LGBTQ+ History Month: Top 33 Queer Movies to Watch on Streaming
LGBTQ+ History Month is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to dive into some incredible queer movies that celebrate our community’s history and stories. While we should always aim to learn more and celebrate LGBTQ+ representation all year round, this month is a great opportunity to spotlight some fantastic films that deserve our attention.
One of the earliest documentaries, “The Queen” from 1968, is a must-watch. This film takes us into the lives of drag artists, trans women, and queer men, giving us a glimpse into the LGBTQ+ community’s world at that time. You can catch “The Queen” on Tubi.
If you’re interested in the New York City ballroom scene of the late 1980s, “Paris Is Burning” is essential viewing. This legendary documentary is filled with slang and terms still used in the LGBTQ+ community today. You can watch “Paris Is Burning” on HBO Max.
For a powerful narrative, check out “Philadelphia,” a 1993 film starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. This movie sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, helping to break down stigma and humanize those affected. “Philadelphia” is currently available for streaming on The Roku Channel.
If you’re looking for a fictionalized take on history, “Stonewall” from 1995 follows a group of LGBTQ+ individuals leading up to the iconic Stonewall Inn riots of 1969. You can find “Stonewall” on Prime Video.
“The Celluloid Closet” from 1996, based on Vito Russo’s book, explores Hollywood’s portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters throughout film history. This groundbreaking documentary is a must-see and is currently streaming on Tubi.
For a heartbreaking true story, “Boys Don’t Cry” from 1999 tells the story of Brandon Teena, a young trans man who faces transphobia in rural Nebraska. You can purchase this film on Blu-ray and DVD through Amazon.
If you’re a fan of biopics, “Frida” from 2002 explores the life and art of Frida Kahlo, starring Salma Hayek. This colorful film is available for streaming on Paramount+.
“Milk” from 2008 stars Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. This biopic is a powerful tribute to Milk’s legacy and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV.
“How to Survive a Plague” from 2012 is a harrowing documentary about HIV/AIDS activists fighting for awareness and a cure in the late 1980s. You can watch this impactful film on Pluto TV.
“I Am Divine” from 2013 celebrates the iconic drag queen Divine, muse to filmmaker John Waters. This documentary is a fantastic tribute to Divine’s legacy and can be found on The Roku Channel.
And finally, “The Normal Heart” from 2014 is a powerful film that sheds light on the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City. This emotional and important movie is definitely worth a watch.
