20 Must-See Movies Featuring Transgender Actors and Characters
These films, documentaries and specials shine a light on the triumphs and struggles of the community.
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Do you remember the first time you saw a person that looked like you in a movie? For many transgender and nonbinary adults, we didn’t see ourselves portrayed on the screen until we were adults. This is certainly the case if we were looking for any kind of positive representation of our communities. Transgender people have always existed, but it’s only been in recent years that we have seen transgender actors and storylines beginning to appear in television and film.
Even as LGBTQ+ representation in film has improved, there’s still a long way to go for full media representation of the incredible diversity of transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people. GLAAD, the national LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization's annual "Where We Are on TV" annual report for 2023-2024 found that in television portrayals of portrayal of transgender characters continues to decrease. Unfortunately, transgender people have been in the news frequently this year as our rights have repeatedly been under attack from politicians legislating against our existence, and presidential orders attacking our dignity. In this challenging time, affirming media representation is more important than ever.
If you’re looking to center trans joy and see transgender characters living authentically on the screen, or if you're looking to increase your knowledge about gender-expansive communities, here's our list of the 20 best movies and documentaries featuring trans and nonbinary characters.
Mutt (2023)
In this drama, a young transgender man must face his fears, as his interior life comes crashing down. Set in the span of 24-hours, Feña faces it all, connecting with an ex-boyfriend, seeing an estranged family, and dealing with the realities of living in a transphobic society. The film premiered at Sundance and centers the importance of remaining steadfast in your understanding of self.
Southern Comfort (2001)
This emotional documentary follows the last year of transgender man Robert Eads' life. Filmmakers chronicle Eads' life in the Deep South, and his relationship with his chosen family, biological family and the importance of community. Eads was repeatedly refused access to medical treatment and was eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer too advanced to treat. This heartbreaking documentary is a must for understanding the importance of accessing safe and affirming medical care.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
In this drama, Marina, a transgender waitress and nightclub singer, struggles with the death of her boyfriend. Instead of being able to mourn his death, she's treated with suspicion and is ostracized from his family. After being forbidden from attending his funeral, her boyfriend’s family threatens to kick Marina out of their shared home. Now she must push through grief to discover and claim who she is.
Wendell & Wild (2022)
In this dark and whimsical claymation about new beginnings, the main character Kat's best friend Raúl is a trans boy who accompanies her on a journey between worlds. Two demons strike a deal with Kat, a punk teen, to get out of the underworld and live amongst the land of the living. While Raúl is not a main character, the inclusion of a transgender teen of color in a supporting role, makes this a must watch.
By Hook or By Crook (2001)
By and for the queer community, this film shows gender-nonconforming characters (played by gender-nonconforming actors) just living their lives — not trying to explain or educate. Written and co-directed by Silas Howard, a director for the Amazon Studios show Transparent, this film won awards at Sundance in the early 2000s.
Will & Harper: Take a Road Trip (2024)
In this deeply touching documentary, comedian Will Ferrell goes on a cross-country road trip with his friend of 30 years, Harper Steele, who transitioned in 2022. As they drive from New York to California, they visit several states and explore different communities, giving viewers a small glimpse of what it's like to be trans in America, but a bigger look at the new stage of friendship for the two.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
This psychological horror movie is a transgender allegory that has deeply resonated with the LGBTQ+ community. Teenagers Owen and Maddy are obsessed with a show called The Pink Opaque.
When they become convinced they are trapped in a fake reality, and they are really the show’s two female characters, they face a choice: Take a terrifying leap of faith, or ignore their truths to live a safe but empty life.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
This movie is an Australian road trip comedy. Two drag queens and a transgender woman embark on a cross-desert road trip in a colorful bus named Priscilla to put on a performance in a resort town. On the way, they meet rough and tumble locals and a friendly mechanic on a journey with plenty of laughs and a message of acceptance.
Hannah Gadsby's Gender Agenda (2024)
You might recognize Hannah Gadsby from their hit Netflix comedy show Nanette. In this stand-up comedy showcase, Gadsby brings together transgender and genderqueer comics from around the world for a hilarious and poignant show.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Who doesn’t love a campy musical? This cult classic follows a young trans diva from communist East Berlin to the United States as she tries to figure out who she really is.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)
This documentary film looks at the systemic culture of violence facing transgender women, especially transgender women of color. It dives deep into what is known about the life and experiences of Marsha P Johnson, an outspoken leader for the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the 1960s and 1970’s, and a veteran of the Stonewall Riots. Johnson died in 1992 and her murder has never been solved.
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Gender Revolution (2017)
Want to increase your knowledge about gender diverse people and communities? This documentary gives an insider look into the lived experiences of diverse transgender people. Katie Couric dives into the roles of science and culture to help viewers better understand the gender diversity that surrounds us. From families who support their transgender children and help them gain access to gender affirming care, to a look at the disproportionate risk of violence and discrimination transgender people face, this film gives a great overview into transgender life.
Kinky Boots (2006)
Transgender is an umbrella that includes drag and drag culture. Kinky Boots is based partially on true events. In the film, Lola, a drag queen, meets Charlie, who has recently inherited his father’s shoe factory. The two team up in unexpected ways, to help save the factory and learn valuable lessons about legacy and self-determination along the way.
Disclosure (2020)
This film brings together leading transgender activists and actors, including Sam Feder and Laverne Cox. In it, trans people talk openly about the challenging reality of being transgender in the film industry, and the many ways Hollywood has historically misrepresented the community. The documentary also looks at how this media representation impacts actual trans people.
Paris Is Burning (1990)
If you loved the hit series Pose, don't miss the iconic film that started it all. Paris Is Burning brings viewers into the New York ballroom community of the 80s, in all its glitz, glamour and drama. It also explores the intersections of homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS and poverty the community experienced, creating an intimate look at the often harsh reality of LGBTQ+ life.
Tangerine (2015)
Two trans women, one revenge plot and a zany hunt for a man who's wronged them: What could go wrong? This odyssey through Los Angeles to get back at an ex-boyfriend is both a chaotic romp and a refreshingly funny look at queer lived experience. Perfect for a movie night with friends, or a night in on the couch.
The Trans List (2016)
Featuring interviews with 11 trans and nonbinary celebrities and public figures, this documentary gets their life stories and experiences right from the source. Exploring the diversity of trans experience, this is a great film to watch if you want to learn more about what the lives of different trans people have been like.
Transfinite (2020)
In seven shorts, this Indie sci-fi flick follows supernatural LGBTQ+ characters as they use their powers to protect, love, teach, fight and thrive. This film centers trans lives and trans joy. Bringing together seven standalone short films, the films explore overcoming discrimination, self actualization, finding love, and creating systemic radical political social change to uplift trans people.
Passing (2015)
Following three trans men of color, this short documentary explores what it’s like to live as a Black man and how their transitions have impacted their lives, and communities. The film looks at the intersections of race and gender and the reality of becoming a Black man in America.
Gun Hill Road (2011)
When Enrique returns from three years in prison, he finds his wife is having an emotional affair and his child has come out as transgender. The film follows as she comes out, transitions and navigates life in The Bronx as a young transgender woman. Featuring the first trans actress to be nominated for an acting award in the U.S., her powerful performance is brilliant and worth watching.
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.
Sarah Vincent (she/her) covers the latest and greatest in books and all things pets for Good Housekeeping. She double majored in Creative Writing and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, where she sat in the front row for every basketball game. In her spare time, she loves cooking, crafting, studying Japanese, and, of course, reading.
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