Cinema has started to do a better job of representing LGBTQ voices. Here are a few films that made this possible!
Page Contents
Handsome Devil
Image: Handsome Devil/Treasure Entertainment
Imagine if Deads Poet Society was a gay film and you will get Handsome Devil. This heartfelt coming-of-age movie takes apart toxic masculinity and its effects on gay pride. It features a great soundtrack and also, the heartthrob gay actor Andrew Scott.
Moonlight
Image: Moonlight/A24
This Oscar-winner will win you over with its realistic storytelling and leave you in tears. It accurately depicts the struggles of trying to be yourself in a world that wants you to confirm. The amazing background score and cinematography make it absolutely perfect.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Image: Portrait of a Lady on Fire/Arte
The intimate spaces of lesbian love remain vastly unexplored. But this film makes up for that. Not only is it a brilliant pride film but it also shows the connection between love, art, and feminism.
Laurence Anyways
Image: Laurence Anyways/Lyla Films, MK2
A man tells his girlfriend he wants to become a woman in Laurence Anyways. One could use many adjectives to describe this film but words won’t suffice. It can only be experienced.
A Fantastic Woman
Image: A Fantastic Woman/Fabula, Komplizen Film
First up, this film illustrates that casting is an important indicator of representation as it features a trans woman playing the character of a trans woman. Rather than being preachy, it makes us empathize with the struggles of the transgender community through the universal theme of grief.
The Half of It
Image: The Half of It/Likely Story
This quintessential Netflix original is extremely layered in its exploration of love, sexuality, and friendship. If you want to watch something heart-warming this pride month, The Half of It is the perfect pick.
Carol
Image: Carol/Number 9 Films
Carol will empower you to defy societal norms, but not with bold or jarring storytelling. It is a warm, slow burn that will fill you with hope and strength this pride month.
Call Me by Your Name
Image: Call Me by Your Name/Frenesy Film Company
Scenic visuals of the Italian countryside and love simmering between two beautiful boys make up for a perfect escapist watch. Adapted from the novel of the same name, this film will leave you with an unwavering sense of liberation.
Uncle Frank
Image: Uncle Frank/Miramax
Paul Bettany (Vision from the MCU) plays the role of a gay literature professor named Frank in this touching film. Frank is made to confront his past and move on with his life. It is a heavy watch that will make you cry at several places but ultimately, it will treat you with warmth.
The Thing about Harry
Image: The Thing about Harry
This is the perfect gay romantic comedy for an ideal day. While most films have portrayed attraction to either the same or the opposite sex, The Thing about Harry goes beyond that and says, it’s totally cool to have your eyes set on more than one gender.
Love, Simon
Image: Love, Simon/Fox 2000 Pictures
Love, Simon is helmed as one of the most effective movies to be made on accepting oneself. This Netflix original will keep you hooked from the first scene itself and will make you desperate to see the characters own their identity.
4th Man Out
Image: 4th Man Out/Tait Productions
A man decides to reveal to his hyper-masculine friends that he is gay. What could go wrong? As it turns out, not much. This film will tickle you and make you sob a bit as well but the rollercoaster journey will be worth it!
God’s Own Country
Image: God’s Own Country/Met Film Production
Partly inspired by director Francis Lee’s own life, God’s Own Country is about finding the best way to live with one’s identity. It is unflinchingly honest and raw. But don’t worry, it breaks the trope of sad endings in queer cinema and leaves you with a lot of hope.
Which pride films are on your watchlist?
Cover Image: Various
4 thoughts on “Films That Celebrate Pride – LGBTQ+ Edition”
Comments are closed.