Our List Of The Finest Gay Films

From classics to modern masterpieces, we have precisely ranked The Finest Gay Films. With contributions from leading directors, actors, writers, and activists, we present a countdown of the most culturally significant gay films ever made.

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Overview of the finest gay films

In the last few decades, queer cinema has experienced a profound change. It now reaches a broader audience and portrays a more diverse range of stories. While traditional films about gay lives often centered on white, cisgender men, we now witness a rich assortment of narratives from the trans community and people of color, celebrating the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Despite the ongoing challenges, we should take a moment to honor the significant improvement made in queer cinema over the last fifty years. That’s why we have compiled a list of the finest gay films ever made, with the help of reviews from some of the LGBTQ+ community’s top critics. This diverse collection, ranging from comedies to powerful documentaries, will evoke emotions, from laughter to tears, and leave you feeling understood and hopeful for the future.

Here is a list of favorites to add to your Gay film collection and give you unforgettable cinema experiences.

Our List Of The Finest Gay Films

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott shine alongside Claire Foy and Jamie Bell in Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers. This beautifully nuanced film explores themes of loss, love, and hope. One night, in his near-empty tower block in London, Adam (Andrew Scott) meets a mysterious neighbor, Harry (Paul Mescal), whose presence changes the rhythm of his everyday life. As their relationship deepens, Adam is drawn back to the suburban town of his childhood, discovering his parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell) living as they were on the day they passed 30 years ago. The emotional resonance of ‘All of Us Strangers’ invites viewers to connect deeply with the characters’ journeys.

While the plot may evoke a ghost story, you can set aside expectations for melodrama. Andrew Haigh’s moving film offers something genuinely impressive. Suppose you seek an intellectual and emotionally rich experience that explores the depths of grief and the complexity of human relationships. In that case, All of Us Strangers is a must-watch and most certainly one of the finest gay films of today’s generation.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Who hasn’t heard of Brokeback Mountain? This powerful 2005 romantic drama is directed by Ang Lee and based on a touching short story by Annie Proulx. Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two cowboys, Ennis and Jack, the film tells a sincere story of a complex romantic relationship spanning two decades, from 1963 to 1983. The film’s outstanding performances resonated deeply, leading to great success at the box office with earnings of over $178 million on a modest $14 million budget. At the 78th Academy Awards, it won Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Original Score.

Moreover, the critics and audiences received the film openly, celebrating its emotional depth. Nominated for Best Picture at the 78th Academy Awards, Brokeback Mountain not only won accolades but also sparked essential conversations about the sexuality of its main characters. It has been recognized as a pivotal moment for the representation of queer cinema in the mainstream. Today, while there may be lighter and more diverse gay films, this masterpiece still holds a special place, reminiscent of Ennis clinging to that iconic jacket.

Most importantly, it remains an unmatched high-watermark for both Ledger and Gyllenhaal, whose performances capture something profoundly mysterious in their characters and themselves as actors.

Moonlight (2016)

“Moonlight” is a 2016 American drama film directed by Barry Jenkins. It is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play and stars Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, and Mahershala Ali.

The story follows the main character through three stages of his life as he struggles with his identity as a black gay man. Additionally, he faces emotional and physical abuse. The film scored a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 99 on Metacritic, showing it received incredible praise.

The plot is powerful, and the cinematography is stunning and full of meaning. The soundtrack adds to the film’s impact. The cast gives exceptional performances that leave an enduring impression.

In summary, “Moonlight” deserves all the awards it received. Its beautiful visuals, thoughtful themes, and careful attention to detail make it a worthwhile film. Be ready for an emotional experience that is both touching and insightful.

End of the Century (2019)

“End of the Century” (Spanish: Fin de siglo) is a 2019 Argentine romantic drama directed by Lucio Castro. The film stars Juan Barberini as Ocho, an Argentine man on vacation in Barcelona. He casually encounters Javi (Ramón Pujol), a Spaniard. They soon realize they met 20 years earlier when they were both hiding their sexuality. Mía Maestro plays Sonia, Javi’s girlfriend from that time. The film connected with us as we watched, showing the complexities of closeness and connection. It premiered on April 8 at the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema. In the end, it won the Best Argentine Film award.

Maurice (1987 film)

Maurice is a 1987 British romantic drama film directed by James Ivory. It is still one of the finest gay movies ever produced. The film is based on the 1971 novel by E. M. Forster. It stars James Wilby as Maurice, Hugh Grant as Clive, Rupert Graves as Alec, and Denholm Elliott and Ben Kingsley in supporting roles.

Ismail Merchant made the film via Merchant Ivory Productions. The story explores gay love in the repressive society of Edwardian England. It follows Maurice Hall, who meets Clive Durham at Cambridge and realizes he is gay. They have an intense but pure relationship until Clive marries Anne. This leads Maurice to fall for Clive’s servant, Alec Scudder. ‘Maurice’ resonates with universal themes of love and societal challenges, making it a film many can relate to.

Unlike Call Me By Your Name, which Ivory later adapted, Maurice tells the story of two people of the same social status. Their differences affect their relationship and lead Maurice to find true love with Scudder. Foremost, the film offers a clear and passionate portrayal of love and societal challenges.

God’s Own Country (2017)

In rural Yorkshire, a young farmer named Johnny (Josh O’Connor) copes with his frustrations by heavy drinking and having casual sex. His life changes when a Romanian migrant worker named Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu) comes to work on the family farm. ‘God’s Own Country’ beautifully portrays the life-changing journey of these characters, inspiring viewers with a sense of hope and possibility.

Moreover, “God’s Own Country,” directed by Francis Lee, explores loneliness, toxic masculinity, and love. Johnny must care for the family farm as his father’s health declines. He often seeks escape through parties and hookups but strongly connects with Gheorghe during lambing season.

The film shows rural life honestly and features powerful performances that make the story feel real. “God’s Own Country emphasizes love as a force for change rather than a doomed adventure, leaving the audience with a sense of hope amid difficulties. We strongly recommend watching this movie, as it is deep and compelling and most certainly one of the finest gay films on our list.

Beautiful Thing (1996)

“Beautiful Thing” is a 1996 British romantic comedy directed by Hettie MacDonald. It was first made for television but later released in cinemas because of its popularity. Jonathan Harvey wrote the script, and the film features music mostly from The Mamas & the Papas and “Mama” Cass Elliot.

The story follows two teenage boys, shy Jamie (Glen Berry) and athletic Ste (Scott Neal), who live in a London housing project. They start to explore their feelings for each other when Ste stays at Jamie’s home to escape his abusive father. Their relationship develops with support from Jamie’s caring mother, Sandra (Linda Henry), and their quirky neighbor, Leah (Tameka Empson).

While the boys’ romance unfolds predictably, the surrounding characters add humor and depth to the film, making it more engaging. “Beautiful Thing” is a sweet coming-out story that highlights the emotions of young love. Furthermore, it shows that love, whether between boys or girls, shares many everyday experiences. The unique characters, especially Leah and Sandra, leave a lasting impact on the viewers.

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

“My Own Private Idaho” is a 1991 independent film directed by Gus Van Sant, based loosely on Shakespeare’s “Henry IV.” The story follows Mike Waters, played by River Phoenix, who is a gay hustler with narcolepsy. He travels with Scott Favor, played by Keanu Reeves, who is the son of a mayor. They journey from Portland to Idaho to Italy to find Mike’s estranged mother. The film explores friendship and personal discovery. It features sensitive subjects and an artistic style. The film is a crucial example of New Queer Cinema and has a solid following, particularly among LGBT audiences. Critics have praised it for its bold storytelling and performances. That’s why you will find it on many of the finest gay film lists.

The Pass (2016 film)

“The Pass” is a 2016 film directed by Ben A. Williams. It features actors Russell Tovey and Arinze Kene. The screenplay is adapted from a play by John Donnelly. The narrative revolves around a decade-long complex relationship between two English football players.

The film digs into the character of Jason, who wrestles with his sexuality and the resulting fear of risking his football career and public persona. A significant turning point occurs when Jason hires a club dancer named Lyndsey to record a sexual encounter, an act intended to eliminate rumors regarding his sexuality, showing the depth of his internal conflict. More importantly, Tovey delivers a captivating performance that conveys Jason’s emotional turmoil, while Kene’s character embraces his sexual identity. As the plot progresses, the tension builds, culminating in a poignant and ambiguous conclusion.

In addition, this film garnered critical recognition, earning a nomination for an Outstanding Debut Award at the 2017 BAFTA Awards. It holds a commendable 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Weekend (2011)

“Weekend” is a charming British romantic drama from 2011, written and directed by Andrew Haigh. It stars Tom Cullen and Chris New as two men who begin a romantic relationship just before one of them is about to leave the country. The film garnered much praise after premiering at the SXSW festival and performed well at the UK and US box office. Consequently, we put it on our list of the finest gay films ever.

This touching story captures the beauty of an unexpected romance over a short weekend. What starts as a one-night stand between Russell (Cullen) and the charismatic Glen (New) quickly evolves into a meaningful connection. The film emphasizes the powerful little moments that build their bond, showcasing the genuine chemistry between the two actors. Haigh also thoughtfully explores their differing experiences with sexual identity and how that might affect their future together.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a 1994 Australian comedy film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. The story follows two drag queens, played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, and a transgender woman, Terence Stamp, who travel across the Australian Outback to Alice Springs in a pink bus called “Priscilla.”

The film became a hit worldwide. It positively showed LGBT people and introduced these themes to many viewers. The movie received mostly good reviews and won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. It is known for its humor, lively ABBA music, and strong character connections, making it a beloved classic in Australia and beyond. Enjoy watching!

In From the Side (2022)

In from the Side is a 2022 British romantic drama directed by Matt Carter, who co-wrote it with Adam Silver. The film stars Alexander Lincoln as Mark and Alexander King as Warren. It tells the story of two rugby players in a struggling gay rugby club who accidentally start an affair. They must hide their feelings to protect the club they care about.

When the film was released, Carter had been involved in inclusive rugby for eight years. The film came to life thanks to a Kickstarter campaign and the vision of former rugby coach Matt Carter. From The Side features Lincoln as Mark, a recruit on the B team of a gay rugby club. After a night of drinking, he encounters Warren, the star player on the A team.

Both Mark and Warren are in long-term relationships. Warren’s partner plays on the same team, which makes their affair even more complicated. Their actions threaten the future of the rugby club.

Carter’s directorial debut includes well-developed characters and strong performances from both lead actors. The film stands out because it avoids stereotypes about gay people and sports. From The Side shows the lives of people who play rugby together and also happen to be gay, without the usual issues of homophobia or dramatic coming-out stories, which are still relatively rare. Critics might have been able to handle this movie. However, we enjoyed watching it, and the chemistry between the two leads was great; that’s why it is well deserved on the list of the finest gay films ever.

Circus of Books (2019)

We included this one in our list of the finest gay films ever made because it touched our hearts and made us think about the kind of people we wanted to become.

So, let’s get to the chase. In 1976, Karen and Barry Mason were struggling to support their family. They responded to an ad from Larry Flynt, who was looking for people to sell Hustler Magazine. This opportunity led them to run Circus of Books, a store in the LGBT community. They eventually became the largest distributors of gay pornography in the US.

The documentary “Circus of Books,” directed by their daughter Rachel Mason, tells their story. It explores the challenges they faced as parents during a time when being gay was not accepted. They dealt with lawsuits and made their store a safe place during the AIDS crisis. The film premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Netflix on April 22, 2020. It has a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In a different story, “Lie with Me” follows novelist Stéphane Belcourt. After many years, he returns to his hometown and meets the son of his first love, Thomas. This film shows the struggles queer people face in small towns and how those experiences shape their identities.

Cassandro (2023)

“Cassandro” is a biographical drama directed by Roger Ross Williams from 2023. It stars Gael García Bernal as Saúl Armendáriz, a gay wrestler in the late 1980s. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2023, and was released by Amazon MGM Studios on September 15, 2023.

Saúl lives with his mother in El Paso, Texas, and often travels to Ciudad Juárez to compete in lucha libre wrestling. After training with Sabrina, his new coach, he starts as ‘El Topo’ but changes his persona to ‘Cassandro.’ The film shows his journey of self-discovery and the relationships he builds while growing as a wrestler.

It has an approval rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 133 reviews. Critics praised Bernal’s performance but noted that the film has a weak script and flat characters. Some found the pacing slow, but it picked up during wrestling matches. The film may have been more profound if someone like Almodóvar had directed it.

BPM -Beats per Minute – (2017)

Robin Campillo’s film BPM (Beats per Minute), also called 120 Battements per Minute, honors the AIDS activism of ACT UP Paris in the 1990s. It premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and won several awards, including the Grand Prix and six César Awards.

The story focuses on Nathan and Sean, who are involved in activism together. A crucial moment happens when Sean, after a successful protest, shares that knowing about death makes him appreciate life more. Even though he expresses this sentiment, the film effectively shows how ACT UP faced issues of mortality and illness during a time when many ignored them.

With its title suggesting a heartbeat, BPM is lively and makes a strong impact, and that’s why it is, in our opinion, one of the finest gay films ever made.

The Conclusion of the Finest Gay Films

This is our list of the best gay movies ever. And plenty are out there that still need to make it to our list. However, selecting the list of the best gay movies is always a personal choice. Some evoke feelings in us, while others prompt them in you. That’s why we’d like to invite you to share your personal list of the finest gay films in the comments below.