The Best Movies With Gay Characters Ranked

Cinematic representation of LGBTQ+ individuals has evolved significantly over the decades, moving from subtext and stereotypes to nuanced and complex lead roles. These films span genres from historical dramas and intense thrillers to heartfelt romances and coming-of-age stories, reflecting a wide range of human experiences. By exploring themes of identity, societal pressure, and the universal search for connection, these movies have helped shape cultural conversations and artistic standards in the film industry. The following list highlights highly-regarded films featuring gay characters, selected based on their critical reception and enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

‘Latter Days’ (2003)

An attractive young man living in West Hollywood finds his life upended when he makes a bet to seduce a missionary neighbor. As a devout Mormon, the missionary struggles to reconcile his deep religious faith with his emerging feelings for the man next door. The film explores the conflict between organized religion and personal identity through their developing connection. Their journey takes them through internal turmoil and external pressures from their respective communities.

‘Big Eden’ (2000)

Henry Hart is a successful artist living in New York City who returns to his small Montana hometown to care for his ailing grandfather. While back home, he finds himself confronting his long-standing unrequited love for his high school best friend. The town’s eccentric residents unexpectedly rally around Henry as he navigates his complicated feelings and looks for a sense of belonging. This story emphasizes the importance of community support and finding love in unexpected places.

‘Passages’ (2023)

A filmmaker begins an impulsive and passionate affair with a young woman on the final day of his latest production. This decision throws his long-term marriage to his husband into a state of chaotic uncertainty and emotional conflict. The film examines the intricate dynamics of power, narcissism, and desire within a modern three-way relationship. As the protagonist bounces between his two partners, the narrative explores the consequences of his volatile and selfish actions.

‘Holding the Man’ (2015)

Two young men at an all-male high school in the 1970s fall in love despite the rigid societal expectations of the time. The story follows their enduring relationship over fifteen years as they navigate university life, family disapproval, and personal growth. Their bond is eventually tested by the devastating onset of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. This biographical drama is based on the acclaimed memoir by Timothy Conigrave, detailing his life with his partner John Caleo.

‘My Own Private Idaho’ (1991)

Two street hustlers living on the fringes of society embark on a journey of self-discovery from Portland to Italy. One is a narcoleptic dreamer searching for his estranged mother, while the other is the rebellious son of a wealthy mayor. Their relationship is defined by deep emotional intimacy and the harsh realities of their transient lifestyle. The film blends experimental styles with Shakespearean influences to depict a poignant search for identity and home.

‘Behind the Candelabra’ (2013)

The film depicts the secretive and opulent relationship between legendary pianist Liberace and his young lover, Scott Thorson. Set during the late 1970s and 1980s, the story explores the physical and emotional transformations Scott undergoes to please the demanding superstar. Their bond eventually fractures under the weight of Liberace’s controlling nature and the pressures of maintaining a public image. It offers a detailed look at the excess and isolation found within the private world of a global icon.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

After discovering that her boyfriend and pimp has been unfaithful while she was incarcerated, a trans sex worker tears through Los Angeles to find him. She is joined by her best friend, who is preparing for her own singing performance at a local bar. The narrative follows their frenetic journey across the city on Christmas Eve, highlighting the vibrant but difficult lives of those on the margins. The film is notable for being shot entirely on specialized smartphones, capturing a gritty and authentic urban energy.

‘Beginners’ (2010)

A young man processes the death of his father, who came out as gay at the age of seventy-five after his wife passed away. The story weaves together the son’s burgeoning romance with a French actress and his memories of his father’s final years. Through his father’s late-life honesty, the son begins to understand how to be more authentic in his own relationships. The film explores the legacy of family secrets and the courage required to pursue happiness regardless of age.

‘The Birdcage’ (1996)

A gay cabaret owner and his partner must play it straight to impress their son’s ultra-conservative future in-laws. The couple attempts to transform their flamboyant South Beach lifestyle into a picture of traditional domesticity for one high-stakes dinner party. Comedic chaos ensues as the elaborate ruse begins to fall apart under the scrutiny of a right-wing senator. This comedy highlights themes of family loyalty and the absurdity of social pretenses.

‘Carol’ (2015)

In 1950s New York, an aspiring photographer working as a department store clerk becomes infatuated with an elegant older woman. Despite the societal constraints and the older woman’s difficult divorce proceedings, the two develop a deep and forbidden connection. Their relationship is tested when their private affairs are used as leverage in a bitter custody battle. The film captures the quiet intensity and longing of a romance that must remain hidden from the public eye.

‘Uncle Frank’ (2020)

A literature professor living in 1970s New York City is forced to confront his past when he returns to his rural South Carolina home for a funeral. He travels with his teenage niece, who discovers the secret life he has built with his long-term partner. The journey forces the professor to reconcile his family’s rigid traditionalism with his own identity and personal history. It is a story about the complexities of family expectations and the healing power of forgiveness.

‘Spoiler Alert’ (2022)

Based on a true story, the film chronicles the eleven-month period between a man’s terminal cancer diagnosis and his death. It explores the deep bond between two men who have spent over a decade building a life together in New York. The narrative balances the heartbreaking reality of illness with flashbacks of their early romance and shared joy. This intimate look at love and loss emphasizes the importance of cherishing time with partners and family.

‘Rocketman’ (2019)

This musical fantasy follows the transformative years of Reginald Dwight as he becomes the global superstar Elton John. The story explores his struggle with fame, substance abuse, and his complicated relationship with his parents. Central to his journey is his search for genuine love and acceptance as a gay man in the spotlight. The film uses stylized musical sequences to depict the emotional highs and lows of his life and career.

‘BPM’ (2017)

Set in Paris during the early 1990s, the story follows the members of ACT UP as they fight for government action against the AIDS epidemic. The narrative focuses on a new recruit who falls in love with one of the group’s most radical and ailing activists. Together, they participate in bold demonstrations to demand better research and public awareness for the crisis. The film captures the urgency, anger, and solidarity of a community fighting for its very survival.

‘Parting Glances’ (1986)

The film captures a 24-hour period in the lives of a group of friends in New York City’s gay community during the mid-1980s. A couple preparing for an overseas move spends their final day hosting a party and visiting an ex-boyfriend who is living with AIDS. The story avoids melodrama, instead offering a realistic and often humorous look at friendship and urban gay life. It is considered a landmark of independent cinema for its honest depiction of the early years of the epidemic.

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

The narrative follows the life of a young Black man across three defining chapters as he grows up in a rough Miami neighborhood. He struggles with his identity and sexuality while navigating a difficult home life and the pressures of hyper-masculinity. His journey is marked by a formative connection with a local mentor and a brief, impactful encounter with a childhood friend. The film explores the enduring effects of childhood experiences and the vulnerability hidden beneath a hardened exterior.

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

In the early 18th century, a frail Queen Anne occupies the British throne while her close friend Sarah Churchill governs the country in her stead. Their dynamic is disrupted by the arrival of a new servant, Abigail, who begins to compete for the Queen’s affections. The women engage in a ruthless game of political and personal manipulation to secure their positions of power. This historical drama portrays a dark and witty exploration of envy, desire, and courtly intrigue.

‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ (1994)

Two drag queens and a transgender woman travel across the Australian Outback in a lavender bus to perform a cabaret show. Along the way, they encounter various rural communities and face both hostility and unexpected friendship. The journey serves as a backdrop for the characters to explore their personal histories and relationships with one another. The film is celebrated for its vibrant costumes, iconic soundtrack, and its positive depiction of queer friendship.

‘Get Real’ (1998)

Steven is a bright sixteen-year-old student who hides his sexuality from his family and peers at a traditional British secondary school. His world changes when he falls in love with the school’s star athlete and most popular boy. The two begin a secret relationship that forces Steven to consider the risks of coming out in an unsupportive environment. The film is a tender coming-of-age story about the courage to be oneself despite social pressure.

‘Longtime Companion’ (1989)

The story tracks the lives of a group of gay friends and one straight couple in New York City starting from the day the AIDS crisis is first reported. Over the course of the 1980s, the characters face the loss of loved ones and the growing stigma surrounding the disease. They find strength in their community as they care for the sick and advocate for social change. It was one of the first major films to provide a comprehensive look at the human toll of the epidemic.

‘Heartstone’ (2016)

Two teenage boys living in a remote Icelandic fishing village experience a turbulent summer as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. While one tries to win the heart of a local girl, the other discovers developing feelings for his best friend. The harsh, beautiful landscape mirrors the emotional intensity and isolation felt by the protagonists as they face community expectations. The film explores the fragility of youth and the pain of unexpressed desire in a traditional setting.

‘Great Freedom’ (2021)

In post-World War II Germany, a man is repeatedly imprisoned under Paragraph 175, a law that criminalizes homosexual acts. Over several decades, he develops an unlikely and deep bond with his cellmate, a convicted murderer who initially views him with hostility. Their relationship becomes a source of survival and intimacy within the confines of a restrictive and punitive system. The film examines the persistence of human connection and the struggle for personal liberty against institutional oppression.

‘Pain and Glory’ (2019)

A celebrated film director in his physical decline reflects on the choices he has made throughout his life and career. He revisits his childhood in 1960s Spain, his first adult love in Madrid, and his discovery of cinema. The narrative explores his attempts to reconcile with the people he has lost or pushed away over the years. This introspective story is a meditation on the creative process, memory, and the lasting impact of past relationships.

‘Love, Simon’ (2018)

Simon Spier is a high school student who has yet to tell his family or friends that he is gay. He begins an anonymous online romance with a classmate, leading him on a quest to discover the mystery person’s true identity. The situation becomes complicated when a peer threatens to out Simon to the entire school unless he helps him with a girl. The film is a mainstream romantic comedy that addresses the universal anxieties of teenage identity and acceptance.

‘Milk’ (2008)

The film depicts the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. It follows his journey from a New York activist to a prominent leader in San Francisco’s Castro District during the 1970s. Milk fights for civil rights and inspires a community to organize against discriminatory legislation. His political career and advocacy work culminate in a legacy that continues to influence the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

‘A Single Man’ (2009)

Set in 1962 Los Angeles, a British college professor struggles to find meaning in his life following the sudden death of his long-term partner. The story follows a single day in his life as he prepares to end it all, encountering various people who offer brief moments of connection. His grief is juxtaposed with the vibrant aesthetics of the era and his memories of past happiness. The film is a visually striking exploration of mourning, loneliness, and the beauty found in fleeting interactions.

‘Mysterious Skin’ (2004)

Two young men who shared a traumatic childhood experience in a small Kansas town take very different paths in their teenage years. One becomes a street hustler who embraces his sexuality, while the other becomes obsessed with the idea of alien abduction to explain his memory gaps. As they eventually reconnect, they must face the dark reality of what actually happened to them as children. The film is a challenging and intense investigation of trauma and its long-term psychological effects.

‘And Then We Danced’ (2019)

A dedicated dancer at the National Georgian Ensemble has his world turned upside down by the arrival of a charismatic new rival. In the conservative and rigid world of traditional Georgian dance, the two young men develop a passionate and dangerous connection. The protagonist must choose between his lifelong dream of professional success and his desire for personal authenticity. The film highlights the conflict between traditional cultural values and individual identity.

‘Shelter’ (2007)

Zach is a talented young artist who has put his own dreams on hold to care for his older sister and nephew in a seaside town. When his best friend’s older brother returns home for the summer, the two develop a romantic bond that encourages Zach to pursue his passion. He must navigate his responsibilities to his family while finding the courage to embrace his own future. This story focuses on the themes of self-discovery, family loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness.

‘Victim’ (1961)

A successful London barrister risks his career and marriage to take down a blackmailer targeting gay men. At the time of the film’s release, homosexual acts were illegal in the United Kingdom, making his quest particularly dangerous. The narrative follows his investigation as he discovers the widespread impact of the blackmail ring on various members of society. This groundbreaking thriller played a significant role in the eventual decriminalization of homosexuality in Britain.

‘Beautiful Thing’ (1996)

Two teenage boys living in a London public housing estate find solace and love with each other as they escape their troubled home lives. One is bullied at school and lives with his hardworking mother, while the other suffers abuse from his father. Their relationship develops quietly over one hot summer, supported by a quirky and protective neighbor. The film is a hopeful and tender portrayal of first love in a working-class environment.

‘Weekend’ (2011)

After meeting at a club on a Friday night, two men spend the next forty-eight hours in an intense and intimate encounter. They share their life stories, fears, and perspectives on the world as they navigate a brief but impactful connection. As the weekend comes to an end, they must decide what this fleeting romance means for their futures. The film is noted for its naturalistic dialogue and its honest exploration of modern gay identity and desire.

‘Blue Is the Warmest Color’ (2013)

Adèle is a high school student whose life changes when she meets Emma, a free-spirited art student with blue hair. The film follows the intense development of their relationship over several years, from the initial spark of passion to deep emotional commitment and eventual heartbreak. Their bond is challenged by differences in their social backgrounds and personal aspirations. It is a raw and lengthy exploration of the complexities of love and self-discovery.

‘God’s Own Country’ (2017)

A young sheep farmer in Yorkshire numbs his daily frustrations with binge drinking and casual encounters until a migrant worker arrives for the lambing season. The two men initially clash, but the isolation and hard work of the farm eventually bring them together. Their relationship transforms the farmer’s outlook on life, offering him a chance for genuine intimacy and emotional growth. The film uses the rugged landscape of Northern England to mirror the internal journey of its protagonist.

‘Happy Together’ (1997)

A couple from Hong Kong travels to Argentina in an attempt to save their failing relationship. They find themselves stranded and struggling to make ends meet in a foreign land, leading to cycles of separation and reconciliation. The narrative explores the toxic nature of their bond and the loneliness of being adrift far from home. Its vibrant and melancholic cinematography captures the emotional volatility of a love that has become a burden.

‘Maurice’ (1987)

Set in Edwardian England, a young man struggles to come to terms with his sexuality while studying at Cambridge. He falls in love with a fellow student, but their relationship is stifled by the societal expectations and legal risks of the era. While his friend eventually conforms to a traditional life, the protagonist continues to search for a way to live authentically. This adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel is a lush and faithful depiction of early 20th-century class and repression.

‘Philadelphia’ (1993)

A high-powered attorney is fired from his prestigious law firm after his colleagues discover he has AIDS. He hires a homophobic small-time lawyer to sue the firm for wrongful termination and discrimination. As the trial progresses, the two men form an unlikely bond while challenging the prejudices of the legal system and society at large. The film was one of the first major Hollywood productions to directly address the HIV/AIDS crisis and gay rights.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)

Two ranch hands hired to herd sheep in the Wyoming mountains in the 1960s develop an unexpected and deep emotional bond. Over the next twenty years, they attempt to maintain their connection through secret meetings while living traditional lives with their respective families. Their forbidden love is marked by longing, regret, and the inability to escape the rigid social norms of the American West. The story is a poignant examination of the cost of living a hidden life.

‘All About My Mother’ (1999)

After her teenage son is killed in an accident, a grieving mother travels to Barcelona to find the father she never told him about. Her journey brings her into the lives of a vibrant group of people, including a trans sex worker and a pregnant nun. Together, they form an unconventional family and support each other through various personal crises. The film celebrates the strength of women and the fluidity of identity through its colorful and empathetic narrative.

‘Pride’ (2014)

During the UK miners’ strike in 1984, a group of gay and lesbian activists in London decides to raise money to support the striking miners’ families. Despite initial reluctance and prejudice from the conservative mining community in Wales, an unlikely alliance is formed between the two groups. They find common ground in their shared struggle against a government they feel has marginalized them. The story is an uplifting and true account of solidarity and the power of grassroots activism.

‘Call Me By Your Name’ (2017)

In the summer of 1983, a seventeen-year-old boy living in rural Italy develops a transformative relationship with his father’s older research assistant. They bond over their shared Jewish heritage, intellectual interests, and the lush Mediterranean landscape. As their mutual attraction grows, they navigate the excitement and uncertainty of first love. The film captures the fleeting and intense nature of a summer romance that leaves a lasting impact on both young men.

‘All of Us Strangers’ (2023)

A lonely screenwriter living in a nearly empty London apartment block begins a relationship with a mysterious neighbor. Simultaneously, he finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where his parents appear to be living exactly as they were on the day they died thirty years ago. These surreal encounters allow him to have the conversations he never got to have as a young man coming to terms with his identity. The film is a haunting and emotional exploration of grief, memory, and the desire for parental acceptance.

‘The Way He Looks’ (2014)

Leonardo is a blind teenager struggling with his independence and the overprotectiveness of his mother and best friend. His life changes when a new student named Gabriel joins his class and the two begin to spend their afternoons together. As their friendship deepens, Leonardo begins to realize that his feelings for Gabriel go beyond mere friendship. This Brazilian coming-of-age story is a gentle and sweet portrayal of teenage self-discovery.

‘The Normal Heart’ (2014)

Set in the early 1980s, an outspoken writer and activist attempts to raise awareness about a mysterious and deadly new disease affecting the gay community in New York. He faces indifference from the government and conflict within his own organization as they debate the best way to handle the growing crisis. The narrative also focuses on his personal relationship with a fashion journalist who becomes one of the disease’s early victims. It is a powerful and angry indictment of the systemic neglect during the onset of the AIDS epidemic.

‘Monster’ (2023)

A mother becomes concerned when her son begins to behave strangely and she suspects a teacher may be responsible for his distress. As the story unfolds from multiple perspectives, the truth behind the boy’s behavior is revealed to be rooted in a deep and misunderstood friendship with a classmate. The two young boys navigate their developing feelings for each other in a world that is often unequipped to understand them. The film is a complex and empathetic investigation of truth, childhood, and the pressures of conformity.

‘Prayers for Bobby’ (2009)

Based on a true story, the film follows a devout Christian mother who struggles to accept her son’s sexuality. Her rigid religious beliefs lead to a tragic outcome that forces her to re-evaluate her faith and her relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. She eventually becomes a prominent advocate for gay rights, working to ensure that other families do not repeat her mistakes. The story is a moving account of personal transformation and the consequences of intolerance.

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

In late 18th-century France, a female painter is commissioned to create a wedding portrait of a young noblewoman without her knowledge. The two spend their days together on an isolated island, leading to the development of an intense and observant bond. As the deadline for the portrait approaches, their mutual attraction evolves into a passionate but temporary romance. The film is a visually stunning exploration of the female gaze and the power of memory in art and love.

‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

Set in 1930s Korea under Japanese occupation, a con man hires an orphaned pickpocket to become the handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress. His plan is to use the handmaiden to help him seduce the heiress, steal her fortune, and commit her to an asylum. However, the plan goes awry when the two women develop an unexpected and deep romantic connection. The narrative is filled with intricate twists and explores themes of obsession, liberation, and deception.

Share your favorite movies featuring gay characters and your thoughts on their impact in the comments.