Some movies leave their mark on the audiences for a very long time, owing to their brilliant storylines and performances. While we all see heterosexual stories being played out on the screen since forever, very few mainstream movies prove to be remarkable which are lgbt representative and inclusive in nature. The following are 11 movies that have created a space for themselves with lgbt representation and have wooed audiences all over the world. Read on to curate your weekend watch list:
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, transvestite alien, from planet Transsexual, in the galaxy of Transylvania, is enough to attract audiences across ages to this classic movie. Tim Curry as Dr. Frank takes viewers on a super adventurous journey that has been lauded for years.
- Maurice (1987)
One of the rare lgbt movies with a happy ending, James Wilby and Hugh Grant shine in this movie which shows repressed homosexual relationships in a positive and non-comedic light. A beautiful watch for the weekend.
- But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
The story of Megan and the self-discovery of her sexuality at a (ironically) ‘sexual redirection’ school makes for a great watch. This movie by Jamie Babbit is a satirical romantic comedy, and quite manages to depict how anyone does not have to necessarily ‘fit’ into the stereotypical LGBT community to be a part of it, and how that is completely okay.
- Imagine Me & You (2005)
A lesbian rom-com, Imagine Me & You explores themes of love and discovery in a way that will make you feel all fuzzy and warm inside. Lena Headey (our Queen Cersei from HBO’s Game of Thrones), and Piper Perabo, put up wonderful performances as the leads to make this movie a worthwhile experience.
- Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Almost 13 years later, and considered a classic, one of Heath Ledger’s career best performances, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams; Brokeback Mountain directed by Ang Lee is based on a short story by Annie Proulx. If you haven’t watched it yet, do it today. Keep a handful of tissues ready nearby because it’s a tale of classic romance and immense heartbreak (and the fond remembrance of Ledger). If only we knew how to quit you, Brokeback Mountain!
- Pariah (2011)
An African-American teen, Alike, with religious parents, and her coming out journey has been beautifully depicted in this incredible first feature movie by lesbian director Dee Rees. Drawing inspiration from Rees’ own life, Pariah gracefully shows the conflicts in Alike’s life between her parents’ wishes and her own desires.
- Blue is the warmest colour (2013)
Even though fairly recent, Blue Is the Warmest Colour by director Abdellatif Kechiche has already attained a cult level status amongst the LGBT community for its completely raw and heart-wrenching depiction of an ill-fated romance between the leads, portrayed by Adele Exarchopoulous and Lea Seydoux. The Palme d’or winning movie notably stands out, among other things, for its incredible acting, and poignant exploration of the themes of love, loss, and sexuality.
- The Handmaiden (2016)
Based on the lesbian historical fiction novel, ‘Fingersmith’ by Welsh author Sarah Waters, The Handmaiden by director Park Chanwook shifts to Japanese-occupied Korea from Victorian England. A psychological thriller, the film has been acclaimed widely for its mysterious and erotic plot which is guaranteed to keep you on the edge for the entire running time.
- Moonlight (2016)
2017’s Academy Award winning movie Moonlight deserves all the praise for the masterpiece that it is. The film is so much more than mere representation, with excellent performances and true inspiration to filmmakers and audiences alike. Adapted from a short play by Tarrell Alvin McRaney, filmmaker Barry Jenkins tells a refreshing and heart-warming story of black gay men, in three stages of their lives, through a very poetic and artistic approach.
- Call Me by Your Name (2017)
One of the most talked about movies of last year, CMBYN is an adaptation of Andé Caiman’s 2008 novel of the same name. Director Luca Guadagnino brings an extremely lyrical and emotional coming-of-age story to the screen, with stellar performances by newcomer Timothée Chalamet as teenager Elio (who subsequently was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category, and at age 22, making him one of the youngest nominees in around two decades), and Armie Hammer as young scholar Oliver. This movie certainly deserves to be on your to-watch list, even if only because of the very picturesque 80s Italian aesthetic, and delightful music by artists like Sufjan Stevens.
- Love, Simon (2018)
The most recent movie on this list, Love, Simon is winning accolades and hearts all over for its super sweet story and major representation of lgbt teens. The movie deals with some very universal themes of coming out to the family, online spaces, and teenage bonding. Based on Becky Abertelli’s award-winning book, ‘Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda’, Love, Simon is being highly praised as an lgbt rom-com for the current generation, and how it is indeed a very encouraging trend for further movies of the same genre.
Now that you’ve got your list ready, start your movie marathon! Happy binging!
