Movies with gay characters
The 50 Best LGBTQ Movies Ever Made
Love, Simon ()
AmazonApple
If it feels a bit like a CW version of an after-school particular, that's no mistake: Teen-tv super-producer Greg Berlanti makes his feature-film directorial debut here. It's as chaste a love story as you're likely to notice in the 21st century—the hunky gardener who makes the title teen scrutinize his sexuality is wearing a long-sleeved shirt, for God’s sake—but you perceive what? The queer kids of the future want their wholesome entertainment, too.
Rocketman ()
AmazonHulu
A gay fantasia on Elton themes. An Elton John biopic was never going to be understated, but this glittering jukebox musical goes way over the top and then keeps going. It might be an overcorrection from the straight-washing of the previous year's Bohemian Rhapsody, but when it's this much fun, it's best not to overthink it.
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Handsome Devil ()
NetflixAmazon
A charming Irish movie that answers the question: "What if John Hughes were Irish and gay?" Misfit Ned struggles at
15 Unforgettable LGBTQ Movie and TV Characters
David Rose - 'Schitt's Creek'
In the fish-out-of-water cult comedy series, author and star Daniel Levy's character, David gives the perfect analogy regarding his pansexuality. "I do juice red wine. But I also drink white wine. And I’ve been famous to sample the occasional rosé. And a couple summers back I tried a merlot that used to be a chardonnay." Even better? The present has managed to craft a world that is seemingly accepting of David's sexuality, with the topic going nearly unquestioned.
Simon - 'Love, Simon'
Love, Simon is notable as the first major studio film to center around a male lover teenage romance. Simon's (Nick Robinson) experiences provide the social media generation with a relatable coming-out and coming-of-age tale.
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Rayon - 'Dallas Buyer's Club'
Set in the mids during the height of the AIDS crisis, Rayon (Jared Leto) struggles with both the challenges of being HIV positive, along with spotting as a transgender female. Leto's Academy Awar
Movies with LGBTQ+ Characters
Last updated: July 17,
With the dial for diverse media representation growing louder than ever, movies that feature Gay stories and characters are finally getting some time in the spotlight. We've put together the best LGBTQ+ movies that highlight a wide range of identities and experiences for families and teens craving greater representation in their lives. These picks celebrate love, perseverance, and the real-life icons who hold led the Homosexual community to where it is today. For more stories with great advocacy, check out our lists of TV Shows with Gay Characters and Books with LGBTQ+ Characters.
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20 LGBTQ movie characters who were played by LGBTQ actors
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- Because of increased LGBTQ visibility in recent years, gender non-conforming and trans actors are getting more opportunities in Hollywood.
- These performances can be found in films spanning many genres.
- Movies on this list include comedies like "Tangerine" and "The Watermelon Woman" as well as dramas like "Looking" and "The Normal Heart."
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
Increased LGBTQ visibility has led to more queer and trans characters in film, as well as more actors openly identifying within the LGBTQ community.
Openly LGBTQ actors possess been able to portray gay characters in films spanning many genres, from Cheryl Dunye in the romantic comedy "The Watermelon Woman" to Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor in the crime dramedy "Tangerine" to Ian McKellen in the biographical drama "Gods and Monsters."