With Christmas around the corner, nothing sounds better than snuggling up to a great movie. Whether one is looking for a rom-com, a drama, a comedy, or even something else, the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix offer a wide range of options, covering many genres and targeting numerous tastes. Indeed, the so-called King of the Streamers has a wide selection of queer movies available, offering enough entertainment, including a few Christmas-themed options, to make this an even more enjoyable holiday season.
The films on this list feature compelling queer stories and characters that will make their audience feel seen, perhaps for the first time. New movies come to Netflix every week, meaning there’s a consistent and varied collection of queer-themed pictures available. Some are acquired tastes, while others are critically acclaimed classics. Several are animated, while a good few are decidedly not kid-friendly. With so much to choose from, it might be tedious to search for just one title. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together a list of the best LGBTQ-themed movies on Netflix right now.
When you’re done going through this list, check out the best LGBTQ films to stream right now, the best new movies to stream, and the best Netflix original series you can stream right now.
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Emilia Pérez2024 -
Close to You2024
Emilia Pérez (2024)
71%
6.9/10One of the year’s hottest awards players is Jacques Audiard’s crime musical Emilia Pérez. Karla Sofía Gascón stars as the titular character, a fearsome crime leader who recruits her underappreciated lawyer, Rita (Zoe Saldaña), to help her disappear and achieve her dream of transitioning into a woman. Gascón, Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz shared the Best Actress award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, launching them into the awards conversation. Emilia Pérez is not without its issues, however.
Its depiction of Mexico remains extremely problematic, and the plot’s in-your-face and highly unique approach will undoubtedly turn off some viewers. However, as a striking work of singular genius, Emilia Pérez stands out as one of the year’s most daring and original efforts, a disruptive musical that marches to the beat of its own drum.
Close to You (2024)
55%
NaN/10Elliot Page stars in Dominic Savage’s 2023 drama Close to You. The plot follows Sam, a trans man coming home for his father’s birthday. As he reconnects with an old friend, Sam attempts to deal with his family’s struggles to accept his transition.
As a passion project for Page, the script makes wide use of improvisation, leading to a naturalistic, but awkward and often highly uneven narrative that strays from Page’s otherwise capable hands. Still, as a moving narrative about the trans experience told from the perspective of one of Hollywood’s most honest and proud trans performers, Close to You is a worthwhile and poignant film and a meaningful watch.
Will & Harper (2024)
74%
7.5/10Josh Greenbaum’s documentary Will & Harper chronicles a 17-day trip across the United States by longtime friends Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, the latter of whom came out as a trans woman during the COVID pandemic. The documentary is a heartfelt look at the nature of an ever-evolving friendship with profound insights into the trans experience from a remarkably funny and sympathetic individual.
Moreover, Will & Harper is insightful and endearing without ever feeling exploitative or manipulative; instead, the camera shows two people clearly comfortable with each other, capturing their everyday interactions and presenting a refreshingly honest portrayal of allyship.
Fear Street: 1994 (2021)
67%
6.2/10The first part in the Netflix Fear Street anthology, Fear Street 1994 follows a teenager and her friends as they take on a dangerous threat that has seemingly plagued their town for years. Made in the classic vein of the slasher genre, Fear Street Part One: 1994 benefits from an engaging collection of characters in service of a traditional yet satisfying supernatural horror tale.
With a tremendously compelling LGBTQ+ protagonist and final girl, the criminally underrated Deena Johnson, brought to life by the equally underappreciated Kiana Madeira, Fear Street: 1994 is the perfect choice for those looking for an LGBTQ+ story with a healthy dose of fright.
The Invisible Thread (2022)
6.8/10A modern take on an old story, The Invisible Thread is a dramedy of familial trouble and self-discovery. The plot centers on Leone, a young man working on a project about LGBTQ+ rights, using his personal experience as a child of two fathers for inspiration. While dealing with questions about his sexuality and a newfound attraction for a classmate, Leone will find more about himself than he could’ve anticipated.
The Invisible Thread is a fun, if not particularly groundbreaking, entry into the coming-of-age genre, but it doesn’t need to push boundaries. Instead, its strength relies on being a fun, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt depiction of family love and LGBTQ+ bonds.
Ahead of the Curve (2021)
62%
7.1/10A documentary about an influential yet sadly underappreciated figure in lesbian entertainment, Ahead of the Curve shines a light on a modern icon that has spent far too long in the shadows. It chronicles the story of Franco Stevens, a visionary woman who launched Curve, a bestselling lesbian magazine that reshaped the LGBTQ+ cultural and entertainment landscape of the ’90s.
It focuses on the magazine’s beginnings and its enduring legacy for the LGBTQ+ community. As an insightful peek into one of the community’s most prominent publications, Ahead of the Curve is a valuable look into a crucial moment in LGBTQ+ history and one of the key figures in the movement.
A Secret Love (2020)
77%
7.8/10Yet another documentary, this time focusing on the hardship and secrecy that, unfortunately, accompany many LGBTQ+ relationships. As the title implies, A Secret Love tells the story of a former baseball player who must keep her seven-decade relationship with the woman she loves a secret from her family and society.
As they come out during their golden years, they realize some struggles never end. A Secret Love is both a sobering and rewarding watch, ideal for all those who want to reminisce on how far we’ve come and how long we still have to go. With a tender story at its center, A Secret Love is among the most worthwhile documentaries on Netflix.
The Inspection (2022)
73%
6.7/10Jeremy Pope delivers an intense performance in Elegance Bratton’s 2022 drama The Inspection. The film follows Ellis French, a Black gay man who endures a harrowing training process while at a Marine Corps boot camp. A never-better Gabrielle Union co-stars as French’s estranged mother. Although it doesn’t handle all of its weighty themes with the delicacy they demand, The Inspection remains a worthwhile film, largely thanks to Pope’s Golden Globe-nominated performance, which captures the vulnerability and resilience that so many LGBTQ+ youths must summon to endure similar situations. Challenging but rewarding, The Inspection is a thought-provoking drama worth your time.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
94%
7.8/10Already a modern classic of LGBTQ+ cinema, Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name is as affecting today as it was in 2017. The film chronicles the summer romance between 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer) in 1980s Italy. Based on the eponymous novel by André Aciman and with a scene-stealing supporting turn from the ever-reliable Michael Stuhlbarg, Call Me by Your Name is an insightful, seductive, and bittersweet depiction of the life-changing power of first love. Chalamet shines in his Oscar-nominated performance, while Guadagnino’s sensitive yet sensual direction heightens the story’s main themes.
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
6.6/10A pioneering entry in sapphic cinema, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love stars Laurel Holloman and Nicole Ari Parker and follows the love story between two girls from opposing high-school cliques in a small town. Unlike other movies of the time, this one actually ends on a happy and uplifting yet still realistic note, pointing out that LGBTQ+ couples will always have to deal with background noise but must always do their best to drown it. Although massively underrated, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love is a must-see for LGBTQ+ fans and a brilliant example of how queer cinema can deal with severe topics without necessarily ending in tragedy.
Carol (2015)
94%
7.2/10Cate Blanchett delivers one of her finest performances in Todd Haynes’ 2015 period romantic drama Carol opposite an equally brilliant Rooney Mara. Based on the groundbreaking novel The Price of Salt, Carol depicts the romance between a mature woman undergoing a divorce and a young woman discovering her sexuality in 1950s Manhattan. Arguably Haynes’ best film, Carol is a masterclass in eroticism in service of a narratively powerful story. Blanchett and Mara share a passionate yet warm chemistry that further adds depth to this story about love, class, self-discovery, and the desire to be free from society’s constraints to pursue one’s true self.
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution (2024)
7.5/10Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution explores the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians who defied conventions and challenged notions through the power of laughter. It features many prominent comedians, including Lily Tomlin, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, Eddie Izzard, Sandra Bernhard, Joel Kim Booster, Tig Notaro, and many more. The documentary is a funny and insightful look behind the scenes at the journeys of these trailblazers, reminding audiences of the importance of humor and the need for it as an instrument for true and meaningful social change.
Strange Way of Life (2023)
6.2/10Pedro Almodóvar’s second English-language project stars Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke and The Last of Us season 2 star Pedro Pascal. Strange Way of Life follows Jake, a sheriff in a small town who is investigating the murder of his brother’s widow. Things get complicated when his ex-lover, Silva, arrives, only for Jake to realize Silva is the father of the main suspect in the crime. Strange Way of Life deals with many of Almodóvar’s favorite themes, including masculinity, homosexuality, and repressed emotions. The 31-minute runtime might leave audiences wanting more, but Almodóvar’s distinctive voice and the chemistry between Hawke and Pascal more than compensate for it.
Tangerine (2015)
86%
7.1/10Sean Baker’s acclaimed comedy-drama Tangerine follows the titular character, a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp cheated on her while she was in prison. Determined to learn the truth, she joins her friend Alexandra on a trip through the Los Angeles night scene. Known for being shot on three iPhone 5s, Tangerine is an insightful and poignant queer film that showcases Baker’s singular voice. Lead actress Kitana Kiki Rodriguez is a revelation, supporting an often intense but always earnest narrative and preventing it from descending into despair.
Brother (2023)
70%
6.9/10Based on David Chariandy’s novel and set in 1990s Toronto, Clement Virgo’s Brother is an intimate portrayal of brotherhood and masculinity. Aaron Pierre and Lamar Johnson star as Francis and Michael, two brothers dealing with several issues. The film alternates between their childhood, teen years, and young adulthood, leading to a tragic ending. Brother deals with its LGBTQ+ themes subtly, but cleverly, blending them with the narrative’s other concerns rather than placing them at the forefront. The result is a nuanced yet impactful coming-of-age story that rises on the strength of the lead character’s loving bond.
Chabuca (2024)
6.9/10Peruvian entertainment personality and drag queen Ernesto Pimentel is the subject of the 2024 biopic Chabuca. The film chronicles his childhood and the circumstances that led to the creation of La Chola Chabuca, a defining character in South American television that changed his life. Chabuca is a revelatory, yet loving portrayal of a larger-than-life figure who many might not know much about. Although it adheres to the classic biopic formula, Chabuca remains a fascinating depiction of its subject, coming from a clear place of admiration and respect.
Hurricane Season (2023)
5.8/10The Mexican drama thriller Hurricane Season is based on Fernanda Melchor’s 2017 eponymous novel and directed by Elisa Miller. Set in the rural village of La Matosa, the plot centers on a group of teenagers who stumble upon the corpse of La Bruja, a respected, but mysterious woman. The film uses a nonlinear narrative focused on several characters and explores their involvement in the crime and the circumstances that led to it. Hurricane Season depicts their lives and experiences through sexuality, relationships, and self-discovery, addressing classic coming of age themes and expertly blending them with a riveting thriller narrative that will keep audiences on the edge.
The Persian Version (2023)
61%
6.2/10Eternal Summer (2006)
7.0/10The 2006 Taiwanese romantic coming-of-age drama Eternal Summer is among this century’s most underrated LGBTQ+ movies. It centers on childhood friends Jonathan and Shane, whose connection is tested when a new girl, Carrie, arrives at their school, expressing an interest in them. To further complicate matters, Jonathan begins questioning his sexuality and his feelings toward Shane. Eternal Summer is an emotional and insightful depiction of young love at a pivotal period in a person’s life, when feelings are unclear, and everything seems like a matter of life and death.
Shortcomings (2023)
67%
6.4/10Randall Park’s feature directorial debut, Shortcomings stars Justin H. Min and Sherry Cola as Ben and Alice, two young adults dealing with messy love lives and uncertain professional futures. When Ben and his girlfriend, Miko, break up, he begins dating again, relying on Alice, who is queer and ready to commit. Sweet yet surprisingly incisive, Shortcomings is a worthy entry into the ever-growing romantic dramedy subgenre. It offers interesting commentaries about the queer and Asian-American experiences through witty and intelligent humor, resulting in a film that deserves more attention from the masses.
Maestro (2023)
77%
6.6/10Bradley Cooper’s sophomore directorial effort, Maestro, apirs him with fellow Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan to tell the story of Leonard Bernstein’s marriage to Felicia Montealegre. The film chronicles their relationship over the years, including his incredible success and his dalliances with other men. Maestro offers a superficial, but still compelling look at the private life of a musical genius, and while it doesn’t reveal anything new about Bernstein, it at least offers plenty of opportunities for its two leading actors to shine. Nominated for seven Oscars, Maestro is one of Netflix’s heavy hitters for the 2024 awards season.
Good Grief (2023)
59%
6.4/10Following the success of Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy is embracing his directorial sensibilities. The multi-hyphenate writes, directs, and stars in the 2024 dramedy Good Grief, which co-stars Hamish Patel and Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga. The plot follows a man grieving the loss of his husband with the help of his two best friends. Although it treads familiar territory, Good Grief remains a sweet and sentimental examination of grief, love, and acceptance. Levy relies on classic tropes of the genre, but the result is affecting and rewarding nonetheless.
Down Low (2023)
48%
5.3/10Down Low is the kind of silly fun perfect for a Saturday afternoon. Zachary Quinto stars as Gary, a divorced, closeted father of two in his 40s who hires Cameron, a young prostitute played by Lucas Gage. The plot quickly descends into chaos in this wickedly black comedy about embracing life’s opportunities and making the best out of every moment. Those who enjoy a morbid comedy will get a kick out of Down Low, an uneven, yet biting film that packs quite a punch, largely thanks to Quinto and Gage’s chaotic chemistry.
Rustin (2023)
68%
6.6/10Emmy winner Colman Domingo stars as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in George C. Wolfe’s 2023 biopic Rustin. The plot follows his efforts advising Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to organizing the 1963 March on Washington. However, it also deals with the repercussions his openly gay lifestyle brought upon him. Elevated by a tour-de-force performance from Domingo, Rustin is a familiar, yet insightful look into the life and legacy of a prominent historical figure who has spent far too long in the shadows.
NYAD (2023)
64%
7.1/10Four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening and two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster star in the 2023 sports biopic Nyad. The film chronicles the efforts of Diana Nyad, a marathon swimmer who, at 64, attempts to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without using a shark cage. Nyad’s real-life story is surrounded by controversy, but Bening and Foster deftly navigate a thorny story to deliver a crowd-pleasing film that will keep audiences entertained.
Nuovo Olimpo (2023)
7.2/10Ferzan Özpetek’s 2023 romantic drama Nuovo Olimpo tells the story of two men who meet in 1970s Rome. Their quick and torrid romance is interrupted by an unexpected event, leading them to try to find each other again for the next 30 years. Although it treads familiar territory, Nuovo Olimpo remains an emotional and affecting story about love, longing, passion, and regret that’s deftly guided by Özpetek’s direction and supported by the terrific performances of leads Damiano Gavino and Andrea Di Luigi. Those unafraid of subtitles should absolutely check out this underrated gem.
Elisa & Marcela (2019)
6.6/10Based on a true story, this Spanish drama begins in 1885, as Marcela and Elisa meet and form a deep bond. Their friendship becomes a passionate and forbidden love affair that leads them to defy conventions. In 1901, Elisa adopts a male identity in order to marry Marcela. Propelled by its compelling lead performers, Elisa & Marcela overcomes dramatic clichés and a conventional narrative to deliver a tender romantic story about love in the face of prejudice. Although far from perfect, Elisa & Marcela is a worthy entry in Netflix’s LGBTQ+ library.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
89%
6.8/10Boy Erased (2018)
69%
6.9/10Academy Award winners Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe star opposite Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges in Joel Edgerton’s 2018 drama Boy Erased. The plot centers on Jared Eamons, a boy sent to a conversion therapy program by his religious parents. While there, Jared learns to find his own voice and accept his sexuality. Boy Erased navigates a potentially thorny subject with admirable empathy, and while it doesn’t do nearly as much as it could with its intriguing premise, it succeeds as a powerfully acted and delicately told drama.
Do Revenge (2022)
66%
6.3/10Camila Mendes and Stranger Things Volume 4 star Maya Hawke star in the pastel-colored teen revenge comedy Do Revenge. The plot centers on two teenagers who join forces to get revenge on each other’s enemies. However, their plan soon leads to unexpected results. Loosely inspired by the Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train, Do Revenge borrows from the many better teen movies that came before. However, a witty screenplay and Mendes and Hawke’s perfect performances elevate this teen movie.
Marry My Dead Body (2023)
7.1/10Ming-han is a homophobic and skeptic policeman who gets accidentally betrothed to a recently deceased gay man, Mao Pan-yu, after accidentally picking up a red wedding envelope. To rid themselves of the marriage, the cop and his “ghost husband’ must work together to discover the mysteries behind Mao’s unsolved death. A deranged comedy for fans of the now-defunct screwball genre, Marry My Dead Body is a delightful effort benefitting from a ludicrous plot and a committed cast.
Nimona (2023)
75%
7.6/10Based on the eponymous 2015 graphic novel, Nimona stars a voice cast led by Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, and Frances Conroy. The film is set in a Medieval-inspired fantasy world and follows a knight falsely accused of a crime. Desperate to prove his innocence, he joins Nimona, a young girl and shape-shifter who joins his quest for justice.
Nimona is a beautifully animated and thought-provoking animated adventure benefitting from a spirited voice performance by the ever-reliable Moretz. Stylish, humorous, and filled with subtext, Nimona will satisfy adults and children alike.
Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate (2023)
The 2023 documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate shines a line in a pivotal period of German history. The film focuses on the lives of LGBTQ+ people during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany, using the titular queer nightclub Eldorado as the setting. Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate features several prominent queer figures and offers an accessible and engrossing look at a much-discussed period in history through the eyes of a group that suffered greatly at the hands of Nazi Germany.
Operation Hyacinth (2021)
6.8/10Hyacinth is a Polish thriller directed by Piotr Domalewski. The plot follows Robert, a young police officer new to the force. His investigation into a serial killer targeting gay men in Warsaw leads him down a path of self-discovery and mystery, as every choice he makes leads him closer to discovering the truth.
The film is based on the real-life Operation Hyacinth conducted by the Polish force between 1985 and 1987, aiming to register every known homosexual and those close to them. Engrossing and gritty, Hyacinth condemns the real operation while delivering a compelling mystery that will leave audiences satisfied.
Time Out (2015)
6.1/10The 2015 Bollywood comedy Time Out tells a classic coming-of-age story about sibling love and identity. The plot follows Gaurav, a 14-year-old who struggles to accept his older brother, high school jock Mihir, is gay. As Gaurav deals with his first love and family trouble resulting from Mihir’s confession, he’ll realize the true meaning of brotherhood. Time Out is sweet and funny, offering a heartfelt look at a pivotal moment in a young boy’s life and dealing with deep and crucial themes with warmth and empathy.
The Perfection (2018)
60%
6.2/10The ever-underrated Allison Williams stars in the 2018 psychological horror thriller The Perfection. The plot centers on Charlotte, a talented but troubled musical prodigy who returns to a prestigious music school, where she develops a complicated relationship with Lizzie, the new rising talent.
The Perfection is the perfect mix of gory thrills and near-campy silliness, elevated by Williams’ outstanding lead performance. Gripping, but never taking itself too seriously, The Perfection is an LGBTQ+ story for fans looking for something other than romance.
Badhaai Do (2022)
7.0/10The Hindi dramedy Badhaai Do follows a gay man and a lesbian who enter a marriage of convenience to avoid coming out to their families. Their peaceful cohabitation is upended when the woman’s girlfriend comes to live with them, throwing their lives into chaos.
Thoughtful without sacrificing the humor, Badhaai Do is a funny and heartwarming story about identity and inclusivity that marks another step in the right direction for LGBTQ+ representation.
So My Grandma's a Lesbian! (2020)
4.4/10The 2021 Spanish comedy So My Grandma’s a Lesbian follows Eva, a woman engaged to a member of a prominent and ultraconservative family who discovers her grandma plans to marry her best friend. Don’t be fooled by the truly awful title — the Spanish original, “Salir del Ropero,” literally means “Coming Out of the Closet” — because the film is a heartwarming story about coming out in your golden years. Powered by a charming performance from Rosa María Sardà, the film is the rare story that places an older woman in the spotlight.
Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020)
76%
7.3/10The late Walter Mercado was among the most important astrologers in the world and a cultural icon in Latin America. His influence spread across every Central American and Latin American country, with audiences loyally following his teachings.
The 2020 documentary Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado gives viewers a closer look into his life and career, chronicling his rise to fame and success and discussing his lasting influence in Latin American television.
Dance of the Forty One (2020)
6.8/10Based on the real-life scandal that took place in Mexico in the early 20th century, The Dance of the Forty-One stars Alfonso Herrera and Emiliano Zurita. The film is a fictionalized take on the events leading to the eponymous event, a party of gay men, many of whom were dressed as women. Featuring impressive production values and compelling performances, The Dance of the Forty-One is a well-crafted and well-told portrayal of a pivotal moment in Mexican history.
Cobalt Blue (2022)
6.5/10The Hindi-language LGBTQ+ drama Cobalt Blue is a poignant portrayal of same-sex pairings and their often confrontational relationship with traditions. The film centers on an aspiring author and his sister, who both fall for the enigmatic and attractive guest at their home. As their dynamics with him evolve, their traditional family faces a reckoning.
I Care a Lot (2021)
66%
6.3/10Rosamund Pike delivers a wickedly-delicious, Golden Globe-winning performance leading an ensemble including Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, and Diane Wiest in J Blakeson’s scathing satirical comedy I Care a Lot. The film centers on Marla Grayson, a court-appointed guardian who exploits her elderly charges while putting them in involuntary assisted living facilities. However, things get complicated when she tries to scam the mother of a dangerous gangster, putting her in a potentially deathly situation.
Single All the Way (2021)
49%
6.1/10Who doesn’t love a great Christmas movie, even if it’s not yet Christmas? Single All the Way stars Michael Urie as Peter, a recently-separated man who wants to avoid his family’s scrutiny over being single during the holidays. Persuading his best friend, Nick, to pose as his boyfriend for the trip, the two travel to Peter’s family’s home. However, their ruse soon reveals the lingering feelings between them. Philemon Chambers, Like Macfarlane, Kathy Najimy, and Jennifer Coolidge also star.
Bruised (2021)
52%
6.2/10Halle Berry delivers her finest performance in years with her directorial debut, Bruised. The Oscar-winning actress stars as Jackie, an aging and disgraced former MMA fighter forced to face the consequences of her life’s choices when the son she hasn’t seen for years shows up at her doorstep. With one last shot to get her life back on track, Jackie starts a new chapter in her personal and boxing journeys, but the demons of her past refuse to let go.
Dumplin' (2018)
53%
6.6/10The Prom (2020)
55%
5.9/10Let It Snow (2019)
51%
5.8/10The Half of It (2020)
74%
6.9/10Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
87%
6.9/10The Boys in the Band (2020)
70%
6.8/10
