PRIDE MONTH: Top LGBTQ+ Films by Country

Hi Dolls,

AllDolledUp is back with another Pride month-inspired, curated list of recommendations filled with binge-worthy LGBTQ+ movies, guaranteed to keep you entertained and engaged during Pride month. Some of these movies are all available through streaming services, have amazing cinematography, and stand-out performances. I try my best to make these lists culturally relevant and international, so that everyone can see themselves be represented somehow. Enjoy!

MOVIES BY COUNTRY:

UNITED STATES:

Paris is Burning (1991) Directed by Jennie Levingston
A documentary about trans women living in NYC. Also touches on issues of racism and poverty. The New York Times describes: "poignant interviews, in which influential figures in the ball scene discuss gender nonconformity, financial insecurity and searching for love and recognition after rejection from their families."

Moonlight (2016) Directed by Barry Jenkins
This film won an Oscar, among other awards, and has some of the best performances, writing, and cinematopgraphy I've seen in an LGBT film. A real masterpiece!

Bohemian Rhapsody (2019) Directed by Brian Singer
An incredible biopic, that stars Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. Rami won an oscar for this role. Enough said!

The Half of it (2020) Directed by Alice Wu
A shy, introverted student helps the school jock woo a girl whom, secretly, they both want. Charming and refreshing take on love triangles. I can personally identify with the lead actress's character a lot in terms of her struggles. Another cool factor: an Asian American is the lead role! (Representation mattters).

Princess Cyd (2017) Directed by Stephen Cone
A coming of age, coming out story, that explores themes of bisexuality and asexuality. It's greatest strength, is it's lack of cliches.

Milk (2008) Directed by Gus Van Sant
A biography based on Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man and activist to be elected in American public office. It stars Sean Penn!

Shortbus (2006) Directed by John Cameron Mitchell
This film explores sexuality through seven characters. This film generated a lot of buzz at Cannes Film festival!

Dallas Buyer's Club (2013)
The performances in this film earned its leading roles Oscars.

UNITED KINGDOM:

God's Own Country (2017)
A gay romance that won the BAFTA for best film.

Pride (2014) Directed by Matthew Warchus
Historically-relevant comedy regarding LGBT rights!

The Weekend (2011) Directed by Andrew Haigh
A perfect film to choose if you're interested in watching something lighthearted, and in the mood for gay romance.

Lilting (2014)
Gay romance

FRANCE:

A Love to Hide / Un Amore A Taire (2005) Directed by Christian Faure
WW2 movie about a Jewish girl, and her gay friend whom happens to be in a cladestine relationship with a man. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning about gay discrimination during the Holocaust!

Blue is the Warmest Color / La Vie d'Adèle – Chapitres 1 & 2 (2013) Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche

A lovely film!

LITHUANIA:

The Summer of Sangaile / Sangailės vasara (2015) Directed by Alante Kaivete
this LGBT drama has as won numerous awards and was directed by a woman.

BRAZIL:

The Way He Looks (2014)
Interesting film about a blind teen that falls for another boy.

GERMANY:

Center of My World / Die Mitte der Welt (2016)
Gay Romance

Freefall (2013) Directed by Stephen Lacant

Romeos (2011)
A tragic, comedy, about a transgender woman that becomes a man.

TURKISH:

Steam (1997)
& The Edge of Heaven (2008) Directed by Fatih Akin
Seven-time award winning film that explores themes of immigration, death, and gay love.

SPAIN:

Todo Sobre Mi Madre / Everything About My Mother (1999)
Features a great ensemble cast and explores themes of complex issues such as AIDS, homosexuality, transsexualism, faith, and existentialism.

SWEDEN:

Kiss Me / Kiss Myg (2011)
This is one is emotionally intense with good acting.

Show Me Love (1998)
Lesbian Romance; the late '90s fashions is evident in this one!

ITALY:

Ciao (2008)
Excellent choice for fans of the 2011 film The Weekend.

JAPAN:

The Handmaiden (2016) Directed by Park Chan-Wook
Has won numerous awards, including a BAFTA for best foreign language film. I highly recommended this for fans of the Korean film Parasite.