In this guide, we will present you with the best LGBTQ+ films for your vacations, according to our opinion. So, if you want to learn more, please stay with us.
Introduction to our Guide to the Best LGBTQ+ Films for Your Vacation
As you plan your next getaway, whether it’s a cozy staycation or a trip to a sun-drenched destination, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in stories that move, inspire, and entertain. LGBTQ+ cinema has evolved into a robust and diverse genre, offering everything from groundbreaking dramas to hilarious comedies. This list is a curated selection of films that are perfect for your vacation viewing, providing a mix of celebrated classics and modern masterpieces.
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Cinema
Queer cinema is more than just a niche category; it’s a vital part of filmmaking history and contemporary culture. Early LGBTQ+ films, often referred to as “New Queer Cinema,” emerged in the 1990s as a robust response to the AIDS crisis and the need for authentic representation. Filmmakers like Gregg Araki and Derek Jarman used their work to challenge mainstream narratives, reject stereotypes, and tell stories created by and for the queer community.
Today, the landscape is even richer. While some films still face the challenge of misrepresentation, a growing number of creators are crafting nuanced, complex characters and narratives that reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ life. From historical dramas that shed light on past struggles to contemporary rom-coms that celebrate queer joy, these films contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic world, helping both LGBTQ+ people and allies see their own lives and others’ in a new light.
Our Picks for Your Vacation Playlist
Here are some of the best LGBTQ+ films to add to your vacation watchlist, complete with why they’re great and where you can stream them.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994).
Why it’s the best: This film is the ultimate queer road trip movie. It’s a colorful, campy, and heartfelt journey across the Australian outback with two drag queens and a transgender woman. It’s a celebration of found family, self-discovery, and the power of performance. The iconic ABBA-filled soundtrack and stunning costumes make it a pure delight from start to finish.
Review: Critics have hailed Priscilla as a groundbreaking and joyous classic that put drag culture on the map. It’s often praised for its blend of humor and heart, and for bringing a marginalized community to the forefront in an accessible and entertaining way.
Where to watch: Available on various streaming services for rent or purchase, and often found on specialty platforms.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Why it’s the best: A tender and beautiful exploration of first love, set against the sun-soaked backdrop of 1980s Italy, this film is a sensory experience, capturing the fleeting magic of a summer romance with incredible intimacy and emotional depth. It’s a quiet, profound story that will transport you to a different place and time.
Review: Universally acclaimed, Call Me by Your Name earned numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Critics praised its stunning cinematography, authentic performances, and ability to evoke a powerful sense of longing and nostalgia.
Where to watch: Can be found on various streaming platforms, including for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.
Check out our article on the best gay movies and shows on Netflix for more recommendations.
Moonlight (2016)
Why it’s the best: This Oscar-winning masterpiece is an absolute must-see. It’s a profoundly moving and visually stunning coming-of-age story that follows a young Black man through three pivotal stages of his life. It explores identity, masculinity, and sexuality with a raw emotional honesty that is rarely seen on screen.
Review: Cited as one of the best films of the 21st century, Moonlight was a critical sensation. Its poetic storytelling, powerful performances, and unique structure were widely celebrated, with many critics highlighting its profound impact on queer cinema.
Where to watch: Available to stream on platforms like Max, and for rent or purchase on others.
But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
Why it’s the best: A cult classic that’s perfect for a fun, lighthearted watch, this satirical comedy follows a high school cheerleader who is sent to a conversion therapy camp after her parents suspect she is a lesbian. The film uses a colorful, campy aesthetic to cleverly poke fun at stereotypes and homophobia, all while delivering a bighearted message about self-acceptance.
Review: While it received mixed reviews upon release, later reassessments have celebrated the film’s satirical humor and its unapologetically queer themes. It’s now seen as a crucial piece of lesbian cinema.
Where to watch: Often available on LGBTQ+-specific streaming services and can be rented or purchased on major platforms.
Pride (2014)
Why it’s the best: Based on a true story, Pride is an uplifting and inspiring film that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. It tells the incredible tale of a group of gay and lesbian activists who raised money to support striking miners in the UK in 1984. It’s a powerful testament to solidarity, community, and the surprising connections that can be forged across divides.
Review: The film was widely praised by critics for its “impassioned and lovable” portrayal of queer solidarity and its ability to blend comedy and drama seamlessly. It was nominated for a Golden Globe and multiple BAFTAs.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on various platforms and for rent or purchase.
Booksmart (2019)
Why it’s the best: This hilarious and heartwarming comedy is a fresh take on the classic high school “last night” movie. It centers on two academic overachievers who realize they’ve spent their high school years focused only on grades and decide to cram four years of fun into one epic night. What makes it special is the beautifully authentic female friendship at its core, as well as its casual and respectful portrayal of a lesbian main character, which is a rare and welcome sight in mainstream teen comedies. It’s a riotous and surprisingly sweet film that celebrates friendship, ambition, and the joy of letting loose.
Review: Booksmart was a critical smash, praised for its sharp wit, dynamic performances by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, and Olivia Wilde’s confident directorial debut. Critics lauded it as a modern classic that pays homage to ’80s and ’90s teen films while feeling entirely new. Its humor, heart, and refreshingly diverse cast were a frequent highlight.
Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Love, Simon (2018).
Why it’s the best: Love, Simon is a landmark film that brought a gay teen romance to the mainstream with all the charm and feel-good moments of a classic Hollywood rom-com. It follows Simon, a high schooler who is secretly gay, and begins an anonymous online relationship with a classmate, “Blue.” The film is a gentle, sweet, and relatable coming-of-age story that tackles the universal feelings of first love and the fear of being truly seen. It’s a perfect film for a hopeful and romantic viewing experience.
Review: This film was widely celebrated for its honest and good-natured approach to a coming-out story. While some critics noted its more “vanilla” or conventional approach, many recognized its immense importance for a younger generation who had not yet seen themselves and their stories represented in such a prominent and positive way on the big screen. The film was praised for its heartwarming tone and Nick Robinson’s endearing performance as the lead.
Where to watch: Can be found on various streaming services for rent or purchase, including Apple TV and Google Play. It is also sometimes available on subscription services.
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Why it’s the best: Based on the popular novel, this film is a delightful, escapist fantasy that combines political intrigue with a fairytale romance. It tells the story of Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of England, who go from public rivals to secret lovers. It’s a fun and fluffy rom-com that leans into its fantastical premise, delivering a modern-day fairytale that is both steamy and sweet. It’s the perfect movie to binge-watch for pure, unadulterated queer joy.
Review: The film has been a massive hit with audiences, particularly fans of the book, who embraced its charming lead actors and romantic storyline. Critics offered a range of opinions, with some praising it as a fun, cheesy rom-com that fills a needed space for mainstream queer romance, while others found it a bit formulaic. However, its popularity highlights a strong desire for more queer-centric romantic comedies.
Where to watch: As an Amazon original, Red, White & Royal Blue is available to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
God’s Own Country (2017)
Why it’s the best: The 2017 British romantic drama film God’s Own Country is widely celebrated as one of the best LGBT movies of recent years, particularly noted for its authentic, unsentimental, and moving portrayal of queer love and self-discovery set against a rugged, non-urban background. The film is a love story and a coming-of-age story for the protagonist, Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor). His romance with Romanian migrant worker Gheorghe Ionescu (Alec Secăreanu) is not primarily challenged by external homophobia, but by Johnny’s own internal struggles, toxic masculinity, and fear of vulnerability. It’s a story of how love can be redemptive and help a person grow up and accept both love and responsibility.
Review: Reviews consistently praise its tough, sensual, and unsentimental nature. Many highlight the exceptional performances by the lead actors, Josh O’Connor and Alec Secăreanu, and Francis Lee’s distinct directorial voice. The film won the World Cinema Directing Award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and several British Independent Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Actor (Josh O’Connor).
Where to watch: It may be available on platforms like AMC+ (depending on your country and platform). It is also sometimes available on library streaming services like Kanopy. You can typically rent or buy the movie digitally on significant platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, or Google Play Movies.
Conclusion
From the sun-drenched romance of Call Me by Your Name to the hilarious and rebellious spirit of The Adventures of Priscilla, these films offer a perfect escape for your vacation. They are more than just entertainment; they are a window into diverse experiences, a celebration of identity, and a reminder of the power of storytelling to connect us all. So grab a snack, find a comfortable spot, and let these incredible films transport you to new worlds and stories.
Ultimately, we’d like to know which are your best LGBT+ films for vacations? Tell us more in the comments below.
Check out our article on the best gay movies and shows on Netflix for more recommendations.
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