20 Must-Watch Movies with LGBTQ+-Led Casts

From intimate coming-of-age stories to sweeping historical dramas, these films center LGBTQ+ protagonists and communities across genres and countries. Each title below highlights what the movie covers, who made it, and the key performers who bring these stories to life. Use this list to find powerful biographies, romances, period pieces, and inventive indies that put queer characters at the heart of the narrative.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

This drama follows a boy named Chiron across three chapters of his life as he navigates identity, family, and desire in Miami. Barry Jenkins directs, with notable performances by Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Mahershala Ali, and Janelle Monáe. The film won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. It is adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play.

‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017)

Set in northern Italy, this romance charts the bond between teenager Elio and visiting scholar Oliver over a transformative summer. Luca Guadagnino directs, with Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer in the lead roles. The screenplay by James Ivory won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Locations include Crema and Lombardy.

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

A painter is hired to secretly create the portrait of a reluctant bride on a remote island in Brittany. Céline Sciamma directs with lead performances by Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. The film won the Cannes Best Screenplay award and the Queer Palm. Its visual style emphasizes natural light and long takes.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)

Two ranch hands develop a lifelong bond that shapes their marriages and futures in the American West. Ang Lee directs, with Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathaway starring. The film earned multiple Oscars, including Best Director. It is based on Annie Proulx’s short story.

‘Carol’ (2015)

A young department store clerk falls for an older woman amid a contentious divorce in New York. Todd Haynes directs with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as the central couple. The film is adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel. It received multiple Oscar nominations and widespread recognition for its cinematography.

‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

A pickpocket becomes a maid to a wealthy heiress as part of a complex con that changes course. Park Chan-wook directs this Korean thriller starring Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, and Ha Jung-woo. The story reimagines Sarah Waters’ novel in a Korean setting. It is known for intricate plotting and bold visual design.

‘Pariah’ (2011)

A Brooklyn teenager embraces her identity while balancing family expectations and friendships. Dee Rees writes and directs, with Adepero Oduye in a breakout lead performance. The film premiered at Sundance to strong critical attention. Its production focuses on intimate locations and a vivid color palette.

‘A Fantastic Woman’ (2017)

After her partner’s sudden death, a transgender woman confronts grief and discrimination in Santiago. Sebastián Lelio directs, with Daniela Vega delivering a landmark lead performance. The film won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Music and dreamlike sequences underline the character’s resilience.

‘Blue Is the Warmest Color’ (2013)

A high school student meets an artist who alters her understanding of love and self. Abdellatif Kechiche directs, with Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux starring. The film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. It is noted for its extended character study and handheld camerawork.

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

At the court of Queen Anne, two cousins compete for influence and affection. Yorgos Lanthimos directs, with Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone leading the ensemble. The film earned Colman the Oscar for Best Actress. Its production features grand interiors and distinctive period costuming.

‘The Birdcage’ (1996)

The owners of a South Beach drag club stage a family dinner to impress conservative in-laws. Mike Nichols directs, with Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, and Dianne Wiest. The screenplay by Elaine May adapts a French stage hit. The film blends farce with sharp social satire.

‘Milk’ (2008)

This biographical drama chronicles Harvey Milk’s path from activist to elected official in San Francisco. Gus Van Sant directs, with Sean Penn and Josh Brolin in key roles. The film received Oscars for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. It features archival footage and on-location shooting in the Castro.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

A sex worker in Los Angeles spends a day searching for her boyfriend with help from a friend. Sean Baker directs, with Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor leading the cast. The film is famously shot on iPhones using anamorphic adapters. It premiered at Sundance and earned Independent Spirit Awards recognition.

‘The Boys in the Band’ (1970)

Set at a birthday gathering, this ensemble drama explores friendship, conflict, and self-image among gay men in New York. William Friedkin directs from Mart Crowley’s play. The film preserves much of the original stage cast. Its single-location structure heightens character dynamics.

‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ (1999)

A teenager is sent to a conversion program where she finds community and love. Jamie Babbit directs, with Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and RuPaul among the cast. The production design uses bright color coding to underscore themes of conformity and identity. It has become a cult favorite with a notable soundtrack.

‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ (2001)

A genderqueer rock singer tells a life story through concerts and confessions across the American Midwest. John Cameron Mitchell directs and stars, adapting the stage musical with Stephen Trask’s songs. The film blends performance footage with animated sequences. It earned awards at Sundance and Berlin.

‘My Own Private Idaho’ (1991)

Two friends drift through the Pacific Northwest and beyond while searching for connection and family roots. Gus Van Sant directs, with River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves in the leads. The film mixes road movie elements with Shakespearean influence. It is noted for experimental structure and dreamlike imagery.

‘The Kids Are All Right’ (2010)

Two teenagers contact their sperm donor, bringing new dynamics into a long-term couple’s home. Lisa Cholodenko directs, with Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo starring. The film received multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It balances family drama with humor and everyday detail.

‘Weekend’ (2011)

Two men meet after a night out and spend the next two days talking and discovering common ground. Andrew Haigh writes and directs, with Tom Cullen and Chris New in the lead roles. The film favors naturalistic dialogue and unobtrusive camerawork. It premiered at SXSW and earned strong festival acclaim.

‘Pride’ (2014)

A group of LGBTQ+ activists supports striking miners in the United Kingdom and builds an unlikely alliance. Matthew Warchus directs, with Ben Schnetzer, George MacKay, and a large ensemble that includes Imelda Staunton and Bill Nighy. The story is based on historical events involving LGSM. The film features period music and community-center settings.

Share your favorite LGBTQ+-led movies in the comments and tell us which titles we should add next.