20 Films That Cast Queer Actors as Straight Romantic Leads (and It Worked)

Hollywood history is filled with instances where casting directors prioritized talent and chemistry over the real-life sexual orientation of their stars. Many iconic heterosexual romances on the big screen were brought to life by actors who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. These performances serve as a testament to the transformative power of acting and the ability of performers to embody diverse human experiences. The following films feature queer actors who delivered compelling and believable performances as straight romantic leads.

‘Pillow Talk’ (1959)

Rock Hudson stars as Brad Allen in this romantic comedy that defines the enemies-to-lovers trope. The womanizing songwriter shares a telephone party line with interior decorator Jan Morrow and the two clash over his use of the phone for romantic conquests. Hudson generates immense charm and convincing chemistry with co-star Doris Day throughout the film. His performance in ‘Pillow Talk’ solidified his status as one of the greatest romantic leads of the studio era despite his concealed sexuality.

‘Top Gun’ (1986)

Kelly McGillis plays Charlie Blackwood as a brilliant astrophysicist and civilian instructor at the elite fighter pilot school. Her character becomes the primary romantic interest for the reckless but talented pilot Maverick. The relationship between Charlie and Maverick provides the emotional grounding for a film largely focused on aerial action sequences. McGillis brings intelligence and allure to the role that balances the bravado of the male lead.

‘The Wedding Singer’ (1998)

Drew Barrymore portrays Julia Sullivan in this nostalgic romantic comedy set in the 1980s. She plays a waitress who finds herself falling for a wedding singer named Robbie Hart while planning her own marriage to another man. Barrymore infuses the character with a sweetness and vulnerability that makes the central romance undeniable. Her chemistry with Adam Sandler remains one of the most celebrated screen pairings in the comedy genre.

‘X-Men’ (2000)

Anna Paquin stars as Rogue in this superhero ensemble that launched a massive franchise. The young mutant runs away from home and eventually forms a romantic bond with fellow student Bobby Drake. Her character struggles with the inability to touch others without causing them harm which adds tragic depth to the budding relationship. Paquin captures the isolation and longing of a teenager who wants connection but fears her own power.

‘Mean Girls’ (2004)

Jonathan Bennett plays Aaron Samuels as the high school heartthrob caught between two warring social factions. His character serves as the primary love interest for protagonist Cady Heron and the ex-boyfriend of the villainous Regina George. Bennett delivers a charming performance that makes the infatuation of the main characters understandable. The film relies heavily on his appeal to drive the central conflict of the plot.

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2005)

Angelina Jolie stars as Jane Smith in this action-comedy about a married couple who are secretly rival assassins. The film hinges entirely on the explosive and passionate dynamic between her character and her on-screen husband John. Jolie plays the role with a lethal combination of sophistication and intensity that matches her co-star scene for scene. The movie became a massive box office success largely due to the believable heat between the two leads.

‘A History of Violence’ (2005)

Maria Bello plays Edie Stall in this tense thriller about a family man with a hidden past. Her character must navigate a crumbling marriage when she discovers her husband is not the gentle man she thought she knew. Bello portrays the complexity of a woman torn between love and betrayal with remarkable nuance. The intimate scenes between her and Viggo Mortensen are crucial for establishing the stakes of their threatened domestic life.

‘The Fall’ (2006)

Lee Pace stars as Roy Walker in this visually stunning fantasy drama. He plays a paralyzed stuntman in 1920s Los Angeles who spins an elaborate tale for a young girl while dealing with a broken heart. The narrative reveals his despair over a failed romance with a woman he loved deeply. Pace delivers a charismatic and heartbreaking performance that anchors the fantastical elements of the story in human emotion.

‘Juno’ (2007)

Elliot Page portrays the title character in this acclaimed independent film about unplanned pregnancy. The story follows Juno MacGuff as she navigates high school life and her relationship with the baby’s father Paulie Bleeker. Page brings a unique blend of sarcasm and genuine affection to the screen that elevates the teenage romance beyond genre clichés. The evolving bond between Juno and Paulie serves as the emotional core of the narrative.

‘Transformers’ (2007)

Megan Fox plays Mikaela Banes in this blockbuster action film about alien robots waging war on Earth. Her character starts as the high school crush of the protagonist Sam Witwicky before becoming a key ally in the fight. Fox provides the film with its central romantic subplot as the two characters grow closer amidst the chaos. Her performance helped ground the massive spectacle with a relatable human connection.

‘Across the Universe’ (2007)

Evan Rachel Wood stars as Lucy Carrigan in this musical romance set against the backdrop of the 1960s. Her character falls in love with a young British dockworker named Jude as they navigate the turbulent political landscape of the era. Wood sings and acts with a tenderness that perfectly captures the idealism and heartbreak of the time period. The chemistry between the leads drives the narrative through its surreal visual sequences.

‘Twilight’ (2008)

Kristen Stewart plays Bella Swan in the film adaptation of the massively popular vampire romance novel. Her character moves to a rainy town in Washington and becomes dangerously obsessed with the mysterious Edward Cullen. Stewart captures the intense and often overwhelming nature of first love with a brooding performance. The franchise success rested entirely on the audience believing in her absolute devotion to the romantic lead.

‘Star Trek’ (2009)

Zachary Quinto steps into the iconic role of Spock in this reboot of the sci-fi franchise. The script introduces a romantic relationship between the Vulcan officer and communications officer Nyota Uhura. Quinto balances his character’s stoic logic with subtle displays of deep affection for his partner. This romantic subplot adds a new layer of emotional vulnerability to a character traditionally defined by the suppression of feeling.

‘Bright Star’ (2009)

Ben Whishaw portrays the Romantic poet John Keats in this biographical drama. The film focuses on the intense but unconsummated love affair between Keats and Fanny Brawne during the final years of his life. Whishaw delivers a delicate and passionate performance that captures the tragic beauty of their connection. His portrayal of heterosexual longing is widely considered one of the most romantic in period drama history.

‘The Smurfs’ (2011)

Neil Patrick Harris stars as Patrick Winslow in this live-action and CGI hybrid family film. He plays a stressed marketing executive who must protect the magical creatures while managing his relationship with his pregnant wife. Harris brings his signature comedic timing and warmth to the role of a devoted husband and father-to-be. The film uses his domestic stability as a grounding element for the magical chaos that ensues.

‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ (2012)

Aubrey Plaza plays Darius Britt in this indie sci-fi comedy about time travel. Her character is a cynical intern who develops a surprising romantic connection with an eccentric man who claims he can travel back in time. Plaza utilizes her deadpan delivery to mask a character deeply searching for connection and meaning. The film works because the audience buys into the genuine emotional bond that forms between the two misfits.

‘Dracula Untold’ (2014)

Luke Evans stars as Vlad the Impaler in this origin story for the legendary vampire. The plot is driven by Vlad’s desperate need to protect his wife Mirena and their son from an invading army. Evans plays the character as a tragic romantic hero willing to sacrifice his soul for the safety of his family. The emotional weight of his straight romance provides the motivation for every dark action he takes in the film.

‘Creed’ (2015)

Tessa Thompson plays Bianca Taylor in this successful continuation of the Rocky franchise. Her character is a hearing-impaired musician who becomes the romantic partner of boxer Adonis Creed. Thompson creates a fully realized character who supports the protagonist while maintaining her own agency and career ambitions. The chemistry between the two actors adds a modern and authentic romantic dynamic to the sports drama.

‘A Star Is Born’ (2018)

Lady Gaga stars as Ally Maine in this fourth remake of the classic musical drama. She plays a struggling waitress and singer who is discovered by and falls in love with a famous country-rock star. Gaga delivers a raw and powerful performance that conveys the soaring highs and devastating lows of their relationship. Her on-screen connection with Bradley Cooper was so convincing that it dominated pop culture discourse for months.

‘Damn Yankees’ (1958)

Tab Hunter plays Joe Hardy in this musical adaptation about a baseball fan who sells his soul. The character is a young and athletic version of an older man who wants to help his favorite team beat the Yankees. Hunter charms the audience as the All-American straight hero who remains faithful to the memory of his wife despite supernatural temptation. His performance epitomizes the clean-cut romantic leading man of the 1950s.

Share your favorite performance from this list or mention other queer actors who excelled in straight roles in the comments.