The most romantic LGBT+ films for your Valentine's day

In this article about the most romantic LGBT+ films for Valentine’s Day, we will review some of the most compelling movies ever. First, we will explain briefly what they are about and why you should watch them. Most importantly, we will tell you where you can watch them.

Overview

February is all about love, and Valentine’s Day reminds us of that—whether you’re into it or not! These days, LGBTQ+ couples are getting more love and visibility than ever, which is fantastic. Whether you have a date or not, it’s a good time to celebrate love in all its forms.
We made your list based on Google research, IMDB lists, Rotten Tomatoes reviews, and other critical online websites and magazines.
If you’re searching for great LGBTQ+ romance movies, there are tons to choose from. Whether you want something light like “Dear Simon” or a deeper dive with “Carol” or the sweet vibes in “Beginners,” there’s something here for everyone.

Our list of The most romantic LGBT+ films for your Valentine’s Day

Having these stories out there helps LGBTQ+ folks feel seen, especially when they might not get that support from family or friends. So, check out these “The most romantic LGBT+ films for your Valentine’s Day“ if you want a feel-good movie night. It’s time to grab some popcorn and enjoy the love!

God’s Own Country (2017) – our top choice of the most romantic LGBT+ films for you

God’s Own Country“ is the UK’s take on “Brokeback Mountain.“ It tells the story of Johnny, a sheep farmer (played by Josh O’Connor), whose life gets turned upside down when Gheorghe, a migrant worker (Alec Secăreanu), shows up to help out during the lambing season. The film is packed with raw intimacy, showing how meaningful those connections can be for people living in remote areas, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Directed by Francis Lee, it’s been super well-received for its stunning visuals and the standout performances from O’Connor and Secăreanu, exploring themes of loneliness and personal change. You can watch God’s Own Country by renting or purchasing on iTunes, Amazon, Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play. You can stream God’s Own Country for free on Pluto or Tubi.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

What is better than to watch a romantic French movie for your Valentine’s Day, right? Céline Sciamma’s 2019 film is a captivating period drama on a remote French island. It follows Marianne (Noémie Merlant) as she tries to paint the marriage portrait of aristocrat Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), who refuses to sit for it. As Marianne and Héloïse spend time together, they begin to fall in love, all while the pressure of Héloïse’s wedding approaches. Set against the beautiful Brittany coastline, the film explores forbidden desire and artistic freedom themes. You can now watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Hulu or Disney+. You can stream Portrait of a Lady on Fire by renting or purchasing it on iTunes, Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play.

Disobedience (2018) – the finest LGBT+ movie for your Valentine’s Day

“Disobedience” isn’t just your average lesbian love story; it’s about the struggle for freedom. The film centers on Ronit (Rachel Weisz) and Esti (Rachel McAdams), two women who grew up in an Orthodox Jewish community in England. While Ronit leaves the community to live her life, Esti stays behind and ends up marrying their old friend, Dovid (Alessandro Nivola). When Ronit hears about her estranged father’s passing, she heads back to the community that rejected her, which brings back all those old feelings for Esti.

It looks like a love story, but “Disobedience” digs deeper into the clash between faith and sexuality. Sure, the film has some pacing and thematic bumps, but it tells a story that’s hardly ever been shared. Many folks have to leave behind their roots to be true to themselves, while many, like Esti, stick it out because of their faith. Still, they end up hiding who they are. So, in 2018, this important story was finally out there, illuminating those tough “choices. It “drives home the idea that everyone should be free to choose their path. The film is available on Starz. Furthermore, you can stream Disobedience by renting or purchasing on Prime Video, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu.

Bros (2022)

Universal Pictures is bringing us Bros, the first major studio romantic comedy about two gay guys trying to find love. Created by Billy Eichner and directed by Nicholas Stoller and Judd Apatow, this movie is about the craziness of sex and romance. Billy Eichner plays Bobby, a podcaster who falls for a masculine guy, played by Luke Macfarlane. The film dives into wild situations, from a messy Grindr hook-up to the quirky world of foot fetishes. While it didn’t light up the box office, Bros gives the rom-com genre a fresh twist by spotlighting LGBTQ+ stories. The cast is mostly LGBTQ+, featuring cool folks like Harvey Fierstein, Guillermo Díaz, and Bowen Yang. You can stream by renting or purchasing on Google Play Movies.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Timothée Chalamet is a name associated with excellence, especially after his captivating role in *Call Me By Your Name*. His portrayal of Elio shows teenage innocence and a desire for romance, making his character very appealing. Chalamet skillfully captures Elio’s confusion and search for identity, which adds depth to the film’s coming-of-age story. *Call Me By Your Name* has quickly become one of the most beloved romances of our time. Based on André Aciman’s 2007 novel, it beautifully depicts the growing relationship between 17-year-old Elio and his father’s 24-year-old graduate assistant, Oliver, played by Armie Hammer. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film stirs strong emotions related to first love and heartbreak, especially among LGBTQIA+ audiences, creating a deep connection to its lovely Italian setting. It would be too simple to view *Call Me By Your Name* as a romance; the story explores adolescent uncertainty and discovery themes. Elio’s relationship with Oliver changes from a casual summer fling to a deeper connection, marked by a slow and careful progression that adds to the film’s romantic richness.

You can now watch Call Me by Your Name on Netflix or Disney+. You can also rent or purchase it on Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, Amazon, and Vudu.

Love, Simon (2018)

Love, Simon is a film about gay teenage life in the late 2010s. It is based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The story follows Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a closeted gay high school student. He navigates friendships, family, and a blackmailer threatening to reveal his secret. The memorable Ferris scene is an essential moment in a romantic comedy. It highlights a key element in queer cinema as the first major studio film with two gay leads and a same-sex love story. Its success shows how vital LGBTQIA+ representation is in mainstream media. It proves that queer stories can be profitable and relatable to audiences. You can watch Love, Simon on Disney Plus. You can stream Love, Simon by renting or purchasing on Google Play Movies.

Moonlight (2017)

This trailblazing coming-of-age tale follows the journey of Chiron (Trevante Rhodes), a young African-American man, through three pivotal chapters in his life. ‘Little‘ introduces young Chiron as he navigates a challenging upbringing with a drug-addicted mother in a tough Miami neighborhood; ‘Chiron‘ explains awkward and painful teenage years marked by bullying; and finally, ‘BlScandal’sals his evolution into a fully-grown man grappling with his sexuality. Moonlight was celebrated with three Oscars in 2017, including Best Picture, as a testament to excellence and authenticity. It serves as an emotional rollercoaster, especially for those who have faced struggles with self-acceptance. Most importantly, it provides a vital reflection for Black gay men, allowing them to see themselves represented on screen.

You can stream Moonlight by renting or purchasing on Prime Video, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu.

Carol (2015)

Aspiring photographer Therese encounters the captivating Carol as she browses the doll displays in a 1950s Manhattan department store. Their initial connection quickly deepens into a profound love with complex ramifications. Kate Blanchett and Rooney Mara deliver career-defining performances in Carol. This film beautifully explores the romance between a young store clerk, Therese, and an alluring older woman, Carol. Under the direction of Todd Haynes, this film emerges as one of the most poignant representations of same-sex love in cinema. Notably, their evolving relationship serves as a pathway for both women to escape the confines of their You’llt lives and the oppressive societal norms that constrain them.

You can watch “Carol” streaming on Netflix, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, or for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Freevee.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023) – our top choice as the most light-romantic LGBT+ film

Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez deliver “insane“ chemistry in Red, White, & Royal Blue, igniting heart palpitations in countless viewers around the globe. This Prime Video rom-com, adapted from Casey McQuiston’s beloved novel, tells the enchanting story of a British prince (Galitzine) and the son (Zakhar-Perez) of the USA’s first female president (played by Uma Thurman). With its authentic portrayal and undeniable chemistry between the leads, Red, White & Royal Blue has become the decade’s most celebrated romance, sparking passionate calls for a sequel. Directed and co-written by Tony-winning Matthew López, this feel-good film follows the tumultuous PR truce between the princely Henry and America’s first son. More importantly, the film discovers that love can blossom in unexpected places. López’s dedication to this project shines through, making it a must-watch that leaves audiences yearning for more. Therefore, it is undoubtedly one of the most romantic LGBT+ films for your Valentine’s Day and even more.

Red, White, and Royal Blue are Prime Video exclusives available at no extra cost to subscribers. So, you can watch this romantic comedy during your free 30-day trial.

Note: if you want to learn more about this film, please read our review.

Just Friends (2018)

Joris meets Yad at his grandma’s house, where Yad works as a helper. They fall in love but must first sort things out with their moms. Spoiler alert: They live Happily Ever After. Moreover, this sweet Dutch romance has everything you want—cute and hot leads, plus plenty of shots of sweaty abs set to catchy love songs, including some Justin Timberlake.
But it’s not just he’s candy; the acting is solid, and the chemistry between the guys is incredible. There’s tension, and the characters’ flaws make the happy ending even better.
It’s predictable (the trailer tells the whole story). Still, if you’re into feel-good romantic flicks, you’ll enjoy it.

You can watch “Just Friends” streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, or for free with ads on The Roku Channel. You can also rent “Just Friends” on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, or Apple TV online and download it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

In the camp satire “But I’m a Cheerleader,“ Natasha Lyonne shines as Megan Bloomfield, a high school cheerleader who embraces her true selAlbertalli’sr parents’ concerns about her identity. Sent to a conversion therapy camp with the help of ex-gay counselor Mike (RuPaul), Megan’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she discovers love and connection with fellow camper Graham (Clea DuVall). This ’90s satirical rom-com beautifully transforms the challenges of queer identity into an uplifting love story, featuring a talented cast including Melanie Lynskey and MicGarner’slliams. RuPaul’s role as an ex-gay counselor adds an inspiring layer of humor and heart to the film.

You can watch it on Fandango at Home, Tubi—Free Movies & TV, Zoneify, Local Now, Drama Movies & TV by Fawesome, Fawesome—Free Movies and TV Shows, Plex—Kostenlose Filme & TV, Prime Video, or Apple TV on your Roku device.

The conclusion of The Most Romantic LGBT+ Films for your Valentine’s Day

Throughout the rich history of cinema, LGBTQ+ films have emerged as powerful narratives that highlight the lives, history, and experiences of individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, and beyond. We are currently experiencing a remarkable era for queer storytelling, as LGBTQ+ filmmakers are given more opportunities than ever to share their perspectives—whether directly related to the LGBTQ+ experience or not. This increase in representation is vital, allowing audiences to see themselves reflected in the stories they cherish. While we acknowledge countless remarkable LGBTQ+ romantic movies we’ve yet to mention; our primary goal is to engage and inspire our readers. We invite you to join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the most romantic LGBTQ+ films in the comments below.