Even though the LGBTQ+ population is on the rise in the United States, lesbian and gay relationships are still underrepresented in media. But the good news is, the beautiful diversity of human experiences are appearing in films more and more often. According to the 2020 GLAAD media report, of the 118 films released from the major studios in 2019, 22 included LGBTQ characters. That’s the highest percentage of inclusive films in the report’s history. And that representation matters. Media that shows LGBTQ people normalizes love between two people of the same gender, educates viewers on the long and difficult journey toward equal rights, or reinforces the fact that that gay, lesbian and LGBTQ people are just like everyone else.
For newly out or young viewers, that validation can make them feel seen and heard. That’s a powerful thing, especially for those who don’t otherwise have a safe place to share who they really are. No matter your favorite genre, one of these lesbian movies will certainly hit the spot. But a word of warning: some of them can get a little hot and heavy. We’ve made a note of that where applicable, so you can save them for date night. Whether you want to help your LGBTQ teenager feel accepted or need a good film to watch with your partner, you’ll find something to love here.
1 Carol
A wealthy woman and a department store clerk begin an illicit affair in this must-watch LGBTQ film set in the 1950s. Adapted from the book, The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, it depicts how romance can blindside you and change your life.
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2 Tig
Fans of comedian Tig Notaro will love this tear-jerking documentary about life after a devastating cancer diagnosis. Those of us who cried our way through her stand-up set where she announced it, show this to a friend.
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3 But I’m a Cheerleader
Many of us first watched this cult classic when we were teens ourselves, and it’s well worth revisiting. It’s poignant, hilarious and endlessly quotable.
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4 The Perfection
Charlotte is a troubled musical prodigy and Elizabeth is the new star student at her former school. But before long, they find themselves starting down a dangerous path with sinister results. This LGBTQ thriller will send shivers down your spine.
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5 Blue is the Warmest Color
High schooler Adele has barely begun exploring her own identity when she meets blue-haired, free spirited Emma. Adele’s friends don’t accept her true self, so she becomes even closer to Emma. As you may be able to tell from the poster, this one’s best for adult audiences.
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6 D.E.B.S.
A comedic send-up of the Charlie Angels franchise, D.E.B.S. centers around the unlikely love story between the leader of an elite group of co-ed spies and a supervillain. You don’t have to know the original story to love this fun, flirty romp.
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7 Naomi & Ely’s No Kiss List
Like so many besties, Naomi and Ely have a firmly established “no kiss list” to protect them from romantic snafus. But in a surprising twist, they both come down with the hots for the same dude, even though Ely’s a lesbian. Turn rom-com stereotypes upside down with this quirky, fun flick.
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8 Duck Butter
Starring Ali Shawkat of Arrested Development, this intimate drama redefines what love between two women can look like. After getting fed up with the lies and deception their previous relationships have involved, two women spend 24 hours with each other to see if they can do any better.
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9 I Can’t Think Straight
Tear your eyes away from the poster image for a second, because the story is just as alluring. It follows the love story of Tala, a London-based Palestinian woman who’s planning her wedding when she meets and falls for Leyla, a British Indian woman.
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10 To Each, Her Own
Simone’s trying to find the courage to come out as a lesbian to her conservative Jewish family when she gets a crush on a dashing male chef. This snort-worthy comedy covers into the spectrum of romantic attraction, with lots of heartfelt and funny moments along the way.
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11 Chasing Amy
Comic book artists Holden and Banky have been buds for more than 20 years, but when they meet Alyssa, all that could change. Holden falls for her hard, but there’s just one problem: Alyssa doesn’t go for men. This fun comic romp also has an excellent throwback soundtrack.
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12 Lez Bomb
From the minds that brought you There’s Something About Mary comes this cringeworthy holiday comedy. A woman brings her girlfriend home for Thanksgiving, intending to come out to the whole clan. But then her male roommate shows up and, well, things go awry.
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13 Elisa y Marcela
In 1901, Elisa Sanchez Loriga assumed a male identity to marry her lover, Marcela Gracia Ibeas. This classic movie is based on that riveting story, with beautiful scenery to boot. If you’re a fan of foreign films and love stories, this one’s perfect for date night.
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14 Nina’s Heavenly Delights
After Nina Shah’s father dies, she has to move back to Glasgow to help run the family restaurant. That’s where she meets Lisa, who owns half. Romance (and lots of tasty-looking food) follows.
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15 Life Partners
Most buddy comedies focus on two straight dudes, so check out this female-fronted flick for a change of pace. Sasha (who’s a lesbian) and Paige (who’s straight) are best friends, and always put their relationship first. But then Paige meets a new guy that threatens their status.
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16 Bound
Buckle in for a dark crime thriller by The Wachowskis that follows Corky, a lesbian ex-con-turned plumber who concocts a plot with Violet to steal millions and pin it on Violet’s boyfriend.
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17 Happiest Season
If you’re the type to watch holiday movies year-round (guilty), this star-studded flick works anytime. Our protagonist plans to propose to her girlfriend at Christmas when they spend the holidays with her family, but on their way there, she finds out she isn’t out to them. It’s heartwarming, funny, and the outfits are A+.
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18 Disobedience
After a long estrangement due to her sexual transgressions, Ronit returns home to her super-conservative, Orthodox Jewish community in London and rediscovers a passion for her childhood friend, Esti. It’s a beautiful exploration of faith, community, and love.
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19 Saving Face
Wil is busy with her career as a surgeon and balancing the expectations of her traditionalist Chinese mother, which don’t include her dancer girlfriend Vivian. But then her mom shows up with a surprise that calls her bluff. The ending will get your toes tapping.
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20 Gray Matters
Gray and Sam are siblings who are so close, people sometimes assume they’re actually a couple. They agree to branch out and find each other a mate, but when Sam finds someone, it doesn’t exactly go as planned for Sam.
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