Queer content is, fortunately, becoming more accessible in film and television. Numerous movies are readily available on streamers like Netflix, from Oscar-nominated originals tand critically acclaimed classics to thoughtful romantic dramas and sweet romantic comedies. And with new movies coming to Netflix every week, there are even some quality thrillers and steamy films in the mix, too.
Indeed, Netflix’s collection of LGBTQ+ is one of the best you’ll find on any streaming platform. What better way to celebrate this year’s Pride Month than by watching some quality queer content from the comfort of your home? Even beyond June, it’s always a great time to sit back and watch a funny gay rom-com or a passionate queer love story. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara star in Todd Haynes’ acclaimed romantic drama Carol. The film chronicles the forbidden love affair between a young and aspiring photographer and a wealthy older woman going through a difficult divorce in 1950s New York. Carol was critically acclaimed, earned six Oscar nominations, and is considered to be among the best LGBTQ+ dramas of recent years.
Straight Up centers on Todd, a gay man with OCD who begins questioning his sexual identity after a string of complicated relationships. When he meets Rory, a young woman and kindred spirit, the two enter a relationship without any physical or sexual intimacy. Presenting a refreshing and progressive view of romance and relationships, Straight Up is among the most interesting and daring recent LGBTQ+ films, with a memorable ending that audiences will certainly love.
The French coming-of-age LGBTQ+ movie I Am Jonas features a narrative that juggles past and present. It centers on Jonas, a man recalling his turbulent teenage affair with the alluring, but twisted Nathan while struggling through life as an impulsive thirtysomething gay man. A dark and insightful slow burn, I Am Jonas is a drama with genuine teeth for people looking for LGBTQ+ content with a little more bite than the traditional rom-com.
Based 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.
The 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.
Rosamund 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.
Who 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.
Halle 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.
Editors' Recommendations
- Manifest season 4 part 2’s ending, explained
- 6 LGBTQ+ movies to check out for Pride 2023
- The best performances in Stephen King movies, ranked
- Best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max (HBO), and more
- The best new shows to stream on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more
