There are many exciting movies still to come this year, but while waiting for Barbie to be released, why not catch up on some other titles in the meantime? So if you’re looking for some of the best LGBTQ+ movies out there to end your summer days, here is some inspiration to help you decide what to put on. 

Weekend

This intimate drama directed by Andrew Haigh follows Russell and Glen, who meet at a nightclub and embark on a fleeting yet profound romantic connection over the course of a weekend. With its raw performances and sensitive storytelling, Weekend captures the complexities of modern love and leaves a lasting emotional impact on its audience.

The Way He Looks

The Way He Looks is a heartfelt coming-of-age film that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship and first love. Set in Brazil, the movie follows Leonardo, a blind teenager, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence. When a new student named Gabriel enters his life, Leonardo’s world is transformed, sparking a journey of emotional awakening and the exploration of his true desires.

 Pride

One of the most famous LGBTQ+ movies ever, this is a heartwarming and inspiring film that celebrates the spirit of unity and acceptance. Set in 1980s’ England, the movie follows the true story of a group of LGBTQ+ activists who form an unlikely alliance with striking coal miners. Through their shared struggles and determination, they break down barriers, challenge prejudices and create a powerful movement that sparks change and solidarity.

Pariah

Pariah is a compelling and thought-provoking drama that delves into the struggles of Aria, a young Black woman who battles societal norms and self-discovery. As she grapples with her sexual identity, she navigates a complex web of family dynamics, friendships and love. The movie explores the unyielding pursuit of acceptance and authenticity in a world determined to push the protagonist aside.

Appropriate Behavior

This comedy-drama explores the complexities of identity, sexuality and cultural expectations. Following the life of Shirin, a bisexual Iranian-American woman in her twenties, the film delves into her journey of self-discovery while navigating the clashes between her family’s traditional values and her own desires. 

Saving Face

Saving Face is a heartwarming and humorous film that explores the complexities of love, family, and cultural expectations. Set in a vibrant Chinese-American community, it follows the life of a young surgeon struggling to reconcile her blossoming lesbian relationship with her traditional mother’s desire for a conventional marriage. 

Dating Amber

Dating Amber is a truly lovely coming-of-age story set in ’90s Ireland, so you might see a bit of yourself in this one. For once, we get to watch a romantic comedy where the gay best friends are the leads, as closeted teenagers Eddie and Amber pretend to be a couple to avoid people around them questioning their sexualities. It’s an adorable portrayal of friendship between two queer kids and an insight into what social pressure can cause at such a young age.

Saturday Church

Set in New York City, this film follows the journey of Ulysses, a 14-year-old boy grappling with his gender identity and finding solace in the vibrant world of voguing. Through the power of self-expression, Ulysses navigates love, family, and acceptance, ultimately discovering his own path to authenticity and empowerment.

A fantastic woman

As the second feature from Chilean director Sebastián Lelio, A fantastic woman is a beautiful and brilliant portrait of a trans woman whose mourning for a lost lover is obstructed at every turn by family and institutional prejudice. It has been nominated for the Best Foreign Film at this year’s Oscars.

Boy Meets Girl

Boy Meets Girl is a heartfelt romantic comedy that revolves around the charming and witty Ricky, a transgender woman living in a small town, who finds herself entangled in a complicated love triangle. As she navigates the challenges of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, Ricky’s story explores themes of identity, gender, and the transformative power of genuine connections.

Tangerine

If you can believe it, this whole film was shot on an iPhone 5s camera with a budget of $100,000. It’s not only groundbreaking in technology, but in the topic as well, as Tangerine is the first film in awards contention to star two trans women of colour (Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) portraying Los Angeles sex workers — a profession they themselves had engaged in. The film not only speaks of the hardships trans women can face in this work, but also the beautiful friendships that can blossom between them.

We’ve reached the end of our list, so all that’s left for you to do is pick one of these amazing LGBTQ+ movies to end a beautiful summer day.