The best queer movies of all time

This British romantic fantasy film by Andrew Haigh is based on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers. The film stars Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell and Claire Foy. It follows a solitary screenwriter who forms a complex bond with a mysterious neighbour while grappling with memories from the past. This is the second film adaptation of Yamada’s book, after Japan’s The Discarnates (1988). Premiering at the 50th Telluride Film Festival in August 2023, the film hit UK cinemas in January 2024. It has been widely praised, earning a spot in the National Board of Review’s list of top ten independent films of 2023 and six BAFTA nominations. A heart-warming reminder that even the most awkward neighbour can bring unexpected connections.

Set in Brooklyn, New York, this mature film follows a teenage boy grappling with his identity. He spends his days aimlessly, hanging out with male friends while questioning his sexuality. He dates girls but also explores gay dating sites, unsure of where he truly stands. A central line in the film, “I don’t really know what I like,” is echoed frequently by the protagonist, highlighting the confusion many young people face about their desires. As he faces pressure from his family, society and his own uncertainty, he struggles to find direction in life. The film powerfully captures the complex journey of self-discovery and the emotional turmoil that comes with it, offering an honest portrayal of youthful confusion and the search for identity.

This film boasts a stellar cast that includes Javier Bardem, Johnny Depp, Olivier Martinez and Sean Penn. It tells the story of a Cuban poet and writer, chronicling his life from birth to death. He was involved in Fidel Castro's revolution, navigating a complex blend of love and hatred. The film also explores his homosexual relationships, which brought him trouble with the authorities. His writings on same-sex love led to a two-year prison sentence. While incarcerated, he corresponded with a friend from his time in Manhattan. Despite his humble beginnings, he remained determined to reveal his sensitive, passionate soul to the world through his poetry. The film is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the personal cost of speaking one's truth.

The story of Adèle, a shy high school girl who encounters a woman with blue hair while crossing the street. Instantly drawn to her, Adèle begins to explore her feelings, though she is initially in a relationship with a boy. A kiss with her female friend helps her realise her attraction to women. The film follows her journey from adolescence to adulthood, showing how love and identity become more complicated with time. As Adèle matures, she learns that love alone is not enough to navigate life’s challenges. The film captures the intensity of love and its complexities, offering a heartfelt and moving portrayal of self-discovery, passion and emotional growth. It is both tender and thoughtful, exploring the highs and lows of romantic relationships.

Hilary Swank’s breakthrough performance in Boys Don’t Cry tells the story of a trans man. Based on a true story, it follows a woman who discovers she wants to live as a man and embarks on a journey to transition. As she begins living her life as Brandon, others come to believe she is truly male. Swank’s portrayal earned her the Oscar for Best Actress. The film explores the harsh realities faced by transgender people, highlighting how, once Brandon’s true identity is exposed, society’s treatment shifts dramatically, leading to brutal consequences. Released over 20 years ago, it played a pivotal role in raising awareness about transgender issues and sparked important conversations about gender identity and discrimination.

This deeply moving love story follows two men whose feelings for each other only become clear after time and separation. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal offer powerful performances, conveying complex emotions through their intense eye contact. The pair meet and live together in a remote valley, working alongside each other, yet their relationship remains shrouded in ambiguity. Both go on to start families, but it is only when they are forced apart that they truly confront their emotions. The film leaves a lasting impression, creating strong emotions in the viewer. The outstanding performances of the leads provide a profound exploration of love, offering a deeper understanding of the bond between men and the complexities of their connection.

A poignant and beautifully crafted love story between two young men, widely hailed by critics worldwide. The film follows a young Italian boy who falls for an older American student staying with his family for the summer. What starts as a simple friendship gradually turns into something deeper, set against the beautiful Mediterranean landscape. The narrative is delicately told, with moments of palpable chemistry between the leads. As their feelings intensify, they are unable to resist their emotions, but the love they share inevitably leads to heartbreak. This deeply emotional journey draws the audience into a whirlwind of passion and pain, leaving a lasting impression. The film’s raw and tender exploration of love is both moving and unforgettable.

Todd Haynes’s Carol is a visually captivating film, immersing the viewer in the intoxicating details of a forbidden love affair set in the early 1950s. In a society still struggling to embrace same-sex love, Carol, a wealthy socialite, crosses paths with Therese, a shop assistant, while purchasing a gift for her daughter. Though Therese is involved with a man, she is unsure of her feelings when they first meet, yet she cannot seem to tear her eyes away from Carol. This encounter sets the stage for the unfolding of their connection. Through these carefully observed touches, Carol creates a sensual world where the mundane becomes charged with desire and meaning.

Wong Kar-wai’s Happy Together is a remarkable exploration of love and conflict. The film follows a Hong Kong gay couple, played by Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung, as they travel to Buenos Aires. Their dream of visiting the Iguazu Falls together quickly becomes overshadowed by the tension in their relationship, where love and loneliness intertwine. Leung’s performance is captivating, with his expressive face and eyes revealing unspoken emotions. The intimate love scenes are powerful, while the intrusion of a third party complicates matters further. A Taiwanese character subtly addresses the political backdrop of the time, with Hong Kong’s handover to China looming. Wong Kar-wai’s use of contrasting colours heightens the emotional intensity, capturing the raw and sometimes painful essence of their bond.

A timeless exploration of human connection and self-discovery, following a young black man as he navigates his journey from childhood to adulthood in a tough Miami neighbourhood. The film offers both a powerful portrayal of contemporary African-American life and an intimate, poetic reflection on identity, family, friendship and love. It is a groundbreaking piece of cinema that resonates with deep empathy and universal truths. With remarkable performances from an exceptional cast, Barry Jenkins delivers a profound and moving vision, capturing the pivotal moments and people that shape our lives and identity. Moonlight stands as a testament to the complexities of growing up, offering an emotionally rich story that speaks to the heart and soul of the human experience.

In this poignant film, Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix make their debuts, telling the story of a young gay man raised without a mother. It delves into the world of male prostitution and the complex relationship between two friends. River Phoenix plays Mike, a prostitute struggling with his past, while Keanu portrays Scott, a customer harbouring secret feelings for Mike. Scott expresses he would engage in sex with a man for money, highlighting his emotional turmoil. Phoenix’s performance is unforgettable, a testament to his raw talent, even after his untimely death. Keanu’s portrayal, in contrast, is chilling and distant, offering a stark departure from the heroic figure he would later become in The Matrix. The film is a powerful exploration of loneliness, desire and connection.

In this gripping drama, Tom Hanks won the Oscar for Best Actor as Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who keeps his sexuality hidden. Working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia, Beckett is fired when a colleague uncovers his secret. Believing his dismissal is unjust, he takes legal action. Hanks’ portrayal of a man whose health declines from AIDS strikes a chord, earning widespread acclaim for its depth and sincerity. His performance brings greater understanding to the struggles of those living with the disease during that time. Antonio Banderas plays Beckett’s partner, enhancing the emotional complexity of the story. The film’s powerful depiction of love, discrimination and the fight for justice remains unforgettable.

Set in the 1770s, this film tells a beautifully poignant love story. Marianne, a female artist – is commissioned to paint the portrait of a woman who is about to marry. The bride-to-be is unsure about the marriage, and Marianne must paint her secretly, without her knowledge. As a result, Marianne spends time observing and silently getting to know her subject, which leads to an unexpected and forbidden romance. The film captures the tender and complex emotions between the two women, portraying a love that cannot fully exist but still burns with intensity. This love, filled with longing and passion, makes the film profoundly moving, leaving viewers touched by the depth of their connection long after it ends.

This shot-by-iPhone film is a deeply touching work that blurs the lines between villainy, heroism and victimhood. Set in Hollywood, it follows Sin-Dee, a transgender woman recently released from a 28-day prison sentence on Christmas Eve. After meeting her best friend Alexandria at a donut shop, we learn that Sin-Dee’s boyfriend and pimp, Chester, has cheated on her with a cisgender woman. Furious, Sin-Dee embarks on a mission to confront both Chester and the woman involved. While the film may initially seem like a comedy, its humour is merely a facade. Beneath the surface lies a poignant emotional drama that explores the lives of sex workers and their complex relationships, making Tangerine both captivating and heartfelt.