Obviously, I love a classic queer cinema moment. (Moonlight, The Birdcage, Philadelphia, Brokeback Mountain, But I’m a Cheerleader, etc., etc., etc.) But I wanted to put together a list of queer movies I feel are underrated and under-appreciated.

This list is full of queer joy, culture, and romance. (Although, if you need a cry, And the Band Played On is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it...) 

So pop the popcorn and enjoy! Happy Pride!

Desert Hearts, 1985, Donna Deitch

Streaming on HBO Max

Starting my list off strong with a beautiful lesbian story. Did I know exactly what was happening at every turn of the plot? No. Was I turned on two-thirds in? Yeah.

Gorgeous cinematography, great costumes, dope soundtrack, and a sweet, sweet love story.

Law of Desire, 1987, Pedro Almodóvar

For rent on Apple TV

This is a really fun thriller. Nearly all Almodóvar movies qualify for this list, but IMO is the gayest? Bonus points of a young Antonio Banderas, ofc.

Female Trouble, 1974, John Waters

Streaming on Prime

You can’t make a list like this and not include John Waters and muse, Divine. He’s a queer filmmaker icon! I watched this movie recently and thought, fuck your standards of beauty! How gorgeous is Divine?!

The Doom Generation, 1995, Gregg Araki

Streaming on the Criterion Channel

Similar to John Waters, this list would be incomplete without Gregg Araki. He defined indie queer cinema in the 90s. 

This movie is so good, so sexy, and so gross. I tried eating a piece of cake while watching, and I had to put it down. And I don’t often deny desserts.

Pride 2014, Matthew Warchus

Streaming on Paramount Plus

Craving a little LGBTQ UK history? Pride is based on a true story and is the sweetest, most inspiring movie about a group of gay activists in the 80s who come together to support the miners on strike. It confirms my theory that gays make everything better.

Blue Jean 2022, Georgia Oakley

Streaming on Hulu/Disney +

Craving a little more LGBTQ UK history? Blue Jean takes place in 80s England. A new, homophobic law has been passed, and our main character is now living a double life.

I know, I said no sad movies. I’m sorry. It’s pretty heartbreaking, but it's important to know this story. The use of blue is so pleasing, and the soundtrack is great.

Anaïs in Love 2021, Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet

Streaming on Kanopy

There’s something very satisfying about watching a French woman be a bit messy, don’t you agree? This has some The Worst Person in the World energy, and I’m here for it. This movie is light, funny, cozy, and, of course, gay.

Dog Day Afternoon, 1975, Sidney Lumet

For Rent on Apple TV

Hot take, but I love Al Pacino! This is actually a perfect movie AND based on a true story. It’s also not underrated or under-appreciated at all, but so what, this is my list! I make the rule! 

It’s every good genre – crime, comedy, thriller, drama. There’s something queer about this movie, and for those who haven’t seen it, I won’t spoil it here.

The Daytrippers, 1996, Greg Mottola

Streaming on The Criterion Channel

I watch this movie every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It’s funny and easy, and the characters are so relatable. Fantastic cast. 

This is another one where there’s something queer about this movie, and for those who haven’t seen it, I won’t spoil it. (Editors Note: For me, the presence of Parker Posey is reason enough to qualify...) 

The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999, Anthony Minghella

Streaming on Kanopy

Speaking of a fantastic cast! I crave this movie every summer. This is a gay movie. 

Why don’t people refer to this as a gay movie? Tom Ripley is 100% in love with Dickie Greenleaf, even though we don’t get concrete confirmation. Nobody watches this movie, or reads the book, or sees any other film adaptation of this story, and doesn’t think so. I’m genuinely jealous of you if you haven’t seen it yet.