Proper representation on screen, especially as we grow up, is foundational to our understanding of ourselves. LGBTQ+ representation in films has expanded and evolved, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st century, away from stereotypes and tropes and into more fully fleshed-out characters. The history of queer cinema is long and often fraught, with early high points including The Rocky Horror Picture Show and John Waters's filmography, and many unfortunate low points. But daring artists have explored identity and representation in fascinating and beautiful ways, both in fiction and nonfiction spaces.
From heartwarming rom-coms to tragic dramas to compelling coming-of-age stories, these are some of the best LGBTQ+ movies—some of which have gone down in history as the best films of all time. There's a lot to love, and a lot to choose from, but here are some picks to start with if you're a fan of queer cinema.
