10 Powerful LGBTQ+ Movies To Watch To Celebrate Pride Week

Now that June is almost here, it’s time to start thinking about Pride, the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, its struggles, and its triumphs. There are, of course, a significant number of films made by and about this group, but there are some that definitely stand above the rest as worthy of being watched again and again, particularly in a celebration of Pride week.

Though most public Pride events have been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these films are potent reminders of the power of being true to one’s self. So get ready to celebrate Pride Week from the comfort of home by watching any of these 10 amazing and powerful LGBTQ movies.

10 Stonewall (1995)

Though director Roland Emmerich produced his own (and very problematic) retelling of the fateful Stonewall Riots, this earlier film is a more sophisticated and honest portrayal of what occurred.

Nigel Finch’s Stonewall makes some interesting narrative choices, such as including interviews with participants of that night as well as adding several moments in which members of the cast lip-synch to popular music of the time. It’s a touching and haunting film about the power of rebellion to effect social change for the better.

9 Paris is Burning (1991)

This famous film from the early ’90s documents the drag culture of New York City. Like so many films of that period, it is a haunting experience, especially since it documents a subculture that has in some ways become a thing of the past.

Though some criticized the film for seemingly taking advantage of its subjects, Paris Is Burning continues to be a hallmark in queer cinema and was even chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation.

8 Tongues Untied (1989)

Marlon Riggs was one of those powerful filmmakers who brought his own fiercely intelligent perspective to every one of his films, and this one is no exception. It’s a searing and heartbreaking exploration of the ways in which black gay men struggle with their identity, often not fitting in either with straight black communities or the predominantly white gay culture.

Given that it was released in the late ’80s, Tongues Tied rapidly became part of the culture wars but it has continued to be influential.

7 Carol (2015)

Todd Haynes is one of contemporary films’ most significant filmmakers. With his careful attention to detail and his ability to explore the deepest depths of human emotion, his films repeatedly call on the viewer to look inside themselves.

Carol – about an older married woman who falls deeply, passionately in love with a young store clerk – features a truly radiant Cate Blanchett in the title role. It’s everything that queer film should be: heartwarming, rich, and triumphant.

6 Brokeback Mountain (2014)

When Brokeback Mountain was released, there was quite a lot of uncertainty as to whether a film about two gay cowboys would ever be able to make a profit. As it turned out, the film was a hit both financially and critically – so much so that it almost won the Oscar for Best Picture.

There’s much to love about this film, including the acting from both Heath Ledger and Jake Gylenhaal, the cinematography, and the truly haunting score. Be warned, however: A whole box of tissues will probably be needed!

5 Moonlight (2016)

As with Tongues Untied, this film explores the nature of black gay desire, focusing on one particular character as he moves through three different major periods of his life. Moonlight is a film that’s impossible to look away from, as it draws the viewer deeper and deeper into the main character’s psychology and, just as importantly, his feelings and emotions.

Though there was an enormous gaffe at the Oscars on the year it won, it was eventually confirmed that Moonlight, indeed, won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

4 Tangerine (2015)

Sometimes, a film is as enjoyable for the way it was made as it is for the story that it tells, and that is the case with this film. Shot on three iPhones, Tangerine breaks more ground by focusing its story on a young transgender woman in Los Angeles.

It’s a fascinating, searing, and endearing examination of sex workers in one of the nation’s largest cities. The critics absolutely loved it, praising not only its gorgeous cinematography, but also the acting.

3 The Birdcage (1996)

Sometimes,audiences just want to be reminded of the good things in life, about the value of a chosen family and the power of being true to one’s self no matter how strong the pressure is from those around them.

The Birdcage is just the ticket. Starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple who must pretend to be straight for their son’s fiancee’s conservative family, it’s a truly hilarious and good-hearted farce, featuring some truly stellar performances from its entire cast.

2 We Were Here (2011)

As most people know, the AIDS crisis disproportionately affected the gay community, and this documentary is a moving testament to not only the lives that were lost during the pandemic, but also to those who survived.

Specifically, We Were Here features interviews with five individuals who played a part in battling the disease. The film is a haunting reminder of the power of a pandemic, and it was very well-received by critics.

1 The Normal Heart (2014)

Though Ryan Murphy is best known for his numerous hit television series, he does occasionally make a foray into filmmaking, as with this film that aired on HBO that is an adaptation of the play of the same name by noted activist Larry Kramer.

It also focuses on the AIDS crisis, though it does so through the lens of fiction. The Normal Heart is a profoundly moving and beautiful film, with excellent performances from Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, and Julia Roberts.

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