June is here, which means it’s time to celebrate pride. The LGBTQ+ community has many options to acknowledge and commemorate this important month, and the content they consume is extremely varies. Luckily, the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix include a healthy mix of every possible genre. There was once a time when queer content came only in the form of a tragedy that ended in death or a hardcore drama about the struggles of simply existing. Nowadays, things are different, and LGBTQ+ movies can be comedies, rom-coms, and even sci-fi stories!
These films feature compelling queer stories and characters that will make their audience feel seen, perhaps for the first time. New movies come to Netflix every week, meaning there’s a consistent and varied collection of queer-themed pictures available. Some are acquired tastes, while others are critically acclaimed classics. Others are animated, while some are decidedly not kid-friendly. With so much to choose from, it might be tedious to search for just one title. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together a list of the best LGBTQ-themed movies on Netflix right now.
When you’re done going through this list, check out the best LGBTQ films to stream right now on multiple services; the best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO; and the best Netflix original series you can stream right now.
Strange Way of Life (2023)
6.2/10Pedro Almodóvar’s second English-language project stars Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke and The Last of Us season 2 star Pedro Pascal. Strange Way of Life follows Jake, a sheriff in a small town who is investigating the murder of his brother’s widow. Things get complicated when his ex-lover, Silva, arrives, only for Jake to realize Silva is the father of the main suspect in the crime. Strange Way of Life deals with many of Almodóvar’s favorite themes, including masculinity, homosexuality, and repressed emotions. The 31-minute runtime might leave audiences wanting more, but Almodóvar’s distinctive voice and the chemistry between Hawke and Pascal more than compensate for it.
Tangerine (2015)
86%
7.1/10Sean Baker’s acclaimed comedy-drama Tangerine follows the titular character, a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp cheated on her while she was in prison. Determined to learn the truth, she joins her friend Alexandra on a trip through the Los Angeles night scene. Known for being shot on three iPhone 5s, Tangerine is an insightful and poignant queer film that showcases Baker’s singular voice. Lead actress Kitana Kiki Rodriguez is a revelation, supporting an often intense but always earnest narrative and preventing it from descending into despair.
Brother (2023)
70%
6.9/10Based on David Chariandy’s novel and set in 1990s Toronto, Clement Virgo’s Brother is an intimate portrayal of brotherhood and masculinity. Aaron Pierre and Lamar Johnson star as Francis and Michael, two brothers dealing with several issues. The film alternates between their childhood, teen years, and young adulthood, leading to a tragic ending. Brother deals with its LGBTQ+ themes subtly, but cleverly, blending them with the narrative’s other concerns rather than placing them at the forefront. The result is a nuanced yet impactful coming-of-age story that rises on the strength of the lead character’s loving bond.
Chabuca (2024)
6.9/10Peruvian entertainment personality and drag queen Ernesto Pimentel is the subject of the 2024 biopic Chabuca. The film chronicles his childhood and the circumstances that led to the creation of La Chola Chabuca, a defining character in South American television that changed his life. Chabuca is a revelatory, yet loving portrayal of a larger-than-life figure who many might not know much about. Although it adheres to the classic biopic formula, Chabuca remains a fascinating depiction of its subject, coming from a clear place of admiration and respect.
Hurricane Season (2023)
5.8/10The Mexican drama thriller Hurricane Season is based on Fernanda Melchor’s 2017 eponymous novel and directed by Elisa Miller. Set in the rural village of La Matosa, the plot centers on a group of teenagers who stumble upon the corpse of La Bruja, a respected, but mysterious woman. The film uses a nonlinear narrative focused on several characters and explores their involvement in the crime and the circumstances that led to it. Hurricane Season depicts their lives and experiences through sexuality, relationships, and self-discovery, addressing classic coming of age themes and expertly blending them with a riveting thriller narrative that will keep audiences on the edge.
A Single Man (2009)
77%
7.5/10Colin Firth received his first Oscar nomination for his lead role in Tom Ford’s directorial debut, A Single Man. Based on the eponymous 1964 novel, the plot follows George, a man grieving the loss of his partner, Jim. Resolving to commit suicide, George makes preparations, meeting several people on his journey to the end. Stylish yet bleak, A Single Man is a sobering look at the complicated and neverending process of grief. Powered by Firth’s somber performance, A Single Man might not be necessarily optimistic, but it remains a worthwhile and emotional exploration of commitment and enduring love for LGBTQ+ fans looking for a good cry.
The Persian Version (2023)
61%
6.2/10Eternal Summer (2006)
7.0/10The 2006 Taiwanese romantic coming-of-age drama Eternal Summer is among this century’s most underrated LGBTQ+ movies. It centers on childhood friends Jonathan and Shane, whose connection is tested when a new girl, Carrie, arrives at their school, expressing an interest in them. To further complicate matters, Jonathan begins questioning his sexuality and his feelings toward Shane. Eternal Summer is an emotional and insightful depiction of young love at a pivotal period in a person’s life, when feelings are unclear, and everything seems like a matter of life and death.
Shortcomings (2023)
67%
6.4/10Randall Park’s feature directorial debut, Shortcomings stars Justin H. Min and Sherry Cola as Ben and Alice, two young adults dealing with messy love lives and uncertain professional futures. When Ben and his girlfriend, Miko, break up, he begins dating again, relying on Alice, who is queer and ready to commit. Sweet yet surprisingly incisive, Shortcomings is a worthy entry into the ever-growing romantic dramedy subgenre. It offers interesting commentaries about the queer and Asian-American experiences through witty and intelligent humor, resulting in a film that deserves more attention from the masses.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
81%
7.8/10The 2023 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All at Once, is one of the most daring, refreshing, and dazzling movies in recent memory. The plot centers on Evelyn Quan Wang, an overworked and overstressed Chinese-American woman being audited by the IRS. Her reality shifts when she discovers she’s at the center of a multiversal war and must connect with alternate versions of herself to save the multiverse from a powerful being. Subversive and absurd, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a unique film that defies categorization. Featuring a powerful and ultimately heartwarming queer storyline perfectly brought to life by Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once enhances its chaotic narrative with an emotional, grounding core that makes it relatable and resonant.
Maestro (2023)
77%
6.6/10Bradley Cooper’s sophomore directorial effort, Maestro, apirs him with fellow Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan to tell the story of Leonard Bernstein’s marriage to Felicia Montealegre. The film chronicles their relationship over the years, including his incredible success and his dalliances with other men. Maestro offers a superficial, but still compelling look at the private life of a musical genius, and while it doesn’t reveal anything new about Bernstein, it at least offers plenty of opportunities for its two leading actors to shine. Nominated for seven Oscars, Maestro is one of Netflix’s heavy hitters for the 2024 awards season.
Good Grief (2023)
59%
6.4/10Following the success of Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy is embracing his directorial sensibilities. The multi-hyphenate writes, directs, and stars in the 2024 dramedy Good Grief, which co-stars Hamish Patel and Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga. The plot follows a man grieving the loss of his husband with the help of his two best friends. Although it treads familiar territory, Good Grief remains a sweet and sentimental examination of grief, love, and acceptance. Levy relies on classic tropes of the genre, but the result is affecting and rewarding nonetheless.
Down Low (2023)
48%
5.3/10Down Low is the kind of silly fun perfect for a Saturday afternoon. Zachary Quinto stars as Gary, a divorced, closeted father of two in his 40s who hires Cameron, a young prostitute played by Lucas Gage. The plot quickly descends into chaos in this wickedly black comedy about embracing life’s opportunities and making the best out of every moment. Those who enjoy a morbid comedy will get a kick out of Down Low, an uneven, yet biting film that packs quite a punch, largely thanks to Quinto and Gage’s chaotic chemistry.
Heart Shot (2022)
4.9/10Short films can pack quite a punch despite their limited runtimes, and such is the case with 2022’s Heart Shot. The short follows teenagers Nikki and Sam, whose plans to run away together are derailed by Nikki’s dangerous past. Flawed but undeniably compelling, Heart Shot is a compact love story about youth, passion, and the desire to escape one’s mistakes. Running a little under 20 minutes, Heart Shot falls short of fully exploring its premise, but it remains a powerful slice of sapphic romance that should be a must-watch for queer audiences.
Rustin (2023)
68%
6.6/10Emmy winner Colman Domingo stars as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in George C. Wolfe’s 2023 biopic Rustin. The plot follows his efforts advising Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to organizing the 1963 March on Washington. However, it also deals with the repercussions his openly gay lifestyle brought upon him. Elevated by a tour-de-force performance from Domingo, Rustin is a familiar, yet insightful look into the life and legacy of a prominent historical figure who has spent far too long in the shadows.
NYAD (2023)
64%
7.1/10Four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening and two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster star in the 2023 sports biopic Nyad. The film chronicles the efforts of Diana Nyad, a marathon swimmer who, at 64, attempts to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without using a shark cage. Nyad’s real-life story is surrounded by controversy, but Bening and Foster deftly navigate a thorny story to deliver a crowd-pleasing film that will keep audiences entertained.
Nuovo Olimpo (2023)
7.2/10Ferzan Özpetek’s 2023 romantic drama Nuovo Olimpo tells the story of two men who meet in 1970s Rome. Their quick and torrid romance is interrupted by an unexpected event, leading them to try to find each other again for the next 30 years. Although it treads familiar territory, Nuovo Olimpo remains an emotional and affecting story about love, longing, passion, and regret that’s deftly guided by Özpetek’s direction and supported by the terrific performances of leads Damiano Gavino and Andrea Di Luigi. Those unafraid of subtitles should absolutely check out this underrated gem.
Elisa & Marcela (2019)
6.6/10Based on a true story, this Spanish drama begins in 1885, as Marcela and Elisa meet and form a deep bond. Their friendship becomes a passionate and forbidden love affair that leads them to defy conventions. In 1901, Elisa adopts a male identity in order to marry Marcela. Propelled by its compelling lead performers, Elisa & Marcela overcomes dramatic clichés and a conventional narrative to deliver a tender romantic story about love in the face of prejudice. Although far from perfect, Elisa & Marcela is a worthy entry in Netflix’s LGBTQ+ library.
Mutt (2023)
69%
6.2/10The 2023 drama Mutt follows Feña, a trans man whose life dramatically changes over 24 hours after reconnecting with his foreign father, ex-boyfriend, and estranged sister. Chronicling his struggles since transitioning, Mutt is an insightful and poignant exploration of the reality many transgender people experience. The film handles its delicate issues with remarkable empathy, resulting in a thoughtful and affecting drama that might be required viewing for most LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
89%
6.8/10The Imitation Game (2014)
71%
8.0/10Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick Melrose) received his first Oscar nomination for playing mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing in Morten Tyldum’s 2014 biopic The Imitation Game. The plot chronicles Turing’s work at Bletchley Park during World War II, including his groundbreaking creation of the machine that allowed for the decryption of secret German messages. Featuring stellar supporting performances from Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, and a large ensemble, The Imitation Game is a thrilling biopic that does justice to its mysterious and fascinating real-life subject.
Boy Erased (2018)
69%
6.9/10Academy Award winners Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe star opposite Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges in Joel Edgerton’s 2018 drama Boy Erased. The plot centers on Jared Eamons, a boy sent to a conversion therapy program by his religious parents. While there, Jared learns to find his own voice and accept his sexuality. Boy Erased navigates a potentially thorny subject with admirable empathy, and while it doesn’t do nearly as much as it could with its intriguing premise, it succeeds as a powerfully acted and delicately told drama.
Do Revenge (2022)
66%
6.3/10Camila Mendes and Stranger Things Volume 4 star Maya Hawke star in the pastel-colored teen revenge comedy Do Revenge. The plot centers on two teenagers who join forces to get revenge on each other’s enemies. However, their plan soon leads to unexpected results. Loosely inspired by the Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train, Do Revenge borrows from the many better teen movies that came before. However, a witty screenplay and Mendes and Hawke’s perfect performances elevate this teen movie.
Marry My Dead Body (2023)
7.1/10Ming-han is a homophobic and skeptic policeman who gets accidentally betrothed to a recently deceased gay man, Mao Pan-yu, after accidentally picking up a red wedding envelope. To rid themselves of the marriage, the cop and his “ghost husband’ must work together to discover the mysteries behind Mao’s unsolved death. A deranged comedy for fans of the now-defunct screwball genre, Marry My Dead Body is a delightful effort benefitting from a ludicrous plot and a committed cast.
Nimona (2023)
75%
7.6/10Based on the eponymous 2015 graphic novel, Nimona stars a voice cast led by Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, and Frances Conroy. The film is set in a Medieval-inspired fantasy world and follows a knight falsely accused of a crime. Desperate to prove his innocence, he joins Nimona, a young girl and shape-shifter who joins his quest for justice.
Nimona is a beautifully animated and thought-provoking animated adventure benefitting from a spirited voice performance by the ever-reliable Moretz. Stylish, humorous, and filled with subtext, Nimona will satisfy adults and children alike.
Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate (2023)
The 2023 documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate shines a line in a pivotal period of German history. The film focuses on the lives of LGBTQ+ people during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany, using the titular queer nightclub Eldorado as the setting. Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate features several prominent queer figures and offers an accessible and engrossing look at a much-discussed period in history through the eyes of a group that suffered greatly at the hands of Nazi Germany.
Operation Hyacinth (2021)
6.8/10Hyacinth is a Polish thriller directed by Piotr Domalewski. The plot follows Robert, a young police officer new to the force. His investigation into a serial killer targeting gay men in Warsaw leads him down a path of self-discovery and mystery, as every choice he makes leads him closer to discovering the truth.
The film is based on the real-life Operation Hyacinth conducted by the Polish force between 1985 and 1987, aiming to register every known homosexual and those close to them. Engrossing and gritty, Hyacinth condemns the real operation while delivering a compelling mystery that will leave audiences satisfied.
Time Out (2015)
6.1/10The 2015 Bollywood comedy Time Out tells a classic coming-of-age story about sibling love and identity. The plot follows Gaurav, a 14-year-old who struggles to accept his older brother, high school jock Mihir, is gay. As Gaurav deals with his first love and family trouble resulting from Mihir’s confession, he’ll realize the true meaning of brotherhood. Time Out is sweet and funny, offering a heartfelt look at a pivotal moment in a young boy’s life and dealing with deep and crucial themes with warmth and empathy.
The Perfection (2018)
60%
6.2/10The ever-underrated Allison Williams stars in the 2018 psychological horror thriller The Perfection. The plot centers on Charlotte, a talented but troubled musical prodigy who returns to a prestigious music school, where she develops a complicated relationship with Lizzie, the new rising talent.
The Perfection is the perfect mix of gory thrills and near-campy silliness, elevated by Williams’ outstanding lead performance. Gripping, but never taking itself too seriously, The Perfection is an LGBTQ+ story for fans looking for something other than romance.
Badhaai Do (2022)
7.0/10The Hindi dramedy Badhaai Do follows a gay man and a lesbian who enter a marriage of convenience to avoid coming out to their families. Their peaceful cohabitation is upended when the woman’s girlfriend comes to live with them, throwing their lives into chaos.
Thoughtful without sacrificing the humor, Badhaai Do is a funny and heartwarming story about identity and inclusivity that marks another step in the right direction for LGBTQ+ representation.
So My Grandma's a Lesbian! (2020)
4.4/10The 2021 Spanish comedy So My Grandma’s a Lesbian follows Eva, a woman engaged to a member of a prominent and ultraconservative family who discovers her grandma plans to marry her best friend. Don’t be fooled by the truly awful title — the Spanish original, “Salir del Ropero,” literally means “Coming Out of the Closet” — because the film is a heartwarming story about coming out in your golden years. Powered by a charming performance from Rosa María Sardà, the film is the rare story that places an older woman in the spotlight.
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020)
76%
7.3/10The late Walter Mercado was among the most important astrologers in the world and a cultural icon in Latin America. His influence spread across every Central American and Latin American country, with audiences loyally following his teachings.
The 2020 documentary Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado gives viewers a closer look into his life and career, chronicling his rise to fame and success and discussing his lasting influence in Latin American television.
Dance of the Forty One (2020)
6.8/10Based on the real-life scandal that took place in Mexico in the early 20th century, The Dance of the Forty-One stars Alfonso Herrera and Emiliano Zurita. The film is a fictionalized take on the events leading to the eponymous event, a party of gay men, many of whom were dressed as women. Featuring impressive production values and compelling performances, The Dance of the Forty-One is a well-crafted and well-told portrayal of a pivotal moment in Mexican history.
Cobalt Blue (2022)
6.5/10The Hindi-language LGBTQ+ drama Cobalt Blue is a poignant portrayal of same-sex pairings and their often confrontational relationship with traditions. The film centers on an aspiring author and his sister, who both fall for the enigmatic and attractive guest at their home. As their dynamics with him evolve, their traditional family faces a reckoning.
I Care a Lot (2021)
66%
6.3/10Rosamund Pike delivers a wickedly-delicious, Golden Globe-winning performance leading an ensemble including Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, and Diane Wiest in J Blakeson’s scathing satirical comedy I Care a Lot. The film centers on Marla Grayson, a court-appointed guardian who exploits her elderly charges while putting them in involuntary assisted living facilities. However, things get complicated when she tries to scam the mother of a dangerous gangster, putting her in a potentially deathly situation.
Single All the Way (2021)
49%
6.1/10Who doesn’t love a great Christmas movie, even if it’s not yet Christmas? Single All the Way stars Michael Urie as Peter, a recently-separated man who wants to avoid his family’s scrutiny over being single during the holidays. Persuading his best friend, Nick, to pose as his boyfriend for the trip, the two travel to Peter’s family’s home. However, their ruse soon reveals the lingering feelings between them. Philemon Chambers, Like Macfarlane, Kathy Najimy, and Jennifer Coolidge also star.
Bruised (2021)
52%
6.2/10Halle Berry delivers her finest performance in years with her directorial debut, Bruised. The Oscar-winning actress stars as Jackie, an aging and disgraced former MMA fighter forced to face the consequences of her life’s choices when the son she hasn’t seen for years shows up at her doorstep. With one last shot to get her life back on track, Jackie starts a new chapter in her personal and boxing journeys, but the demons of her past refuse to let go.
Dumplin' (2018)
53%
6.6/10The Prom (2020)
55%
5.9/10Pray Away (2021)
76%
6.6/10Ride or Die (2021)
64%
2.7/10Let It Snow (2019)
51%
5.8/10Duck Butter (2018)
58%
5.3/10Dancing Queens (2021)
5.4/10The Half of It (2020)
74%
6.9/10Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
87%
6.9/10Disclosure (2020)
79%
8.2/10The Boys in the Band (2020)
70%
6.8/10Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
7.3/10Circus of Books (2019)
74%
7.1/10Girl (2018)
73%
7.1/10Tallulah (2016)
63%
6.7/10A Secret Love (2020)
77%
7.9/10Dear Ex (2018)
7.3/10Alex Strangelove (2018)
62%
6.3/10Editors' Recommendations
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