Top 50 Best Lesbian Movies To Watch [2025]

Shivam Parashar Shivam - Updated Jan 22, 2025

Cinema has always been, possibly, the most potent medium to ever represent love on its famed celluloid. This representation of love, over a century now, has made cinema one of the most endearing and enduring media of mass entertainment all over the world.

As trite as it may sound to enunciate that "representation matters'', it truly, most definitely, does.

Therefore, as we have noticed the desired advancement in LGBTQ+ rights in most corners of the world, the cinematic medium, and its respective vivid stories, claiming to represent love among those within the community, have also witnessed an undeniable boom.

Needless to say, the viewers have had the privilege of stumbling upon refreshing lesbian-themed stories on both the big and the small screens with the passage of time.

Ardent fans of cinema would agree that anything that helps in making the mass medium richer is worth representing.

So, it is imperative to mention that the representation of lesbians in films does not only give them a definitive edge but also adds to cinema's claim of being the mirror image of society.

The inclusion of strong female characters backed by first-rate entertainment value and bold themes has led to the creation of lesbian-themed storylines; ones that strive to honor the traditions of queer cinema in all of its glory.

While some of these iconic lesbian and bisexual features have gone on to win awards and acclaim the world over, others have managed to reach cult status long after their respective releases.

It is not surprising then that our story today is as colorful and varied as the beloved queer community itself.

1

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Portrait of a Lady on Fire
R
imdb icon8.1
IMDb Rating8.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating97
Metacritic Rating95

DramaRomance

Director:

Céline Sciamma

Release Date:

Fri Feb 14 2020

Star Cast:

Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami

Box Office (Worldwide):

$10,019,521

Direction
Fair
Cinematography
Fair
Casting
Fair
Visual
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Set in France in the 18th century, Portrait of a Lady on Fire follows a forbidden love affair between an aristocrat and an artist, who has been commissioned to paint her wedding portrait.

Written and directed by Céline Sciamma and starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel in the lead, this historical drama flick made history when Sciamma became the first ever female director to win the coveted Queer Palm award after it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film tracks the love story between a painter and her subject beautifully and is pretty much visually delightful. Each frame looks like it has been crafted with utmost care, showcasing the hard work that must have gone behind the scenes to bring this powerful drama to life.

The thought-provoking title, which thrives on its subtle and thrilling love story, earned further nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globe Awards. It was the second highest-reviewed motion picture of 2019 on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

2
Quiz about Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan
R
imdb icon8.6
IMDb Rating8.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating94
Metacritic Rating91

DramaWar

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Release Date:

Fri Jul 24 1998

Star Cast:

Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore

Budget:

$70,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$482,349,603

Direction
Excellent
Cinematography
Excellent
Casting
Very Good
Screenplay
Good
Visual
Fair
Sound
Fair

Aside from being a cautionary tale about the consequences of drug use, Gia is also a tragic love story that aims to portray the relationship between Angelina Jolie's Gia and Elizabeth Mitchell's Linda.

Even though their romance appears exaggerated and exploitative, the focus of this hard-hitting Michael Cristofer directorial venture is on underscoring Gia's struggle with mental illness, compulsion, and internalized homophobia.

Given the fact that the characters are based on real-world personalities, you can't help but get pulled into the motion picture's storytelling.

Gia's strength lies in the fact that it allows several queer women to feel that they are being seen and heard.

 

3
Quiz about The Handmaiden

The Handmaiden

The Handmaiden
Not Rated
imdb icon8.1
IMDb Rating8.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating96
Metacritic Rating85

DramaRomanceThriller

Director:

Park Chan-wook

Release Date:

Sat Sep 2 2017

Star Cast:

Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong

Budget:

₩10,000,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$37,854,655

Direction
Fair
Cinematography
Fair
Screenplay
Fair
Casting
Fair
Sound
Fair
Visual
Average

Filmmaker Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden is not only one of the best South Korean movies that you'll get to see but it is also among the best-rated lesbian-themed credits out there.

The film follows a Japanese woman who hires a diligent helper to help assist her in her everyday life. However, the affluent woman is completely unaware of the fact that her employee is working with a con man to deceive her out of her wealth.

Even though the motion picture is wrapped in mystery, it manages to get sinister, erotic, and romantic in equal measure.

Add to that the fact that the screenplay includes doses of dark humor to tell a story that you may not be able to forget easily. Better still, this beautifully shot movie only gets better with the excellent performances of its leads.

They share an amazing chemistry that manages to evoke a ton of emotions and end up assisting Park Chan-wook in crafting arguably his finest full-length feature to date.

Partially based on the novel Fingersmith by Welsh writer Sarah Waters, this psychological thriller won in the category of Best Film Not in the English Language at the 71st British Academy Film Awards. Trust us when we say that it's going to stay with you long after you're done watching it.

 

4

Carol

Carol
R
imdb icon7.2
IMDb Rating7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating94
Metacritic Rating94

DramaRomance

Director:

Todd Haynes

Release Date:

Fri Jan 15 2016

Star Cast:

Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson

Budget:

$11,800,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$40,272,135

Direction
Very Good
Cinematography
Very Good
Screenplay
Very Good
Casting
Very Good
Visual
Average
Sound
Average

Based on Patricia Highsmith's romance novel The Price of Salt, Carol has been headlined by talented actors such as Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Set in the 1950s, the story follows the tough journey of an aspiring photographer and an older woman who is going through a difficult divorce.

We see how the two lovely ladies stumble upon each other and embark on a forbidden love affair in no time.

This motion picture thrives on its heart-wrenching portrayal of queer heartbreak, wonderful cinematography, amazing performances, and evocative soundtrack.

Ranked by the British Film Institute as the best LGBT credit of all time, Carol received five Golden Globe Award nominations, six Oscar nominations, and nine BAFTA Award nominations, respectively.

 

5

The Favourite

The Favourite
R
imdb icon7.5
IMDb Rating7.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating93
Metacritic Rating91

BiographyComedyDrama

Director:

Yorgos Lanthimos

Release Date:

Fri Dec 21 2018

Star Cast:

Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$95,918,706

Casting
Excellent
Direction
Very Good
Screenplay
Very Good
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Sound
Average

Filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos brings to us a period black comedy film that is sort of based on a true story but, at the same time, is also injected with a ton of creative fabrications for the sole purpose of entertainment.

Even though this motion picture is more lesbian adjacent than lesbian, you've got to see it for the outstanding performances that breathe life into a set of compelling female characters.

The Favourite had its much-awaited premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for Olivia Colman.

Oh, and you get to catch hold of the scintillating Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone as well in this one.

6

Blue Is the Warmest Colour

Blue Is the Warmest Colour
NC-17
imdb icon7.7
IMDb Rating7.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating88
Metacritic Rating90

DramaRomance

Director:

Abdellatif Kechiche

Release Date:

Wed Oct 9 2013

Star Cast:

Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kechiouche

Budget:

€4,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$19,465,835

Casting
Excellent
Direction
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Blue is the Warmest Colour is one of the most influential lesbian movies to have hit the screens in the 21st century.

The Abdellatif Kechiche directorial venture traces the journey of a young woman named Adele, who seems to be confused about her sexuality.

Soon after breaking up with her boyfriend, she chances upon and falls in love with an eccentric blue-haired art student, Emma.

The screenplay of the motion picture traces their relationship starting from Adèle’s high school years till the time she becomes a school teacher.

Based on Jul Maroh's graphic novel of the same name, Blue is the Warmest Colour opened to widespread critical acclaim.

It was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language.

In addition, it won the Palme d’Or from the official jury and the FIPRESCI Prize; thus, becoming the first feature in history to win the Palme d’Or for both its director and lead actresses.

7

A Secret Love

A Secret Love
TV-MA
imdb icon7.8
IMDb Rating7.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating100
Metacritic Rating77

DocumentaryBiographyDrama

Director:

Chris Bolan

Release Date:

Wed Apr 29 2020

Star Cast:

Terry Donahue, Pat Henschel, Diana Bolan

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Helmed efficiently by Chris Bolan, this documentary feature tells the story of a former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player, Terry Donahue, who kept her lesbian relationship a secret from her family for seven decisive decades.

While striving to narrate the saga of one couple, A Secret Love pays an understated yet powerful tribute to every single love story that has been able to blossom after years of patience and sacrifice.

You cannot help but stay in awe of the fact that such an endearing and enduring tale of love does exist in the world today; a world that has been marred by a lack of will, faith, and loyalty by impassive individuals.

This feature aims to convey that being in love is one of the most beautiful things that can happen to an individual and that we have only one life to acknowledge the people that we truly adore.

The story showcased here might want you to think about how society doesn't always respect our choices and forces us to live life according to its rigid norms and expectations.

8

Heavenly Creatures

Heavenly Creatures
R
imdb icon7.3
IMDb Rating7.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating95
Metacritic Rating86

BiographyCrimeDrama

Director:

Peter Jackson

Release Date:

Fri Oct 14 1994

Star Cast:

Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet, Sarah Peirse

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$3,049,950

Screenplay
Good
Direction
Fair
Casting
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Sound
Average

Director Peter Jackson introduced us to the competent performer in Kate Winslet a good three years before James Cameron's Titanic pushed her to the cusp of stardom.

In Heavenly Creatures, we are welcomed to the obsessive world of two close friends who share a love for fantasy and literature.

However, things soon spiral out of control when they conspire to kill one of the girls' mothers. This is because the pair figures that she is beginning to threaten their intense relationship.

Based on a true story of a notorious 1950s New Zealand murder case, this motion picture demonstrates teen lesbian obsession gone horribly wrong.

Watch out for Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey's remarkable character projections.

9
Quiz about Booksmart

Booksmart

Booksmart
R
imdb icon7.1
IMDb Rating7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating96
Metacritic Rating84

Comedy

Director:

Olivia Wilde

Release Date:

Fri May 24 2019

Star Cast:

Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, Jessica Williams

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$24,959,607

Screenplay
Very Good
Casting
Very Good
Direction
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Sound
Average

Actor Olivia Wilde's directorial debut, Booksmart, is a coming-of-age buddy comedy that depicts one of its main protagonists as a lesbian.

The story of this acclaimed feature follows best friends Amy and Molly, who, right before their graduation, realize that they are being ignored by their circle for being bookworms and pretentious.

However, that doesn't dispirit the two girls, who decide to let loose and make up for the lost time to the best of their abilities.

For a major part of its run time, Booksmart concentrates on the exploits of two best friends for 24 straight hours.

That said, we also get to see how a heterosexual Molly is fully supportive of her lesbian pal Amy.

10
Quiz about Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive
R
imdb icon7.9
IMDb Rating7.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating84
Metacritic Rating86

DramaMysteryThriller

Director:

David Lynch

Release Date:

Fri Oct 19 2001

Star Cast:

Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$20,271,953

Direction
Very Good
Screenplay
Very Good
Cinematography
Fair
Casting
Fair
Visual
Average
Sound
Average

Those who have seen Mulholland Drive would understand that there is a lot to talk about in the film, besides the racy lesbian scene between Laura Harring and Naomi Watt's characters.

The psychological thriller tells the unforgettable story of a dark-haired amnesiac Rita and a perky blonde actress Betty, who team up to find clues related to the former's accident.

However, in the process, they end up discovering their respective true identities, or, at least, that is what director David Lynch will have you believe.

Perhaps one of the best things about David Lynch's mind-bending thriller is the fact it resists one single interpretation.

Even though we get to see two women in a nuanced and complex relationship, it has to be mentioned that there is no 'true' reading of the story.

While the screenplay acknowledges the connection between the two leading ladies, it also does its best to concentrate on numerous other themes, and that is precisely where its beauty lies.

11

The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right
R
imdb icon7
IMDb Rating7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating92
Metacritic Rating86

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Lisa Cholodenko

Release Date:

Fri Jul 30 2010

Star Cast:

Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$34,758,951

Casting
Excellent
Screenplay
Very Good
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Sound
Average

Lauded as one of the first mainstream Hollywood features to depict a same-sex couple raising teenagers, The Kids Are All Right tells the story of Nic and Jules; two women who seem to have a seemingly perfect family life with their children, Joni and Laser.

However, things get intriguing when the children confess that they wish to find their biological father. This Lisa Cholodenko-helmed project, which was nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award, makes a warm statement on family values; all while keeping its entertainment value fully intact.

Even though the premise centers on lesbian marriage, it, in many ways, is about the institution of marriage and its universal intricacies itself.

12
Quiz about Pariah

Pariah

Pariah
R
imdb icon7.2
IMDb Rating7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating95
Metacritic Rating79

Drama

Director:

Dee Rees

Release Date:

Wed Oct 31 2012

Star Cast:

Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans, Aasha Davis

Budget:

$450,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$769,552

Direction
Fair
Screenplay
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Written and directed for the screen by Dee Rees, Pariah tracks the journey of a Brooklyn-based teenager, who, in a despairing quest for sexual expression, assumes paradoxical identities and risks losing both her family and friends while heading towards inevitable heartbreak.

The drama, which banks on Adepero Oduye's stirring performance, was duly acknowledged for its exploration of Black and LGBTQ+ culture.

It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and was awarded the Excellence in Cinematography Award. Pariah was a praiseworthy coming out/coming-of-age film that marked the arrival of fresh new talent in writer/director Dee Rees.

13

Tomboy

Tomboy
Not Rated
imdb icon7.4
IMDb Rating7.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating96
Metacritic Rating74

Drama

Director:

Céline Sciamma

Release Date:

Wed Apr 20 2011

Star Cast:

Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson

Budget:

€1,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,437,501

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Tomboy is a tale that has been told with remarkable sensitivity and awareness by writer-director Céline Sciamma. We are introduced to Laure; a gender non-conforming child who moves into a new neighborhood in the beautiful city of Paris with her family.

Conscious of the battles she has to face, Laure projects herself as a boy (Mickael) to a group of youngsters whom she befriends.

Filmmaker Sciamma very smartly plants everything about her sexuality in her endearing story. In fact, one can sit through the whole film without realizing that its main lead might be a lesbian.

Child actor Zoe Heran is perfectly cast, and her deep, sulking eyes and amazingly authentic body language make this one of the best child artist performances of all time.

Tomboy explores the idea of being proud of one's sexuality and is also, at the same time, a sensitive throwback to our very own childhood.

14
Quiz about The Half of It

The Half of It

The Half of It
PG-13
imdb icon6.9
IMDb Rating6.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating97
Metacritic Rating74

ComedyDrama

Director:

Alice Wu

Release Date:

Fri May 1 2020

Star Cast:

Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Distributed by Netflix, this coming-of-age rom-com is nothing short of a present for those who wish to savor a refreshingly original film in the genre.

Written and directed by Alice Wu, it traces the journey of a shy but smart high school student named Ellie Chu, who does her best to help the scatterbrained school jock Paul Munsky woo a girl.

The catch here is that the Chu likes the same girl Munsky seems to have fallen for. Together, they find themselves connecting and discovering the true nature of love; one that is very complex and, yet, so simple.

The motion picture, which seemingly questions us mortals for going on an endless and futile search for romance, thrives on its diligent performances and refreshing storyline.

What distinguishes this charming drama from other features in the genre is that its filmmaker has done a fine job at conveying that there is no perfect way to love, which is, perhaps, the only authentic thing about the concept of love itself.

15

My Summer of Love

My Summer of Love
R
imdb icon6.7
IMDb Rating6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating90
Metacritic Rating82

DramaRomance

Director:

Pawel Pawlikowski

Release Date:

Fri Jul 1 2005

Star Cast:

Natalie Press, Emily Blunt, Paddy Considine

Budget:

£1,700,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,766,976

Direction
Fair
Screenplay
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Based on the book My Summer of Love by Helen Cross, this Paweł Pawlikowski directorial venture traces the journey of the working-class Mona and middle-class Tamsin, who chance upon each other in the Yorkshire countryside.

The two soon begin to spend a lot of time together and, subsequently, end up being in a relationship.

Through the course of the summer, they figure that they have a lot to teach each other and explore together.

As a viewer, you can't help but find yourself getting immersed in the tender and passionate love story of the two bored teenagers.

To sum it up, My Summer of Love is a moody and bittersweet tale that thrives on the lead performances of Emily Blunt and Natalie Press.

16

Certain Women

Certain Women
R
imdb icon6.4
IMDb Rating6.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating92
Metacritic Rating82

Drama

Director:

Kelly Reichardt

Release Date:

Wed Feb 22 2017

Star Cast:

Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,531,261

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Edited, written, and directed by Kelly Reichardt, Certain Women shows us Kristen Stewart playing an openly lesbian character for the first time on Celluloid.

This motion picture is essentially a take on the lives of several lonely women. However, the one whose story appears to be the loneliest of all is a queer story.

Even though the lesbian storyline in this thoughtful feature only takes up 1/3 of its screenplay, it does manage to make an impact.

Overall, Certain Women is an enthralling slow-burner that may end up surprising many.

17

The Watermelon Woman

The Watermelon Woman
Unrated
imdb icon7.1
IMDb Rating7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating92
Metacritic Rating74

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Cheryl Dunye

Release Date:

Wed Mar 5 1997

Star Cast:

Cheryl Dunye, Guinevere Turner, Valarie Walker

Budget:

$300,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,989

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Written, directed, and edited by Cheryl Dunye, this romantic comedy-drama tracks the journey of an aspiring black lesbian filmmaker, who researches an obscure 1940s black actress; someone who's been previously credited as "The Watermelon Woman." 

It is critical to mention that The Watermelon Woman was reportedly the first mainstream feature to have been helmed by a Black lesbian.

It is not surprising then that it is now considered to be a landmark in New Queer Cinema. The beauty of its screenplay lies in the fact that it never tends to take itself too seriously, even though it deals with important issues.

This sharply observant and historically aware motion picture thrives on its wry comedy.

18

The Hours

The Hours
PG-13
imdb icon7.5
IMDb Rating7.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating79
Metacritic Rating80

DramaRomance

Director:

Stephen Daldry

Release Date:

Fri Feb 14 2003

Star Cast:

Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$108,846,072

Casting
Excellent
Direction
Very Good
Screenplay
Very Good
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Sound
Average

This psychological drama tells the story of Virginia Woolf, who begins to write her novel 'Mrs Dalloway.'  

In the future, we get to glimpse two ladies, Laura Brown and Clarissa Vaughan, trying to find solace in the novel, in the hope that they can manage to escape their respective uninteresting lives.

Those who are yet to watch it wouldn't know that there's a lot of period lesbian angst in this Stephen Daldry-helmed title.

The story, which concerns three generations of lesbian or bisexual women, is brought to life by the believable performances of actors such as Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman.

Well, trust us when we say that its star cast is a reason big enough for you to sit through it.

19

Aimee & Jaguar

Aimee & Jaguar
Not Rated
imdb icon7.2
IMDb Rating7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating90
Metacritic Rating72

BiographyDramaRomance

Director:

Max Färberböck

Release Date:

Thu Feb 11 1999

Star Cast:

Maria Schrader, Juliane Köhler, Johanna Wokalek

Budget:

DEM 15,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$927,107

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Based on Erica Fischer's book of the same name, this German drama full-length feature has been written and directed by Max Färberböck.

Set in Berlin during the Second World War, the film tells the tragic story of a Nazi officer's wife who meets and begins a passionate love affair with an undercover Jewish woman.

As you may have figured, this motion picture is no romantic comedy and is, therefore, not to be seen on a light-hearted movie night.

While the script is the hero here, one must give credit to lead performers Juliane Köhler and Maria Schrader for being able to successfully express the yearning and desire through their respective exceptional performances.

20

Princess Cyd

Princess Cyd
Not Rated
imdb icon6.7
IMDb Rating6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating95
Metacritic Rating72

DramaRomance

Director:

Stephen Cone

Release Date:

Fri Nov 3 2017

Star Cast:

Marika Mashburn, Jessie Pinnick, Paul Brian Fagen

Direction
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Written and directed by Stephen Cone and starring Rebecca Spence, Jessie Pinnick, and Malic White in pivotal roles, Princess Cyd traces the journey of the 16-year-old girl Cyd, who is visiting her estranged aunt Miranda for the summer.

While there, she ends up falling for another girl. However, the viewers get to see how a headstrong Cyd and her aunt end up challenging each other's sex and spirit during the former’s stay.

Credit has to be given to writer-director Cone for ensuring that this endearing romantic comedy defies several coming-of-age conventions to narrate a deeply moving story about self-discovery, mentorship, and love.

21

Summertime

Summertime
Not Rated
imdb icon6.7
IMDb Rating6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating92
Metacritic Rating72

DramaRomance

Director:

Catherine Corsini

Release Date:

Wed Aug 19 2015

Star Cast:

Cécile de France, Izïa Higelin, Noémie Lvovsky

Budget:

€4,800,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$3,778,938

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Summertime, or La Belle Saison in the original French, is a French-Belgian romantic drama film that has been directed by Catherine Corsini.

It tracks the journey of two women, Carole and Delphine, who meet and fall head over heels in love in 1971.

However, after Carole follows Delphine back to her family farm, the two discover that lesbianism and feminism are not as accepted in the countryside. Needless to say, it creates unexpected blockades for the pair.

An intellectual feature of sorts, Summertime tells a wonderful and tragic love story while casting a light on the women's lib movement in 1970s France.

The movie takes pride in the fact that its central performers share a natural chemistry and carry the plot seamlessly.

22

Rafiki

Rafiki
imdb icon6.8
IMDb Rating6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating94
Metacritic Rating68

DramaRomance

Director:

Wanuri Kahiu

Release Date:

Fri Apr 19 2019

Star Cast:

Samantha Mugatsia, Neville Misati, Nice Githinji

Box Office (Worldwide):

$181,316

Casting
Very Good
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

This Wanuri Kahiu directorial venture tells the story of Kena, who finds herself getting attracted to a girl named Ziki from her immediate neighborhood.

Even though the two end up getting very close to each other, things spiral out of control when they come face to face with the Kenyan authorities.

This is because Kenyan laws do not permit homosexuality.

Rafiki does an appreciable job of bringing the plight of the queer people in Kenya to light.

It is imperative to mention that the film was banned by the Kenya Film Classification Board "due to its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya contrary to the law." After its makers sued the Kenyan government to get the film released, the ban was lifted for seven days.

However, to everyone's surprise, Rafiki went on to become the second highest-grossing Kenyan film of all time following its much-awaited theatrical release.

23

Monster

Monster
R
imdb icon7.3
IMDb Rating7.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating82
Metacritic Rating74

BiographyCrimeDrama

Director:

Patty Jenkins

Release Date:

Fri Jan 30 2004

Star Cast:

Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$58,469,210

Casting
Excellent
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Monster is arguably the most unique feature to make it to our story. It tracks the cumbersome journey of a woman named Aileen Wuornos, who has been homeless for the major part of her life.

In order to make ends meet, she gets into street prostitution. However, nothing seems to be working out for her even when she tries to set her life straight.

Hopeless and anguished, she starts robbing her clients and killing them. This iconic story, starring Charlize Theron in the lead, has been brought to life on the big screen with a distinctly female gaze.

You'll have to see this Patty Jenkins directorial venture to comprehend why it won Theron the Academy Award for Best Actress.

24
Quiz about The Color Purple

The Color Purple

The Color Purple
PG-13
imdb icon7.7
IMDb Rating7.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating73
Metacritic Rating78

Drama

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Release Date:

Fri Feb 7 1986

Star Cast:

Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$98,467,863

Casting
Excellent
Direction
Very Good
Screenplay
Good
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Sound
Average

Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, this coming-of-age period drama film has been helmed by star director Steven Spielberg.

The hard-hitting feature follows the journey of Celie, who, after having been raped by her father, is married off to an abusive husband.

As she struggles to come out of the marriage, we are introduced to Shug Avery; a showgirl who becomes an integral part of the storyline as Celie's love interest and savior.

Even though it does not entirely utilize Walker’s text about lesbianism for the screen, the film most certainly is queer. This slickly-designed adaption of the novel of the same title gives you a much-needed wake-up call.

Indeed, it has been written beautifully and its performances and dialogues manage to move you immensely. Add to that the fact that the colors of the country shown in its story are enhanced by a wonderful musical score.

25

Desert Hearts

Desert Hearts
R
imdb icon7.1
IMDb Rating7.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating90
Metacritic Rating67

DramaRomance

Director:

Donna Deitch

Release Date:

Fri Mar 7 1986

Star Cast:

Helen Shaver, Patricia Charbonneau, Audra Lindley

Budget:

$1,250,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,492,088

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Not many of our readers would be aware of the fact that this Donna Deitch-helmed project is widely considered to be one of the first mainstream movies to have represented lesbians favorably.

The story follows a repressed professor of literature, who, while waiting for her divorce papers, gets unexpectedly attracted by a carefree and spirited young lesbian.

This life-altering experience not only helps her find her true self but also allows her to come to terms with her sexuality.

Based on Jane Rule's novel Desert of the Heart, this romantic drama set benchmarks in the way queer women were portrayed on the big screen.

It is not surprising then that it has evolved into a queer cult classic since it first hit the screens back in 1985.

26

Saving Face

Saving Face
R
imdb icon7.4
IMDb Rating7.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating88
Metacritic Rating65

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Alice Wu

Release Date:

Fri Jun 24 2005

Star Cast:

Joan Chen, Michelle Krusiec, Lynn Chen

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,236,518

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

The first Hollywood mainstream feature film to revolve around Chinese-Americans since the release of The Joy Luck Club in 1993, Saving Face has been helmed by Alice Wu in her directorial debut.

The story follows a gay Chinese-American and her traditionalist mother who are hesitant to go public with a well-kept secret that threatens to clash against established cultural expectations.

Even though it failed to set the box office alight, Saving Face is hands down one of the finest motion pictures to have ever called attention to homosexuality within the Chinese culture.

Ever since its release, this ever-so-relevant feature has had an unprecedented impact on the LGBTQ+ Chinese community.

It has even been lauded as one of the 20 best Asian American films of the last 20 years by The Los Angeles Times.

27

Hearts Beat Loud

Hearts Beat Loud
PG-13
imdb icon6.9
IMDb Rating6.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating92
Metacritic Rating65

ComedyDramaMusic

Director:

Brett Haley

Release Date:

Fri Jun 15 2018

Star Cast:

Nick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons, Blythe Danner

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,417,165

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Directed by Brett Haley, Hearts Beat Loud traces the wonderful coming-of-age journey of Sam and her father Frank. We see how the latter struggles to accept that his daughter has to go to college right when one of their songs goes on to become a smash hit online.

Hearts Beat Loud is a multi-racial credit that we all deserve. It is that rare movie that doesn't show its queer lead character struggling to deal with her sexuality or relationship.

Revolutionary for a mainstream Hollywood film in more ways than one, this one is a light-hearted family comedy about growing up and cherishing everything that your loved ones do for you.

28
Quiz about Disobedience

Disobedience

Disobedience
R
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating84
Metacritic Rating74

Drama

Director:

Sebastián Lelio

Release Date:

Fri Apr 27 2018

Star Cast:

Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, Alessandro Nivola

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$8,003,180

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Irrespective of what the subject of the film is, you simply cannot afford to miss out on an opportunity to catch gorgeous performers like Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams on celluloid.

Based on Naomi Alderman's novel of the same name, Disobedience follows the complex journey of a young woman who returns to an orthodox Jewish community after the death of her father.

However, things go for a toss when she chances upon her loving childhood friend and restarts a forbidden relationship with her, despite having been shunned for the same years ago.

Disobedience received positive reviews from film pundits for its direction and screenplay, and Weisz and McAdams were applauded for having delivered one of the finest performances of their respective screen careers.

29

Bound

Bound
R
imdb icon7.3
IMDb Rating7.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating86
Metacritic Rating64

CrimeThriller

Director:

Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski

Release Date:

Fri Oct 4 1996

Star Cast:

Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano

Budget:

$4,500,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$3,802,260

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Written and directed by the Wachowskis, this neo-noir crime thriller tells the fascinating story of Violet, who happens to be the mistress of the gangster Caesar.

However, in actuality, she is involved in a torrid love affair with Corky. Together, they devise a plan for Violet to not only dump Caesar but also rob millions of dollars of stashed mob cash; thus, putting all the blame on the latter.

This super stylish and sexy heist movie stars Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly as a pair of lovers who are willing to take a road marred with roadblocks to make a run for their lives.

It is one of the most unique titles to make it to our piece today.

30

Dating Amber

Dating Amber
Not Rated
imdb icon7
IMDb Rating7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating94
Metacritic Rating59

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

David Freyne

Release Date:

Tue Nov 10 2020

Star Cast:

Fionn O'Shea, Lola Petticrew, Sharon Horgan

Box Office (Worldwide):

$87,071

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Allow us to introduce you to this rather underappreciated gem which tells the charming coming-of-age story of two high-school students, who pretend to be in a relationship to combat prejudice in '90s Ireland.

This David Freyne directorial venture, which, at its core, is about two gay teenagers, tells a marvelous story about companionship and self-acceptance.

The makers and actors of this bittersweet title deserve a huge round of applause for trying to make the viewers aware of how closeted gay teenagers must feel in small towns across the globe.

31

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Not Rated
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating86
Metacritic Rating69

ComedyDrama

Director:

Desiree Akhavan

Release Date:

Fri Sep 7 2018

Star Cast:

Chloë Grace Moretz, Steven Hauck, Quinn Shephard

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,474,577

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Chloë Grace Moretz may have been a part of the movies since her very childhood but she delivered her career-best performance as the titular character in The Miseducation of Cameron Post.

Based on Emily M. Danforth's novel of the same name, the motion picture is set in 1993 and tracks the journey of a teenage girl, who is forced to visit a gay conversion therapy center by her hidebound guardians.

Chloë does a commendable job of projecting moments of teen confusion and dejection with remarkable subtlety.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a meaningful film in the sense that it makes a brave attempt to showcase the unspeakable destruction conversion therapy may have caused to our community over the years.

It aims to stress that such "therapies" need to be stopped for the betterment of our LGBTQ+ youth.

32

Kissing Jessica Stein

Kissing Jessica Stein
R
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating83
Metacritic Rating72

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Charles Herman-Wurmfeld

Release Date:

Fri Apr 5 2002

Star Cast:

Jennifer Westfeldt, Heather Juergensen, Tovah Feldshuh

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$10,013,424

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Released in the same year as David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, this Charles Herman-Wurmfeld-helmed feature film is unique in the sense that it has been written and co-produced by its leading actors, Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen.

The story follows a young woman, Jessica, who, while trying to find herself the perfect man, ends up getting romantically involved with a bisexual woman named Helen.

However, as their relationship progresses, the viewers notice that Jessica is finding it incredibly difficult to keep up with it. Kissing Jessica Stein premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2001 and was lauded for its positive depiction of a same-sex relationship.

33

Margarita with a Straw

Margarita with a Straw
Not Rated
imdb icon7.2
IMDb Rating7.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating85
Metacritic Rating63

Drama

Director:

Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar

Release Date:

Tue Jun 14 2016

Star Cast:

Kalki Koechlin, Revathi, Sayani Gupta

Budget:

$850,000 (estimated)

Casting
Very Good
Cinematography
Fair
Screenplay
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Sound
Average

Director Shonali Bose's Margarita with a Straw tells the story of a rebellious young woman with cerebral palsy, who gets an opportunity to leave India to complete her studies in New York.

Her journey of self-discovery allows her to figure things out about love, sexuality, and self-acceptance, among other life-altering things.

This coming-of-age drama, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014, was also screened at the Tallinn Black Nights, the BFI London, the Vesoul Festival of Asian Cinema, and the Galway Film Fleadh, respectively.

Kalki Koechlin's lead performance and Bose's direction are the biggest assets of this critically acclaimed Bollywood title.

34
Quiz about Happiest Season

Happiest Season

Happiest Season
PG-13
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating82
Metacritic Rating69

Drama

Director:

Clea DuVall

Release Date:

Wed Nov 25 2020

Star Cast:

Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,110,618

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

This Clea DuVall directorial venture does not only qualify as a lesbian feature but it also works quite well as a Christmas film.

Starring the talented Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis in prominent roles, this quirky romantic comedy tells the story of a lesbian named Abby, who plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper, in front of Harper's family members.

However, she is shocked to discover that Harper is yet to come out to her parents. The tiny flaws of this amazingly entertaining motion picture can easily be blotted out by its bigger charms.

Moreover, it has to be pointed out that a mainstream credit titled Happiest Season had to, unsurprisingly, end on a happy note.

35

Water Lilies

Water Lilies
imdb icon6.7
IMDb Rating6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating82
Metacritic Rating67

DramaRomance

Director:

Céline Sciamma

Release Date:

Wed Aug 15 2007

Star Cast:

Pauline Acquart, Louise Blachère, Adèle Haenel

Box Office (Worldwide):

$628,258

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

This coming-of-age drama is set in a middle-class Parisian suburb. It follows the story of three teenage girls who, while trying to explore their sexualities at the local pool over the course of a summer, end up getting involved in a love triangle that becomes increasingly difficult to sustain.

Water Lilies handles its subject well and does a fair job at telling a realistic but predictable story. Now, it is not necessarily required for you to be into Euro-teen movies in order to appreciate this feature.

This is primarily because its plot is pretty accessible and flows rather smoothly.

36

High Art

High Art
R
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating76
Metacritic Rating73

DramaRomance

Director:

Lisa Cholodenko

Release Date:

Fri Jun 12 1998

Star Cast:

Radha Mitchell, Ally Sheedy, Patricia Clarkson

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,960,216

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Written and directed by Lisa Cholodenko, High Art sparkles with charm and is seen employing its photography as both a flirtation and cinematic device to make a solid impression.

The story tracks the journey of a young female intern at a small magazine company who falls for a drug-addicted lesbian photographer.

Sooner than later, we catch them exploiting each other to advance their respective careers. The portrayal of this motion picture sometimes makes it feel like the modern-day Carol, even though it was filmed more than two decades ago.

37

Ammonite

Ammonite
R
imdb icon6.5
IMDb Rating6.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating69
Metacritic Rating72

BiographyDramaHistory

Director:

Francis Lee

Release Date:

Fri Nov 13 2020

Star Cast:

Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,109,287

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Written and directed by Francis Lee and featuring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan in the lead, this romantic drama is loosely inspired by the life of British paleontologist Mary Anning.

The story showcases how the acclaimed fossil hunter Mary Anning is compelled to care for a rich visitor's sick wife, Charlotte Murchison.

While at it, she ends up getting into a passionate relationship with her; something that forces the two women to re-examine their respective lives.

Even though the historical accuracy of the motion picture has been questioned, what has been duly acknowledged is the fact that it has been toplined by two extraordinary leading ladies who leave no stone unturned to make it worth watching.

38

Summerland

Summerland
PG
imdb icon7
IMDb Rating7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating78
Metacritic Rating56

DramaRomanceWar

Director:

Jessica Swale

Release Date:

Fri Jul 31 2020

Star Cast:

Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,190,062

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

This defining lesbian feature film has been helmed for the screen by Jessica Swale. It tells the story of a reclusive writer who has to reluctantly take the responsibility of caring for a young boy in a war-torn nation.

In an attempt to bond with him, she tells him a story that not only allows her to rediscover herself but also relive her seemingly long-lost past.

Toplined by the attractive Gemma Arterton, Summerland is a touching project whose plot has been constructed around genuine historical events.

The motion picture thrives on its convincing lead performance.

39

Set It Off

Set It Off
R
imdb icon6.9
IMDb Rating6.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating71
Metacritic Rating62

ActionCrimeDrama

Director:

F. Gary Gray

Release Date:

Wed Nov 6 1996

Star Cast:

Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$41,590,886

Direction
Fair
Casting
Fair
Sound
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average

This F. Gary Gray-helmed feature film is yet another heist drama that comprises a queer undertone. The story introduces the audience to four Black women friends, all of whom seem to have faced financial hardships.

They decide to take charge and rob banks to do better for themselves and their respective families.

The movie, which features Queen Latifah as a lesbian, is a satisfying and socially conscious watch that works mainly due to the adroit performances of its lead actors.

That said, Set It Off is a lot more than a simple thriller about four women who rob banks. It is not surprising then that it won its director an Acapulco Black Film Festival award for Best Director in 1997.

40

The Summer of Sangaile

The Summer of Sangaile
Not Rated
imdb icon6.4
IMDb Rating6.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating73
Metacritic Rating63

DramaRomance

Director:

Alante Kavaite

Release Date:

Wed Jul 29 2015

Star Cast:

Julija Steponaityte, Aiste Dirziute, Jurate Sodyte

Box Office (Worldwide):

$54,256

Direction
Fair
Casting
Fair
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Written and directed by Alantė Kavaitė, The Summer of Sangailė tracks the journey of a teenager who gets into a relationship with a 17-year-old, who happens to be visiting her family's lake house for the summer.

This motion picture is as dreamy and tender as it is corny. However, the makers have done a terrific job at providing a heartfelt experience to their viewers.

It was screened in the Panorama section of the 65th Berlin International Film Festival. While it won an award for its direction in the Dramatic World Cinema category at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015, it even grabbed the Best Film, Best Actress (Julija Steponaitytė), and Best Set Design trophies at the Silver Crane Awards.

That said, we won't be surprised if you feel like booking yourself a ticket to Lithuania right after having seen this flick.

41

Lost and Delirious

Lost and Delirious
R
imdb icon6.8
IMDb Rating6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating51
Metacritic Rating53

DramaRomance

Director:

Léa Pool

Release Date:

Thu Sep 20 2001

Star Cast:

Piper Perabo, Jessica Paré, Mischa Barton

Box Office (Worldwide):

$396,897

Cinematography
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Based on Susan Swan's novel The Wives of Bath, this Léa Pool directorial venture familiarizes us with stories about the intense relationships between classmates at an all-girls school.

The motion picture resulted in making Piper Perabo a breakout star at the time. She embodied her character perfectly and delivered a fierce performance.

That being said, as familiar as the plot may sound, you have to trust us to not miss out on Lost and Delirious.

We say so because, in many ways, it is going to make you relive your days of adolescence; a period during which your heart skipped a beat for not just romance but also passionate idealism.

42

Freeheld

Freeheld
PG-13
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating50
Metacritic Rating50

BiographyDramaRomance

Director:

Peter Sollett

Release Date:

Wed Feb 10 2016

Star Cast:

Julianne Moore, Elliot Page, Steve Carell

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$1,447,337

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

One of the most underrated features to make it to our piece today, Freeheld brings together Elliot Page and Julianne Moore to tell the moving story of a New Jersey police lieutenant Laurel Hester and her registered domestic partner Stacie Andree.

We see the duo doing their best to secure Hester's pension benefits after she is unfortunately diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The undeniable chemistry between Page and Moore is arguably the biggest selling point of this motion picture. Also, the fact that Steve Carell and Michael Shannon are seen in supporting roles only backs its cause.

43

My Days of Mercy

My Days of Mercy
R
imdb icon6.5
IMDb Rating6.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating90
Metacritic Rating-

DramaRomance

Director:

Tali Shalom-Ezer

Release Date:

Fri Jul 5 2019

Star Cast:

Elliot Page, Kate Mara, Amy Seimetz

Box Office (Worldwide):

$18,766

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Starring competent screen performers such as Kate Mara and Elliot Page in the lead, this Tali Shalom Ezer-helmed project aims to tell the story of a daughter of a man on death row, who ends up falling in love with a woman.

The catch here is that the lady she is attracted to is on the opposing side of her family's political cause.

While this lesbian romantic drama can get you teary-eyed, it at least strives to do so with a sense of humor.

Watch it for the spectacular character projections of its two confident protagonists.

44

Imagine Me & You

Imagine Me & You
R
imdb icon6.7
IMDb Rating6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating35
Metacritic Rating49

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Ol Parker

Release Date:

Thu May 25 2006

Star Cast:

Piper Perabo, Lena Headey, Matthew Goode

Budget:

$7,900,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,635,305

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Game of Thrones star Lena Headey headlines this British romantic comedy-drama flick in which she portrays Luce; a newlywed bride who becomes infatuated with another woman right on the day of her wedding.

Sooner than later, the two women form a close connection which compels Luce to question not only her sexual orientation but also her marriage.

Even though this motion picture initially opened to mixed reviews, its lead characters, Rachel and Luce, have been acknowledged as two of the most iconic lesbians in film over time.

Given the fact that LGBTQ+ stories were rare at the time, Imagine Me & You has to be considered a groundbreaking and audacious project for queer cinema.

45

All Over Me

All Over Me
R
imdb icon6.4
IMDb Rating6.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating87
Metacritic Rating-

CrimeDramaRomance

Director:

Alex Sichel

Release Date:

Wed Jul 16 1997

Star Cast:

Alison Folland, Tara Subkoff, Cole Hauser

Box Office (Worldwide):

$292,577

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

This gritty coming-of-age film chronicles the journey of two friends, Claude and Ellen, who live in a not-so-nice area of New York.

They seem to be heavily engaged in the '90s youth subculture, which includes live music, recreational substances, and prejudices against certain groups. However, a violent and meaningless death rocks their lives and changes them dramatically overnight.

This rebelliously charming drama is an ideal indie feature to have come out during the late '90s. It thrives on its writing and cinematography, which are coupled with a catchy hip urban soundtrack.

46

But I'm a Cheerleader

But I'm a Cheerleader
R
imdb icon6.8
IMDb Rating6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating42
Metacritic Rating39

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Jamie Babbit

Release Date:

Fri Aug 11 2000

Star Cast:

Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, Michelle Williams

Budget:

$1,200,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,595,216

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Orange is the New Black alum Natasha Lyonne stars as Megan Bloomfield; a naive teenager who is compelled to go to rehab after her prim parents and pals suspect her of being a lesbian.

Even though this Jamie Babbit directorial venture opened to unfavorable reviews at the time of its release because of its stereotypical depiction of gay men and women, it has, over the years, been appreciated for its satirical and campy themes.

Needless to mention, But I’m a Cheerleader has gone on to develop a cult following in the LGBTQ+ community.

The project received thunderous applause at the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

47

The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love

The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love
R
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating79
Metacritic Rating-

ComedyDramaRomance

Director:

Maria Maggenti

Release Date:

Fri Jun 16 1995

Star Cast:

Laurel Holloman, Nicole Ari Parker, Maggie Moore

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Box Office (Worldwide):

$2,213,927

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

Staying true to its title, this Maria Maggenti directorial venture aims to track the adventurous love story of two young women belonging to different social and economic backgrounds.

As the viewers get familiar with the two protagonists, they get to witness the typical struggles of a new-age romance.

Set in New York, this likable mid-90s feature carries the finest tropes of a trademark teen flick. While the '90s color palette and aesthetics work wonders for the film, its strength lies in its honest lead performances.

The makers have done a commendable job of portraying first love and all the excitement and crises that tag along with it.

48

Elisa & Marcela

Elisa & Marcela
TV-MA
imdb icon6.6
IMDb Rating6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating40
Metacritic Rating33

BiographyDramaRomance

Director:

Isabel Coixet

Release Date:

Fri Jun 7 2019

Star Cast:

Natalia de Molina, Greta Fernández, Sara Casasnovas

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

There is just something about forbidden love that ends up providing any story with a much-needed sense of freedom and belonging.

This Isabel Coixet directorial venture introduces us to Elisa and Marcela who meet and form a great friendship in 1885.

Not long after getting acquainted, they get into a serious relationship. However, given the socio-political scenario at the time, the couple has no option but to keep their romance a secret.

Things get interesting when, in 1901, Elisa decides to adopt a male identity to marry the woman that she loves.

While the critics praised the film's visual appeal, they felt that the screenplay lacked the passion and energy that could have helped it transform into a stirring melodrama.

Be that as it may, Elisa & Marcela shows how people in love are willing to go the extra mile to preserve what they've been fortunate enough to experience within their lives.

49

Kiss Me

Kiss Me
Not Rated
imdb icon6.8
IMDb Rating6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating68
Metacritic Rating-

DramaRomance

Director:

Alexandra-Therese Keining

Release Date:

Fri Jul 29 2011

Star Cast:

Ruth Vega Fernandez, Liv Mjönes, Krister Henriksson

Box Office (Worldwide):

$396,596

Casting
Fair
Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Sound
Average

Kiss Me, which was also released as With Every Heartbeat, is a Swedish drama film that has been helmed by Alexandra-Therese Keining.

It tells the story of a young woman who has been engaged to be wedded. However, the plot thickens when she ends up having a forbidden love affair with her soon-to-be stepmother's lesbian daughter.

Even though the basic premise may come across as trite, don't allow yourself to be duped by it. This movie tells a love story without being corny and banks on its appealing cinematography, authentic dialogues, and believable performances to make an impression.

A recipient of the "Breakthrough Award" at the 2011 AFI Festival, Kiss Me has the added advantage of comprising a brilliant soundtrack.

50

Born in Flames

Born in Flames
Not Rated
imdb icon6.5
IMDb Rating6.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating60
Metacritic Rating-

ComedyDramaSci-Fi

Director:

Lizzie Borden

Release Date:

Fri Apr 1 1983

Star Cast:

Honey, Adele Bertei, Jean Satterfield

Direction
Average
Visual
Average
Cinematography
Average
Screenplay
Average
Casting
Average
Sound
Average

This Lizzie Borden directorial venture was filmed guerilla-style in 1980s New York City. It is an entertaining and energetic mix of punk and science fiction which is set in the not-too-distant future.

The story showcases a group of determined women deciding to organize and rebel when a socialist government comes to power.

Though it's tough to categorize this wildly inventive motion picture, those who have recently rediscovered it have gone on to assert that its storyline especially aims to empower women of color and lesbians.

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