Sometimes, we all need a movie with a happy ending. In light of the current chaotic state of the world, we decided to compile a list of our favourite cheerful queer films that will hopefully provide a moment of blissful escape.
The only juicy spoiler that we’ll give is that these 7 queer films all finish with happy endings. So go watch, and get your spirits lifted!
In this whimsically edgy romantic-comedy, LGBTQ+ girls are forced into a ‘conversion therapy’ camp. The main character, Megan (Cathy Moriarty), dutifully follows the program, until she begins to fall in love with another camper, played by queer Clea DuVall.
‘Conversion therapy‘ is indeed horrid, but have no fear, we promised a happy ending and this movie of self-acceptance and love sure delivers it!
In this musical coming-of-age story, Ulysses (Luka Kain) is struggling with his home life and questions about his gender identity. He searches for a better community and finds what he’s looking for at an LGBTQ+ shelter.
Through creating an escape in a world of fantasy filled with dance and song, elevated by original music, and a vibrant Trans community, Ulysses settles into a story of acceptance.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
This film features elite Manhattan drag queens Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze) and Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), along with novice Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Alberto Leguizamo), trying to impress regional judges in a competition.)
Finding themselves stranded in a small town, after embarking on a road trip to Los Angeles, (spoiler alert) the trio overcome the odds, ensuring this movie will make you smile.
This heartwarming 2014 film is based on a true story of queer activists raising money to help families affected by the British miners’ strike.
Known from Sherlock and Fleabag, Scott plays Gethin Roberts, one half of an older gay couple who own the bookshop used as headquarters for group meetings. It’s an unmissable piece of LGBTQ+ cinema.
This wonderful documentary is centred around the lives of queer people living in New York City and their “house” culture, which provides a sense of community and support for the performers. Groups from each house compete in elaborate balls that take cues from the world of fashion.
Touching on issues of racism and poverty, the film features interviews with a number of renowned performers, including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey.
Starting out as a Brazilian 2010 short film and developing into a feature-length film of love and friendship, The Way He Looks, is a brilliant story featuring a teenager, Leonardo, and his search for independence.
It follows his navigation of everyday life, the relationship between he and his best friend, Giovana, and the emotional shift after the arrival of the third character, Gabriel.
Young love is messy and awkward. In The Edge of Seventeen, lonely high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), forms an unexpecteded friendship with the thoughtful Erwin Kim (Hayden Szeto) that gives her a glimmer of hope that life just might not be so terrible after all.
There you are folks, our favourite uplifting queer films. Now your next movie night can end on a happy note.
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