15 of the Best Queer Movies of the Last Century

 

 

Introduction

 

Queer cinema has come a long way over the last century. From the early days of Hollywood, when queer characters were often portrayed as villains or punchlines, to the modern era of independent film, where queer stories are finally being told on the big screen, there have been many groundbreaking and influential queer movies throughout history. In this article, we'll take a look at 25 of the best queer movies of the last century.

 

2: "Brokeback Mountain" (2005)

 

Directed by Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain" tells the story of two cowboys who fall in love in 1960s Wyoming. The film was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship in a mainstream Hollywood movie and was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

 

3: "Moonlight" (2016)

 

Winner of the Best Picture Oscar in 2017, "Moonlight" is a coming-of-age story about a young Black man growing up in Miami. The film explores themes of masculinity, identity, and sexuality in a powerful and moving way.

 

4: "The Handmaiden" (2016)

 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, "The Handmaiden" is a Korean film that tells the story of a young Japanese woman who becomes involved in a plot to defraud a wealthy Korean heiress. The film is a masterful exploration of power, desire, and sexuality.

 

5: "Paris Is Burning" (1990)

 

"Paris Is Burning" is a classic documentary that explores the ballroom culture of New York City in the 1980s. The film shines a light on the lives of Black and Latinx LGBTQ people and their struggles for acceptance and recognition.

 

6: "Carol" (2015)

 

Based on the novel "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith, "Carol" is a romantic drama set in the 1950s. The film tells the story of a young photographer who falls in love with an older woman, played by Cate Blanchett.

"Blue Is the Warmest Color" (2013)

"Blue Is the Warmest Color" is a French film that tells the story of a teenage girl who falls in love with an older woman. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and coming of age in a raw and emotional way.

 

7: "Philadelphia" (1993)

 

Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, "Philadelphia" is a powerful drama about a man who is fired from his job after his employer discovers he has AIDS. The film was groundbreaking for its portrayal of the AIDS epidemic and its impact on the LGBTQ community.

 

8: "The Kids Are All Right" (2010)

 

"The Kids Are All Right" is a comedy-drama about a lesbian couple whose two children seek out their sperm donor father. The film explores themes of family, identity, and relationships in a heartfelt and humorous way.

 

9: "My Own Private Idaho" (1991)

 

Directed by Gus Van Sant, "My Own Private Idaho" is a surreal drama about two male prostitutes who travel across the United States. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and class in a unique and unforgettable way.

 

10: "Weekend" (2011)

 

"Weekend" is a British romantic drama about two men who meet and fall in love over the course of a weekend. The film explores themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and the challenges of navigating a new relationship.

 

11: "But I'm a Cheerleader" (1999)

 

Starring Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall, "But I'm a Cheerleader" is a satirical comedy about a teenage girl who is sent to a conversion therapy camp after her parents suspect she is a lesbian. The film is a clever and subversive commentary on gender and sexual norms.

 

12: "Maurice" (1987)

 

Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, "Maurice" is a period drama set in early 20th century England. The film tells the story of a young man who falls in love with another man and must navigate the societal pressures and expectations of the time.

 

13: "Tangerine" (2015)

 

Shot entirely on an iPhone, "Tangerine" is a vibrant and energetic comedy-drama about two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. The film is a powerful exploration of identity, friendship, and the challenges of living on the margins of society.

 

14: "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (2019)

 

Set in 18th century France, "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is a romantic drama about a painter who is hired to create a portrait of a young woman who is soon to be married. The film is a masterful exploration of desire, intimacy, and the power dynamics between women.

 

15: "The Watermelon Woman" (1996)

 

Directed by Cheryl Dunye, "The Watermelon Woman" is a groundbreaking filmthat tells the story of a young Black lesbian filmmaker who becomes obsessed with a mysterious actress from the 1930s. The film is an important exploration of representation and identity in the media.