While straight stories have historically dominated the big screen, mainstream film is shifting to the girls, gays, and theys. Finally.

Ranging from subtle nods to overt celebrations of queer love, LGBTQ+ movies like “Moonlight,” “Carol,” and “Call Me by Your Name” are critically acclaimed for their hilarious or heart-wrenching stories. These films — and the others listed below — offer multifaceted, compelling looks at queerness you won’t be able to forget. 

17 best LGBTQ+ movies 

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Pride Month, screening an LGBTQ+ movie at home is truly fun for everyone. Grab your favorite snacks, cozy up, and stream one of these gems tonight: 

1. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

This heartbreaking classic gay movie of two cowboys who fall in love won numerous accolades — and for good reason. It was a trailblazing film upon release, and director Ang Lee masterfully crafted the story with renowned actors like the late Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Williams. Brokeback Mountain is set in the 1960s in the American West, where homosexual love is forbidden. 

2. Moonlight (2016)

Moonlight is an Oscar-winning masterpiece that beautifully portrays a young man's struggle with his identity and sexuality in a rough neighborhood of Miami. This film, celebrated for its narrative depth, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances by Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris, is an incredible depiction of queerness and family that earned rave reviews. 

3. Carol (2015)

Carol, a gay drama movie set in the 1950s, tells the story of a forbidden affair between the older, glamorous Carol (Cate Blanchett) and shy aspiring photographer Therese (Rooney Mara). Together, they fight against the era’s social constraints — and fall in love. The acting is fantastic and the visuals are stunning, so Carol is a can’t-miss. 

4. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Call Me by Your Name, starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, is a sensual and erotic film set in 1980s Italy. It explores a passionate summer fling between seventeen-year-old Elio and doctoral student Oliver. This is a story of first love, filled with beauty, longing, and gorgeous shots of the Italian countryside. 

5. Paris Is Burning (1990)

This groundbreaking documentary follows New York City’s vibrant drag queen culture over seven years in the 1980s. It's an essential watch for its examination of race, class, gender, and sexuality in America and an interesting pick if you want to learn about subcultures and the experiences of Black, Latinx, and transgender individuals.

6. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Blue Is the Warmest Color is a French coming-of-age story centering on the passionate relationship between two young women named Adèle and Emma. Known for its emotional power, this queer film was a popular conversation topic upon release — at least in part due to its explicit sex scenes. 

7. The Birdcage (1996)

When it comes to gay movies, The Birdcage is comedic gold — and a hilarious, touching look at acceptance and family. It stars Robin Williams as a gay man who, despite running a drag club in Miami, must pretend to be straight to please his son’s future in-laws. This film also features Nathan Lane, Calista Flockhart, and Gene Hackman. 

8. Boys Don't Cry (1999)

Boys Don’t Cry is a powerful drama based on the true story of transgender teenager Brandon Teena. Starring Hilary Swank, who won an Academy Award for the role, this film follows Brandon’s life in rural America and his eventual death due to a violent hate crime. This challenging movie highlights the dangers faced by the transgender community. Don’t forget the tissues. 

9. Spoiler Alert (2022) 

In Spoiler Alert, TV Guide writer Michael visits a gay club with his best friend and meets Kit. This love story, which stars Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory,” is set in Manhattan in 2001 and explores the instant connection between these men, who navigate their insecurities together until one of them is diagnosed with cancer. 

10. Desert Hearts (1985)

Set in the 1950s, Desert Hearts tells the story of a New York professor who gets divorced in Reno, Nevada. While there, she meets and falls for another woman. Celebrated for its portrayal of a lesbian romance, “Desert Hearts” is a surprisingly touching narrative of self-discovery starring Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau. 

11. But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)

But I'm a Cheerleader follows a lesbian cheerleader — played by honorary queer Natasha Lyonne — who’s sent to a conversion therapy camp. With a new chosen family, she eventually learns to love and embrace her sexual orientation. This satirical comedy, which uses humor to tackle serious issues, became a cult classic and is one of the best gay movies streaming today. 

12. Love, Simon (2018)

Love, Simon tells the story of Simon, an LGBTQ+ teenager who isn’t out yet but falls in love with an anonymous classmate online. This gay teenage romance is a funny and heartfelt story about finding yourself, and the performances by Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, and Josh Duhamel are admirable. 

13. The Kids Are All Right (2010)

The Kids Are All Right, starring Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, and Mark Ruffalo, explores the dynamics of a lesbian couple and their children who seek out their sperm donor father. This comedy-drama, which explores themes of complex relationships and emotional growth, is one of the first mainstream movies to show a same-sex couple raising teenage children. 

14. Milk (2008)

This biographical film stars Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official. It chronicles Milk's activism, political career, and the battle for gay rights. Milk is a powerful tribute to this prominent LGBTQ+ figure and shows just what it was like to be gay in the 1970s. 

15. The Favourite (2018) 

The Favourite is a historical dark romantic comedy set in the early 18th century. It examines the intricate power dynamics and struggling queer relationships within Queen Anne’s court, which gets turned upside down when a new servant arrives. With stellar performances and a sharp script, this film is visually stunning — and surprisingly gay. 

16. Philadelphia (1993)

Philadelphia, which tells the story of a gay lawyer fighting against AIDS discrimination, won Tom Hanks an Oscar for Best Actor. It was one of the first mainstream Hollywood movies to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia, and it offers an emotional exploration of justice and empathy for the LGBTQ+ community. 

17. Tangerine (2015)

Tangerine is a comedy crime film starring Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, and Karren Karagulian — and it was shot entirely on iPhones. This movie follows a transgender sex worker who finds out her boyfriend, who is also her pimp, is cheating on her. It's a heartwarming and heartbreaking journey through the city of Los Angeles' underbelly.

Join Quinn’s inclusive community 

Does a spicy movie leave you wanting more? Try Quinn.

The Quinn app, created by women and for the world, is home to audio erotica recorded for and by the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re looking for the perfect Pride gift, you can’t go wrong with a subscription to Quinn’s narrated sex stories, guided masturbation sessions, and sexy playlists. 

To access thousands of sexual stories by talented creators, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.