15 gorgeous films that ignited our bi-awakening

From The Mummy to Twilight, these films were responsible for igniting many people's bi-awakening.

Split screen of bi-awakening films including The Mummy, Challengers, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Image: Via X - @Moonshiftmnstrs, @cuentistawrites, @cizgiromanx

In many cases, popular media and culture can be a catalyst for discovering our identities. Whether it’s the power of adventure, chemistry, or just a good ol’ fashioned crush, these films are proof that our hearts can be as complex as the plots they deliver, igniting more than one bi-awakening around the world.

Here’s to a treasure trove of unforgettable films that left us questioning a lot more than just the plot twists.

The Mummy (1999)
Commemorating its 25th anniversary last year, The Mummy has a lasting cultural impact—not just as an action-adventure classic, but as the most iconic bi-awakening film for many. The film not only stood the test of time but also opened a tomb of revelations about identity, love, and the very subtle art of realising, “Wait, I might like both.”

Scream (1996)
Next on this list of films that sparked our bi-awakening is Scream. Ghostface wasn’t the only thing leaving us breathless—this entire cast is too good-looking for their own good!

Disobedience (2018)
Rachel Weisz brings the heat in this slow-burn romance that’s all about defying tradition. With love, tension, and a whole lot of “wait, are they really doing this?” moments, Disobedience shows that sometimes breaking all the rules is the most passionate thing you can do. 

 

Jennifer’s Body (2009)
The world was not ready for this storyline in 2009, but it’s since become a feminist classic with a queer following. With Megan Fox on a revenge killing spree and Amanda Seyfriend trying to stop her, it’s no wonder why our eyes were glued to the screen.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Sure, Frodo and Sam had an undeniable bond, but Legolas and Aragorn? That epic bromance—full of tension, loyalty, and maybe just a pinch of something else—left us wondering if the real quest was about finding out how everyone could be this attractive in Middle-Earth.

Tully (2018)
Charlize Theron is every mom’s secret alter ego in this hilarious yet heartwarming rollercoaster of motherhood. When a night nanny named Tully (played by Mackenzie Davis) enters the picture, things get hilariously real, proving that sometimes the best way to survive parenthood is with a little help—and a lot of laughs.

Scooby-Doo (2002)
Mystery, ghosts, and adventure— sure, but let’s talk about the fact that Scooby-Doo had a really good-looking cast. At some point, everyone had a crush on somebody from this film.

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Padmé and Anakin are hot and all, but what about Obi-Wan and Anakin? Just sayin’.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
The only thing more intense than the soccer game? The electric connection between Jess and Jules.

X-Men I-II (2000-2003)
Mutants, powers, and definitely some electric chemistry, this film has it all. Between Rogue’s tough-girl charm and Storm’s flawless diva energy, it wasn’t just the weather that was stormy. Their intense “friendship” (or was it something more?) had us wondering if we should be rooting for them to save the world—or just get together already.

Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Romantic? Sure. But the Phantom’s obsession with Christine is practically the dictionary definition of “complicated feelings”.

Pirates of the Caribbean (2006)
Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and every pirate on the high seas—who didn’t get swept up in all of it?

Stardust (2007)
Between the dashing Tristan and the mysterious Captain Shakespeare, we were all questioning our loyalties (and our hearts).

Twilight (2008)
Vampire? Werewolf? Bella? Plot twist: Everyone in Forks had us feeling some type of way.

Challengers (2024)
And finally, the latest addition to our list, it was absolutely necessary to include this film. If this is the start of an era, we’re about to see a new generation of characters that leave us rethinking what attraction really means.

And there you have it! From Ghostface to vampires, mutants to a simple tennis match, this collection of bi-awakening films shows us that sometimes, it’s not about choosing sides—it’s about being on all the teams. If you’re still searching for that thrill, why not check out our list of queer-awakening TV and movie characters?

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