1. Moonlight (2016)
Director: Barry Jenkins
Genre: Drama
Best for: A poignant exploration of identity and sexuality
Overview: "Moonlight" is an Academy Award-winning film that explores the life of Chiron, a young Black man grappling with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film is divided into three stages of Chiron’s life, showing his struggle with acceptance, self-discovery, and the challenges of coming out.
Why It Stands Out: "Moonlight" is one of the most critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ films, offering a raw and deeply emotional story about race, masculinity, and queer identity. Its tender portrayal of Black queerness is a rarity in mainstream cinema, making it a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation.
Key Themes: Coming-of-age, race, masculinity, sexuality
Awards: Won Best Picture at the Academy Awards
2. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Genre: Romance/Drama
Best for: A romantic summer love story
Overview: Set in the picturesque Italian countryside during the 1980s, "Call Me by Your Name" tells the story of Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and his summer romance with Oliver, a visiting scholar staying with his family. The film beautifully captures the intoxicating nature of first love and the emotional complexity of desire.
Why It Stands Out: With its lush cinematography and powerful performances, "Call Me by Your Name" became a critically acclaimed masterpiece of queer cinema, particularly for its sensitive handling of young love and identity.
Key Themes: First love, desire, emotional intimacy
Awards: Nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay
3. Paris Is Burning (1990)
Director: Jennie Livingston
Genre: Documentary
Best for: A deep dive into the LGBTQ+ ballroom culture
Overview: "Paris Is Burning" is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the underground ballroom scene of New York City in the late 1980s. The film focuses on Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting the struggles, joys, and resilience of drag performers and queer youth who found sanctuary in the ballroom world.
Why It Stands Out: As one of the first films to document queer ballroom culture, "Paris Is Burning" has become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ cinema. It offers an intimate look at the lives of queer people of color, addressing issues like poverty, discrimination, and chosen families.
Key Themes: Ballroom culture, identity, chosen family
Awards: Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival
4. The Handmaiden (2016)
Director: Park Chan-wook
Genre: Thriller/Romance
Best for: A gripping psychological thriller with a queer love story
Overview: This South Korean psychological thriller, adapted from the novel "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters, weaves a complex tale of deception, passion, and intrigue. "The Handmaiden" follows the story of a young woman hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, only to discover their relationship evolves into something much deeper.
Why It Stands Out: The film’s intricate plot and stunning visuals are paired with a deeply sensual and compelling lesbian love story, making it one of the most visually striking and narratively complex LGBTQ+ films.
Key Themes: Deception, passion, lesbian romance
Awards: Nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee
Genre: Romance/Drama
Best for: A heartbreaking tale of forbidden love
Overview: "Brokeback Mountain" tells the story of Ennis and Jack, two cowboys who form an intense emotional and physical bond while herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain. Over the years, they continue to meet in secret, even as they marry women and live lives apart from one another.
Why It Stands Out: "Brokeback Mountain" was groundbreaking in its portrayal of gay love, especially within the context of masculinity and the rural American West. The film’s emotional depth and powerful performances, particularly from Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, cemented its place in LGBTQ+ film history.
Key Themes: Forbidden love, masculinity, emotional repression
Awards: Won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Ang Lee
6. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Director: Céline Sciamma
Genre: Romance/Drama
Best for: A slow-burn, beautifully shot lesbian love story
Overview: This French film follows the story of Marianne, an artist commissioned to paint the portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who refuses to pose for her wedding portrait. Over time, the two women develop a passionate love affair, hidden from the world.
Why It Stands Out: "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is known for its breathtaking cinematography and subtle, deeply emotional portrayal of love between two women. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, with each frame imbued with meaning and passion.
Key Themes: Forbidden love, art, emotional connection
Awards: Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival
7. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Director: Jim Sharman
Genre: Musical/Comedy
Best for: A cult-classic that celebrates queerness and gender nonconformity
Overview: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is a musical that follows a young couple, Brad and Janet, who find themselves in the strange world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist and transvestite from another planet. What follows is a wild celebration of queerness, gender fluidity, and sexual liberation.
Why It Stands Out: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is one of the most iconic cult films in LGBTQ+ history, celebrated for its bold depiction of gender nonconformity and queer expression. It continues to be a beloved midnight movie and is an important piece of queer pop culture.
Key Themes: Sexual liberation, gender fluidity, camp
Awards: Despite mixed reviews upon release, it became a cult phenomenon
8. Carol (2015)
Director: Todd Haynes
Genre: Romance/Drama
Best for: A tender and nuanced love story
Overview: Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel "The Price of Salt," "Carol" tells the story of a romantic relationship between Therese, a young aspiring photographer, and Carol, an older woman going through a difficult divorce. Set in 1950s New York, the film portrays the challenges and beauty of queer love in a repressive society.
Why It Stands Out: "Carol" is lauded for its delicate performances, particularly from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. The film’s restrained, elegant direction, combined with its lush cinematography, makes it a standout LGBTQ+ romance.
Key Themes: Forbidden love, societal pressure, identity
Awards: Nominated for six Academy Awards
9. The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)
Director: David France
Genre: Documentary
Best for: Learning about LGBTQ+ history and activism
Overview: This powerful documentary investigates the life and mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender woman and LGBTQ+ activist who was a pivotal figure in the Stonewall Riots. The film celebrates her contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement while also exploring the challenges faced by transgender individuals, especially trans women of color.
Why It Stands Out: The documentary sheds light on a critical moment in LGBTQ+ history, reminding viewers of the activism and courage of pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson. It’s an essential watch for anyone interested in queer history and the ongoing fight for transgender rights.
Key Themes: LGBTQ+ activism, transgender rights, social justice
Awards: Nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary
10. Milk (2008)
Director: Gus Van Sant
Genre: Biographical Drama
Best for: Historical drama lovers
Overview: "Milk" tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. The film chronicles his activism, political career, and eventual assassination in 1978. Sean Penn’s portrayal of Milk is both compassionate and inspiring, highlighting the importance of political representation and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Why It Stands Out: "Milk" is an inspiring and emotional tribute to a key figure in LGBTQ+ history. The film does an excellent job of portraying the challenges of being openly gay in public office during the 1970s and the importance of Harvey Milk’s legacy.
Key Themes: LGBTQ+ rights, political activism, representation
Awards: Won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Sean Penn
LGBTQ+ films have become a vital part of the cinematic landscape, offering important stories that reflect the diversity and richness of queer experiences. From historical dramas like "Milk" to deeply personal narratives like "Moonlight" and "Call Me by Your Name," these films offer something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a moving love story, a historical documentary, or a thrilling drama, these top 10 LGBTQ+ films should be on your watchlist for both their artistry and the representation they bring to the screen.
Check out Attitude Magazine's insightful article, "Beyond Brokeback: 13 LGBTQ British Film Recommendations, from Hidden Gems to Treasured Triumphs," which highlights a diverse selection of films that explore LGBTQ+ stories over the past 30 years. Whether you're looking for indie treasures or cinematic masterpieces, this list offers a broad range of films that capture the spirit of LGBTQ+ experiences. You can find the full article here. www.attitude.co.uk