NOTE: This blog post explores themes of adult intimacy, intended for mature audiences and educational purposes.
“Elio, Elio, Elio.” – If you don’t know from which movie this line is, you haven’t seen the best gay movies.
This list of gay movies brings together ten must-watch gay films that have moved, inspired, and sparked conversations worldwide. They showcase the beauty and complexity of being gay, celebrating stories of joy, heartbreak, courage, and community.
Before we address the films, you should know that this list is made according to my tastes. Let’s begin.
God’s Own Country
Francis Lee’s debut feature is a gritty and tender love story set in the Yorkshire countryside. It follows Johnny, a repressed and isolated young farmer, whose life changes when he meets a Romanian migrant worker.
God’s Own Country is often compared to Brokeback Mountain but offers a more hopeful tone. It’s a quiet, deeply affecting film grounded in realism and restrained emotion.
The Way He Looks
This Brazilian film tells the story of Leonardo, a blind teenager, and his evolving friendship with Gabriel, a new classmate. Their relationship gradually blossoms into something more, exploring first love through a lens of disability, desire, and independence.
It’s tender and inclusive, portraying young gay love without trauma or tragedy. The Way He Looks is quietly revolutionary in its gentle affirmation of queer adolescence.
Welcome to Chechnya
This documentary exposes the anti-gay purges in Chechnya, where LGBTQ+ individuals face imprisonment, torture, and death. David France’s film follows activists who risk their lives to rescue survivors.
The innovative use of deepfake technology helps protect the identities of those involved, adding a haunting layer to the narrative. Welcome to Chechnya isn’t an easy watch, but it’s essential viewing for understanding the global struggle for human rights.
Weekend
According to critics, Weekend is certainly one of the best gay movies. It’s a realistic view on a spontaneous romantic connection over the course of two days.
What begins as a one-night stand deepens into an emotional experience, raising questions about love, openness, and personal identity. The naturalistic dialogue and minimalistic style make it feel incredibly intimate and authentic.
Moonlight
Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight is an intimate portrait of a young Black man grappling with his identity and sexuality across three chapters of his life. Set in a rough Miami neighborhood, the film explores masculinity, vulnerability, and the longing for connection with remarkable subtlety.
Mahershala Ali’s Oscar-winning performance as a compassionate mentor is unforgettable, as is the understated romance at the film’s heart. It remains a masterwork of queer storytelling and visual storytelling.
My Own Private Idaho
Gus Van Sant’s cult classic explores themes of love, loneliness, and self-discovery through two street hustlers, played by River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. My Own Private Idaho blends Shakespearean elements with experimental storytelling, following their journey.
River Phoenix delivers a heartbreaking performance as Mike, a narcoleptic searching for his mother and emotional belonging. It helped shape queer independent cinema in the 1990s.
Pride
A gay but also a lesbian movie since it’s based on a true story of LGBT activists who supported striking miners during the 1984 strike. Initially met with suspicion, the two communities gradually create a powerful alliance rooted in solidarity and shared struggle.
Pride balances humor and emotion, showing how unlikely friendships can ignite political change. With a stellar ensemble cast, it’s a feel-good movie that also serves as a reminder of the power of collective action.
Milk
Another masterpiece by Sant but starring Sean Penn, Milk chronicles the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. When it comes to sad gay movies, Milk is the first option. On the other hand, it’s also an inspiring story of his activism and political rise.
Sean won an Oscar for his powerful portrayal, capturing both Milk’s charm and his unshakable commitment to gay rights. The film blends archival footage with dramatized scenes to create a stirring historical account.
The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game centers on the legendary Alan Turing, the British codebreaker who played a pivotal role in defeating the Nazis during WWII. Despite his achievements, Turing was later persecuted for being gay, a tragic irony the film doesn’t shy away from.
Benedict Cumberbatch gives a nuanced performance that captures both Turing’s brilliance and social isolation. The film raises important questions about justice, recognition, and the cost of living a hidden life. It also helped renew public awareness of Turing’s legacy and the injustice he suffered.
Call Me by Your Name
One of the best gay movies and my favorite, Call Me by Your Name, is a sensual and lyrical gay movie by Luca Guadagnino.
It captures the magnetic summer romance between a 17-year-old and a charming US graduate student. Their relationship unfolds with quiet intensity, culminating in a bittersweet exploration of first love and emotional awakening.
The film’s aesthetics and haunting soundtrack enhance its dreamy atmosphere.
Final Words on Best Gay Movies
These ten films represent a wide spectrum of gay experiences, from political heroes and hidden affairs to teenage romances and bold acts of resistance. Each story adds depth and richness to the cinematic landscape, breaking stereotypes and challenging norms. Here’s one bonus movie that also deserves attention – Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day.
Whether you’re drawn to documentary realism, historical drama, or intimate romance, there’s something on this list that will resonate and inspire. And if you want to continue reading, here’s my take on transgender films!
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