1. The Danish Girl 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 200203, ID: 0810819 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Danish Girl is a visually stunning film that tells the story of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender reassignment surgery. Eddie Redmayne’s performance is captivating, though the film has faced criticism for not casting a transgender actor in the lead role. The movie’s exploration of identity and transformation is poignant, but it sometimes feels emotionally distant.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 168494, ID: 0073629 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic that has captivated audiences for decades with its outrageous characters and catchy musical numbers. Tim Curry’s iconic performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter is unforgettable, and the film’s celebration of sexual freedom and nonconformity is revolutionary.
3. Call Me by Your Name 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 322129, ID: 5726616 Photo by diggita.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Call Me by Your Name is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age romance that explores the intense and transformative love between Elio and Oliver. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer deliver powerful performances, and the film’s lush Italian setting adds to its allure. The movie’s sensitive portrayal of bisexuality and first love is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
4. Carol 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 143581, ID: 2402927 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Carol is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captures the essence of forbidden love in the 1950s. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara deliver mesmerizing performances as two women who find solace in each other’s company amidst societal constraints. The film’s meticulous attention to period detail and its subtle yet powerful storytelling make it a standout in LGBTQ cinema.
5. Brokeback Mountain 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 387683, ID: 0388795 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Brokeback Mountain is a groundbreaking film that explores the complexities of love and identity in a time when such relationships were taboo. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal give unforgettable performances as two cowboys who share a deep, yet forbidden love. Ang Lee’s direction captures the raw beauty of the American West while delving into the emotional turmoil of its characters.
6. La vie d’Adèle 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 164450, ID: 2278871 Photo by romanischestudien.de, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 La vie d’Adèle, also known as Blue Is the Warmest Color, is an intense and raw portrayal of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and love. Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux deliver powerful performances that bring depth to their characters’ passionate relationship.
7. A Single Man 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 118445, ID: 1315981 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Tom Ford’s directorial debut, A Single Man, is a poignant exploration of grief and identity. Colin Firth delivers a masterful performance as George Falconer, a gay professor grappling with the loss of his partner. The film’s visual elegance and emotional depth make it a standout in LGBTQ cinema, highlighting the often unseen struggles of the ‘invisible minority.’
8. The Hours 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 140613, ID: 0274558 Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Hours is a deeply moving film that intertwines the lives of three women across different eras, each grappling with their own existential crises. With stellar performances by Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore, the film delves into themes of identity, mental health, and the unspoken desires that shape our lives. Its nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ characters adds to its emotional resonance.
9. Boys Don’t Cry 1999，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 104009, ID: 0171804 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Boys Don’t Cry is a harrowing yet essential film that tells the true story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who faced brutal violence and discrimination. Hilary Swank’s Oscar-winning performance brings Brandon’s story to life with raw authenticity, making it a powerful commentary on the struggles and resilience of the transgender community.
10. Moonlight 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 334502, ID: 4975722 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Moonlight is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that explores the life of Chiron, a black gay man growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film’s portrayal of Chiron’s struggle with his identity and sexuality is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The performances, particularly by Mahershala Ali and Trevante Rhodes, are exceptional, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
11. The Imitation Game 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 831787, ID: 2084970 Photo by deepestdream.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Imitation Game tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. The film also highlights Turing’s struggles as a gay man in a time when homosexuality was illegal. Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance is outstanding, and the film is both gripping and heartbreaking.
12. The Normal Heart 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 38016, ID: 1684226 Photo by cyberculture.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Normal Heart is a powerful and emotional film that chronicles the early days of the AIDS crisis in New York City. The film follows the efforts of a group of activists to raise awareness and fight for the rights of those affected by the disease. The performances, particularly by Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer, are outstanding, and the film is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
13. Dallas Buyers Club 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 523134, ID: 0790636 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Dallas Buyers Club tells the true story of Ron Woodroof, a man diagnosed with AIDS who fought against the medical establishment to provide alternative treatments for himself and others. The film also features a powerful performance by Jared Leto as Rayon, a transgender woman. The film is both gripping and inspiring, and it highlights the importance of fighting for one’s rights.
14. The Kids Are All Right 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 134987, ID: 0842926 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Kids Are All Right is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and identity. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore deliver stellar performances as a lesbian couple navigating the complexities of marriage and parenthood. The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of relationships, making it a must-see for its emotional depth and humor.
15. Weekend 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 33138, ID: 1714210 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Weekend is a beautifully crafted film that delves into the fleeting yet profound connection between two men over a weekend. Tom Cullen and Chris New’s performances are raw and genuine, capturing the essence of love and vulnerability. The film’s realistic portrayal of LGBTQ relationships makes it a standout in queer cinema.
16. Love, Simon 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 127344, ID: 5164432 Photo by coyotepr.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Love, Simon is a charming and groundbreaking teen rom-com that follows Simon’s journey of self-discovery and coming out. Nick Robinson’s portrayal of Simon is both relatable and heartwarming, making the film a significant milestone in LGBTQ representation. Its blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes it a delightful watch.
17. Portrait de la jeune fille en feu 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 111831, ID: 8613070 Photo by crol.hr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Portrait de la jeune fille en feu is a visually stunning and emotionally intense film that explores the forbidden love between an artist and her subject. Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel’s performances are captivating, and Céline Sciamma’s direction is masterful. The film’s poetic storytelling and breathtaking cinematography make it a masterpiece.
17 Heartfelt and Moving LGBTQ Films You Need to See
