Cinema has come a long way in embracing diversity, and the best LGBTQ+ movies are proof of that progress. From the New Hollywood era to today, queer filmmakers and allies have crafted stories that resonate with authenticity, humor, and heart. Whether you're looking for a raucous teen comedy or a poignant drama, these films represent the pinnacle of representation. Here's our ranking of the 35 best LGBTQ+ movies of all time, starting with a modern cult classic.
35. 'Bottoms' (2023)
This raunchy, over-the-top coming-of-age romcom takes the classic 2000s teen movie formula and gives it a queer twist. Unpopular best friends PJ and Josie start a fight club to gain popularity and impress the hot girls at school. Their plan works—until the jocks target the club. Bottoms is tailor-made for a younger, social media-savvy LGBTQ+ audience, with instantly quotable dialogue and chaotic antics that cement its status as a cult classic. It's a love letter to both the genre and modern queer film fans.
34. 'My Own Private Idaho' (1991)
Gus Van Sant's loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry saga stars River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as two friends on a journey of self-discovery. Phoenix's quiet, melancholic performance powers this introspective reflection on identity and nostalgia. At a time when queer cinema was just breaking into the mainstream, My Own Private Idaho stood as a pioneering achievement, blending indie sensibilities with raw emotion.
33. 'The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love' (1995)
This beautiful sapphic romance follows Randy and Evie, two girls from different worlds who fall helplessly in love despite community and family pushback. In an era when LGBTQ+ relationships were often the butt of jokes, this film treats their love as pure, honest, and undeniable. It's a powerful testament to the strength of romantic comedy in telling queer stories with heart.
32. 'But I'm a Cheerleader' (1999)
Jamie Babbit's satirical teen comedy stars Natasha Lyonne as Megan, a popular girl sent to a conversion camp after her parents suspect she's a lesbian. There, she bonds with Graham (Clea DuVall). Deliciously campy and self-aware, the film finds humor in the serious subject of coming out, turning a challenging experience into a powerful, funny, and influential story for a generation.
31. 'The Living End' (1992)
A key film of the New Queer Cinema movement, this drama follows Luke, a grifter, and Jon, a film critic, who go on a reckless road trip after Luke kills a homophobic cop. Inspired by Thelma and Louise, it's an empowering and disruptive film that tackles HIV and homophobia head-on. Sexy, chaotic, and rewarding, The Living End paved the way for future queer cinema.
30. 'To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar' (1995)
This beloved comedy follows three drag queens—Vida, Noxeema, and Chi-Chi—on a cross-country road trip that ends with them stranded in a small town. With heart, humor, and fabulous costumes, the film celebrates friendship and self-expression. It remains a touchstone for drag culture and a joyful entry in the LGBTQ+ film canon.
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These 35 films represent the best of LGBTQ+ cinema—from groundbreaking classics to modern hits. They celebrate love, identity, and resilience, proving that queer stories are not just important but essential to the art of filmmaking. Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering a new one, each movie on this list is a landmark achievement in representation.
