film's subtle supernatural elements and poignant storytelling make it a standout queer love story that transcends time and space. With stellar performances by Scott and Mescal, *All of Us Strangers* is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of identity and intimacy, perfect for Pride Month reflection. | © Searchlight Pictures

Cropped but im a cheerleader 2000 — 19. But I'm A Cheerleader (2000)

Campy, colorful, and cleverly subversive, *But I’m A Cheerleader* remains a beloved cult classic in queer cinema. Directed by Jamie Babbit, the film stars Natasha Lyonne as Megan, a high school cheerleader whose conservative parents send her to a hilariously dystopian conversion therapy camp when they suspect she might be a lesbian. There, she meets fellow camper Graham, played by Clea DuVall, and begins to truly question her identity and embrace her truth. With a satirical edge, bold aesthetics, and a message of self-acceptance, the film challenges outdated notions of gender roles and sexuality. RuPaul also appears in a surprising role as a “reformed” counselor, adding to the film's ironic charm. It's a joyful, rebellious movie that continues to resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. | © Lionsgate Films

Cropped Paloma — 18. Paloma (2022)

*Paloma* is a poignant Brazilian drama that centers on a transgender woman’s unwavering desire for dignity, love, and a traditional Catholic wedding in a deeply conservative rural setting. Played with extraordinary grace by Kika Sena, Paloma is a vibrant and resilient character who juggles motherhood, romance, and personal battles against transphobia. The film blends realism with tender moments of joy and resistance, offering a rare and vital portrait of trans life in Latin America. Director Marcelo Gomes masterfully crafts a story that feels both intimate and politically powerful. With its lush cinematography and honest narrative, *Paloma* offers a fresh perspective on gender and identity, making it a must-watch during Pride Month. | © MPM Premium

Cropped water lilies 2007 — 17. Water Lilies (2007)

Directed by Céline Sciamma, *Water Lilies* is a coming-of-age tale that sensitively captures the complexities of teenage desire and friendship within the world of synchronized swimming. Set in suburban France, the film follows three teenage girls – Marie, Anne, and Floriane – each grappling with their evolving identities and attractions. Adèle Haenel delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic Floriane, whose ambiguous sexuality both intrigues and confuses her peers. The film is quiet yet emotionally charged, offering an authentic look at adolescent queer longing and the fragile bonds between young women. Sciamma’s trademark observational style and nuanced storytelling make *Water Lilies* a quietly powerful LGBTQ+ film worth revisiting this Pride. | © Balthazar Productions

Cropped my own private idaho 1991 — 16. My Own Private Idaho (1991)

*My Own Private Idaho*, directed by Gus Van Sant, is a seminal piece of New Queer Cinema that explores themes of identity, belonging, and queer love through a poetic and often heartbreaking lens. The film stars River Phoenix in one of his most iconic roles as Mike, a narcoleptic street hustler searching for home, both literally and emotionally. Keanu Reeves co-stars as Scott, Mike’s friend and fellow sex worker, whose wealthy background contrasts sharply with Mike’s vulnerability. Their complex relationship blurs the lines between platonic and romantic love, challenging traditional masculinity and societal norms. With its dreamy visuals and raw performances, *My Own Private Idaho* remains a powerful exploration of LGBTQ+ life on the margins. | © Fine Line Features

Cropped milk 2008 — 15. Milk (2008)

*Milk* tells the powerful true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. Directed by Gus Van Sant, the film stars Sean Penn in a career-defining role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Through a mix of archival footage and dramatized scenes, the film traces Milk’s journey from a camera store owner to a political trailblazer and LGBTQ+ icon. The supporting cast includes James Franco as Milk’s lover, Scott Smith, and Josh Brolin as Dan White, whose actions led to one of the most shocking events in LGBTQ+ history. More than just a biopic, *Milk* is a rallying cry for equality, courage, and the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ rights. | © Focus Features

Cropped The Watermelon Woman 1996 — 14. The Watermelon Woman (1996)

Written, directed by, and starring Cheryl Dunye, *The Watermelon Woman* is a groundbreaking piece of queer cinema – and the first feature film directed by a Black lesbian. This smart, self-reflexive mockumentary follows Dunye’s character, a young filmmaker working in a video store, as she investigates the life of a forgotten Black actress from the 1930s known only as "The Watermelon Woman." The film explores themes of race, sexuality, and archival erasure with wit, style, and unapologetic honesty. By weaving her own identity into the narrative, Dunye created a work that remains vital in LGBTQ+ film history. For Pride Month, it’s a must-watch for those interested in intersectionality and queer storytelling. | © First Run Features

Cropped pariah 2011 — 13. Pariah (2011)

*Pariah*, directed by Dee Rees, is a raw and beautifully rendered coming-of-age story about a Black teenager named Alike who is quietly navigating her identity as a lesbian in a conservative Brooklyn household. Adepero Oduye gives a stunning, emotionally resonant performance as Alike, capturing the vulnerability and strength of a young girl seeking acceptance both from her family and within herself. The film deftly addresses themes of sexuality, gender expression, and cultural expectations, presenting a side of the LGBTQ+ experience that is still too rarely represented in mainstream cinema. Executive produced by Spike Lee, *Pariah* is a testament to the power of personal truth and artistic vision. | © Focus Features

Cropped call me by your name 2017 — 12. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of northern Italy in the 1980s, *Call Me By Your Name* is a tender, sensual love story that captures the bittersweet intensity of first love. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio, a precocious 17-year-old who falls for Oliver, a visiting graduate student played by Armie Hammer. Their romance unfolds slowly but powerfully, filled with longing, vulnerability, and the ache of impermanence. Chalamet's performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and the film’s screenplay – adapted by James Ivory from André Aciman’s novel – won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It’s a poetic and emotionally rich LGBTQ+ film that continues to resonate deeply. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Monica — 11. Monica (2022)

*Monica* is a quiet, emotionally layered drama about reconciliation, identity, and the complexities of family, centered on a trans woman returning home to care for her dying mother. Trace Lysette delivers a deeply moving performance in the title role, bringing grace, pain, and nuance to a character rarely given such depth on screen. Directed by Andrea Pallaoro, the film refuses sensationalism and instead offers an intimate portrait of a woman seeking connection and dignity. Patricia Clarkson co-stars as the estranged mother, and their scenes together are quietly devastating. With its contemplative pace and raw emotional honesty, *Monica* is a quietly groundbreaking LGBTQ+ film that invites empathy and understanding. | © IFC Films

Cropped queer 2024 — 10. Queer (2024)

*Queer*, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a haunting and intoxicating adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novella, delving into themes of longing, self-destruction, and unrequited desire. Set in 1940s Mexico City, the film stars Daniel Craig in a radical departure from his action-hero roles, portraying Lee, a troubled American expatriate grappling with addiction and obsession. Alongside Craig, Drew Starkey plays Allerton, the object of Lee’s volatile affection, bringing quiet magnetism to the screen. Guadagnino’s signature sensual cinematography and emotionally raw storytelling give *Queer* a hypnotic quality that lingers long after the credits roll. As a contemporary exploration of internalized queerness and emotional isolation, it adds depth to the evolving canon of LGBTQ+ cinema. | © Fremantle

Cropped laurence anyways 2012 — 9. Laurence Anyways (2012)

Directed by Xavier Dolan, *Laurence Anyways* is a visually stunning, emotionally explosive epic that follows a decade-long love story between a woman and her partner, Laurence, a transgender woman navigating her gender transition. Melvil Poupaud stars as Laurence, whose journey of self-realization is as poetic as it is painful, while Suzanne Clément delivers a powerhouse performance as Fred, the woman who struggles to love Laurence through immense social pressure and personal sacrifice. Dolan’s bold visual style – filled with slow motion, vibrant color palettes, and a soaring soundtrack – elevates the film into an operatic portrait of queer identity and heartbreak. It’s a towering LGBTQ+ love story that dares to be messy, honest, and transcendent. | © Alliance Vivafilm

Cropped Boys Dont Cry 1999 — 8. Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

*Boys Don’t Cry* is a searing, emotionally devastating drama based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was brutally murdered in Nebraska. Hilary Swank’s Oscar-winning performance as Brandon is both courageous and deeply human, capturing the hope, fear, and resilience of someone simply trying to live authentically. Directed by Kimberly Peirce, the film does not shy away from the brutality of transphobia, making it a gut-wrenching but essential watch for LGBTQ+ awareness. Chloë Sevigny co-stars as Lana, Brandon’s love interest, bringing tenderness and complexity to the role. More than two decades later, *Boys Don’t Cry* remains a vital film in the conversation around trans visibility and rights. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped carol 2015 — 7. Carol (2015)

*Carol*, directed by Todd Haynes, is an exquisite period romance set in 1950s New York, centered on the forbidden relationship between an elegant older woman and a young aspiring photographer. Cate Blanchett plays Carol with commanding grace and layered vulnerability, while Rooney Mara shines as Therese, whose quiet longing slowly blossoms into courage. Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel *The Price of Salt*, the film is notable for its subtle direction, breathtaking cinematography, and delicate portrayal of queer desire in a time of repression. The chemistry between Blanchett and Mara is magnetic, and Carter Burwell’s score adds a melancholy elegance to the narrative. *Carol* is a masterclass in restrained emotion and visual storytelling – a Pride Month essential. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped brokeback mountain 2005 — 6. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s *Brokeback Mountain* broke barriers in mainstream cinema with its tragic and tender portrayal of a same-sex relationship between two rugged cowboys in 1960s Wyoming. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver unforgettable performances as Ennis and Jack, whose love is as passionate as it is doomed by societal expectations and personal fear. The film’s stunning landscapes contrast beautifully with the emotional isolation of its protagonists, emphasizing the harsh reality of living closeted lives. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway also contribute strong supporting roles, deepening the emotional complexity. *Brokeback Mountain* wasn’t just a film – it was a cultural moment, opening doors for more honest representations of LGBTQ+ relationships in Hollywood. | © Focus Features

Cropped BPM 2017 — 5. BPM (2017)

*BPM* is a stirring, politically charged drama that chronicles the work of ACT UP Paris during the height of the AIDS crisis. Directed by Robin Campillo, the film immerses viewers in the urgency of activism, the pain of loss, and the beauty of community. The ensemble cast, led by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart and Arnaud Valois, delivers unforgettable performances that blend tenderness with righteous fury. Through scenes of protest, love, and everyday life, *BPM* shows how personal and political battles intertwine in the fight for survival and dignity. It’s an essential film that honors queer history while reminding us why visibility and advocacy still matter. | © Memento Films

Cropped blue is the warmest colour 2013 — 4. Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013)

*Blue Is the Warmest Colour* is a deeply intimate exploration of young queer love, told through the emotional awakening of its protagonist, Adèle. Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos bring raw authenticity to their roles, capturing the highs and lows of a passionate, life-shaping romance. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, the film is unflinching in its portrayal of vulnerability, heartbreak, and personal growth. Its visual storytelling – especially the close-up cinematography – pulls audiences into the characters’ inner worlds, making the experience feel deeply personal. While it sparked debate for its graphic content, the emotional truth of the performances remains undeniable. | © Wild Bunch

Cropped moonlight 2016 — 3. Moonlight (2016)

*Moonlight* is a poetic, deeply moving portrait of Black queer identity, told across three chapters of a young man's life as he struggles with his sexuality and sense of self. Directed by Barry Jenkins and based on a story by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the film features unforgettable performances by Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Alex Hibbert as Chiron at different stages. Mahershala Ali also shines as a compassionate mentor figure, a role that earned him an Academy Award. With its lush cinematography and emotionally resonant storytelling, *Moonlight* broke barriers and made history as the first LGBTQ+ film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It remains a cinematic triumph and a cornerstone of queer cinema. | © A24

Cropped tár 2022 — 2. Tár (2022)

*Tár* is a psychological character study that examines the complexities of power, artistry, and identity through the lens of a globally renowned conductor unraveling under pressure. Cate Blanchett delivers a tour-de-force performance as Lydia Tár, a woman whose authority and personal choices collide in an intense spiral of consequence. While not explicitly about queerness in a traditional narrative sense, the film subtly weaves Lydia’s sexuality into its character-driven storytelling. Todd Field’s direction crafts a sharp, cerebral portrait of a complicated queer protagonist rarely seen in mainstream cinema. Blanchett's portrayal is magnetic, pushing boundaries of character and theme alike. | © Focus Features

Cropped portrait of a lady on fire 2019 — 1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

*Portrait of a Lady on Fire* is a breathtakingly beautiful meditation on love, memory, and the gaze, set on a remote French island in the 18th century. Directed by Céline Sciamma, the film centers on the slow-burning romance between Marianne, a painter played by Noémie Merlant, and Héloïse, her subject, portrayed with quiet intensity by Adèle Haenel. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, developing through stolen glances and shared silence rather than conventional dialogue. With its painterly visuals, haunting score, and feminist lens, the film transcends genre to become one of the most powerful and poetic LGBTQ+ love stories ever captured on screen. | © Pyramide Films

1-20

Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights – and what better way to honor that than through powerful storytelling on screen? Whether you're looking for heartfelt romances, groundbreaking documentaries, or films that shaped queer cinema, this curated list of the top 20 LGBTQ+ movies offers something for everyone. These films not only entertain but also reflect the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, making them perfect viewing for Pride Month and beyond. Grab your popcorn, press play, and let these stories move, inspire, and empower you.

Facebook X Reddit WhatsApp Copy URL

Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights – and what better way to honor that than through powerful storytelling on screen? Whether you're looking for heartfelt romances, groundbreaking documentaries, or films that shaped queer cinema, this curated list of the top 20 LGBTQ+ movies offers something for everyone. These films not only entertain but also reflect the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, making them perfect viewing for Pride Month and beyond. Grab your popcorn, press play, and let these stories move, inspire, and empower you.