Queer content is becoming more accessible in film and television. Numerous movies are readily available on every major streamer, although few can compare to Netflix, the once and future king of the streaming world. New movies come to Netflix every week, meaning there’s a consistent and varied collection of queer films for audiences to enjoy, from Oscar-nominated originals and critically acclaimed classics to thoughtful romantic dramas, sweet romantic comedies, and even some steamy films.
Indeed, Netflix’s collection of LGBTQ+ is one of the best in the streaming world. Whether looking for your next date night movie or just a quality film to watch on a chill afternoon, there’s always a great reason to 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.
Nimona (2023)
Based 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)
Hyacinth 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)
The 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)
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.
Badhaai Do (2022)
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.
So My Grandma's a Lesbian! (2020)
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.
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020)
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.
Carol (2015)
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 (2020)
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.
I Am Jonas (2018)
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.
Dance of the Forty One (2020)
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.
Cobalt Blue (2022)
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.
I Care a Lot (2021)
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.
Single All the Way (2021)
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.
Bruised (2021)
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.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Disobedience (2017)
Summerland (2020)
Other People (2016)
Dumplin' (2018)
The Prom (2020)
Pray Away (2021)
Ride or Die (2021)
Let It Snow (2019)
Duck Butter (2018)
Dancing Queens (2021)
The Half of It (2020)
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Disclosure (2020)
The Boys in the Band (2020)
Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
Circus of Books (2019)
Girl (2018)
Tallulah (2016)
A Secret Love (2020)
Dear Ex (2018)
Alex Strangelove (2018)
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