In recent years, LGBTQ+ representation in cinema has continued to surge, and with so many options out there, it can almost be difficult to decide what to watch! To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best sapphic films, encompassing everything from romance to horror to comedy and more. Read on to find out more.

The Handmaiden (2016)
Set in 1930s Korea, The Handmaiden follows a young woman tasked with swindling a Japanese heiress and stealing her fortune. While all appears to be going according to plan, things become complicated when the pair form a deeper connection. Full of twists and turns, this psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat.

Carol (2015)
In this historical drama, Cate Blanchett plays a glamourous married woman who embarks on a passionate but forbidden romance with an aspiring photographer. Although known as somewhat of a Christmas classic, there’s no bad time to watch Carol!

Dating Amber (2020)
Taking place in Ireland in the mid-’90s, this film follows two queer students who stage a straight relationship to avoid speculation about their sexuality. Together, they try to figure their true selves out, resulting in an incredibly sweet coming-of-age comedy.

Bottoms (2023)
Perhaps one of the most highly-anticipated LGBTQ+ film releases of 2023, Bottoms was an instant hit! Its plot centres around two high school girls who set up a fight club as a way to lose their virginities to cheerleaders. Starring the hilarious tag team of Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, this chaotic film is not one to miss.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2020)
If you’re searching for something spookier, look no further. This comedy-horror follows a group of friends who get stuck in a remote mansion during a hurricane, playing a party game that goes very, very wrong. With a dead body and a killer among them, it appears that no one can be trusted.

Booksmart (2019)
Another coming-of-age comedy, Booksmart tells the story of two friends and overachievers who try to let loose on the eve of their graduation. From tripping on drugs to hooking up with girls for the first time, watch as the pair cram four years of fun into one crazy night.

The Watermelon Woman (1996)
From the legend that is Cheryl Dunye, The Watermelon Woman follows a young Black filmmaker as she researches the life of a 1930s actress. A classic in sapphic cinema, it is known as the first feature film directed by a Black lesbian.

Ahead of the Curve (2020)
If you’re looking for a documentary, this will fit the bill! Discover the story of Franco Stevens, and how she founded Curve magazine, a bestselling lesbian publication.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
Starring Natasha Lyonne, But I’m a Cheerleader is a cult classic. It follows a teenage girl who is sent to a ‘conversion therapy’ camp by her family who suspect her of being a lesbian. Although that might sound heavy, the film is actually a comedy and pokes fun at the absurdity behind such programmes.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
One of this year’s hotly-anticipated releases, Love Lies Bleeding is a wild ride. In it, Kristen Stewart plays a reclusive gym manager who falls hard for an ambitious bodybuilder. However, their romance soon descends into violence, as the pair get caught up in a web of crime.

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Another release from 2024 and not too dissimilar to Love Lies Bleeding, this film follows two women as they embark on a road trip to Tallahassee, finding themselves in conflict with some inept criminals along the way. It’s a somewhat absurd story; you’ll have to watch to find out why!

Tár (2022)
With Cate Blanchett once again in a leading lesbian role, this Oscar-nominated production centres on a renowned composer-conductor facing accusations of misconduct. The film brings audiences through her rise and her fall, in an incredibly tense psychological drama.

Blue Jean (2022)
Set in 1988, as Section 28 is about to be passed in the UK prohibiting the “promotion of homosexuality”, a closeted teacher is forced to live a double life. However, the arrival of a new student threatens to expose her sexuality, leaving both Jean’s reputation and integrity at stake.

Pariah (2011)
In Pariah, a Brooklyn teenager juggles conflicting identities and risks, friendship, heartbreak and family as she desperately searches for sexual expression. The feature debut of Dee Rees, the film is lauded as a deeply human drama.

The Favourite (2018)
From director Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Olivia Coleman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, The Favourite is a satirical absurdist dark comedy. Set in 18th-century England, it follows two women as they compete for attention from a frail and ailing Queen Anne.

Bound (1996)
Bound is the feature film directorial debut of the iconic Wachowskis. The neo-noir erotic crime thriller follows the mistress of a notorious gangster as she sparks a love affair with an ex-con. Together, they conduct a scheme to steal millions of mob money and pin the blame on the former’s boyfriend.

Shiva Baby (2020)
The third on this list of sapphic films with Rachel Sennott in its cast, Shiva Baby is a comedy following a young woman at a Jewish funeral service, which is also attended by her parents, ex-girlfriend, sugar daddy and his wife. Featuring an array of incredibly awkward encounters, the film is as tense as it is hilarious.

Kajilionaire (2020)
With money tight, the daughter of two scam artists hatches a plan to enable them to pay rent. However, when her parents invite a stranger to join them in their scheme, the girl’s world turns upside down.

Outitude (2018)
Last but certainly not least, Outitude is a feature-length documentary charting the richness of lesbian grass-roots activism, collectives, community, academia and politics across Ireland from the 1970s to the present day. Featuring familiar faces like Ailbhe Smith, Katherine Zappone, Una Mullally, Mary Dorecey and more, this is an essential community film.

That concludes our list of must-watch sapphic films! These are just a selection of the many amazing titles out there; if you think we’ve missed one, be sure to let us know.