As time goes on and we get more representation on screen, some old flicks get left in the past. In this list, we will be looking at some of the best (almost) forgotten queer movies – some of which paved the way for our current modern favourites. 

1. Thundercrack! (1975)

A horror parody set in a gothic mansion and featuring several sexually confused individuals, this movie by Curt McDowell and George Kuchar takes you on a journey through a raunchy murder mystery. This flick needs to be seen to be believed, as ratings vary from mildly entertained to somewhat puzzled. 

2. Desert Hearts (1985)

Originally based on Jane Rule’s novel Desert of the Heart, a repressed university professor finds herself falling for a younger lesbian as she waits for her divorce to go through. Set in a rocky and rustic Nevada backdrop, this often-forgotten queer movie has been deemed a cult classic by the film-lesbians. The ending is untroubled and peaceful, which is generally unheard of in LGBTQ+ storylines. 

3. Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Being the feature that put Kate Winslet on the map, the New Zealand-based 1990s movie shows the increased worry of two young girls’ families as they become obsessed with each other. As the relationship gets messier in Peter Jackson’s picture, one of the girl’s mothers is murdered. Even though it is never clearly stated that the girls are sapphic or in a relationship, the stolen kisses and obsessiveness might say otherwise.

4. Tomboy (2011)

Directed by Céline Sciamma, 10-year-old Laure desperately tries to present as a boy called Mikael to the neighbourhood children. But what happens when his parents find out about this lie? This French screen grab is relatable for all of those who realised they were queer from a young age, as we see a young child trying to navigate life and identity. 

5. Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

This Oscar-nominated movie follows Bob, a young male artist, and his relationships with Daniel, a male doctor, and Alex, a female office worker. Directed by John Schlesinger, this film takes the viewer through the complications of an unrequited polyamorous relationship. With the artist’s two lovers knowing about each other but choosing to ignore their existences, a wintery weekend in London can change this trajectory and unspoken issue. 

6. Butterfly Kiss (1995)

Being the directorial debut of Michael Winterbottom, Butterfly Kiss takes us through the story of a bipolar woman named Eunice looking for her lost lover, Judith. While killing men for their cars, she forms a connection with Miriam, who is another lesbian and hard of hearing. Amanda Plummer, playing Eunice, gives an incredible and breathtaking performance in this sometimes forgotten queer movie.

7. My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Directed by Stephen Frears, a run-down laundromat in London is given to Omar by his uncle in hopes of saving the business. When Omar is the victim of a racist attack, he manages to escape due to their leader Johnny being Omar’s former lover. The two rekindle their romance and try to rebuild the laundromat business.

8. Liquid Sky (1982)

In all things neon and hairspray, Liquid Sky is pure ‘80s debauchery. A heroin-seeking UFO lands on Earth and sucks the endorphins from a drug-obsessed model, but finds out that sex is more pleasurable than drugs. This leads to a loss of sexual partners for the androgynous bisexual as the UFO steals them all. This electric (yet slightly strange) flick was directed by Slava Tsukerman. 

9. Jeffrey (1995)

Jeffrey, which has been adapted from Paul Rudnick’s popular play, explores celibacy in gay men due to a fear of AIDS during the height of the epidemic. Directed by Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey meets the love of his life who is living with AIDS after deciding to abstain. In this satirical and somewhat comedy-forward story, our main character must decide whether to stay celibate or be with his new lover. 

10. Tucked (2018)

Jamie Patterson tells the story of a veteran drag queen with a terminal illness. Needing to tidy up unfinished business, an unexpected friendship with a younger queen in this movie brings us a tale of love and loss. A flick that has a feel-good element and a great sense of humour, we see two different individuals exploring their similarities with identity, gender and difficult situations. 

11. I Can’t Think Straight (2008)

Tala, who is engaged to a man, has her life flipped upside down as she meets her best friend’s girlfriend, Leyla. Directed by Shamim Sarif, the two women go through an affair and overcome their cultural differences, with Tala being Christian and Palestinian and Leyla being Indian and Muslim. 

12. Laurence Anyways (2012)

Can love overcome gender? This story tells the life of Laurence, a transgender woman and Fred, her girlfriend. Directed by Xavier Dolan, this flick is complicated and heartfelt as we see Laurence and Fred navigate their love for each other on the silver screen.

13. The Bostonians (1984)

With Vanessa Redgrave getting an Oscar nomination for her performance as Vanessa, the feminist-forward film is based on Henry James’ novel. Including a love triangle, queerness and 19th-century Mississippi – this romantic movie takes the viewer through the highs and lows of same-sex love during this time period.

14. The Queen (1968)

Directed by Frank Simon, The Queen shows the behind-the-scenes of a national drag contest happening in New York City. Between jealousies in the dressing room and the rehearsals before the show, this older movie shows the life of the queens. From talks about sexual orientation to their life outside of the pageants, we see everything in this raw and real movie.

15. Born in Flames (1983)

In a dystopian reality after the US liberation, many minority groups are dealt with by the government. Lizzie Borden takes us through a story of rebellion, liberation, and good radio music in this short film that feels more like a documentary. Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow co-stars in the film along with Adele Bertei and Honey.

16. Parting Glances (1996)

Directed by Bill Sherwood and being one of the first movies to deal with the stigma of the AIDS epidemic, this film explores the lives of Nick and his ex-boyfriend Robert. As Nick gets ready to leave for work in Africa for two years, it is discovered that he is living with AIDS. Robert takes care of him, making for a soft and heartfelt movie.

17. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993)

With her huge thumbs that help her hitchhike through the US, Uma Thurman’s character Sissy becomes a model in advertising. Her New York agent sends her to a ranch where she meets Rain Phoenix’s Bonanza Jennybean. With a star-studded cast that includes Lorraine Bracco, Keanu Reeves, John Hurt, Pat Morita, Roseanne Barr, Angie Dickinson, Sean Young, Carole Kane and Heather Graham, this is not one to miss.

18. Waiting for the Moon (1987)

Waiting for the Moon tells the story of one of literature’s most famous couples – Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. Directed by Jill Godmilow, this flick is set in the steamy heat of a 1930s French summer, where Alice tends to an ailing Gertrude. Starring Linda Hunt and Linda Basset, this flick also includes figures like Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Guillaume Apollinaire.

19. You Are Not Alone (1978)

Ernst Johansen and Lasse Nielsen tell the story of pretentious Danish boarding school boys as they discover their sexuality. With a restricted budget affecting the ending of the movie and a leisurely dialogue, this forgotten queer movie takes us through the highs and lows of being young and gay, while a troubled student threatens the peace of the school.

20. The Wedding Banquet (1993)

Before Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee takes us through this story of a lavender marriage. Wai-Tung and Simon are living a comfortable life, while Wai-Tung’s parents expect him to marry a woman. Wai-Tung marries Wei-Wei out of convenience, who is an artist living in an apartment he owns. As the wedding commences, secrets are revealed and feelings are hurt. 

21. Chutney Popcorn (1999)

Directed by Nisha Ganatra, a gay Indian-American Reena offers to be the surrogate for her straight married sister, Sarita. Reena’s girlfriend Lisa isn’t the happiest with this decision, along with Reena’s parents not accepting her identity as a lesbian. 

LGBTQ+ representation in films had to start from somewhere, so these gems shouldn’t be forgotten among all the modern queer movies we now have.