Netflix and other streaming services are finally starting to make more LGBTQ+ movies available, and have even produced originals with LGBTQ+ stories at the center — but the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix stand out for both their groundbreaking narratives and the boundaries they break. Netflix has romantic comedies that focus on LGBTQ+ characters like Alex Strangelove and The Half of It as well as several more dramatic yet romantic movies like Brokeback Mountain and Carol.
Netflix has also produced several documentaries about the LGBTQ+ community that delve into lives and events such as the prominent figure Marsha P. Johnson and the Stonewall Riots and beloved comedian Tig Notaro. There are definitely some great LGBTQ+ movies to watch on Netflix during Pride month this June. From teen musicals and Christmas movies to strong dramedies, Netflix has much to offer the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, as the best LGBTQ+ movies in the Netflix library show.
25 The Prom (2020)
Though The Prom might not be one of Netflix's most loved original movies, it does offer a fun and fresh queer teen story to follow and is arguably one of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix. The movie begins when the PTA of a high school cancels prom after Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman) requests permission to attend the dance with her girlfriend. The story makes the national news and grabs the attention of struggling Broadway actress Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep).
Determined to get her star power back, Dee Dee ropes in a team of Broadway stars to travel to the small town to throw Emma and the rest of her school the prom they deserve. What helps The Prom stand out is just how much it feels like any other teen movie in tone despite its heavy LGBTQ+ themes — an important selling point for viewers in the target demographic who want a story which speaks to them that isn't incredibly bleak throughout.
24 Ride or Die (2021)
This Japanese thriller features a somewhat tortured lesbian romance between Rei, an out lesbian, and her former classmate Nanae. After Nanae contacts Rei to murder her abusive husband, the two women go on the run, and the complexity of their decade-old relationship begins to unravel. While most of the LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix are romance dramas, especially centered around teen characters, Ride or Die couldn't be further from this setting.
The Netflix original Ride or Die received generally positive reviews from critics and featured a compelling pair of central performances by Kiko Mizuhara and Honami Sato. While being a grueling watch at times, Ride or Die is recommended for viewers looking for an LGBTQ+ themed crime thriller. While the genre might not be to everyone's tastes, Ride or Die stands out as one of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix thanks to increasing representation within this otherwise heteronormative genre.
23 The Boys In The Band (2020)
The Boys In The Band is based on a play of the same name written by Mart Crowley that had already been adapted into a movie by Crowley. This adaptation stars the 2018 Broadway revival cast who reprise their role for the movie. Their experience as the characters clearly paid off, as The Boys In The Band has been one of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflxi ever since its 2020 release, and the performance of the cast is largely to thank for this.
Set in New York in 1968, The Boys In The Band centers on Michael (Jim Parsons) who is hosting a party for some of his gay friends. When Michael's old roommate Alan (Brian Hutchinson) shows up at Michael's house, Michael's party is threatened by the fact that Alan doesn't know that Michael is gay. It's a fascinating and interesting take on a situation many queer viewers will be all too familiar with, and this relatable narrative has clearly helped The Boys In The Band gain the following it now enjoys.
22 The Death And Life Of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)
Not all of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix deal with interpersonal dramas or coming out stories. Some, unfortunately, but necessarily, showcase the many brave individuals who gave their lives in the struggle for queer acceptance. The Death And Life Of Marsha P. Johnson is one such movie, and serves an important purpose in cataloging the life, times, and tragically, unexplained death of one of the most influential figures in the history of LGBTQ+ activism.
Netflix has been highly regarded for producing strong and engaging documentaries including The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson. The documentary tells the story of transgender woman Marsha P. Johnson, who was highly involved in working toward LGBTQ+ rights, particularly with the Stonewall Riots. The documentary delves into her both her life and her odd 1992 death that police ruled a suicide and never fully investigated. Many still believe to this day that she was murdered.
21 The Half Of It (2020)
The Half of It is a teen drama that follows Ellie Chu as she tries to navigate her love life during the last few months of high school. The shy and introverted Ellie has a crush on Aster but hasn't been able to get the courage to put herself out there. Like The Boys In The Band, it's a movie about a situation many LGBTQ+ viewers will be more than familiar with regardless of gender or orientation.
What makes The Half Of It particularly intriguing among the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix is how it explores this situation and uses it in the plot. Another classmate, the popular jock Paul, also has a crush on Aster and reaches out to Ellie to help him talk to her. Ellie takes the opportunity to talk to Aster through Paul without her realizing it's actually Ellie she's talking to in this quirky Cyrano de Bergerc-inspired LGBTQ+ Netflix original.
20 Single All The Way (2021)
After Hulu released its first original LGBTQ+ movie in 2020, Netflix wasn't far behind releasing its first LGBTQ+ Christmas movie, Single All The Way, the following year. The Christmas romantic comedy centers on Peter (Michael Urie), a gay man whose plan to introduce his family to his boyfriend is ruined when he learns said boyfriend is married. Of course, what gives Single All The Way its own edge among the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix is the fact that it's set in the holiday season — but that doesn't mean its story should be dismissed.
Single All The Way isn't just a queer movie for the holiday season — it's also a charming tale of self-discovery and coming out in its own right. Not wanting to show up at his parents' house single again, he convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to come home with him. While Peter hits it off with a blind date his mom set up, Nick begins to realize that he might have more than platonic feelings for his best friend. It's an LGBTQ+ rom-com that's perfect for the holidays.
19 Disclosure (2020)
Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen is a documentary that chronicles transgender lives being represented in Hollywood on-screen in the past. The movie brings together and interviews prominent transgender people in the industry from Laverne Cox to Alexandra Billings. It's one of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix when it comes to the examination of trans rights specifically, and many trans viewers have found it incredibly validating.
The documentary delves into the harmful ways transgender people have been depicted on screen in films like Ace Ventura and Tootsie and takes an approach of education and moving forward from these inaccurate depictions. These are all complaints that many trans movie fans have had for decades, but seeing them voiced and acknowledged in a platform as prominent as Netflix is a huge leap forward. For viewers of all demographics and genders, Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen is not one to be missed.
18 Duck Butter (2018)
Duck Butter is an interesting character-driven movie that follows two women who have become cynical after being betrayed in past relationships and decide to spend a full 24 hours together. Of all the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix, Duck Butter has perhaps the strangest premise. It's an incredibly intimate and character-driven movie that explores much more than LGBTQ+ themes including familial relationships and what it means to be dating in the 21st century no matter who you are.
Naima (Alia Shawkat) and Sergio (Laia Costa) use the day together to get to know each other, which includes an hourly sexual encounter. The two agree to the romantic experiment trying to get back an intimacy they once knew, but nothing goes to plan in this LGBTQ+ comedy. Duck Butter is a cerebral movie with many layers, and comes recommended for anyone looking for a philosophical examination of modern romance, queer or otherwise.
17 Alex Strangelove (2018)
Alex Strangelove is a Netflix original movie about high school senior Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny) who is ready to lose his virginity to his girlfriend, but things change when he meets a charming and handsome gay high school student from another school. The title's play on Alex's last name says it all when it comes to this movie and why it's considered one of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix, as it perfectly captures the feelings many queer viewers once in Alex's position share.
Alex has a difficult time reckoning with his feelings about both his girlfriend and the new boy he meets and his own sexuality. In addition to the relatability of the story, Alex Strangelove has also received praise for Daniel Doheny's portrayal of the titular Alex. It also has been applauded for showing the emotional struggle of Claire, Alex's girlfriend, and the ending especially is great in how it shows that often an individual's journey to self-acceptance and understanding isn't one they walk alone.
16 Tig (2015)
Tig is a documentary following comedian Tig Notaro's life after a stand-up performance of hers went viral in 2012. Notaro's candid and raw account of being diagnosed with breast cancer struck a chord with many viewers, and the documentary Tig was shot over the year that immediatly followed that moment. Director Kristina Goolsby has said she was inspired to tell the story by Tig's courage and strength in the face of adversity.
The documentary delves into Notaro's battle against stage II breast cancer, her relationship with actress Stephanie Allynne, trying to have a baby, and mourning the loss of her mother. Notaro performs her stand-up as all of these life events are happening, giving the viewer a both humorous and heartfelt view into Tig's mind. The documentary provides an unfiltered look into a LGBTQ+ relationship going through difficult times but ultimately coming out stronger.
15 The Old Guard (2020)
Netflix's The Old Guard is about a group of mercenaries who are centuries-old immortals who are able to heal themselves, although painfully, and come back from the dead. Andy (Charlize Theron) leads the group as the immortal who has been around for the longest. The story is based on Greg Rucka's comic books of the same name, and has been praised as one of the best action movies on Netflix for its supernaturally-tinged military battles.
There's a lot of action throughout the thriller but it also has multiple LGBTQ+ relationships with Joe (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky's (Luca Marinelli) literally undying love for each other at the center. Joe and Nicky's relationship is one of the emotional anchors of the film and is one of the most sincere and positive depictions of a gay relationship in an action movie. While this relationship isn't the main focus of the film, The Old Guard is a great choice for anyone looking for a great action movie with some LGBTQ content.
14 Other People (2016)
Other People follows David (Jesse Plemons) as he returns home to be there for his mother (Molly Shannon) who is sick with cancer. David is a gay man and his father (Bradley Whitford) still doesn't accept his sexuality even after a decade of him being out. The film was based on writer-director Chris Kelly's real experience grappling with the death of his mother and reflects an authentic reflection of a life story relatable to many gay men.
David connects with his mom as she goes through treatment and eventually decides to stop that treatment, and the entire family reacts to her fading away differently. Other People received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for Plemons' and Shannon's performances and a scene-stealing performance by transgender actress Josie Totah. While the subject matter makes it far from a light watch, ultimately Other People is a rewarding and authentic LGBTQ+ movie on Netflix.
13 The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (2021)
2021's The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a heartwarming animated feature about a family bonding during the robot apocalypse including a great cast of voice actors who bring the characters to life. The movie is noted for its combination of 3D animation with traditionally drawn textures, creating a unique and visually stunning look. The stacked voice cast includes Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBridge, Maya Rudolph, Olivia Colman, Conan O'Brien, and many more, creating a rollicking adventure of a family film.
The Netflix original movie focuses on Katie Mitchell who can't wait to leave her family to go to film school and find her people. Although the LGBTQ+ story isn't at the center of this kid's movie, it's still prominent for anyone who's paying attention. Katie wears a rainbow pin on her jacket and her mom asks her if she and Jade are official, leaving this storyline open to possibly be more of a focus in the sequel. There is also mention of bringing her girlfriend to meet the family in the post-credits scene.
12 Edge of Seventeen (1998)
Set in 1980s Ohio, Edge of Seventeen stars Chris Stafford as a gay teenager coming to grips with hs own sexuality as well as the pains of growing up. He starts a relationship with a college student named Rod, but his life remains turbulent as he struggles to figure out what he wants from adulthood. The film depicts Eric's sexual experimentation and experience of homophobia at the hands of his peers in high school.
Edge of Seventeen received considerable critical praise and awards from queer film festivals when it was released.The film received praise for its emotional realism, avoiding the sentimentality sometimes associated with coming-of-age movies, and for the performances from a group of largely inexperienced actors. Today, Edge of Seventeen is a great exemplar of the 1990s wave of gay dramas, as well as a good pick for those looking for an older LGBTQ+ movie on Netflix.
11 Girl (2018)
The Belgian film Girl tells the story of a trans teenage girl who aspires to become a ballerina. The film pulls no punches in its depiction of gender dysphoria and transphobic bullying, delving deeply into its central character's psyche. The story is based on the real story of transgender dancer Nora Monsecour, who was also involved in the production.
Girl received considerable praise from critics, including multiple awards at the Cannes film festival, for its empathetic character work and visually striking cinematography. However, the film has also been criticized by LGBTQ+ viewers for casting a cisgender man in the lead role as well as its graphic depiction of gender dysphoria and self-harm. For this reason Netflix has placed considerable content warnings on this divisive movie.
10 Circus of Books (2020)
The documentary Circus of Books provides a glimpse into gay history through the titular gay bookstore in West Hollywood and the heterosexual couple which operated it for decades. The documentary touches on the history of obscenity laws that tried to suppress LGBTQ material during the 1980s and 90s. Circus of Books provides a mostly lighthearted look at the history of the gay community and the many individual stories within it.
Circus of Books received almost universal praise from critics and had a successful film festival run before being released on Netflix in 2020. While the store may no longer be in existence, the documentary provides a testament to its lasting legacy and the ethos of embracing difference even when one doesn't understand it. It's one of the best LGBTQ+ documentaries on Netflix for those looking for a bit of a lighter subject.
9 I Care A Lot (2020)
The Netflix original I Care A Lot stars Rosamund Pike as lesbian con artist Marla Grayson who falsely gains guardianship over elderly people. As the film goes on, Marla's web of lies begins to unravel as she pursues a big score. Her relationship with her partner Fran (Eliza Gonzales) also comes under threat as a seemingly helpless victim proves to have some dangerous connections.
I Care A Lot won over critics with its dark humor. Pike's performance was especially praised, and earned her a Golden Globe. The movie also struck a chord with Netflix viewers, as the service reported over 56 million saw it in its first two months of release. I Care A Lot also boasts a strong supporting cast including Peter Dinklage, Dianne Wiest, and Alicia Witt. While Marla is hardly a queer role model, I Care A Lot could be a great pick for those looking for something a little darker with a central LGBTQ+ character.
8 Lingua Franca (2019)
Isabel Sandoval pulls triple duty as writer, director, and star of this down-to-earth drama. Sandoval plays Olivia, a Filipina trans woman who struggles to make a living in the United States. While caring for an elderly Russian woman named Olga, Isabel becomes involved with her grandson. Olivia's undocumented status and her desire for a green card hangs over and complicates their relationship, as does her transgender status.
Lingua Franca received broadly positively reviews for dealing with issues ranging from transgender rights to undocumented immigrants in a personal and heartfelt way. Critics also praised the movie for its beautiful cinematography and the dignity it treats its characters with amidst a sometimes grim situation. It was released on streaming through Ava Duvernay's distribution company ARRAY and is today one of the best LGBT+ movies on Netflix.
7 A Secret Love (2020)
The Netflix original documentary A Secret Love tells the story of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, two former pro baseball players who kept their lesbian relationship secret for almost seven decades. The documentary excavates their secretive relationship through interviews as well as archival material. The film is directed by the couple's great-nephew Chris Bolan and produced by heavy hitters Ryan Murphy and Jason Blum.
A Secret Love received universal critical acclaim for its depiction of a single relationship which reflects on decades of history. Critics highlighted the story's ability to highlight a romantic narrative without being either cloying or depressing. This tender love story is one of the most acclaimed LGBTQ+ documentaries on Netflix.
6 Straight Up (2019)
Even among LGBTQ+ focused movies, the topic of asexuality is rarely addressed, which is what makes a movie like Straight Up so valuable. James Sweeney, another writer/director/star, plays Todd, a gay-identified but sex-repulsed man who begins a romantic but asexual relationship with struggling actress Rory, played by Katie Findlay. The cast also features Randall Park and Betsy Brandt as Todd's parents.
Straight Up has been praised for its sharp humor, inspired by 1930s screwball comedies, and the way it questions sexual labels without ever coming to a firm conclusion. Critics enjoyed the way the film depicted a different type of relationship that was informed by LGBTQ+ culture without being a traditional gay movie. At 95 minutes, Straight Up is also a great pick for those wanting a quick and fun Netflix watch.