22 Films Where Trans Actors Played Trans Roles Authentically

The landscape of cinema has shifted significantly in recent years as casting directors and filmmakers increasingly prioritize authenticity in storytelling. The days of cisgender actors receiving acclaim for playing trans characters are fading in favor of narratives that center the lived experiences of transgender performers. These films offer a level of nuance and emotional truth that is difficult to replicate without personal understanding of the subject matter. Representation has expanded from tragic tropes to include comedies and thrillers and heartfelt dramas that explore the full spectrum of humanity. The following list highlights movies where trans actors brought their own identities to the screen to create unforgettable characters.

‘A Fantastic Woman’ (2017)

Marina deals with the sudden death of her older partner while facing intense discrimination from his family and the police. Daniela Vega delivers a powerhouse performance that anchors the film’s exploration of grief and resilience. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and marked a major turning point for trans representation in global cinema. It refuses to frame Marina solely through her suffering but instead celebrates her dignity and strength against a hostile world.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

Sin-Dee Rella tears through Los Angeles on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart. Shot entirely on iPhones this energetic film captures the chaotic beauty and struggle of life on the streets. Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez bring an undeniable authenticity and humor to roles that might have otherwise been stereotypes. The story highlights the fierce loyalty found within chosen families despite the harsh realities they face every day.

‘Lingua Franca’ (2019)

Olivia is an undocumented Filipina trans woman working as a caregiver in Brooklyn while trying to secure a green card. Director and writer Isabel Sandoval also stars in the lead role and infuses the narrative with personal insight and political urgency. The film intertwines the anxieties of immigration status with the complexities of romantic desire in a harsh political climate. It avoids sensationalism to present a quiet and atmospheric character study that lingers with the viewer.

‘Monica’ (2022)

A woman returns home for the first time in years to care for her dying mother who no longer recognizes her. Trace Lysette leads this intimate drama that relies on silence and subtle gestures rather than explosive confrontation. The narrative focuses on the universal need for maternal acceptance and the pain of estrangement within a family unit. It is a visually stunning meditation on forgiveness and the difficult passage of time.

‘Boy Meets Girl’ (2014)

Ricky creates fashion vlogs in her small Kentucky town while dreaming of a life in New York City. She strikes up a friendship with a debutante that forces both of them to question their assumptions about love and identity. Michelle Hendley brings a refreshing charm to a romantic comedy that treats transness as just one facet of a complex life. The film explores the fluidity of attraction without succumbing to the tragic tropes often found in the genre.

‘Gun Hill Road’ (2011)

Enrique returns from prison to the Bronx to find his child Vanessa transitioning and living a life he does not understand. Harmony Santana became the first openly trans actress nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her portrayal of Vanessa. The story captures the intense conflict between a father’s traditional machismo and a child’s need to be their authentic self. It is a gritty and emotional look at a family trying to bridge a widening divide before it is too late.

‘Port Authority’ (2019)

Paul arrives in New York City from the Midwest and falls for Wye who introduces him to the vibrant ballroom scene. Leyna Bloom shines as Wye and commands the screen with a mix of grace and authority that captivates the audience. The film examines the intersection of different marginalized communities and the prejudices that can exist even among outcasts. It offers a raw perspective on the struggle for belonging in a metropolis that can be both magical and unforgiving.

‘Joyland’ (2022)

Haider joins an erotic dance theatre in Lahore and falls in love with Biba who is a fierce and ambitious trans starlet. Alina Khan plays Biba with a commanding presence that challenges the patriarchal norms of the setting. The film navigates the suffocating expectations of a traditional Pakistani family alongside a secret world of desire and freedom. It is a groundbreaking work that explores gender and sexuality with profound sensitivity and visual beauty.

‘Mutt’ (2023)

Feña navigates a chaotic twenty-four hours in New York City involving an ex-boyfriend and his estranged father and his younger sister. Lio Mehiel delivers an award-winning performance that captures the specific textures and frustrations of life as a trans man. The film focuses on the awkward and tender moments of reconnection rather than just the trauma of transition. It feels incredibly current in its depiction of urban queer life and shifting relationships.

‘Anything’s Possible’ (2022)

Kelsa is a confident high school senior who catches the eye of a shy classmate named Khal. Eva Reign plays the lead in this Gen Z coming-of-age story that prioritizes joy and romance over tragedy. The film addresses the unique challenges of dating while trans in the social media age without letting them define the entire narrative. It serves as a colorful and optimistic celebration of first love that feels fresh and necessary.

‘Alice Júnior’ (2020)

Alice is a vibrant YouTuber who moves to a conservative rural town and shakes up the local high school. Anne Celestino Mota brings infectious energy to a character who refuses to dim her light for anyone or anything. The film blends pop aesthetics with a heartfelt message about resilience and the power of self-expression. It stands out as a Brazilian teen comedy that empowers its protagonist rather than victimizing her for her identity.

‘Bit’ (2019)

Laurel leaves her small town for Los Angeles and falls in with a gang of intersectional feminist vampires. Nicole Maines stars in this horror-comedy that subverts classic genre tropes with a modern queer twist. The film uses vampirism as a metaphor for power and belonging while allowing its lead to be a badass hero. It is a fun and stylish ride that puts a trans woman front and center of the action.

‘The Garden Left Behind’ (2019)

Tina is an undocumented Mexican trans woman struggling to make ends meet in New York while advocating for her community. Carlie Guevara gives a deeply moving performance that highlights the precarious existence of those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of violence but also showcases the warmth of grandmotherly love. It serves as a call to action regarding the safety and rights of trans women of color.

‘Gossamer Folds’ (2020)

Tate is a ten-year-old boy who forms an unlikely friendship with his neighbor Gossamer amidst a summer of family upheaval. Alexandra Grey plays Gossamer with a warmth and depth that defies the prejudices of the other characters in the town. The story illustrates how genuine connection can dismantle hate across generational and cultural lines. It is a gentle drama that finds hope in the bonds formed between two people feeling out of place.

‘Lola and the Sea’ (2019)

Lola is a wild-haired teenage skater who embarks on a road trip with her estranged father to fulfill her mother’s dying wish. Mya Bollaers brings a raw intensity to the role of a girl fighting for recognition from the one parent she has left. The Belgian film treats the road trip as an emotional journey where silence speaks as loudly as words. It focuses on the difficult process of a parent learning to see and love their child as they truly are.

‘Cowboys’ (2020)

Troy is a father who takes his trans son Joe into the Montana wilderness to save him from an unsupportive mother. Sasha Knight plays Joe with a quiet conviction that anchors the emotional stakes of the thriller. The film explores the lengths a parent will go to to protect their child’s identity and happiness. It reimagines the western landscape as a backdrop for a modern story about acceptance and freedom.

‘Assassination Nation’ (2018)

Bex and her friends become the targets of a massive data hack that turns their town into a violent mob. Hari Nef plays Bex with a cool detachment that cracks to reveal fierce protectiveness over her squad. The film is a hyper-stylized satire of American puritanism and internet culture that spirals into bloody chaos. It positions trans women as integral members of the friend group who fight back just as hard as anyone else.

‘Fanfic’ (2023)

Tosia is a high school student grappling with gender identity and the pressures of fitting in while writing intense fanfiction. Alin Szewczyk delivers a vulnerable performance that captures the internal confusion and external awkwardness of discovering oneself. The Polish film provides a rare representation of non-binary and trans masculine identity in Eastern European cinema. It treats the journey of self-discovery with patience and a deep understanding of youth culture.

‘Close to You’ (2023)

Sam returns to his hometown for a family reunion after years of keeping his distance from his relatives. Elliot Page produces and stars in this largely improvised drama that feels startlingly real and immediate. The film captures the specific tension of interacting with family members who try to be supportive but still stumble over the past. It is a deeply personal project that reflects the actor’s own journey while crafting a universal story of returning home.

‘Paloma’ (2022)

Paloma is a farm worker in Brazil who dreams of having a traditional church wedding despite the local priest’s refusal. Kika Sena embodies the character with a mix of gentle longing and stubborn determination that is impossible to ignore. The film paints a portrait of rural life that is both beautiful and restrictive for those who are different. It highlights the simple human desire for romance and social recognition regardless of gender history.

‘Something Must Break’ (2014)

Sebastian is a young person exploring their gender identity who falls for a straight man named Andreas. Saga Becker became the first trans actress to win a Guldbagge Award for her fragile and fearless performance. The Swedish film eschews easy labels to focus on the raw and messy nature of love and self-creation. It is a punk-infused romance that celebrates the beauty of existing outside of societal boxes.

‘Wild Side’ (2004)

Stephanie is a trans sex worker who returns to the countryside to care for her dying mother alongside her two lovers. Stéphanie Michelini plays the lead in this French drama that weaves together past and present with poetic fluidity. The film portrays a non-traditional family unit finding strength in their shared outsider status. It remains a poignant exploration of how we construct our own lives when the world rejects us.

Leave a comment telling us which performance from this list resonated with you the most.