20 Best LGBTQ Movies to Watch

Nowadays, insights about gender and sexuality are readily available. One of the media forms that can be utilized as a source of knowledge is movies. In addition to providing entertainment, movies also serve as a platform for conveying messages to a global audience.

An increasing number of films featuring same-sex relationships are being produced, and television series are becoming more diverse in this regard as well.

Thailand is one of the countries whose movie industry features LGBT themes. Let's explore some of the best same-sex love-themed movies you can watch.

1. Moonlight

From a young age, Chiron grapples with his identity and sexual orientation, struggling to maintain them throughout his adulthood. His relationship with Kevin is tested across three distinct eras.

Moonlight, a Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards, is the first LGBT-themed movie with an all-black cast. The film's narrative is divided into three segments, making it easy for viewers to follow Chiron's journey through various events.

In addition to addressing same-sex relationship issues, the movie also deals with parental problems and drug trafficking. The story is based on Tarrell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical book.

2. Call Me by Your Name

Elio, an aspiring musician, instantly falls in love with Oliver, his father's assistant, upon meeting him. At first, Elio doesn't realize that he is gay and continues his relationship with Marzia. However, a trip with Oliver leads to profound change, and as their love blossoms, they are ultimately forced to part ways.

Call Me by Your Name, a beautifully crafted romantic drama by Luca Guadagnino, is not only touching in its storytelling and dialogue, but also offers stunning cinematography.

The film's nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards proves the quality of this film. The chemistry between Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer is exceptional.

3. Carol

Therese meets Carol while she is shopping for a Christmas present for her son. They grow closer after Carol invites Therese to dinner with her family.

Facing an imminent divorce and fearing that her sexual orientation will affect her gaining custody of her child, Carol takes Therese on a journey that strengthens their bond.

The love story between two women of different ages is beautifully captured by director Todd Haynes. The powerful performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara immerse viewers in this adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel.

Both actresses received Oscar nominations for their roles, and the film was nominated in four other categories. The British Film Institute has deemed Carol the best LGBT movie.

4. Blue is the Warmest Colour

After meeting Emma, Adele's teenage life takes a passionate turn. She experiences taboo love and passion, but also has to maintain their relationship amidst her family's scrutiny. As they grow older, the couple faces challenges that strain their bond.

This award-winning romantic film, recognized at various international film festivals, brings out strong emotions, particularly due to the captivating performances of Lea Seydoux and Adele Exarchopoulos.

The film features natural and intimate scenes, an honest storyline, and elegant cinematography. The NC-17 rating is pinned due to explicit sexual content.

5. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

It is quite unusual to come across a movie that combines same-sex romance with rock music. However, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is one of the few films that tackle this unique theme.

This captivating movie follows the life of a marginalized transsexual who is adrift in a quest for her own identity and love interests. The film's storyline is adapted from a series of theater performances on the Broadway stage. Moreover, this exceptional movie was nominated for an Oscar in 2002!

6. Weekend

Weekend is a British LGBT film that presents a simple yet heartbreaking story. It follows the lives of two men, Glen (Chris New) and Russel (Tom Cullen), who meet in a bar, engage in a sexual encounter, and wake up the next day in an awkward atmosphere.

Upon their second encounter, the two men meet again and share another intimate moment, but this time in a more relaxed situation. As their conversations deepen, they reveal their personal stories to one another.

The intensity of their meetings increases, nurturing the seeds of love within their hearts. This movie, devoid of excessive conflicts, presents a simple yet meaningful story.

7. Brokeback Mountain

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Brokeback Mountain, this film explores the passionate romance between two men, Enis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). Enis is a rancher, while Jack is a rodeo cowboy.

Their paths cross in the summer of 1963, and unexpectedly, their relationship blossoms into an intimate affair. However, one day, complications arise.

Throughout their relationship, they experience a mix of tragedies and tender moments, all of which demonstrate the power of their love.

8. Milk

Determined to fight for gay rights in California, Harvey Milk enters the world of politics to secure a seat on the city council. However, the journey to that seat is far from easy. Despite having numerous supporters, his movement faces significant opposition.

Nonetheless, Milk manages to win the hearts of Castro district residents with his gentle demeanor and steadfast vision. Ultimately, he becomes a city council supervisor and earns the nickname "The Mayor of Castro Street" from his supporters. Tragically, he is later assassinated by Dan White, a fellow politician, near city hall.

This powerful biographical drama excels in every aspect, from the script penned by Dustin Lance Black to the direction by Gus Van Sant.

The cast's performances are equally impressive, with Sean Penn winning an Oscar for Best Actor. Although the film delves into the details of Milk's struggle, it remains engaging and captivating until the end.

9. Pride

Set in 1984 amidst a miners' protest in the UK, several activists are arrested and detained by the police. A gay activist creates a movement to garner public support for the miners.

However, his plan was initially met with resistance from both the miners and the general public. Undeterred, the movement, called "Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners," strives to gain sympathy through various positive actions. One such action involves organizing a music performance that attracts a large audience.

This historical comedy-drama film is earnest without being overbearing and lively without being overly sentimental.

The engaging storyline is peppered with a good sense of humor, making the film highly entertaining. It won Best Film at the British Independent Film Awards, and Imelda Staunton's performance was exceptional.

10. The Way He Looks

Also known by its Portuguese title, Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho, this German film is an adaptation of the short film I Don't Want To Go Back Alone.

The story follows Leonardo (Ghilherme Lobo), a high school teenager who has been blind since birth. Despite his inability to see, Leonardo is able to live independently without burdening others.

One day, a new student named Gabriel (Fabio Audi) arrives at Leonardo's school. The two become friends, and Gabriel is unfazed by Leonardo's blindness. Their growing closeness leads to the development of special feelings between them.

Although they are often teased by those around them, Gabriel remains unbothered and is always ready to stand up for Leonardo when he is bullied.

11. I Carry You with Me

Ivan and Gerardo fall in love with each other at the first time they meet. However, social norms in Mexico hinder them from openly expressing their feelings. Ivan, who is determined to become a chef, moves to America and settles in New York.

Over the course of a decade, Ivan works hard to achieve his goals, but his longing for Gerardo never ceases. This Spanish-language American production marks the directorial debut of Heidi Ewing, who beautifully translates her own script onto the screen.

The film poetically captures the romantic nature of a forbidden love without becoming overly melancholic. The authentic portrayal of the time and place immerses the audience in this poignant story of yearning.

12. A Single Man

Following the death of his boyfriend in a tragic accident, George struggles to move on with his life in fashionable 1960s Los Angeles. Overwhelmed by loneliness, George contemplates ending his life with a gun.

Once together with Charlotte, George cannot forget his love for Jim. A Single Man is a romantic drama film and Tom Ford's directorial debut, focusing on the psychological burden experienced by a gay lecturer after the death of his lover.

The film presents the images in George's mind through unique and colorful visualizations. Most notably, it is Colin Firth's powerful acting that garnered him an Oscar nomination.

13. Love, Simon

Love, Simon is the first LGBT-themed movie produced by 20th Century Fox, based on the book titled Simon VS The Homosapiens Agenda.

The story centers around teenager Simon (Nick Robinson) who fears his gay identity will be exposed. He believes that gay individuals are treated unfairly, as they are expected to come out while heterosexuals are not.

The movie asserts that one's sexual orientation should not be a topic for public discussion and that individuals should not be required to disclose their identity.

Furthermore, Love, Simon illustrates the fear experienced by gay people, even among white individuals. In Western countries, gays and lesbians remain a marginalized group and often face ostracism.

14. Maurice

Set during World War I, a time when being gay could lead to one's ruin and social ostracism, Maurice tells the story of two men in Cambridge who fall in love and fear the consequences if their relationship is discovered.

The two men, Maurice Hall (James Wilby) and Clive Durham (Hugh Grant), navigate their feelings for one another. Clive, a respected nobleman, fears the potential damage to his reputation and opts to marry a woman.

Meanwhile, Maurice meets Scrudder (Rupert Graves) and embarks on a romance with him. The two decide to risk everything for their love, eventually moving in together and living as a couple.

15. Mysterious Skin

The movie vividly depicts sexual perversion in minors. The suffocating image is a mirror of a person's depraved actions which can be a source of trauma for others.

People who are traumatized must find it difficult to think steadily and look to the future. The movie invites the audience to follow the story of Neil McCormick (Joseph Gordon Levitt) who is abused by his soccer coach. Neil begins to feel that the abuse is a form of love for him.

At the age of 15, Neil prostituted himself until he finally grew up and moved to New York. There he meets his male friends and hooks up with anyone who gives him affection.

16. Supernova

Sam and Tusker are a gay couple who travel overland to the English countryside to see their family.

Tusker intends to tell the family that he has dementia and intends to end his life so that Sam does not suffer from his illness. However, this intention is strongly rejected by Sam.

Supernova is visually beautiful and has a very heartfelt story. Colin Firth's chemistry with Stanley Tucci is slick and convincing, making us understand in detail what Tusker is going through. How hurt Sam's heart was when the relationship had to end tragically in front of his eyes.

17. Disobedience

Ronit and Esti's old love rekindles when Ronit returns to the Orthodox Jewish congregation he has long been away from.

Intending only to make a pilgrimage to the grave of his recently deceased father, Ronit's passion escalates and threatens the integrity of Esti's household. Dovid, Esti's husband, is aware of their past and has expected this taboo relationship to happen again.

As a director, Sebastian Lelio has proven himself capable of presenting a taboo story in a heartfelt manner. Concealing forbidden love in a religious community is not easy, as they seem to be shackled by religious rules.

Not only could it crack the marriage of one of their religious leaders, Esti could also potentially be exiled for committing a grave sin.

The main strength of this movie is the solid performance between Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams who are unable to break the religious boundaries regarding their relationship.

Likewise, Alessandro Nivola performs no less nicely as the victimized party, not only a matter of heart, but also his position as a religious leader will be tarnished because of it.

18. Bros

Bobby is proud of his single status and is more preoccupied with preparations for the opening of an LGBTQ museum in Manhattan. One night he met Aaron at a club and they quickly formed a close bond.

However, there is Josh among them who has just broken off his fiancée and came out as gay. There is tension between them where Aaron prefers to be with Josh.

Bros became the first gay-themed romantic comedy released by a major studio. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the movie garnered positive responses for its fresh and entertaining storyline.

The movie openly displays all the symbols and lives of LGBTQ people in America fighting for their human rights.

19. Kill Your Darlings

Set during World War II in 1944, same-sex relationships were still a deviant act at the time. The story focuses on the David Kammerer murder case that unfolds in 1950.

It is Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), a gay poet who becomes acquainted with Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). Carr was the one who killed David Kammerer during a drunken fight. The incident was very shocking.

In the movie, Daniel Radcliffe had to do intimate scenes with his male co-stars. This movie was included as the best LGBT movie in 2013. In addition, the movie was screened at the Sundance Film Festival in the same year.

20. Ammonite

Mary Anning is a paleontologist and fossil finder. One day, Roderick wanted to entrust his wife, Charlotte, to be his assistant. Although reluctant, Mary accepted.

The relationship between Mary and Charlotte is stiff as Charlotte is always in sadness until she falls ill. Mary took care of her until she recovered and made their relationship close. Love begins to grow.

Ammonite is a romantic drama movie with a gloomy feel. Thanks to the compelling acting of Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, the movie becomes warm as they both can make the storyline come alive.

Same-sex relationships back then were still taboo and it was a challenge for them to keep their burning romance a secret.

Those are the 20 best movies about same-sex romance. Most of these movies are based on true stories. Everything isn't always perfect, on the contrary, the gays and lesbians in the movies are mostly depressed.

Although they live in a free country, society's perception of same-sex love still remains as a perversion. In this movie, we can see the portrayal of gays, lesbians and other transgender people.