Because There's So Much to Choose From
There's a lot of content on Netflix -- a whole lot. Especially when it comes to queer characters. With so much, it's easy to miss or forget what's there, particularly in the case of older non-original content that may not be getting the press roll out other stuff is. So here we've compiled a list of some of our favorite films, available now on the streamer, that boast major LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. But, you probably should start watching them now before they all get pulled down.
Loving Annabelle (2006)
This romantic drama stars one unruly student who falls in love with her teacher.
God's Own Country (2017)
A Yorkshire sheep farmer taking care of his parents meets a new Romani migrant worker with whom he develops a push and pull relationship.
The Queen (1968)
This documentary shows the culture of drag pageants before Stonewall, Pride festivals and much of any queer representation.
Below Her Mouth (2016)
This passionate film sees two women and their deep desire for one another over three days.
Moonlight (2016)
This Oscar award-winning coming-of-age story depicts the life of a young Black man as he deals with both identity and community.
Loev (2015)
This sumptuous Indian drama that was technically illegal to make, traces a pair of old friends on a roadtrip where they tenatively explore old feelings.
Editor's note: Loev contains footage that may not viewable for all. Read this post for a trigger warning, though it also contains spoilers.
Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
This comedy shows two teenage boys on a roadtrip exploring their own sexuality as their girlfriends are away.
Tig (2015)
Centered on comedienne Tig Notaro, this documentary chronicles Notaro's breast cancer diagnosis and attempts to become pregant all contributing to a legendary stand-up set.
Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts (2019)
Filmed around her slightly controversial win of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 3, Moving Parts tells the story of our favorite Barbie, Trixie Mattel, and fame. She records music, goes on tour, and provides behind-the-scenes footage of what happened in Katya's temporary departure from their famed partnership.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)
This documentary tells the life of one of the mothers of the gay rights movement, Marsha P. Johnson, in a powerful biopic. The project itself has been embroiled in scandal since its release as filmmaker David France was accused, multiple times, of stealing research of other filmmakers like Tourmaline and Kamran Shahraray.
A Single Man (2009)
Reeling over the loss of his lover, a professor tries to get over his grief anyway he can in Tom Ford's directoral debut.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
A common trope in film and tleevision for drag queens is putting them on a cross country tour to meet people outside of the bustling and accepting places they live in. The most celebrated of those projects in the U.S. is undoubtedly To Wong Foo in a film that is both heartwarming and chuckle inducing.
Player's Club (1998)
This dark comedy stars Lisa Raye as a stripper, dancing at the popular Player's Club to make money through college. Though she isn't revealed to be queer in the film, Ronnie, a fellow stripper and onen of the project's many villians, certainly is as revealed by the subtext.
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
This refreshing doc reveals the Stefani Germanotta that lies behind Lady Gaga as she produces and releases Joanne and prepares for her Super Bowl halftime performance.
Paris Is Burning (1991)
This documentary is an iconic, valued part of the queer film canon. Filmed by Jenni Livingston, the project was one o the first ways that many came into contact with the then underground ballroom community created by Black and brown queer and trans people. Its stars like Dorian Corey, Willi Ninja, Pepper Labeija have left indellible marks on pop-culture, still evident today.
