11 LGBTQ Films You May Not Have Seen

The world of LGBTQ cinema has grown by leaps and bounds in the past two decades. Just in the last couple of awards cycles, we have seen a plethora of well-received, critically-lauded LGBTQ dramas at the forefront of the Hollywood spectrum.

Carol, Moonlight, The Danish Girl, and this year’s truly breathtaking Call Me By Your Name, have all picked up massive wins in critical acclaim, nominations, and awards. Now here are 11 other LGBTQ films you may not have seen.

Pride — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

The real question is, why haven’t you watched Pride? Based on the true story of a group of gay and lesbian activists in 1984 England who band together to help save a mining community, this little movie is sure to make you smile.

4th Man Out — Netflix

“Breezy and heartwarming” — that’s how I would describe this film. 4th Man Out is honestly unlike any other LGBTQ movie I’ve seen to date. It takes what most movies justifiably handle with a heavier hand, and just makes it feel light and natural. Truly lovely.

Lost and Delirious — Starz

Lost and Delirious sets a bit of a darker tone, but it is well worth the watch. This came out several years before Brokeback Mountain and was arguably covering relatively new ground, taking risks that were only scarcely touched upon before.

Imagine Me & You — Starz

There are not enough honest-to-goodness romantic comedies starring gay and lesbian characters as their lead couple. So thank goodness for this movie and the level of adorable it brings. Needless to say, Piper Perabo takes on a very different role in this film (as opposed to her tortured character in Lost and Delirious.)

Kinky Boots — Film Struck

No, you’re not dreaming. That’s Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joel Edgerton starring as Lola and Charlie in this undeniably addictive gem. If you’ve seen the Tony Award Winning broadway show, then you already know this story. While not a musical, the film is perhaps even more charming.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

Speaking of musicals, Hedwig is like no other musical you have ever seen. The pinnacle here for me is John Cameron Mitchell (as Hedwig) singing The Origin of Love. That scene alone is worth the (very modest) price of admission.

A Home at the End of the World — Rent or buy for $2.99 and up.

I’m a huge fan of stories that challenge the idea of what constitutes a family. While slightly ambiguous in its declarations, A Home at the End of the World does that and more in a truly intoxicating way. One nice little bonus is seeing the fabulous Harris Allen from Queer as Folk in a supporting role.

Dog Day Afternoon — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

File this under “Stuff You Probably Never Knew”: Released in 1975, Dog Day Afternoon is one of the first films ever to feature a transgender character. Al Pacino stars as a man-turned-bank robber in his desperation to save his love: a man suffering from depression because he cannot afford to pay for a sex change operation (now more commonly known as sexual reassignment surgery). What’s more? This is based on a real event. Watch the documentary The Dog for more information on the true story.

But I’m a Cheerleader — Amazon Prime, Hulu, Epix, Tribeca Short List

There’s really nothing funny about the very real practice of shipping kids off to conversion therapy against their will. But in this hilarious satire from 1999 and starring Natasha Lyonne, Clea Duvall, and Ru Paul, you have express permission to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

The Broken Hearts Club — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

Director Greg Berlanti is responsible for some of our favorite TV obsessions, and is coming out with the very sweet Love, Simon later this year. However, The Broken Hearts Club is his first foray into the world of directing and with its all-star cast and lighthearted appeal, it is worth every minute.

Big Eden — Netflix

I think I saved the most heartwarming for last. Sadly, this lovely little movie just fell off the radar, and I cannot figure out why. Full of recognizable faces, including Tim DeKay of TV’s Carnivale and White Collar, this one is especially hard to resist.

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