The Greatest LGBTQ Movies Ever Made Ranked

Not many genres have made movies audiences value like LGBTQ. Since the 1980’s, the LGBTQ genre has made unforgettable movies. Whether it’s gay black teenagers, political figures or world-famous singers, the genre has crafted many strong characters. Given the sheer number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite LGBTQ movies of all-time that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Moonlight

Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Years ago, I witnessed the hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. Unaware that he was queer, I formed strong bonds with a cousin about whom I came to care. However, the shocking discovery of his secret sexual identity ended our bond forever. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the grim plight faced by queer people keeping sexuality hidden in plain sight as powerfully as “Moonlight”. Ever since its release in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest LGBTQ film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Jenkins used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a queer black boy facing despair. Jenkins has always had an aptitude for capturing lives of African-American people in his movies, and “Moonlight” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Jenkins effectively used montages to capture a queer black boy struggling to find social acceptance in society. For instance, the scene in which Chiron has an emotional breakdown getting into a violent fight with a bully in his class causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the LGBTQ genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Ashton Sanders, who embodies a poor queer black boy struggling to find acceptance in society. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” my favourite LGBTQ movie of all-time is its bold appeal. It delivers a bold message about the importance of finding sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 10 years after the release of a classic film about queer black boys keeping their sexual identity hidden in plain sight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies shining light on plight faced by LGBTQ people which definitely deserve spotlight.

2. Philadelphia

Courtroom dramas are a genre of movies that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia heartwarming memories of an uncle appreciating the courtroom drama genre. My uncle grew up to embrace a genre in which 12 angry men experienced a courtroom case. As someone treasuring a cousin that adored the courtroom genre, I adored “Philadelphia”. Released in 1993, Jonathan Demme’s movie forever changed the LGBTQ genre through its depiction of the AIDS crisis. Demme has always had an aptitude for creating courtroom dramas, and “Philadelphia” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Joe Miller interrogates Andrew in court asking him to showcase lesions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the LGBTQ genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who embodies a victim of the AIDS crisis. Ultimately, what makes “Philadelphia” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andrew’s desire to battle homophobia in Philadelphia, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.

3. Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Lesbian love stories are rarely told with respect in movies. At an age of innocence, I formed bonds with a lesbian girl that exhibited courage. A rebellious tomboy, she always loved to engage in activities boys would enjoy. Unaware that she was queer, I bonded with a girl about whom I came to care. As someone treasuring fond memories of a lesbian girl that I admire, I adored “Portrait of a Lady on Fire”. Released in 2019, Celine Sciamma’s French movie depicted lesbian lovers facing tragedy in the 18th Century. Sciamma uses breathtaking montages capturing the bonds between lesbian lovers that engage in a doomed affair. For instance, the scene in which Marianne paints a portrait of Heloise sparking the beginning of their romance in the Victorian era is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” a LGBTQ masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about forbidden love which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most French movies which are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. As beautiful as the portrait of a lady on fire, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre producing movies which audiences admire.

4. Call Me By Your Name

Adolescence is a tumultuous time in life when people discover sexual identity. I recall fond memories of being an adolescent seeking to find his sexual identity. It was a time marked by confusion when I was unsure of my sexual orientation. As someone treasuring adolescence that caused shame, I adored “Call Me By Your Name”. Released in 2017, Luca Guadagnino’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about teenage sexuality. Guadagnino uses stunning montages capturing a queer teenage boy falling in love with an older man. Despite the sensitive nature of the age-gap romance, Guadagnino made it work tremendously. For instance, the final scene in which Oliver bids emotional farewell to Elio causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Timothee Chalamet, who embodied a gay teenager facing a price to pay. Ultimately, what makes “Call Me By Your Name” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Elio’s desire to discover his sexual identity, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies about the LGBTQ community which audiences love dearly.

5. All of Us Strangers

It’s always challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a sad low when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, she faced murder. Following her passing, I would be haunted by ghosts of my housekeeper. As someone haunted by a housekeeper that faced barriers, I adored “All of Us Strangers”. Released in 2023, Andrew Haigh’s movie offered a beautiful portrait of LGBTQ communities. Unlike most movies in the LGBTQ genre, what makes “All of Us Strangers” stand out is its sensitive depiction of grief. Haigh successfully uses symbolism of ghosts to capture a gay man grieving loss of his parents. For instance, the scene in which Adam meets the ghosts of his parents that died in a car crash causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Andrew Scott, who captures a gay man grieving loss of his parents. Ultimately, what makes “All of Us Strangers” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about grief which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Adam’s memories of parents that died, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies leaving audiences satisfied.

6. Milk

When it comes to the most inspiring gay activists in American history, it’s worth discussing Harvey Milk. During the 1970’s, Milk was an inspiring activist that fought for LGBTQ rights. An awe-inspiring political leader, Milk became a figure queer people treasure. In 2008, Gus Van Sant honoured the political leader in his movie “Milk”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Milk” stand out is its historical depiction. Van Sant uses stunning montages to the honour the legacy of a legendary gay politician. Assisted by Sean Penn who is extraordinary in the lead role, Van Sant celebrated Harvey Milk’s enduring legacy. A terrific tribute towards a gay activist that experienced a painful price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which definitely deserve to be celebrated today.

7. Joyland

Pakistan is a conservative country where LGBTQ communities are rarely treated fairly. Unlike America, queer people in Pakistan face stigma. In a country where stories of LGBTQ communities are banned, it’s worth praising “Joyland”. Released in 2022, Saim Sadiq’s powerful Pakistani drama captured transgender artists in the country. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Joyland” stand out is its strong depiction of Pakistan. Sadiq uses stunning real-life locales across the country to capture transgender artists being treated unfairly. Assisted by Alina Khan who is amazing in the lead role, Sadiq created a powerful portrait of LGBTQ communities in Pakistan. A joyous glimpse at the culture of a grand land, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences understand.

8. The Favourite

Lesbian love affairs have long been a part of British history. During the 18th Century, Queen Anne of England was a lesbian that had affairs with mistresses. Mistresses often competed to be the favourite mate of a queen they appreciated. In 2018, Yorgos Lanthimos honoured the Queen’s lesbian romances in his movie “The Favourite”. Unlike most LGBTQ movies, what makes “The Favourite” shine is its depiction of history. Lanthimos uses symbolism to capture bonds between lesbian lovers in the 18th Century. Assisted by Emma Stone who is amazing in the lead role, Lanthimos created a compelling historical drama about lesbian lovers. A fantastic portrait of women competing to become the favourite mistress of their queen, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre manufacturing movies that are always worth watching on the big-screen.

9. The Danish Girl

Few icons in LGBTQ history have built a legacy as strong as Lili Elbe. During the 1930’s, Elbe became the first ever man to undergo gender reassignment surgeries. A powerful transgender painter, Elbe changed the world forever. In 2015, Tom Hooper honoured the legendary Danish transgender pioneer in his movie “The Danish Girl”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Danish Girl” stand out is its depiction of gender surgery. Hooper uses captivating montages to capture obstacles a transgender artist was facing. Assisted by Eddie Redmayne who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured a legendary icon in LGBTQ history. A terrific tribute towards a legendary painter that changed his gender, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

10. Bohemian Rhapsody

Freddie Mercury is a legendary gay musician that built a lasting legacy. During the 1980’s, Mercury became an icon in the LGBTQ community. In 2018, Bryan Singer honoured Mercury in his movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Singer used montages to capture a queer musician. Assisted by Rami Malek who is superb in the lead role, Singer honoured a singer. Although I love the movie, its depiction of homosexuality has aged poorly. The film doesn’t explore Mercury’s sexuality which is treated as a plot point. Nevertheless, the film remains a great addition to the LGBTQ genre. As strong as Freddie Mercury’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making iconic movies educating the public about LGBTQ communities which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.