Top 32 LGBTQ+ Movies to watch on Netflix
Lee
A connoisseur of 80's action films like 300, Predator, and Terminator, Lee blends his extensive movie knowledge with adeptness at streaming shows worldwide. His love for cinema permeates his lifestyle, from attending Comic Con to sporting Star Wars socks.
Netflix has an enormous selection of LGBTQ+ movies and in this article, I’ll be exploring 32 of the best that you’ll want to binge watch.
Now only will I be showing you the top 32 LGBTQ+ films that you can watch on Netflix, I will also be showing you how to access each and every one of them, no matter where you are located.
You see, not every region of Netflix has access to the same selection of movies, but don’t panic, below I’ll show you the quick steps to watch every one of these.
Get ready to read about some of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Netflix. Oh, and you’ll be shocked at my #1.
How to unlock these
All of the movies I am about to list are available on Netflix. However, there is a catch, each film is available on different regions’ Netflix libraries.
To tap into other regions you’ll need to use a ‘VPN‘ app, but you won’t need a new Netflix account as your regular account will do.
When it comes to choosing a VPN, your choice will have to satisfy several needs. The VPN will need to be fast, reliable, and most important, work with Netflix.
This is why I recommend that you use ExpressVPN.
Not only does ExpressVPN offer the fastest speeds around which are ideal for streaming high-quality video content, but they have one of the best reputations in the business.
There are other choices like Surfshark and CyberGhost, so you’re free to shop around.
Once you’ve signed up for ExpressVPN or one of the others, you’ll be able to access every one of the films below, just connect to the correct country listed under each.
32. The Danish Girl
In 1926 Denmark Einar and his wife Gerda are happily married. Both of them are artists, Einar specialises in landscapes and Gerda in portraits.
One day, Einar poses in a dress for one of Gerda’s paintings. At first, it was just for a bit of fun, but Einar soon realises that he no longer wishes to be a man, and he is in fact a woman who will go by the name Lilli.
The couple tries to “cure” Lilli, but it only sees her sent to an asylum. This eventually leads to her being the first human to undergo a sex change.
Available in regions: Spain, Turkey, the United States.
31. Margarita With A Straw
A rebellious Indian woman who has cerebral palsy decides to leave her home to study in New York City.
While she is there, she enters a lesbian relationship, falls in love, and embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery taking her to places that she never thought she would go.
This is a top-rated independent romantic comedy that will uplift you. Great to watch alone or with friends.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Hungary, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, and the UK.
30. Long Time No See
A hitman posing as an online writer finds love with another man, but all is not what it seems.
While the couple appears to have the ideal relationship, it seems that their meeting wasn’t down to fate as they believe. The couple soon has to face the harsh realities of their lives as both of them have secrets that are yet to be revealed.
Available in regions: Japan.
29. Carol
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Price Of Salt”, two women from very different upbringings fall in love in 1950’s New York. They embark on a forbidden romance that goes against the conventional norm of the time.
Their story will bring heartache and a joy that is liberating, as the pair navigate the difficult era where same-sex relationships were frowned upon greatly.
Will they manage to escape their miserable existence to start a new life together? I’ll let you find that one out.
Available in regions: Greece, Japan, South Africa.
28. The Death And Life Of Marsha P. Johnson
Victoria Cruz is an activist fighting for the rights of Trans women. She begins to investigate the very suspicious death of Marsha P. Johnson in 1992 who was a close friend of hers before Marsha’s death.
With interviews from Marsha’s friends and family, this film documentary is gripping and certainly raises many questions about Marsha’s so-called death.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, the United States, and the UK.
27. The Gathering
Set in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, several of its affluent upper-class citizens reveal all about their lives. From divorces to coming out as gay, the group realise that their lives aren’t as easy as they once thought.
This comedy-drama shows the groups ups and downs as they discover the difficulties that they face coming out in a region known for its religions.
Available in regions: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, Thailand, the United States, and the UK.
26. Evening Shadows
Set in Southern India and Mumbai, a mother and son’s relationship is put to the test when he comes out as gay.
Due to his family being extremely orthodox and having very religious family values, they both struggle with coming to terms with the son’s new way of life. But they both know that so long as they have each other, they can get through anything.
Available in regions: Australia, Canada, Romania, South Africa, Thailand, the United States, and the UK.
25. Moonlight
This movie follows the life of a gay Black-American named Chiro, showing him at three stages in his life, adolescence, mid-teens, and young adult.
Chiro hasn’t had the best upbringing while living in crime-ridden Miami, his mother is a drug addict and the only father figure he has is a drug dealer who has taken him under his wing.
As Chiro grows up, he faces many trials and tribulations, and he must find his own path in life and hopefully, one day escape the life that seems predetermined for him.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, the United States.
24. Dear Ex
A young teenage boy tries to find his way in life when he and his mother discover that his late father’s insurance money is going to his father’s mistress. Needless to say, this is not what they expected to hear.
This discovery drives the boy and his mother further apart causing many problems for them both.
This romantic comedy is certainly worth a watch.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Spain, the United States, and the UK.
23. Mario
In this Swiss drama, two young footballers start a secret romance when one of them moves to the other football team.
However, they both need to keep their new feelings a secret to protect their football careers. As you can imagine this is a difficult thing to do for both players.
Caught between their love of the game, and their love for each other the two young men must decide what they will do.
Available in regions: Germany.
22. Holding The Man
In a love story that spans over 15 years, Tim and John fell in love while attending an all-boys high school. John is the captain of the football team and Tim is an aspiring actor who landed a role in Romeo and Juliet.
Together they both faced discrimination, separation, jealousy, and losses. But, their love for each other endured the hardships. There is one problem that their love can’t solve and it almost destroyed them.
Available in regions: Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, the United States, and the UK.
21. Bad Education
Set during the early 1960s, Ignacio and Enrique attend a Christian school under the charge of Father Manolo. At the school, the boys discover love, movies, and fear.
Unfortunately, while at the school, the boys are molested by their catholic teacher and reunite in the future to tell their story.
Their experiences may shock you, but appear to have been one of many children affected by the abuse of those in power during that time.
Available in regions: Spain
20. Any Day Now
During the 1970s, a mentally disabled teenage boy is abandoned by his parents. Gay couple Rudy and Paul take in the young teen and give the boy a life that he has never had full of love and care.
When the authorities find out about their unconventional living situation, the couple must fight a corrupt system to finally adopt the child that they have been loving as if he was their own.
Available in regions: Japan.
19. Mapplethorpe: Look At The Pictures
In this lifestyle documentary, it gives you an insight into the life of ambitious photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. His photographs are said to have been able to seduce, yet shock you all at once.
With the help from close friends and relatives, this documentary will show you a side of Mapplethorpe beyond his photographs.
Available in regions: South Korea.
18. The Queen
During the 1967 national drag queen competition set in New York City, a film crew went behind the scenes to film what went on behind the scenes giving you a glace at something that the audience never gets to see in person.
The film crew follows 24-year-old Jack, also known as Sabrina when he is in character. Due to the era, Sabrina and co discuss the wartime draft for Vietnam, sex changes, and life as a drag queen living in New York.
If you are a fan of Ru Paul, then you’ll love this.
Available in regions: Australia, Canada, South Africa, the United States, and the UK.
17. Jewel’s Catch One
Jewels Thais-Williams is the owner of the renowned L.A Nightclub Catch One, the club that gave a safe haven to Black LGBTQ during the 1970s through to 2015.
This documentary film tells the story of how she helped change the laws of the US, saved lives, and influenced L.A’s community.
This is a fascinating story of someone who stood up for what they believed in.
Available in regions: Australia, Canada, the United States, and the UK.
16. I Am
This movie tells the story of four individuals living in modern India as they struggle with their identities due to the culture of their country. Amid the social taboo, their four stories tell the tale of trauma and sexual discrimination.
Will they manage to find a way to live in peace and get out of the situations they are in?
Available in regions: Australia, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, the United States, and the UK.
15. Born Beautiful
After suffering the loss of her best friend, Barbs decides she will start life as a straight man named Bobby. Her transformation leads her to her best friend’s ex-boyfriend, and also Bobby’s ex-partner who is claiming that she is pregnant with Bobby’s baby.
What will Bobby do? You will have to watch the movie to find out how the story ends.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Thailand, the UK, and the United States.
14. Circus Of Books
Set in Los Angeles in 1976, married couple Karen and Barry Mason run a well known gay porn shop named the Circus of Books, well known by the gay community. It quickly becomes the United States largest supplier of gay porn.
Their daughter documents their journey in this documentary film.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the United States.
13. A Single Man
English professor George Falconer works at an L.A college during the early 1960s. He suffers a major loss when his partner Jim passes away unexpectedly.
Pondering life and deciding that he will take his own life, George sets off to get his affairs in order. Along the way, he meets a young gigolo who is an aspiring actor and a young woman who desires to be with George despite his sexual orientation.
Available in regions: Japan and the United States.
12. Laurence Anyways
High school teacher Laurence wakes up one day and decides that he will live life how he has always felt he should, as a woman.
Due to his decision, he must defend his wants and desires from his beloved fiancé and his very shocked family.
Hopefully, they will come to terms with his decision, but you will have to watch it to find out.
Available in regions: France and South Korea.
11. Blue Is The Warmest Colours
15 year old Adele is determined to fall in love with a boy. But, when a blue-haired girl turns up and grabs her interest, she finds herself on a journey of self-discovery as she explores who she is as a woman.
Adele’s friends quickly reject the girl with the blue hair due to her sexuality, but as the pair grow closer, they become inseparable.
Available in regions: France, Germany, Italy, Japan.
10. Gods Own Country
Set in Yorkshire, a young sheepherder Johnny numbs his boredom with drink and casual sex. That is until the arrival of a rugged Romanian migrant worker arrives and the pair enter and intense relationship that will set Johnny on a whole new path.
This British romantic drama is a film to watch with your loved one.
Available in regions: Australia and Germany.
9. Brokeback Mountain
Two Wyoming sheepherders working on Brokeback mountain meet for the first time and a friendship begins.
What starts off as a friendship becomes much more than the pair expected and they struggle to keep their passionate romance from their wives.
Unable to deal with their feelings, they part ways and settle down with their wives. Four years later they meet up and realise that they need each other and their love story starts all over again.
Available in regions: Czech Republic.
8. Pride
In 1984 Wales, a bus full of gays find themselves in the village of Onllwyn amidst the miners’ strikes that took place during those times.
The group strikes a very unlikely alliance with the Welsh miners as they also form a strike to promote gay and lesbian rights.
With the use of some brilliant disco dance moves, will they convince the public that they are all the same?
Available in regions: Australia.
7. All About My Mother
Hard working single Mum Manuela has raised her son by herself since the day he was born. When an accident occurs causing her son to die, Manuela is heartbroken.
She decides that she will return to Barcelona to tell her son’s cross-dressing father. On her journey she befriends a pregnant Nun and together their friendship grows at a very fast pace.
Available in regions: Spain.
6. The Way He Looks
Blind teenager Leonardo is dealing with his overly possessive mother all while trying to live a more independent life.
In a bid to escape and gain some independence, he applies for an overseas exchange programme. However, he begins to question his plans when a new student named Gabriel arrives in town causing him to question more than just his plans.
Available in regions: Brazil and Japan.
5. Call Me By Your Name
Its the summer of 1983 and 17 year old Elio forms a life-changing relationship with his father’s Italian research assistant.
The relationship is hard hitting, it is passionate, and it scares the two as they suspect that they will never feel this feeling ever again.
Will it end in happiness for them?
Available in regions: Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, South Africa, and Turkey.
4. Mulholland Drive
In this complex tale, Diane hires a professional hitman to kill her lover Camilla. She dreams of experiencing a different Hollywood experience. One where she is a very talented actress.
Meanwhile, an amnesiac named Rita turns up and adds a spin to this very surreal story that is full of twists and turns.
Make sure you are awake for this one, there aren’t any movies quite like it.
Available in regions: Australia and Poland.
3. Weekends
Every weekend in the heart of Seoul, Korea a group of gay men meet up to sing in a fantastic choir.
This amateur group is Korea’s first and foremost gay choir who have shown men who are still hiding their sexuality that it is OK to be gay.
If you are a fan of musicals, then I am sure you will enjoy watching this film.
Available in regions: South Korea.
2. Life In The Doghouse
In this documentary movie, Danny and Ron run a dog rescue centre and have almost 10,000 dogs under their care. As you can imagine, running such a rescue centre is no small feat and requires a lot of hard work.
The couple’s story of how they developed such a bustling centre for humanities most beloved pet is absolutely inspiring.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, the United States, and the UK.
1. Super Delux
Super Delux brings together an unfaithful wife, a father, a priest, and a furious son in what is a very unexpected predicament. Each of the group experience things that will set them up to follow their destiny.
If you are a fan of dark comedies, then you will enjoy this movie.
Available in regions: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, South Africa, Thailand, the United States, and the UK.
Summary
Netflix is full of some great LGBTQ+ movies. In the list above I have given you the top 32 LGBTQ+ films on Netflix.
However, to watch each of the movies on the list, you will need to use a VPN as not all are available in every region.
I strongly recommend that you use ExpressVPN as they are the best in the business and perfect for streaming high definition video content from all over the world.
Which is your favourite film on the list? I would love to know so drop me a comment below.