25 Best Lesbian Movies to Watch
Find them on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
For newly out or young viewers who are still trying to figure out their sexuality, seeing lesbian, gay and other LGBTQ+ characters on screen can be literally lifesaving — seeing characters with their identities reflected in film offers validation that can make people feel seen in powerful ways. This is especially important for people of all ages who are closeted, and not safely able to be out or connect in real life with other LGBTQ+ people.
Even those of us who have been out for decades benefit in tangible ways from seeing ourselves reflected on the screen. Gay and lesbian movies normalize love and relationships between two people of the same gender, and teach viewers about the importance of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. These films reinforce that LGBTQ+ people exist everywhere, in all communities. When many of our rights are under attack nationwide, there's never been a better time to embrace media that shows LGBTQ+ people.
These movies with lesbian characters and storylines are some of the best ones out there. Be warned, though: Many of them do include adult content. We've made a note of that where applicable, so you can save them for date night.
The Watermelon Woman (1996)
A lesbian classic, this film centers on Cheryl, an aspiring Black filmmaker who is making a film about Black lesbians in film. It takes on a mockumentary format as she explores her own life, identity and representation. Part romantic comedy, part look at Black queer women in Hollywood, it has something for everyone.
Booksmart (2019)
Amy and Molly are best friends and academic successes, but as they prepare to graduate, they realize they have missed out on the best parts of being a teenager. This duo decides to live it all up while they can, with intriguing results.
Bottoms (2024)
Campy and outspoken, this film stars two gay girls who start a fight club in their high school in an attempt at impressing the cheerleaders. Hilariously, the plan works a little too well. Soon, the girls are faced with the ramifications of their lies in this powerful film about bonding, coming of age, truth and belonging.
Better Than Chocolate (1999)
Wanting a nostalgic lesbian film? Better Than Chocolate was an early 2000s classic, and it’s worth a rewatch. This romantic comedy is full of lesbian bookstores, gay bars, coming out and coming of age. There’s even a steamy lesbian art scene! Plus, the trans-inclusiveness of this film was before its time.
Circumstance (2011)
Set in Iran, Atafeh and Shireen live very different lives, and yet are drawn to each other. Atafeh is from an upper-class liberal family, while Shireen must keep her lesbian identity a secret. Atafeh's older brother begins spying on his sister. This intense film explores religious fundamentalism and how it impacts the lives of these girls.
My Summer of Love (2004)
This psychological thriller begins with a friendship between two women, but that friendship quickly intensifies. Set in rural Yorkshire, this is a classic wealthy girl meets working class girl story. They fall in love, but then their stories stop aligning. What happens when wealthy Tamsin's lies start to unravel? Simone's trying to work up the bravery to come out as a lesbian to her conservative Jewish family when she develops a crush on a dashing male chef. This snort-worthy comedy covers the spectrum of romantic attraction, with lots of heartfelt and funny moments along the way.
Birds of Prey (2020)
If you love superhero movies, you won’t want to miss this lesbian take on the genre. The police detective and district attorney (played by Rosie Perez and Ali Wong) are getting divorced, adding extra tension to a superhero law and order film. The highlight, of course, is the openly queer Harley Quinn who springs into action when one of Gotham’s villains puts a hit out on a young girl.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Ready for some paranormal family drama? When a mom doesn't really accept her daughter's girlfriend things start to spin out of control, with the multiverse getting involved. An unlikely hero must use newfound powers, and of course the fate of the world hangs in the balance!
Nimona (2023)
If you love animated movies, you won’t want to miss Nimona. Even though Nimona doesn't "come out" in the movie, they don't need to! The entire story focuses on queer moments, and you'll love getting to follow Nimona's adventures fighting corruption and building their own family.
Pariah (2011)
In this beautiful coming-of-age story, a Brooklyn teenager is trying to find her way as a lesbian despite her parents' resistance and her complicated feelings for her best friend. As so often happens, poetry comes to the rescue. Don’t miss this beautiful film grappling with self-actualization, coming out, and family dynamics.
Desert Hearts (1986)
In one of the first feature films to show a lesbian relationship, professor Vivian travels to a Nevada ranch to get a divorce. In the 1940s, that was common practice: to post up there long enough for residency to kick in so they could kick their spouses to the curb. But while she's there, she finds more than freedom from her ex.
Crush (2022)
Twin romance tropes are classic for a reason! In this film, lesbian Paige has a crush on her popular classmate Gabby, which is distracting her from college applications. In an attempt to get closer to her crush, Paige joins the track team. But her plan falls apart when Gabby's twin sister AJ starts coaching her, and Paige realizes she may have feelings for the other twin, too.
Rafiki (2018)
Kena and Ziki are the daughters of political rivals in Nairobi, Kenya. When both their fathers run for election, the girls get more than they bargained for, as their feelings for each other unexpectedly begin to grow. It's a tale as old as time, told in a fresh new way. These girls must find a way to be together, without attracting community attention.
Carol (2016)
Therese sees Carol in the doll department of a Manhattan department store. Soon, the women — one wealthy, one a department store clerk — connect in unexpected ways. Set in the 1950’s, this film is an adaptation of the LGBTQ+ classic book The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. This film is a must watch for anyone who enjoys a forbidden romance.
Tig (2015)
Fans of comedian Tig Notaro will love this tear-jerking documentary about life after a devastating cancer diagnosis. If you also cried your way through her stand-up set where she announced it, show this to a friend, or better yet watch together.
RELATED: How Tig Notaro Found Love With Wife Stephanie Allynne After "A Pretty Crazy Time"
But I'm a Cheerleader (2000)
This film is a classic comedy centered around gay conversion therapy. I grew up as a queer teen watching this movie with my friends, and the film has stood the test of time. Haven’t seen it in a while? It is worth a rewatch! Not only is the movie full of community inside jokes, but it’s funny, poignant and still shockingly relevant 20 years later.
The Perfection (2019)
Looking for a horror film with a lesbian twist? Charlotte is a troubled musical prodigy and Elizabeth is a new star student. Before long, they find themselves starting down a dangerous path with sinister results. Full of body horror, psychological horror and revenge, this is a movie that is sure to send shivers down your spine.
Blue Is the Warmest Colour (2013)
Erotic and provocative, this is a stunning film you have to include in any roundup of lesbian movies. High schooler Adele has barely begun exploring her own identity when she meets blue-haired, free-spirited Emma. Adele's friends don't accept her for who she really is, so she grows even closer to Emma. This one's best for adult audiences, so save it for when you're ready to get steamy.
I Can't Think Straight (2008)
Tala, a London-based Palestinian woman, is ready to marry a man when she meets Leyla, a British Indian woman. Soon, everything begins to change. This enticing story is a lesbian twist on a classic romance plot. Are these women ready to follow their hearts?
Chasing Amy (1997)
We can’t do a roundup of lesbian films without including this classic. Comic book artists Holden and Banky have been buds for more than 20 years, but when they meet Alyssa, it could throw a wrench in their friendship. Holden falls hard, but there's just one problem: Alyssa doesn't date men. This fun comedy also has an excellent throwback soundtrack.
Sassafras Patterdale (ze/hir) is an award-winning author and freelance writer. Sassafras’ work has been honored by organizations ranging from the American Library Association, and the Lambda Literary Foundation, to the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers Association. Sassafras’ work has been published widely, and ze is the author of twelve books. Follow Sassafras @SassafrasPatterdale and at SassafrasPatterdale.com.
8 Facts You Never Knew About Pride Month
Our Favorite Pride Month Quotes
The Best Pride Songs and LGBTQ+ Anthems
Meet the Heroes of the Stonewall Riots
