The Best Black LGBTQ+ Movies

These films center Black LGBTQ+ lives across fiction and documentary, spanning coming-of-age stories, romances, family dramas, and movement history from the United States to Kenya and the United Kingdom to Jamaica. You will find work from trailblazing directors, breakout performances from now-famous actors, and projects that made headlines for festival awards, censorship battles, and cultural impact. Each entry includes key details like creators, cast, setting, and how the story unfolds. Use it to discover titles you may have missed and to see where many conversations in queer cinema began.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

Barry Jenkins directs this three-chapter drama adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play. It follows Chiron across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in Miami as he navigates identity, family, and first love. Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Janelle Monáe lead the ensemble. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture along with Oscars for Supporting Actor and Adapted Screenplay.

‘Pariah’ (2011)

Dee Rees writes and directs this Brooklyn-set story about a 17-year-old poet exploring her sexuality and self-presentation. Adepero Oduye plays Alike, with Kim Wayans and Pernell Walker in key roles. The film premiered at Sundance, where it earned the Cinematography Award. Focus Features handled distribution after festival acclaim.

‘Rafiki’ (2018)

Wanuri Kahiu’s Nairobi-set romance follows two young women whose fathers are political rivals. Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva star as Kena and Ziki. The film became the first Kenyan feature to screen at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section. It faced a domestic ban that was briefly lifted to qualify for awards, drawing international attention to LGBTQ rights in Kenya.

‘The Watermelon Woman’ (1996)

Cheryl Dunye’s landmark feature blends fiction and archival research as a young filmmaker searches for a forgotten Black lesbian actress from early cinema. Dunye stars opposite Guinevere Turner and Valarie Walker. The film introduced the term “Dunyementary” for its hybrid approach. It was the first feature directed by an out Black lesbian released in the United States.

‘Blackbird’ (2014)

Patrik-Ian Polk adapts Larry Duplechan’s novel about a Mississippi teen balancing church life, family expectations, and a budding romance. Julian Walker and Mo’Nique headline with Isaiah Washington and Kevin Allesee. The story centers on a high school glee club and a missing sibling that strains the household. The film screened at LGBT festivals before a limited theatrical run.

‘Punks’ (2000)

Patrik-Ian Polk’s ensemble comedy-drama follows a group of friends in Los Angeles navigating love, friendship, and chosen family. Seth Gilliam, Rockmond Dunbar, Jazzmun, and Rudolf Martin appear in lead roles. The soundtrack and ballroom-adjacent social scenes helped define its setting. It became a touchstone for early 2000s independent Black gay cinema.

‘The Skinny’ (2012)

Set during a reunion weekend in New York City, this Polk film follows five friends who met at college as they reconnect and confront secrets. Jussie Smollett, Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman lead the cast. The plot moves through Pride events, parties, and intimate conversations. The film aired on cable and streaming after festival play.

‘Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom’ (2008)

This feature continuation of the series ‘Noah’s Arc’ brings the characters to Martha’s Vineyard for a destination wedding. Darryl Stephens, Jensen Atwood, Rodney Chester, and Christian Vincent reprise their roles. The story focuses on vows, family arrivals, and last-minute complications. It served as a narrative capstone for the show’s fan base with a wide home-video release.

‘Paris Is Burning’ (1990)

Jennie Livingston documents New York City’s ballroom culture through the voices of performers and house mothers. The film features figures like Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, and Willi Ninja. It captures voguing, categories, and the structure of houses, alongside discussions of gender, race, and survival. The documentary won awards at Sundance and Berlin and became a key historical record.

‘Kiki’ (2016)

Directed by Sara Jordenö with community organizer Twiggy Pucci Garçon, this documentary follows a new generation of ballroom participants in New York. It profiles artists and activists as they prepare for balls and advocate for trans and queer youth. The film highlights housing insecurity, health access, and creative leadership. It premiered at Sundance and circulated widely on streaming.

‘Brother to Brother’ (2004)

Rodney Evans connects a present-day art student with the Harlem Renaissance through an encounter with writer Richard Bruce Nugent. Anthony Mackie plays the student with Roger Robinson as Nugent. The film weaves archival history with contemporary experiences of homophobia and racism. It won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance for dramatic features.

‘Naz & Maalik’ (2015)

Jay Dockendorf’s Brooklyn-set drama follows two Black Muslim teens whose secret relationship draws unintended attention from law enforcement. Curtiss Cook Jr. and Kerwin Johnson Jr. star as the title characters. The narrative unfolds over a single day through street vendors, prayer, and an FBI inquiry. The film premiered at SXSW and won independent awards on the festival circuit.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

Sean Baker’s Los Angeles story centers on two trans sex workers over the course of one Christmas Eve. Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor lead the film with James Ransone and Karren Karagulian. It was shot on iPhones using an anamorphic adapter and premiered at Sundance. Mya Taylor received multiple breakthrough and supporting performance awards.

‘Saturday Church’ (2017)

Damon Cardasis writes and directs this musical drama about a Bronx teen who finds community with members of the ballroom scene. Luka Kain stars with Regina Taylor, Mj Rodriguez, and Indya Moore. The film features original songs and choreographed sequences that track the lead’s self-discovery. It screened at Tribeca before a limited release and streaming pickup.

‘The Obituary of Tunde Johnson’ (2019)

Ali LeRoi directs this time-loop drama about a gay Nigerian American teen confronting police violence and closeted relationships. Steven Silver, Spencer Neville, and Nicola Peltz appear in central roles. The story resets through repeated days as the character seeks a way forward. It premiered at TIFF and later reached audiences through digital platforms.

‘B-Boy Blues’ (2021)

Based on James Earl Hardy’s novel, this romance follows an editor from Brooklyn and a bike messenger from Harlem. Thomas Mackie and Timothy Richardson star with Ledisi and Brandee Evans in supporting parts. The film was produced for streaming release and attracted attention for its source material’s cultural legacy. It features New York locations that mirror the book’s urban backdrop.

‘Stud Life’ (2012)

Campbell X directs this London-set drama about a Black lesbian wedding photographer whose relationship is tested by friendship and nightlife. T’Nia Miller and Kyle Treslove lead the cast. The film explores community spaces and work gigs across the city. It toured LGBTQ festivals in Europe and North America.

‘Stories of Our Lives’ (2014)

The Nest Collective in Kenya created this anthology from interviews with LGBTQ people across the country. The film presents five scripted vignettes with different characters and settings. It was shot in black and white and premiered at Toronto. The work faced a domestic ban while becoming a key document of contemporary Kenyan queer narratives.

‘The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson’ (2017)

David France’s documentary investigates the 1992 death of activist Marsha P. Johnson while tracing her role in the gay liberation and trans rights movements. The film features archival footage and interviews with friends, family, and fellow organizers. It also follows activist Victoria Cruz as she examines case records. The documentary debuted at Tribeca and was later released on streaming.

‘The Inspection’ (2022)

Elegance Bratton adapts his life story about a young Black gay man who enlists in the Marines after being rejected by his family. Jeremy Pope stars with Gabrielle Union and Bokeem Woodbine. The film covers boot camp training, institutional pressure, and the search for acceptance. It premiered at TIFF and earned lead and supporting award nominations.

Share your favorites from this list and tell us which titles you want to see added in the comments.