Lesbian film critic Sofia De Vera merges academic expertise with a heartfelt focus on queer cinema, advocating for meaningful LGBTQIA+ narratives through 15 years of reflective and celebratory film criticism.
Love is love, of course, but sometimes you can get a little tired of the same old ‘boy meets girl’ love stories. Luckily, the next time you feel like watching something exciting, you could choose from one of the many amazing LGBTQ+ movies on Amazon Prime that have been made over the years.
In recent years, the film industry has seen a surge of talented LGBTQ+ filmmakers and actors who are bringing their unique perspectives and stories to the forefront. Thanks to streaming services, these stories have a platform to reach wider audiences and be celebrated on a global scale. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Amazon Prime.
From groundbreaking and award-winning works to up-and-coming indie gems, these films offer diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re a fan of romantic dramas, coming-of-age stories, or bold and boundary-pushing works, this list has something for everyone.
So, if you’re looking to discover the best LGBT movies, look no further. This is the ultimate guide to the top LGBT films on Amazon Prime! So, get some popcorn, a glass of wine and a blanket, and snuggle in to watch! We can’t promise all happy endings, but we can promise a rich and varied range of LGBT movies.
In this article we will cover...
Reaching for the Moon (2013)
Reaching for the Moon is a Brazilian romantic drama movie directed by Bruno Barreto. Barreto is a Brazilian director and screenwriter who has worked in the film industry since the 1970s and is known for directing movies such as Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, and Four Days in September.
Reaching for the Moon tells the story of the real-life poet and diplomat, Elizabeth Bishop, and the Brazilian architect, Lota de Macedo Soares. The film is based on real-life events, depicting Bishop’s brief but intense love affair with Macedo Soares while she was living in Rio de Janeiro in 1951. The film centers around their relationship and the difficulties they face due to their cultural differences and opposing life plans.
The film follows the story of Bishop, an American poet from Massachusetts who is sent to Rio de Janeiro for a diplomatic mission. There, she meets Macedo Soares and the two quickly become close. The film follows their passionate relationship and its struggles, as Bishop’s life in the United States and Macedo Soares’ in Brazil are worlds apart. It is also a story of female queer love, which is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Joe Bell (2021)
Joe Bell is a drama film that was written and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. Green is an American filmmaker from New York City and is known for his award-winning films such as Monsters and Men, and Stop.
The film, one of the best LGBTQ+ movies on Amazon Prime, tells the story of Joe Bell, a 15-year-old transgender teen who is forced to confront the reality of hate and intolerance as he transitions. Joe’s story is framed through his father’s perspective, played by Mark Wahlberg. The film portrays a powerful and emotional story of a father’s journey to acceptance and understanding of his son’s identity.
The movie also features powerful performances from actors such as Reid Miller and Moshe Steinfeld. The movie is a true testament to the power of understanding and acceptance. It strongly resonates with its themes of courage, love, and acceptance.
If you are looking for a powerful and moving experience, we highly recommend Joe Bell. The film offers an insightful and moving exploration of the struggles and challenges of the LGBT community. It is an important and timely reminder of the importance of understanding and acceptance in our society.
Uncle Frank (2020)
Uncle Frank is a comedy-drama directed by Alan Ball and starring Paul Bettany as the titular character. Alan Ball is an American screenwriter, director, and producer who is best known for his work on Six Feet Under and The Pacific. Uncle Frank follows the story of Frank, a gay professor who returns to his hometown in South Carolina after many years away to attend his father’s funeral.
Frank’s family is unaware of his sexuality, and the film follows his struggles to come out and the tensions between him and his conservative family. Along the way, Frank meets a young woman, Beth, who helps him confront his family and come to terms with his identity. Uncle Frank also offers a nuanced look into the challenges faced by members of the LGBT community, especially when coming out in small rural communities.
Uncle Frank is a touching and funny film that will make you laugh, cry, and empathize with the characters. It offers an honest and heartfelt look into the lives of LGBT individuals and their families, exploring the struggles of self-acceptance and coming out in a small and conservative town.
It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the LGBT community and its challenges. We recommend it highly to everyone who wants to better understand this community and its struggles.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021)
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a British comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Butterell, known for his work on stage musicals and his 2011 film My Week with Marilyn. The film is based on the hit stage musical of the same name, which Tom MacRae and Dan Gillespie Sells wrote.
The film follows the story of Jamie New, a 16-year-old British teenager living in Sheffield. Jamie is from a working-class family and has aspirations to become a drag queen, even though the topic of sexuality is a major taboo in his community. With his mother Margaret’s (Sarah Lancashire) help and support, Jamie embarks on an exciting journey of self-discovery.
The real-life story of Jamie New is a remarkable one, and it has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. He was 16 years old when he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a drag queen while living in Sheffield. Despite the ridicule and criticism he faced from his peers and community, Jamie was determined to make his dreams come true.
Jamie eventually found success with the help of his mother Margaret and the rest of his family, who fully supported him. He even got to star in his own musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which was based on his story.
Drag culture has been around for centuries, with its roots in theatre and performance. It is a form of creative expression that allows performers to express their identities and explore alternative genders and roles. Drag culture has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its representation in the media. It is an art form that many people around the world have embraced, and it continues to grow and evolve.
The movie is a delightful, uplifting story of a young boy who dreams of being a drag queen, and it is filled with heartwarming moments and plenty of laughs. It is an absolute must-watch for all those who want to enjoy a fun, uplifting story that will make them laugh, cry, and cheer on Jamie.
A Dog Barking at the Moon (2019)
A Dog Barking at the Moon is a film directed by Lisa Zi Xiang, a Chinese filmmaker based in Beijing. She has been making movies since 2005 and is known for her LGBTQ-themed productions, such as her breakout movie My Precious Love and the short film She Said.
The film tells the story of Xiao Wu, a transgender woman living in China. The film follows her journey as she struggles to find acceptance in a society that does not accept her gender identity. Through her struggles, Xiao Wu discovers her own strength and resilience, and ultimately learns to accept and love herself. The film also stars Li Yifeng and Zhang Zifeng.
The film is a beautiful and moving exploration of the issues faced by the LGBTQ community in China. Being gay in China is difficult, as the culture is largely based on traditional values. Homosexuality is not openly accepted, and there is still a lot of stigma and negative attitudes toward the LGBT community. Homosexuality is not illegal, however, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination laws in place to protect LGBT people.
There is still a long way to go before the LGBT community in China can feel safe and accepted in their own country. As such, it is important to raise awareness and fight for the rights of LGBT people in China, in order to create a more inclusive and accepting society.
A Dog Barking at the Moon is an excellent film that is sure to move you. It is an important reminder that we must all work together to create a more accepting and understanding world. I highly recommend watching this film, as it will open your eyes to the experiences of the members of the LGBT community in China.
A Sweetest Kiss (2018)
Directed by Nguyen Nguyen, A Sweetest Kiss is a romantic drama set in Vietnam. Nguyen is well-known for her other films such as The North Wind and The Sea and Love Story, which focused on themes of love and its complicated consequences.
A Sweetest Kiss follows the story of Thanh, a young woman in her twenties who is struggling to come to terms with her sexuality. After meeting another woman called Ahn, Thanh’s repressed feelings of love and desire are awakened. As she learns to accept her true self, she also struggles with the fear of being judged.
The film is a heartwarming tale of love and acceptance that represents members of the LGBT community. Along with Thanh and Ahn, other characters in the film are shining examples of the struggles faced by LGBT members.
A Sweetest Kiss is a beautiful and compelling story that will make you smile and cry. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of being yourself and loving who you are. We highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a story of courage and acceptance.
Boy Meets Girl (2014)
Boy Meets Girl was directed by Eric Schaeffer, an American filmmaker, actor, and writer from New York City. He is best known for his series of independent films such as My Life’s in Turnaround, Fall, and If Lucy Fell.
Boy Meets Girl follows the story of a transgender woman named Ricky, played by Michelle Hendley, who works as a hairdresser in a small town in Kentucky. She meets Robby, played by Michael Welch, a local boy who works at a grocery store. As their relationship begins to develop, Ricky and Robby face the struggles of acceptance from their small town and their own self-doubt.
The film is a poignant and inspiring story of self-discovery and acceptance. Eric Schaeffer does an excellent job of presenting the issues faced by members of the LGBT community in a light-hearted and heartfelt manner. He allows Ricky and Robby’s story to be told with a lot of heart and emotion, making for a very powerful message about the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Everybody’s Changes [Todos cambiamos] (2019)
Everybody’s Changes, directed by Arturo Montenegro, is a powerful film that captures the struggle of a young man trying to find his place in the world. Arturo Montenegro is a renowned film director from Mexico whose previous works include Grito de Amor, El Valle and The Kingdom.
The film follows the story of Carlos, a young man from Mexico living with his parents. Despite his parent’s good intentions, Carlos finds it difficult to express his true identity and struggles to come to terms with being a member of the LGBT community. With the help of his friends, Carlos eventually finds the strength to confront his parents, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
The film is a powerful testimony of the struggles of the LGBT community in Mexico, featuring strong performances from its cast. The film also does a great job of representing the culture and customs of Mexico and the beauty of its nature and landscapes.
House of Hummingbird (2018)
House of Hummingbird is a South Korean film, written and directed by Bora Kim. Kim is a visual artist and filmmaker from South Korea, known for her short films and documentaries.
The focal point of House of Hummingbird is Eun-hee, a 14-year-old girl, growing up in a difficult environment in Seoul in 1994. She has to deal with a dysfunctional family, an oppressive school system, and an apathetic society. As Eun-hee struggles to find her place in the world, she meets an unconventional teacher who starts to help her navigate the challenges of adolescence.
House of Hummingbird stands out due to its incredibly realistic and nuanced depiction of queer youth in South Korea. In particular, Eun-hee’s story provides a perspective that is rarely seen in Korean cinema, representing a positive and complex portrayal of a lesbian experience.
The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the unique atmosphere of 1990s South Korea. Bora Kim’s direction and screenplay are impressive as well, and she manages to create a warm and touching story about a young girl and her journey of self-discovery.
The film is a thought-provoking and deeply affecting film that is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in South Korean cinema. It is a powerful coming-of-age story that celebrates the courage and strength of queer youth, and it is a testament to Bora Kim’s talent as a filmmaker and storyteller. We highly recommend watching this movie.
Saturday Church (2017)
Saturday Church is a film by Damon Cardasis, an award-winning filmmaker from New York City. He is best known for making this film, which tells the story of a young LGBTQ teen named Ulysses, who discovers a spiritual community in the form of an after-school LGBTQ program.
The film follows Ulysses as he struggles to find his footing in his new world, learning to express himself and find his place in society. Along the way, Ulysses encounters a wide array of characters, from drag queens to religious zealots. Through these characters, Ulysses learns to embrace his identity and stand up for what he believes in.
Saturday Church is a deeply touching and emotionally honest film that speaks to the struggles many LGBTQ youth face when trying to find acceptance. It is also a testament to the power of community and how it can help people find their true selves. Cardasis has crafted a touching and heartfelt story that is sure to leave viewers entranced.
The film features a talented cast, including Marquise Vilson, Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, and Luka Kain. Each actor brings a unique energy and performance to the film, bringing Ulysses’ journey to life. The film also features a beautiful score, composed by Toby Lightman, that adds an extra layer of emotion to the story.
Saturday Church is a must-watch for any LGBTQ person, or anyone interested in seeing an honest and heartfelt portrayal of the struggles of growing up. It is a beautiful and uplifting film that captures the power of self-acceptance and finding one’s place in the world. Highly recommended.
Saving Face (2004)
Saving Face is a 2004 romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Alice Wu. Wu is a Chinese-American filmmaker who has written and directed two other feature films, The Half of It and The Invitation. However, Saving Face remains Wu’s most popular and successful film.
The film follows Wilhelmina, a Chinese-American lesbian living in New York City. Wilhelmina struggles to come out to her conservative parents and navigate a budding relationship with Ma, who is also a lesbian. Meanwhile, her mother has a secret pregnancy, and Wilhelmina must try to protect her and her family’s reputation.
The film is unique in its representation of Asian and LGBTQ+ communities. It shows life in a Chinese-American family and how difficult and complex it can be to come out to traditional parents while still standing up for what is right. It is also notable for being the first mainstream movie with an all-Asian cast in over 20 years.
Saving Face covers important social issues with humor and heart. It is a beautiful story about family, relationships, and love and will leave you with a smile on your face. The movie is a must-see for anyone looking for a diverse, honest and delightful movie experience. It is highly recommended for those who want to watch a heartfelt story that celebrates the beauty of being true to who you are.
Pride (2014)
Pride is a British comedy-drama film directed by Matthew Warchus, an English film, television, and theatre director from North London. He is best known for his work on Matilda the Musical, as well as films such as Ghosted, The Wind in the Willows, and Sunshine on Leith.
The film is set during the UK miners’ strike of 1984 during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership. It follows a group of LGBT activists in London, who come together to raise funds for striking miners in Wales, and to support the queer community in South Wales, who is facing a backlash from the conservative government. The film’s main characters are Mark, Sophie, Jonathan, and Gethin, and a number of other queer activists join them.
The film also features a riveting performance by Bill Nighy as Cliff, a gay activist who has suffered great hardship and prejudice due to his sexuality. He serves as an inspiration to the group, and a reminder of why they are fighting for equality.
Pride is a powerful film that celebrates LGBT activism and the struggle for justice and equality in the face of extreme prejudice and hatred. It is an uplifting, inspiring movie with a touching story and memorable characters.
Whether you’re a member of the LGBT community or just looking to understand the fight for equality, this film is a must-watch. With its powerful performances, inspiring story, and heartwarming moments of camaraderie, Pride is sure to leave you feeling more hopeful and optimistic about the future.