While parades and parties are a fantastic way to celebrate Pride Month, there's another way to connect with our vibrant LGBTQ+ community: through the magic of LGBTQ+ movies. Join us for a month-long marathon celebrating queer lives in all their joy, resilience, and complexity! From heartwarming romances to side-splitting comedies, historical dramas to cutting-edge documentaries, each film offers a window into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
And to truly immerse yourself in queer cinema, be sure to check out Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, happening this Pride from June 19th to 29th! Read here for other ways to celebrate Pride Month in San Francisco.
Now, settle in and get comfortable— our Pride movie list is packed with 30 LGBTQ+ movies and documentaries we've handpicked for you to watch this June:
Milk (2008)
You've probably heard of Harvey Milk, the groundbreaking gay rights activist and politician, but did you know his story is deeply intertwined with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus? On the very night Harvey Milk was assassinated, the newly formed Chorus was singing Mendelssohn's "Thou, Lord our Refuge" at their first public performance, marking a poignant beginning for the organization.
This biographical drama, starring Sean Penn in an Oscar-winning performance, gives you an intimate look at Milk's life, his unwavering fight for equality, and the tragic events that cut his journey short.
The SFGMC continues to honor Milk's legacy, most notably through our moving choral work, "I Am Harvey Milk." This powerful film reminds us that while progress has been made, Milk's fight for equality is far from over, and he will forever remain an integral part of our story. A must-watch, especially for any San Franciscan!
Tangerine (2015)
Buckle up for a wild ride through the underbelly of Los Angeles with two transgender sex workers on a mission. This LGBTQ+ film isn't afraid to get gritty, and it's all shot on iPhones! It's a raw, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming look at friendship, loyalty, and living life on your own terms.
Bottoms (2023)
High school awkwardness meets fight club in this raunchy comedy that's sure to make you laugh out loud. Two unpopular queer girls start a fight club to, well, meet girls – and the chaos that ensues is hilarious. This film is a fresh and unapologetic celebration of female friendship and the power of being yourself.
Happy Together (1997)
This one's for the hopeless romantics – and by that, I mean those of us who love a good, messy love story. Directed by the acclaimed Wong Kar-wai, this film follows a gay couple whose roller coaster relationship takes them from Hong Kong all the way to Argentina. Get ready for some serious wanderlust vibes, breathtaking cinematography, and a whole lot of emotional ups and downs. It's a beautiful and heartbreaking journey, exploring love in all its complexities.
Badhaai Do (2022)
Ever heard of a lavender marriage? This Bollywood comedy-drama tackles the complexities of a gay man and a lesbian woman navigating a marriage of convenience in India. It's a witty and touching look at finding love and acceptance, all while shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a conservative society.
Moonlight (2016)
This Oscar-winning LGBTQ+ movie is a masterpiece you'll never forget. With its simple yet brilliant plot, the story unfolds in three chapters, each more emotionally powerful than the last. We follow Chiron's journey from a young boy struggling with his identity, to a teen grappling with love and heartache, to a man finally facing his truth. The acting is raw and authentic, and the film's score is a haunting and beautiful accompaniment to this moving story.
All About My Mother (1999)
Pedro Almodóvar knows how to tell a story, and this one is a wild ride. One of his most beloved films, All About My Mother is a heartfelt and hilarious look at a mother's journey through grief, unexpected connections, and the resilience of women. There's a whole cast of unforgettable characters – trans women, nuns, actresses – and a whole lot of drama, but it's all worth it.
The Handmaiden (2016)
Set in 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea, the story unfolds as a young pickpocket is hired as a handmaiden to a wealthy heiress. However, their initial deception soon gives way to a passionate affair filled with twists and turns. The film's breathtaking visuals, captivating performances, and intricate plot will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Grab your feather boas and platform heels! This Australian classic is a road trip movie with a whole lot of heart. Follow two drag queens and a transgender woman as they travel across the Outback in their flamboyant bus, Priscilla. It's a celebration of friendship, finding yourself, and living life out loud – plus, the costumes are iconic and the soundtrack is pure disco gold.
The Normal Heart (2014)
This powerful drama takes us back to the early days of the AIDS epidemic in New York City. It's a heart-wrenching look at the struggle for recognition, activism in the face of loss, and the deep bonds formed in a community facing crisis. This LGBTQ+ movie is not an easy watch, but it's an essential one, reminding us of the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)
A campy cult classic for a reason, 'But I'm a Cheerleader' is a satirical take on those awful conversion therapy camps, following a cheerleader (played by Natasha Lyonne) who's sent away to be "fixed." Let's just say it doesn't go as planned. The bright colors and over-the-top characters are hilarious, but it also has a lot of heart and a message of self-acceptance that still rings true today.
Disclosure (2020)
Ever wondered how Hollywood's portrayal of trans people has evolved over time? This eye-opening documentary takes a deep dive into that complex history, showing both the damaging stereotypes and the moments where we finally started seeing ourselves on screen. Disclosure will make you think and challenge everything you thought you knew about representation in movies and TV.
Happiest Season (2020)
It's the most wonderful time of the year...to come out to your family, right? This holiday rom-com follows a lesbian couple as they navigate the festive chaos of family gatherings and the challenges of keeping their relationship a secret. It's full of laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of holiday cheer – with a queer twist.
God's Own Country (2017)
Trade the sunshine for the stark beauty of the Yorkshire moors in this British drama. A young, lonely farmer finds a profound connection with a Romanian migrant worker. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of harsh landscapes and even harsher realities, but it's a reminder that even in the bleakest of circumstances, love can find a way. It's a slow burn, but the payoff is worth it.
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
This groundbreaking film is a must-watch for anyone interested in queer history and representation. It's a documentary-style story about a young Black lesbian filmmaker who sets out to uncover the truth about a forgotten Black actress from the 1930s. It's witty, thought-provoking, and a reminder of the importance of telling our own stories.
120 BPM (2017)
This French drama throws you right into the heart of ACT UP Paris, a group of activists fighting tooth and nail for recognition and treatment during the AIDS crisis. It's not just about protests and politics, though. It's about the raw emotion, the friendships, and the fierce love that fueled a movement. This film is a powerful reminder that our rights were hard-won, and it honors the heroes who fought for a better future.
La Cage aux Folles (1978)
Another French classic, La Cage aux Folles is pure comedic gold! It's about a gay couple running a drag club who have to pretend to be straight when their son brings home his fiancée and her conservative parents. The hilarious chaos that ensues is both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. If you prefer English, check out "The Birdcage" (1996), a star-studded remake with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane that's just as fabulous.
Rafiki (2018)
This Kenyan film tells the vibrant yet forbidden love story of two young women, Kena and Ziki, whose fathers are political rivals. Despite facing harsh realities in a society where their relationship is illegal, their love for each other blossoms. The film is a testament to resilience, hope, and the universal yearning for connection amidst adversity.
Paris is Burning (1990)
This iconic LGBTQ+ documentary transports you to the underground ballroom scene of 1980s New York City. It's a captivating look at Black and Latinx queer and trans communities, where voguing, fierce competition, and chosen family were a refuge from a hostile world. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the roots of drag culture and the resilience of marginalized communities.
Pride (2014)
Based on a true story, this British film is a heartwarming and often hilarious tale of unlikely solidarity forged during the turbulent UK miners' strike in the 1980s. When a group of LGBTQ+ activists in London decides to raise money for the striking miners, they face resistance from the union itself. Undeterred, they reach out directly to a small Welsh mining village, building bridges of understanding and friendship across cultural divides.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Get the tissues ready, because this one's a heartbreaker. This iconic film tells the story of two cowboys who fall in love in 1960s Wyoming, a time and place where their love was forbidden. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver unforgettable performances as Ennis and Jack, two men grappling with their forbidden desires against the stunning backdrop of the American West. Did you know that the iconic "I wish I knew how to quit you" line was improvised by Ledger? It's a testament to the raw emotion he poured into this role.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Buckle up for a hilarious cross-country adventure! When two glamorous New York City drag queens, Vida (Patrick Swayze) and Noxeema (Wesley Snipes), win a trip to Hollywood for a national drag competition, they decide to bring along a struggling newcomer, Chi-Chi (John Leguizamo). Their journey takes an unexpected detour when their car breaks down in a small rural town, where they find themselves teaching the locals about acceptance, self-love, and the transformative power of drag.
Paris 05:59: Théo & Hugo (2016)
This French film isn't for the faint of heart, but it's a raw and intimate portrayal of a whirlwind romance between two men. It's set over the course of a single night, following their encounter at a sex club through the streets of Paris. It's honest, erotic, and an exploration of the unexpected journeys that love can take us on.
Flee (2021)
Flee is an animated LGBTQ+ documentary that tells the extraordinary true story of a gay Afghan refugee named Amin. Fleeing from his war-torn homeland, he embarks on a perilous journey to find safety and a place to call home. It's beautifully animated, deeply moving, and reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. A must-watch for anyone seeking a unique and emotional cinematic experience.
Bound (1996)
Think "Thelma and Louise" but make it queer...and even more thrilling. This stylish neo-noir follows Violet, a mobster's girlfriend, and Corky, an ex-con who just got out of prison. Their passionate affair sparks a dangerous plan to steal millions from the mob and escape their circumstances. With its sizzling chemistry, nail-biting suspense, and clever twists, Bound is a must-see for anyone who loves a good crime thriller with a healthy dose of lesbian romance.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
This French film is a visual masterpiece. It's a slow-burning love story set in the 18th century about a female painter commissioned to create a portrait of a young woman who is about to be married off. As they spend time together, a forbidden love blossoms. This LGBTQ+ movie is a quiet, intimate, and achingly beautiful exploration of desire, artistry, and the power of connection.
Fire Island (2022)
If you love Pride and Prejudice but wish it had more shirtless guys and way more laughs, then Fire Island is the movie for you! This modern rom-com reimagines Jane Austen's classic tale in the heart of the Fire Island Pines gay scene. Expect witty banter, steamy hookups, and a whole lot of drama (and maybe a karaoke session or two). Plus, it's got an all-star cast of comedians and actors who'll have you cackling all the way through.
A Single Man (2009)
Colin Firth delivers a stunning performance as George, a gay professor grieving the loss of his partner in 1960s Los Angeles. Directed by fashion icon Tom Ford, this visually elegant film captures the beauty in everyday moments and explores themes of love, loss, and finding purpose in a world that can feel isolating.
Love, Simon (2018)
Coming out can be tough, but this heartwarming teen rom-com reminds us that it's also a journey of self-discovery and finding your people. This heartwarming teen rom-com follows Simon, a closeted gay high schooler who falls for an anonymous classmate online. As he tries to figure out who his mystery crush is, he navigates the ups and downs of first love, coming out, and the importance of staying true to yourself. It's a sweet, relatable story that'll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
We Were Here (2011)
This powerful documentary takes you back to the harrowing early days of the 1980 AIDS cris in San Francisco. Through the eyes of five individuals who lived through it – activists, survivors, caregivers – you'll get a glimpse into the fear, loss, and resilience that defined that era. It's a moving tribute to those we lost and a testament to the strength of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of unimaginable challenges.
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This Pride Month, let's celebrate the power of storytelling, the resilience of our community, and the beauty of love in all its forms. We invite you to explore these 30 LGBTQ+ movies, to laugh, cry, and connect with the diverse experiences that have shaped our past, present, and future. As you immerse yourself in these stories, remember that each film is a testament to the strength, creativity, and unwavering spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Let these films inspire you, challenge you, and remind you that you are not alone. Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈
