What Are The Best LGBTQ+ Films To Watch In 2023?

This year has been such a treat for queer cinema! One film I can't stop raving about is 'All of Us Strangers'—it's a hauntingly beautiful ghost story wrapped in a love letter to loneliness and connection. Andrew Scott's performance shattered me in the best way. Then there's 'Challengers,' which isn't explicitly marketed as an LGBT film but oozes with queer tension—Zendaya navigating that messy love triangle between two tennis players had me gripping my seat. For something lighter, 'Bottoms' delivered chaotic queer energy with its over-the-top violence and horny teenage antics. It felt like 'But I'm a Cheerleader' meets 'Fight Club' in the best possible way. On the international front, 'Close to You' starring Elliot Page brought such tenderness to its trans narrative—those quiet moments of family reconciliation hit harder than any dramatic monologue could.

If you're looking for LGBTQ anime that really digs into emotional depth and character relationships, 'Given' is an absolute gem. It follows a group of musicians navigating love, loss, and self-discovery, with a beautifully understated romance between two male characters. The music is hauntingly good, and the way it handles grief alongside queer identity feels so genuine. Another standout is 'Bloom Into You,' a slow-burn yuri romance that explores the uncertainty of first love with incredible nuance. It avoids clichés and lets its characters breathe, making their connection feel earned rather than rushed. For something more adventurous, 'Yuri!!! on Ice' blends sports drama with a heartfelt same-sex romance, all set against the dazzling world of competitive figure skating. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the animation during the routines is breathtaking. On the flip side, 'Wandering Son' tackles gender identity with rare sensitivity, following two trans kids as they navigate adolescence. It’s quieter and more introspective, but that’s what makes it so powerful.

One film that absolutely wrecked me in the best way was 'Call Me by Your Name'. The sun-drenched Italian countryside, the whispered conversations, and that heartbreaking final shot by the fireplace—it’s a masterpiece of longing and first love. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer have this electric chemistry that feels so raw and real. I’ve rewatched it a dozen times and still catch new details, like the way Elio’s father’s monologue about grief reframes the whole story. Then there’s 'Moonlight', which shattered every expectation I had about queer storytelling. The three-act structure, each chapter with a different actor portraying Chiron, creates this haunting mosaic of identity and vulnerability. That diner scene in the final act? Goosebumps every time. It’s not just a 'gay film'—it’s a universal meditation on masculinity and tenderness, with Barry Jenkins’ poetic direction elevating every frame.

2023 was such a vibrant year for queer cinema! One film that left a deep impression on me was 'All of Us Strangers'—Andrew Haigh’s hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and identity. The chemistry between Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott is electric, and the way it blends ghost-story elements with raw emotional vulnerability is just masterful. Then there’s 'Passages,' with Franz Rogowski’s chaotic, magnetic performance as a bisexual man caught between two lovers. It’s messy, sexy, and utterly human. On the lighter side, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' delivered that rom-com sweetness we all crave, with Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez’s royal romance feeling both frothy and genuinely heartfelt. And let’s not forget 'Bottoms,' the absurdly fun lesbian fight-club comedy that had me cackling in the theater. It’s rare to see queer joy framed with such unapologetic humor and violence—like 'Booksmart' meets 'Fight Club,' but gayer.

One of my favorite ways to discover LGBTQ+ MM short films is through YouTube—there's a treasure trove of indie creators uploading heartfelt, raw stories there. Channels like 'Queer Short Films' or 'Omeleto' often feature diverse narratives, and the comments section feels like a little community. Vimeo’s another gem, especially for higher-quality productions; searching tags like '#QueerCinema' or '#MLM' brings up hidden gems. Don’t overlook film festivals either! Many virtual festivals, like Outfest Fusion or BFI Flare, offer free screenings during their runs. I stumbled on 'Seahorse' (a tender MM romance) this way last year. TikTok’s become weirdly great too—follow hashtags like #QueerShortFilm for bite-sized storytelling that punches way above its weight.

One of my all-time favorites has to be 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'—it’s just breathtaking. The way Céline Sciamma directs the slow burn of passion between Marianne and Héloïse feels so intimate and raw. Every frame is like a painting, and the silence between them speaks volumes. The tension builds so beautifully that by the time they finally give in to their feelings, it’s utterly cathartic. It’s not just a love story; it’s a meditation on art, memory, and the fleeting nature of connection. I’ve rewatched it so many times, and each viewing reveals new layers. Another gem is 'The Handmaiden,' Park Chan-wook’s twisty, lush adaptation of Sarah Waters’ 'Fingersmith.' The chemistry between Sook-hee and Lady Hideko is electric, and the film’s structure—shifting perspectives to reveal hidden motives—keeps you on your toes. It’s sensual, darkly funny, and visually opulent, with costumes and settings that feel like another character in the story. The way their relationship evolves from deception to genuine love is masterfully done. Plus, that ending? Pure satisfaction. For something lighter but equally heartfelt, 'But I’m a Cheerleader' is a cult classic. Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall are adorable together, and the satirical take on conversion therapy camps somehow balances humor with genuine emotion. The pastel-colored, exaggerated world makes the story’s message about self-acceptance even more poignant. It’s one of those films that manages to be both silly and deeply moving, and the supporting cast (including RuPaul!) is a riot. If you’re into period dramas, 'Ammonite' starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan is a slow, aching burn. Based loosely on the life of paleontologist Mary Anning, it’s a story of quiet desire and repressed emotions. The coastal setting feels bleak and isolating, which mirrors their internal struggles. It’s not a flashy romance, but the performances—especially the way they communicate longing through glances and touches—make it unforgettable. It’s the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Lastly, 'Disobedience' with Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams is a powerful exploration of forbidden love within a conservative community. The tension between their characters, Ronit and Esti, is palpable, and the way they navigate guilt, faith, and desire is heartbreakingly real. The famous 'intimacy scene' is one of the most authentic portrayals of female desire I’ve seen on screen—awkward, messy, and deeply human. It’s a film that stays with you, not just for the romance but for its questions about freedom and belonging.

LGBTQ+ cinema has truly blossomed over the years, and streaming platforms are packed with gems that celebrate queer stories in all their complexity. One film that immediately comes to mind is 'Call Me by Your Name,' available on Netflix. It’s a lush, sun-drenched romance that captures the fleeting intensity of first love, with Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer delivering performances so raw they’ll leave you emotionally wrecked in the best way. Then there’s 'Moonlight,' which you can find on Hulu—this Oscar-winning masterpiece explores identity, masculinity, and vulnerability with such poetic grace that it feels like a punch to the gut every time I revisit it. For something more upbeat, 'The Half of It' (Netflix) is a charming coming-of-age tale that reimagines 'Cyrano de Bergerac' with a queer twist. Alice Wu’s direction is both tender and witty, and Leah Lewis’s performance as Ellie is downright irresistible. On the flip side, 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' (Hulu) is a slow burn (literally) that’s all about longing and artistic passion. The way Céline Sciamma frames every shot like a painting makes it one of the most visually stunning films I’ve ever seen—and the chemistry between the leads? Absolutely incendiary. If you’re in the mood for something historical, 'BPM (Beats Per Minute)' on Amazon Prime dives into the activism of ACT UP Paris during the AIDS crisis. It’s urgent, heartbreaking, and fiercely political, with a soundtrack that’ll haunt you. And for a lighter but equally meaningful watch, 'Love, Simon' (Disney+) is the kind of feel-good rom-com I wish I’d had as a teen. It’s sweet, funny, and unapologetically queer in a way that feels genuinely refreshing. What I love about these films is how they refuse to reduce queer experiences to a single narrative. Whether it’s the quiet desperation of 'Carol' (Tubi) or the chaotic joy of 'The Birdcage' (Peacock), they remind me why representation matters—not just for the sake of visibility, but for the sheer richness of stories waiting to be told. Honestly, I could gush about queer cinema all day, but these are the ones that’ve stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

If we're talking about groundbreaking LGBTQ films, 'Moonlight' immediately springs to mind. It's not just a coming-of-age story; it's a raw, poetic exploration of identity, masculinity, and vulnerability that resonates universally. The way Barry Jenkins uses color and sound to mirror Chiron's emotional journey still gives me chills. Then there's 'Call Me by Your Name'—a sun-drenched Italian summer romance that captures the agony and ecstasy of first love. The peach scene? Iconic. For something more rebellious, 'Paris Is Burning' documents NYC's ballroom scene in the '80s with such vitality and heart. It's a cultural time capsule that influenced everything from fashion to 'Pose.' And let’s not forget 'Brokeback Mountain,' which shattered stereotypes with its tender, tragic portrayal of forbidden love between cowboys. These films aren’t just 'LGBTQ movies'—they’re human stories that happen to center queer experiences, and that’s why they endure.

LGBTQ representation in anime has come a long way, and there are some gems that really stand out. 'Given' is one of my absolute favorites—it’s a music-themed romance about a band forming and the slow-burn relationship between two guys. The storytelling is subtle but powerful, and the music is incredible. Another must-watch is 'Yuri!!! on Ice,' which blends figure skating and romance in a way that feels both exhilarating and heartfelt. The chemistry between Yuri and Victor is undeniable. For something more dramatic, 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' is a classic. It’s surreal, poetic, and packed with symbolism, exploring gender roles and queer love in a way that’s still groundbreaking decades later. On the lighter side, 'Bloom Into You' is a beautiful take on a sapphic romance, with nuanced characters who feel refreshingly real. These shows aren’t just about representation—they’re genuinely great stories that happen to center LGBTQ characters.

Queer cinema has given us some truly unforgettable stories that resonate deeply, whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or just a lover of great filmmaking. One that instantly comes to mind is 'Moonlight'—its raw, poetic portrayal of Black masculinity and queer identity shattered conventions and left me speechless. Then there's 'Carol,' a lush, aching romance with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara that captures forbidden desire in the 1950s with such tenderness. For something more rebellious, 'Paris Is Burning' documents the vibrant ballroom culture of New York in the 1980s, blending joy and struggle in a way that still feels revolutionary. And let's not forget 'Brokeback Mountain,' which turned a quiet, heartbreaking love story between two cowboys into a cultural milestone. Each of these films carved out space for queer narratives in ways that still ripple through cinema today. I could talk about them for hours—they’re that powerful.