Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a relaxing movie night. If you’re sick of Mean Girls and Legally Blonde, why not watch one of these important, pivotal films about the LGBTQ+ experience? Whether you’re straight, gay or anything in between, these movies are must-sees. Grab the popcorn and blankets and watch one of these classic films!
1. The Kids Are All Right
If you’re looking for a good laugh, watch this comedy-drama about a lesbian couple whose children decide to look for their sperm donor father. While the children begin to develop a relationship with their biological father, the family faces drama and problems they never anticipated. So many feels!
2. Milk
This biographical film is about the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California, Harvey Milk. This true story is seriously heartwarming. “Milk is an excellent film that I would recommend for any viewer, queer or not,” says Alaina Leary, a graduate student at Emerson College. Get a group of friends together for an LGBTQ+ movie night!
3. Brokeback Mountain
This movie follows two gay men in 1960s Wyoming who are forced to live false heterosexual lives, torn between the love they share and societal expectations. Be prepared to bawl your eyes out.
4. Blue is the Warmest Color
Blue is the Warmest Color is about a French teen who forms a deep connection with an older student she meets in a lesbian bar. The passion in this film is truly touching!
5. Paris Is Burning
Paris Is Burning is a documentary about the 1980s ball culture of New York City and the different groups involved in it. This film is considered a powerful documentary about the end of the “Golden Age.”
6. Boys Don’t Cry
Boys Don’t Cry is based on a true story about Brandon Teena, a trans man who faces a lot of backlash after his transition. He learns how to deal with his problems rather than run away from them in this powerful film!
7. But I’m a Cheerleader
This comedy is about a high school cheerleader whose parents send her to conversion therapy camp after they find out she’s a lesbian. “I think But I’m a Cheerleader is a classic that almost every LGBTQ+ person who tries to find queer films ends up watching,” Alaina says. “It’s campy and fun, not very realistic and very stereotypical, but just kind of regarded as a classic.” Knock this one off your movie bucket list the next time you need something to watch!
Related: 6 Queer Web Series You Need to Binge-Watch
8. Almost Normal
Almost Normal is about a gay college professor who still isn’t comfortable with who he is—until he travels back to his high school days, but this time in a world in which being gay is normal and being straight is taboo. We’re intrigued!
9. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical comedy horror film. It includes a drag queen and some queer sex and is a totally crazy classic!
10. Transamerica
This comedy-drama is about a trans woman who goes on a field trip with her long-lost son. You’ll get to see the characters’ personal journeys to self-discovery. Watch them grow as they get to know each other!
11. The Birdcage
The Birdcage is a comedy about the gay owner of a drag club in South Beach. You’re sure to laugh at this movie, not to mention Robin Williams is in it!
12. RENT
RENT is a classic, but steer clear if you don’t like musicals. The film follows the lives of people living in New York City and the various struggles they face. Bonus: the soundtrack is awesome!
13. The Way He Looks
The Way He looks is a Brazilian coming-of-age film about a blind high school student trying to find his independence. Everything changes for him once he meets Gabriel. A must-see!
14. Any Day Now
Any Day Now is about a gay couple in the 70s who are trying to keep custody of a teenager with Down Syndrome. He found his way to them after wandering away from home. Keep the tissues handy for this one!
15. Imagine Me & You
Imagine Me & You is a British rom-com in which a married woman falls in love with her female wedding florist. Follow this bride-to-be’s pre-wedding drama!
16. Lost and Delirious
This Canadian drama is about a girl who sees the relationship between her two teenage friends changing. This isn’t the happiest film—so be prepared.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy or a tear-jerker, this list has you covered. Which LGBTQ+ film are you planning on watching first, collegiettes?