1. And Then We Danced 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 14519, ID: 8963708 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Levan Akin’s ‘And Then We Danced’ is a vibrant and emotional film that beautifully explores the intersection of tradition and gender identity within contemporary Georgian society, showcasing a young dancer’s struggle to reconcile self-identity with societal norms. As he navigates his journey, the film artfully challenges conventional beliefs, serving as a powerful testament to the quest for personal freedom and authentic self-expression.
2. Supernova 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 14717, ID: 11169050 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Harry Macqueen’s ‘Supernova’ poignantly depicts the love story of a same-sex couple grappling with the heartbreaking reality of early onset dementia. As the film unfolds, we witness their journey together, filled with tender moments that reflect on the beauty of their past while confronting the weight of their present circumstances.
3. Love, Simon 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 127391, ID: 5164432 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Love, Simon’ tells the relatable story of a gay teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence and self-discovery. Centered around Simon, an ordinary high school student, the film captures the essence of his emotional journey as he connects with another closeted boy named Blue, showcasing the humor, warmth, and challenges that accompany his evolution from secrecy to honesty in matters of love and life.
4. Moonlight 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 334548, ID: 4975722 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Moonlight’ is a film that tells the coming-of-age story of Chiron, a gay black teenager. As a child, he struggles with his mother’s addiction and poverty, and is taken care of by Kevin; as a teenager, he confronts the confusion of self-identity and shares a subtle emotional bond with his best friend, Kevin; and as an adult, he returns to his hometown and confronts his past emotions and obsessions anew. The film deeply explores the issues of self-acceptance and social pressure.
5. Tangerine 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 36285, ID: 3824458 Photo by bandadicefali.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Tangerine’ is a film about the lives of transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. The film’s story revolves around the two main characters – Cindy and Alecia – who, after discovering that her boyfriend is cheating on her, decides to seek him out and exact revenge. The film’s humorous and straightforward look at their lives breaks away from traditional cinematic narratives and serves as an important contribution to the representation of the transgender community and minorities.
6. Weekend 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 33143, ID: 1714210 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Weekend follows the chance encounter between two men, Tom and Jeff, who connect over an ordinary weekend that turns extraordinary. As they share their lives over just a couple of days, the film poignantly captures the bittersweet nature of fleeting connections, ultimately forcing them to confront the painful reality of their impending separation.
7. Call Me by Your Name 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 322251, ID: 5726616 Photo by diggita.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A summer love story set in 1980s Italy. The protagonist is 17-year-old Elio, who develops a passionate and complex relationship with Oliver, a 25-year-old American academic who visits him on a hot summer day. The film shows the passion and helplessness of first love through their subtle interactions, emotional expressions and complex state of mind.
8. Carol 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 143598, ID: 2402927 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Carol about the forbidden love between two women in 1950s New York. After Terry, a young shop clerk, meets Carol, a married upper-class woman, a deep and complex emotional relationship develops between the two. Terry develops a strong attraction to Carol, who in turn develops strong feelings for Terry while dealing with the breakdown of her marriage and social pressures. This is a moving story of love and self-discovery, reflecting the social repression and restrictions on homosexual feelings at the time.
9. Brokeback Mountain 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 387770, ID: 0388795 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Brokeback Mountain chronicles the forbidden love between two cowboys, Ennis and Jack, against the backdrop of the American West in the 1960s. Despite their initial attempts to suppress their emotions, a profound and complex bond forms, but societal prejudices and personal responsibilities ultimately hinder their ability to fully embrace their relationship, leading to heart-wrenching consequences.
10. Una mujer fantástica 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 27477, ID: 5639354 Photo by laventanaciudadana.cl, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Una mujer fantástica is about Marina, a transgender woman who must deal with societal prejudice and personal grief after the sudden death of her partner. Not only does Marina have to deal with the trauma of losing her lover, but she also has to cope with her family and society’s discrimination against her identity. The film delicately depicts her resilience and vulnerability in the face of adversity and how she finds strength and self-identity amidst the challenges.
11. God’s Own Country 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 36463, ID: 5635086 Photo by der-andere-film.ch, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A love story set in rural England. John, a young farmer, lives in the remote countryside, depressed and apathetic, until he meets Gobbi, a Romanian migrant labourer. The romance, which crosses cultures and identities, is full of complex emotions, from inner struggles to gradual self-acceptance, presenting the challenges and hopes of LGBTQ relationships in a conservative environment.
12. The Miseducation of Cameron Post 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 25952, ID: 6257174 Photo by wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 This touching narrative explores the painful realities of gay conversion therapy through the eyes of its heroine, Cameron, who finds herself at a conversion camp alongside other teens undergoing forced ‘treatment.’ Despite the heavy subject matter, the film shines a light on hope and resilience, illustrating Cameron’s empowering journey toward self-acceptance and love.
13. The Birdcage 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 102351, ID: 0115685 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Birdcage is a hilarious exploration of a gay couple running a drag club in Miami, whose lives are turned upside down when their son plans to marry into a conservative family. In a comedic twist, they navigate the challenge of concealing their true identities to fit the traditional expectations of their future in-laws, blending humor and heartfelt moments to showcase themes of family, acceptance, and love.
14. Ah-ga-ssi 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 176222, ID: 4016934 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Handmaiden delves into the themes of love, betrayal, and liberation, set against the lush backdrop of Japanese-occupied Korea. It follows the passionate affair between two women, one of whom is a lady-in-waiting to a wealthy heiress, as they conspire to manipulate their circumstances, ultimately revealing the complexities of love and deception.
15. Portrait de la jeune fille en feu 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 111864, ID: 8613070 Photo by crol.hr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Portrait of a Lady on Fire captures the tender love affair between a female painter and her model in 18th century France. Through Marianne’s task of painting Eloise’s portrait, the film beautifully showcases their evolving emotional connection, revealing a profound desire for autonomy and genuine love amidst societal constraints.
16. The Danish Girl 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 200220, ID: 0810819 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Danish Girl tells the groundbreaking story of Lili Elbe, one of the first known individuals to undergo gender reassignment surgery. The film poignantly portrays Lily’s transformative journey from male to female, highlighting her struggles and growth within the confines of a traditional marriage and societal expectations, while its stunning visuals and historical significance make it an important cinematic experience.
Celebrate Pride with These 16 Must-Watch LGBTQ Movies for Every Occasion
