If you’re looking for some films for a movie night in, we have some recommendations and they’re all made by queer directors. From sci-fi to period pieces and even Christmas comedies, not all have LGBTQ+ themes, but most do!

The Matrix (1999), directed by the Wachowski sisters

This classic is set in a dystopian world where people are trapped in the Matrix, a simulated society. Neo is a computer hacker, and he is believed to be “the one” to defeat the aliens that trapped them. This film is directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski, who are both transgender women.

Saving Face (2004), directed by Alice Wu

Wil, a Chinese-American lesbian, and her mother, who is secretly pregnant, are both afraid to come out about their secrets in a traditional environment. This is directed and written by Alice Wu, who is a lesbian. 

Mudbound (2017), directed by Dee Rees

After World War 2, two men come back to America to work on a farm in Mississippi, where they battle racism and deal with life after returning home from the war. This film is directed by Dee Rees, who is a lesbian. 

Happiest Season (2020), directed by Clea DuVall

This star-studded rom-com is about a daughter bringing home her queer partner to her conservative family for Christmas. The queer director of this film is lesbian and actor Clea DuVall, who many will know from But I’m a Cheerleader.

A Single Man (2009), directed by Tom Ford

In 1960s Los Angeles, a professor struggles with the death of his boyfriend. This movie explores his relationships with his best friend and a new connection with one of his students. Tom Ford, a gay man who is best known for fashion designing, is the director of this film.

Born in Flames (1983), directed by Lizzie Borden

In a world after a peaceful revolution, people of colour, gay activists, feminists, and more are dealing with a dystopian reality of being oppressed. Lizzie Borden, who is bisexual, directed and wrote this film.

Appropriate Behavior (2014), directed by Desiree Akhavan

 

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Shirin tries to be the ‘perfect’ Persian daughter while dealing with her identity as a bisexual woman. The director, Desiree Akhavan, also co-wrote and starred in this film. She is bisexual.

Multiple Maniacs (1970), directed by John Waters

Starring the iconic Divine, this film follows a leader of a group of maniacs and their chaos. John Waters is known for his outrageous films and is a gay icon. 

Tomboy (2011), directed by Céline Sciamma

If you’re in the mood for a non-English film, Tomboy is one to watch. This movie is about a 10-year-old named Laure who moves into a new neighbourhood where they present as a boy and tell everyone their name is Mikhael. This is directed by Céline Sciamma, who is a vocal lesbian.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999), directed by Jamie Babbit

An all-American cheerleader with a boyfriend who she’s not that into is sent to a conversion camp called True Direction. There, she meets an unashamed lesbian, who she begins to develop feelings for. The director of this cult classic is Jamie Babbit, who is a lesbian. 

Paris is Burning (1990), directed by Jennie Livingston

Paris is Burning is an important piece of queer history that still has influence to this day. It is a documentary about the drag queens of New York in the ’80s, and their culture, complete with interviews and groundbreaking footage. The director for this iconic film is Jennie Livingston, who is a lesbian.

We hope this list of films by queer directors fills up your watchlist for the next while! Get some popcorn and enjoy.