Netflix has become a treasure collection for diverse storytelling, and its collection of LGBTQ movies proves this platform. These films not only entertain but also offer a window into the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ community.
This list has various options for all viewers, whether you are looking for stories that offer a fresh look at LGBTQ people or films that portray their daily lives.
These movies include some that have opened new doors, allowing more stories about different people to be told. The following movies also show what life is like today for LGBTQ people.
So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be moved, challenged, and inspired by some of the best LGBTQ movies on Netflix.
10. Dancing Queens (2021)
| Director | Helena Bergstrom |
| Writers | Helena Bergstrom, Denize Karabuda |
| Casts | Molly Nutley, Marie Goranzon, Fredrik Quinones |
| Release Date | June 3, 2021 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Dancing Queens is a Swedish comedy-drama movie about a woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
This movie centers on Dylan, a young woman with a passion for dance who lives on a picturesque Swedish island.
She stumbles upon an opportunity at a drag club, where she’s initially just a cleaner. Her dancing catches the eye of the club’s performers, and she’s unexpectedly thrust onto the stage.
Pretending to be a man, Dylan dances freely, breaking traditional rules and following her dreams.
The movie is about a journey of finding yourself and the happiness of fitting in, set against the backdrop of the lively drag scene. It’s a film worth watching for its uplifting message.
9. Fanfic (2023)
| Director | Marta Karwowska |
| Writers | Marta Karwowska, Grzegorz Jaroszuk |
| Casts | Alin Szewczyk, Dobromir Dymecki, Jan Cięciara |
| Release Date | May 17, 2023 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Fanfic is a Polish drama film based on Natalia Osinska’s novel of the same name. It also gained popularity due to the first Polish film with a transgender actor.
The movie is about Tosiek (Alin Szewczyk), a teenager grappling with gender identity and self-expression.
Tosia, transforming into Tosiek, and her new friend Leon tackle the challenges of growing up and finding acceptance.
The surprising part is that the person everyone thought was just a fan is actually the writer of the popular story that everyone enjoys.
This surprise reveals that anyone can create the stories they adore, blurring the lines between fans and creators.
Fanfic is a great movie that celebrates being true to yourself and highlights the strong bond between a parent and child, even during hard times.
8. Valley of a Thousand Hills (2022)
| Director | Bonie Sithebe |
| Writers | Bonie Sithebe, Philani Sithebe |
| Casts | Sibongokuhle Nkosi, Mandisa Vilakazi |
| Release Date | November 25, 2022 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Valley of a Thousand Hills is a sad South African film about Nosipho, torn between family expectations and her love for a woman.
In the movie, Nosipho, a Zulu chief’s daughter, faces a dilemma. She’s expected to marry a man her father chose but secretly loves a woman.
She boldly decides to pursue her own happiness, even though it’s risky and her community doesn’t approve.
The twist unfolds as Nosipho, defying her father’s wishes, decides to be with Thenjiwe. Despite the risks in her conservative community, she chooses love.
Tragically, Thenjiwe is killed by Zenzele, leaving Nosipho devastated and alone, shattering her world.
Valley of a Thousand Hills is an inspiring movie about brave love that defies old rules, offering hope and a fresh perspective on life.
7. Alex Strangelove (2018)
| Director | Craig Johnson |
| Writer | Craig Johnson |
| Casts | Daniel Doheny, Antonio Mariale, Madeline Weinstein |
| Release Date | June 8, 2018 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Alex Strangelove is about a high school boy figuring out his sexuality while navigating love and friendships.
The movie tells the story of Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny), a high school senior who plans to lose his virginity to his girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein).
However, after meeting Elliot (Antonio Marziale), a charming gay teen, Alex begins a journey of self-discovery.
The twist? As he embraces his true self, Alex realizes he’s gay, leading to a heartfelt coming out.
Then, he finds his true love with Elliot, changing his life in unexpected and beautiful ways.
Alex Strangelove is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery wrapped in humor and honesty.
A film that celebrates being true to who you are, it’s a must-watch for its genuine charm.
6. Stay on Board (2022)
| Directors | Nicola Marsh, Giavanni Reda |
| Casts | Leo Baker, Alexis Sablone, Melissa Bueno-Woerner |
| Release Date | August 11, 2022 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Stay on Board is an inspiring Netflix documentary that follows the courageous journey of a skateboarder and the challenges of being a trans athlete.
The movie is about the real-life tale of Leo Baker, a top-tier skateboarder who wrestles with the complexities of gender identity in the high-stakes world of sports.
The film highlights Baker’s struggle with the gender expectations of the sports world and his journey towards self-acceptance.
The film’s twist reveals that, despite Olympic aspirations, Baker gives up his dream to stay true to himself, changing his own life and the skateboarding world.
Stay on Board is a highly recommended film because it tells a real and touching story about Leo Baker’s brave journey to find out who they are.
5. The Invisible Thread (2022)
| Director | Marco Simon Puccioni |
| Writers | Luca De Bei, Macro Simon Puccioni |
| Casts | Filippo Timi, Francesco Scianna, Francesco Gheghi |
| Release Date | March 4, 2022 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
The Invisible Thread is an Italian film about a teen documenting his life with two dads and the unexpected family changes he faces.
Leone Ferrai (Francesco Gheghi) is making a school documentary about LGBTQ rights, drawing from his own life experiences.
While discovering his first love in his friend Anna (Giulia Maenza), Leone’s seemingly perfect family faces challenges.
The story takes a turn when Leone’s family faces problems, making him think about his strong, hidden connection with his dad and his birth.
It is a heartfelt journey that celebrates the diverse shapes of family and love, inviting us to see beyond the visible and cherish the bonds that connect us all.
4. Operation Hyacinth (2021)
| Director | Piotr Domalewski |
| Writer | Marcin Ciaston |
| Casts | Tomasz Zietek, Hubert Milkowski, Marek Kalita |
| Release Date | October 13, 2021 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Operation Hyacinth tells the story of a detective in 1980s Poland who faces widespread anti-gay bias while trying to solve a murder case.
The movie centers on Robert (Tomasz Zietek), a young Warsaw police officer in the 1980s, who is investigating a series of murders linked to the gay community.
As he delves deeper, he uncovers a national operation to track gay individuals.
The plot twist hits when Robert, amidst the homophobic society and police force, starts recognizing his own identity within the community he’s investigating.
Robert’s understanding of who he is makes him rethink his work and his beliefs as he works to solve the murder mysteries and make the right choices.
Operation Hyacinth offers a powerful look at personal discovery against a backdrop of societal injustice.
It is a must-watch movie because it shows the courage of people who keep fighting for the truth, even when it’s hard.
3. Dance of the 41 (2020)
| Director | David Pablos |
| Writer | Monika Revilla |
| Casts | Alfonso Herrera, Mabel Cadena, Emiliano Zurita |
| Release Date | November 1, 2020 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Dance of the 41 is a historical drama that unveils the secret lives of a group of gay men in early 20th-century Mexico.
The movie focuses on Ignacio de la Torre (Alfonso Herrera), who is married to the president’s daughter but leads a secret life as a gay man.
The plot revolves around a scandalous police raid at a private party where many men, including Ignacio, are arrested for homosexuality.
The twist comes when Ignacio is spared from the scandal to protect his father-in-law, the president of Mexico.
Ignacio is in a marriage without love and must keep his true love a secret due to society’s harsh rules, which shows people’s hard decisions to accept.
This film is a must-see for its bold look at a secret part of history, showing the battle between being true to oneself and fitting into society.
2. Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate (2023)
| Director | Benjamin Cantu, Matt Lambert |
| Writers | Benjamin Cantu, Felix Kriegsheim |
| Casts | Robert Beachy, Eren Guvercin, Katrin Himmler |
| Release Date | June 28, 2023 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate is a film about the vibrant gay culture in Berlin during the 1920s, which the Nazis destroyed.
This documentary movie takes us back to a 1920s club called Eldorado. This club was a safe space where the LGBTQ+ community could freely express themselves.
The film showcases the free life in the club and the freedom it represents. However, as the Nazis rise to power, this freedom is stripped away.
The twist lies in the stark contrast between the club’s bright, open atmosphere and the following dark, oppressive regime.
Eldorado is a treasured movie that takes us back to a brave era and powerfully shows why we must always fight to keep our freedom.
1. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
| Director | Luca Guadagnino |
| Writer | James Ivory |
| Casts | Armie Hammer, Timothee Chalamet, Amira Casar |
| Release Date | November 24, 2017 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Call Me By Your Name is a movie about a young man’s first love and emotional growth during a summer in Italy.
The movie is about Elio, a 17-year-old who stays in a lovely house with his family and gets to know Oliver, a 24-year-old from America who is helping Elio’s dad with his work.
As the days pass, Elio (Timonthee Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) develop a deep bond that turns into a passionate romance.
The plot twist is the realization that Elio and Oliver’s summer romance must end as Oliver leaves Italy.
He confronts Elio with the bittersweet truth of their temporary love and its lasting impact on his future.
The movie shows Elio’s strong feelings for his first love and his sadness when it ends, which changes him as he grows up.
It’s a good watch because it shows how deep feelings, like love and heartbreak, are part of being human.
| Movie Name | Running Time |
|---|---|
| Dancing Queens | 1H 50M |
| Fanfic | 1H 35M |
| Valley of a Thousand Hills | 1H 38M |
| Alex Strangelove | 1H 39M |
| Stay on Board | 1H 13M |
| The Invisible Thread | 1H 43M |
| Operation Hyacinth | 1H 52M |
| Dance of 41 | 1H 39M |
| Eldorado | 1H 29M |
| Call Me By Your Name | 2H 10M |
