15 Most Romantic LGBTQ+ Movies to Watch With Your Sweetie
Stream 'em on Netflix, Amazon, Apple or Hulu during your next date night.
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Love is in the air, not to mention all over the airwaves. If you're looking to marathon some romantic movies that showcase queer love in all its multifaceted, beautifully diverse glory, you're in luck. There are more LGBTQ+ movies for romance fans available for streaming than ever before, so pop some popcorn, slip into something comfortable, pour yourself some bubbly (if it's that kind of night) and press play on some of these swoon-worthy favorites.
With a growing wealth of options out there, there's something for every taste, and every kind of relationship style. From the high school-style squealing of Dear Simon, to the spicier adult themes in Blue is the Warmest Color and Portrait of a Lady on Fire and the sweet, elder gay love showcased in Beginners, these favorites really span the gamut. And that matters, because representation helps young, questioning or isolated LGBTQ+ people feel seen and supported, especially if they can't get that from their own families or community. It also continues to normalize gay, lesbian and queer love, in a time when LGBTQ+ rights are still threatened around the country and the world.
So whether you need a romantic movie to watch to get in the mood with your lover or something to warm your heart while you fantasize about finding true love yourself someday, these LGBTQ+ movies will fit the bill. If you've got a favorite we didn't include, let us know in the comments down below.
Carol (2015)
While some argue that the adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel The Price of Salt is a Christmas movie, it's also timelessly romantic. A shopgirl named Therese (Rooney Mara) becomes smitten with an older woman named Carol (Cate Blanchett), and a star-crossed love affair begins.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
In 18th century France, young painter, Marianne is tasked with painting a wedding portrait of Héloïse. As she does, the two grow closer and closer. But day by day, her wedding also approaches. Heaving bodices ensue.
Duck Butter (2018)
Two women embark on a 24-hour experiment to see if they can have a totally honest relationship. It's sexy, steamy and funny, for those who need a break from super-serious romance flicks.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Lush Mediterranean landscapes, a love affair between a precocious Italian boy and an older American and a gorgeous performance by a young Timothée Chalamet. Honestly, what more could you want?
Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
While it does have an explicit rating because of some steamy sex scenes, this is mostly a romance about young love, embracing your identity, heartbreak and the power of art.
Alex Strangelove (2018)
High school senior Alex wants to lose his virginity to his girlfriend, Claire. But then he meets Elliot, and his feelings start to change. This is a sweet rom-com for the teens and tweens, with lots of angst and cute moments they might just recognize.
Maurice (1987)
Attention vintage Hugh Grant fans: Feast your eyes on this oldie but goodie about unrequited love between two men in England before World War I.
Desert Hearts (1985)
Made on a tight budget by a woman, this one follows a professor and a sculptor who fall in love on a Nevada ranch in the 1950s. While many LGBTQ+ movies from this time focus on the pain and fear surrounding queer love, this one's pure warmth.
Handsome Devil (2016)
Come for the Irish accents, stay for the classic "outsider new kid falls for the star rugby player" storyline. This one's adorable, whether or not you're a sports person.
Love, Simon (2018)
In a chaste, wholesome teenage love story, Simon's keeping his sexuality a secret from his family, friends, everybody. But when that secret threatens to come out, he's got to decide whether he will do the same. This one's a great romance flick for the younger crowd.
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Elisa & Marcela (2019)
In 1901, Elisa Sánchez Loriga dressed as a man so she could marry her lover, Marcela Gracia Ibeas. While their subterfuge was later discovered, theirs still became the first same-sex marriage in Spain, and their love story is iconic.
God's Own Country (2017)
When a Romanian worker comes to help out at the remote Northern Ireland farm that Johnny is preparing to take over from his father, unexpected feelings arise. Gay love plus baby animals? Our hearts are already racing.
A Secret Love (2020)
Older queer couples may especially love this love story between an All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player and her lover that spans decades. It shows that love really can go the distance, despite many obstacles.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
This groundbreaking queer film about two cowboys with more than friendly feelings for each other made a big splash when it first came out and still holds up today. Whether you've never pressed play or have seen it a thousand times, it's worth a look.
The Half of It (2020)
When the nerdy Ellie gets recruited by a jock to try and woo the girl she ends up with a crush on, things get complicated. This is a lovely teen rom-com that's great sleepover fare.
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