🎬 The 45 Best Lesbian Movies That Celebrate LGBTQ Characters
Finding a great lesbian film can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. While LGBTQ representation in mainstream cinema is growing, lesbian-centered stories still remain underrepresented. Luckily, we’ve gathered 45 of the best lesbian movies—from award-winning dramas and rom-coms to cult hits and groundbreaking indies—that beautifully center queer women and their stories.
💎 Must-Watch Lesbian Films
Here are standout picks from the list, each offering something unique to lesbian cinema:
- Bottoms (2022)
A chaotic and hilarious teen comedy about two gay girls starting a fight club to get closer to their crushes. Think Fight Club meets Mean Girls. - Rafiki (2018)
A Kenyan film banned in its home country for depicting a lesbian romance. It’s vibrant, political, and beautifully shot. - My First Summer (2020)
A soft, emotional tale of grief, love, and young queer discovery set in rural Australia. - The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (1995)
An early cult classic of lesbian cinema—funny, sweet, and rebellious. - Tár (2022)
Cate Blanchett stars as a power-hungry lesbian conductor in this bold psychological drama. - Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)
A polyamorous throuple and the birth of Wonder Woman? Yep, based on a true story. - Do Revenge (2022)
Queer-coded and dripping with teenage angst, revenge plots, and steamy chemistry. - D.E.B.S. (2004)
A queer spy parody that delivers both action and lesbian romance—campy and unforgettable. - Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
A critically acclaimed French period piece with a breathtaking love story and visuals. - Carol (2015)
Set in 1950s New York, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara’s love story has become a queer classic.
🌍 International & Diverse LGBTQ+ Voices
- Pariah (2011) – A raw, coming-of-age story about a Black teenager in Brooklyn navigating her sexual identity.
- Saving Face (2004) – An Asian-American rom-com that beautifully balances family, tradition, and queer love.
- The Handmaiden (2016) – A Korean psychological thriller with a mind-bending lesbian plot.
- Colette (2018) – The biographical story of French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette and her queer romances.
😂 Comedic and Uplifting Picks
- Booksmart (2019) – Teen best friends, graduation night chaos, and one sweet queer romance.
- Wine Country (2019) – Amy Poehler’s comedy with a gay subplot and a heartfelt celebration of friendship.
- Best in Show (2000) – Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Lynch as a dog-showing lesbian couple? Say no more.
🎄 Holiday + Romance Favorites
- Happiest Season (2020) – A Christmas rom-com that sparked debate, but gave us a cozy (and messy) lesbian love triangle.
- Imagine Me & You (2005) – One of the few feel-good gay rom-coms with a wedding twist.
⚠️ Powerful but Heavy Dramas
- The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018) – Tackles conversion therapy with honesty and heart.
- The Children’s Hour (1961) – A classic rooted in early portrayals of queer women, though deeply tragic.
- Blue is the Warmest Color (2013) – Visually intense, emotionally raw, and still controversial for its explicit content.
🌈 Why This List Matters
While mainstream film is slowly catching up, many of these lesbian stories have been carried by independent filmmakers, foreign studios, and LGBTQ creatives pushing boundaries. Whether you’re looking for laughs, love, or layered drama, these 45 films offer a rich and diverse landscape of sapphic storytelling.
💬 Final Thoughts
This list reminds us that representation matters—and while Hollywood still has work to do, lesbian cinema has given us moments of visibility, joy, heartbreak, and truth. So grab your popcorn (and maybe some tissues), and dive into the vibrant world of the best lesbian movies ever made.
