In the past ten years, The Best LGBTQ+ Movies has flourished, presenting diverse, compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. From heartfelt dramas to groundbreaking comedies, The Best LGBTQ+ Movies of the last decade have challenged norms and celebrated queer identities with authenticity and depth. Here’s a look at some of the top LGBTQ+ films that have made a significant impact on recent cinema.
1. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Synopsis: Set in the 1980s Italy, this romantic drama follows the intense relationship between a young man and his father’s research assistant. With its lush visuals and poignant storytelling, Call Me by Your Name has become a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema, capturing the essence of first love and self-discovery.
2. Moonlight (2016)
Director: Barry Jenkins
Synopsis: Moonlight offers a powerful narrative about identity and sexuality through the life of a young Black man navigating his adolescence and adulthood. Its portrayal of vulnerability and the search for belonging earned it the Academy Award for Best Picture, making it a significant film in queer cinema.
3. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Director: Céline Sciamma
Synopsis: This French historical drama tells the story of a forbidden affair between an artist and her subject in 18th-century France. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is celebrated for its beautiful cinematography and its exploration of female desire and autonomy.
4. The Handmaiden (2016)
Director: Park Chan-wook
Synopsis: A South Korean psychological thriller that twists and turns through a narrative of deception and romance. Based on the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, The Handmaiden is noted for its intricate plot and its bold representation of same-sex relationships.
5. Love, Simon (2018)
Director: Greg Berlanti
Synopsis: This coming-of-age film follows a high school student’s journey to coming out and finding love. Love, Simon stands out for its relatable portrayal of teenage struggles and its positive depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences.
6. The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
Director: Desiree Akhavan
Synopsis: Set in the 1990s, this film follows a teenage girl sent to a conversion therapy camp after being caught in a same-sex relationship. The Miseducation of Cameron Post provides a critical look at the harmful practices of conversion therapy while highlighting the resilience of LGBTQ+ youth.
7. A Fantastic Woman (2017)
Director: Sebastián Lelio
Synopsis: This Chilean film tells the story of a transgender woman dealing with grief and societal rejection after the death of her partner. A Fantastic Woman is praised for its empathetic and powerful portrayal of trans experiences.
8. Boy Erased (2018)
Director: Joel Edgerton
Synopsis: Based on a memoir, this film follows the journey of a young man forced into conversion therapy by his conservative Christian parents. Boy Erased sheds light on the trauma inflicted by such practices and the struggle for self-acceptance.
9. Girlhood (2014)
Director: Céline Sciamma
Synopsis: A French film that explores the life of a teenage girl coming of age in a rough neighborhood while discovering her sexuality. Girlhood is noted for its portrayal of female friendship and personal growth.
10. Love, Victor (2020–2021)
Creators: Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger
Synopsis: A TV series inspired by Love, Simon, Love, Victor continues to explore the themes of self-discovery and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on a high school student navigating his own journey.
