NOTE: This post explores themes of adult intimacy and gender representation in film, intended only for mature audiences and educational purposes.
Transgender movies aren’t something new, but they haven’t been significantly popular. There are many reasons why, including quality. However, one of the main reasons is that there’s a lot of transphobia. Luckily, it’s decreasing, and more films represent transgender themes.
Let’s begin and see the best transgender movies.
Tangerine
This vibrant indie film was shot on an iPhone and follows two transgender sex workers. Two trans actresses, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, give raw and unforgettable performances.
Tangerine balances grit and humor while addressing betrayal, friendship, and survival. Its groundbreaking approach to casting and filming set a new standard for indie cinema.
This movie is celebrated as a turning point for authentic trans representation on screen. It remains one of the most important trans movies with trans actors.
Major events: Sundance Film Festival, Cork International Film Festival, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
A Fantastic Woman
This Chilean film stars Daniela Vega, a transgender actress, as Marina, a woman grieving the death of her partner. The story captures both her mourning and the discrimination she faces from society and family.
Vega’s performance is deeply moving, bringing authenticity and vulnerability to the role. A Fantastic Woman stands as one of the most acclaimed trans-centered films in history.
Major events: Academy Awards, Berlin International Film Festival, Golden Globes
Boys Don’t Cry
When it comes to the most popular transgender movies based on true stories, Boys Don’t Cry is undoubtedly at the peak. It’s a story about Brandon Teena, a trans man who was murdered in Nebraska.
Hilary Swank’s performance brought Brandon’s struggles and courage to international attention. The movie explores themes of identity, violence, and the devastating impact of transphobia. It remains one of the most well-known transgender movies. Moreover, it’s arguably the most-watched transgender film so far.
Major events: Oscars, BAFTAs, European Film Awards
Breakfast on Pluto
This playful drama follows Patrick “Kitten” Braden, a transgender woman navigating life in Ireland during the 1970s. Breakfast on Pluto mixes fantasy, humor, and hardship to explore resilience and identity.
Cillian Murphy gives a tender and memorable performance. Kitten’s journey is one of self-discovery amid social and political turmoil. It’s a visually unique film that balances charm with depth.
Major events: Berlin International Film Festival, European Film Awards, Irish Film and Television Awards
The Danish Girl
There is no information on which is the first transgender movie ever. Online, you can find that it’s The Danish Girl, but that’s not accurate. This movie appears since it’s one of the most mainstream and successful films addressing this topic. Glen or Glenda is often considered the first transgender movie ever. However, this isn’t confirmed.
Set in the early 20th century, The Danish Girl is inspired by the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known people to undergo gender confirmation surgery. Eddie Redmayne plays Lili, whose transition deeply impacts her marriage and identity. This film is still one of the most famous transgender movies.
Major events: Oscars, European Film Awards, Satellite Awards
Laurence Anyways
Directed by Xavier Dolan, Laurence Anyways tells the story of a transgender woman struggling to transition while maintaining a relationship. It spans over a decade, showing the ups and downs of love and identity.
The movie portrays the complexity of transitioning within the context of romance. Its poetic style makes it a modern queer cinema classic. Filled with emotions and bold colors, it’s visually amazing.
Major events: Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Southern Comfort
This documentary follows Robert Eads, a transgender man living in the rural South who was denied medical care due to being trans. It’s a heartbreaking yet deeply human portrait of resilience and chosen family.
The film captures Robert’s warmth and humor despite facing terminal illness. His story highlights the systemic discrimination trans people endure. Southern Comfort remains a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and healthcare access, especially regarding transgender people.
Major events: Primetime Emmy Awards, Sundance, San Francisco International Film Festival
A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story
This TV movie tells the story of Gwen Araujo, a trans woman who was killed. It sheds light on her life, her struggles for acceptance, and the events leading to her tragic death.
The film addresses the dangers of living authentically in a hostile society. A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story also sparked important conversations about hate crimes against transgender people. Gwen’s story continues to be a symbol of resilience and injustice.
Major events: GLAAD Media Awards, Imagen Foundation Awards
Marble Ass
This comedy-drama stars Merlinka, a trans actress and sex worker, in a rare leading role during the 90s. It follows two sex workers living through 90s Serbia, destroyed by the Yugoslav Wars. Marble Ass blends realism with absurdity to critique war, social oppression, and survival. Merlinka’s performance adds authenticity and heart to the story.
It remains an important film for its bold representation during an extremely turbulent time. Serbia during the 90s was a mess. Any unconventional behavior was a potential problem, let alone being transgender. Still, as always, director Zelimir Zilnik wasn’t afraid to explore.
Major events: Berlin International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Moscow International Film Festival
The Constitution
This drama tells the story of four neighbors with different identities and prejudices who slowly learn to understand one another. The leading character, Vjeko, is a transgender, navigating personal, societal, and political struggles.
The Constitution combines themes of intolerance, love, and unexpected connection. Its heartfelt storytelling emphasizes empathy across differences. It’s both politically sharp and emotionally moving. On top of it all, Serbian actor Nebojsa Glogovac plays the leading role perfectly.
Major events: Raindance Film Festival, Montréal World Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Soldier’s Girl
This one is a drama recounting the relationship between soldier Barry Winchell and Calpernia Addams, a transgender woman.
Soldier’s Girl humanizes Calpernia’s perspective while exposing the toxic environment of military homophobia and transphobia. It portrays the risks transgender people face when simply trying to love openly. The film is both a romance and a heartbreaking reminder of intolerance.
Major events: Emmys, Golden Globes, GLAAD Media Awards
Girl
Gender dysphoria is often misinterpreted, and watching Girl will maybe help you understand what it’s about. It tells the story of Lara, a transgender teenager training to become a ballerina. It portrays her struggles with her body and identity.
This coming-of-age drama is a sensitive and critically acclaimed trans film. What’s even more important, it showcased the difficulties young transgender people face.
Major events: Cannes, Manaki Brothers Film Festival, European Film Awards
Final Thoughts on Transgender Movies
Transgender movies are essential for breaking the stigma and various taboos regarding transgender people. That’s the ultimate goal that film directors focus on the most. It’s great that these films allow transgender actors to work. However, it’s also fascinating to watch non-trans actors transform when playing trans roles.
The movies above aren’t just excellent films. They’re also a symbol of protest, freedom fighting, and a cry for help. Leave all the misinformation aside and watch these movies to learn more about transgender people, or at least to understand their struggles.
framebyframecritic 
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