Yahoo Lifestyle 20 Movies With Lesbian Characters You Need to Watch, Stat
- 1/21
20 Movies With Lesbian Characters You Need to Watch, Stat
Seeing lesbian, gay and other LGBTQ+ characters onscreen isn't just a great way of improving representation for the community, it can also be life-saving. For newly out or young viewers still trying to figure out their sexuality, that validation is important as it can make them feel seen and heard in their experiences. That's a meaningful thing, especially for those who don't know anyone like them in real life or don't have a safe space to explore who they really are.
Media that shows LGBTQ+ people normalizes love and relationships between two people of the same gender, educates viewers about the journey we're still taking toward equal rights, and reinforces the fact that that gay, lesbian and LGBTQ+ people are just that: people who deserve to live their lives just like anybody else.
And these movies with lesbian characters are some of the best of the best films at doing that. Be warned, though: some of them get a little hot and heavy. We've made a note of that where applicable, so you can save them for date night. Whether you want to help your LGBTQ+ teenager feel accepted or need a good film to watch with your partner, you'll find something to love on this list.
netflix - 2/21
1) Carol
A wealthy woman and a department store clerk begin an illicit affair in this must-watch LGBTQ+ film set in the 1950s. Adapted from the cult classic The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, it depicts how unexpected romance can change your life.
Hearst Owned - 3/21
2) Tig
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.
RELATED: How Tig Notaro Found Love With Wife Stephanie Allynne After "A Pretty Crazy Time"
Netflix - 4/21
3) But I'm a Cheerleader
Many of us first watched this sleeper hit when we were teens ourselves, and it's well worth revisiting. It's poignant, hilarious and endlessly quotable.
Hearst Owned - 5/21
4) The Perfection
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. This LGBTQ+ thriller will send shivers down your spine.
Netflix - 6/21
5) Blue Is the Warmest Colour
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 as 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 a little steamy.
Hearst Owned - 7/21
6) D.E.B.S.
A comedic spoof on the Charlie Angels franchise, D.E.B.S. centers around the unlikely love story between the leader of an elite group of teen spies and a super villain. You don't have to be too familiar with the original story to love this fun, flirty romp.
Hearst Owned - 8/21
7) Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List
Like so many besties, Naomi and Ely have a firmly established "no kiss list" to protect them from getting romantically entangled. But in a surprising twist, they both come down with the hots for the same dude, even though Ely's a lesbian. Turn rom-com stereotypes upside down with this quirky, fun film.
Hearst Owned - 9/21
8) Duck Butter
Starring Ali Shawkat of Arrested Development, this intimate drama redefines what love between two women can look like. After getting fed up with the lies and deception their previous relationships have involved, two women spend 24 hours with each other to see if they can do any better.
Netflix - 10/21
9) I Can't Think Straight
This enticing story is a romantic trope as old as time. It follows the love story of Tala, a London-based Palestinian woman who's planning her wedding when she meets and falls for Leyla, a British Indian woman.
Hearst Owned - 11/21
10) To Each, Her Own
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.
Netflix - 12/21
11) Chasing Amy
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.
Hearst Owned - 13/21
12) Lez Bomb
From the minds that brought you There's Something About Mary comes this cringeworthy holiday comedy. A woman brings her girlfriend home for Thanksgiving, intending to come out to the whole clan. But then her male roommate shows up and, well, let's just say it doesn't go as planned.
Hearst Owned - 14/21
13) Elisa y Marcela
In 1901, Elisa Sanchez Loriga assumed a male identity to marry her lover, Marcela Gracia Ibeas. This classic movie is based on that riveting story, with beautiful scenery to boot. If you're a fan of foreign films and love stories, this one's perfect for date night.
Netflix - 15/21
14) Nina's Heavenly Delights
After Nina Shah's father dies, she has to move back to Glasgow to help keep her family's restaurant afloat. That's where she meets Lisa, who owns half the establishment. Romance (and lots of tasty-looking food) follows. Grab a snack before pressing play.
Hearst Owned - 16/21
15) Life Partners
Most buddy comedies focus on two straight dudes, so check out this female-fronted flick for a change of pace. Sasha (who's a lesbian) and Paige (who's straight) are best friends, and always put their relationship first. But then Paige meets a new guy that threatens their unbreakable bond.
Hearst Owned - 17/21
16) Bound
Buckle in for a dark crime thriller by The Wachowskis that follows Corky, a lesbian ex-con-turned-plumber who concocts a plot with Violet to steal millions and pin it on Violet's boyfriend. If you're not in the mood for romance but still want an LGBTQ+ film, try this one.
100 directions - Hearst Owned - 18/21
17) Happiest Season
If you're the type to watch holiday movies year-round (guilty as charged), this star-studded Christmas film works anytime. Our protagonist plans to propose to her girlfriend at Christmas when they spend the holidays with her family, but on their way there, she finds out her girlfriend isn't out at home. It's heartwarming, funny and the outfits are on point.
Hearst Owned - 19/21
18) Disobedience
After a long estrangement due to her sexual transgressions, Ronit returns home to her superconservative, Orthodox Jewish community in London and rediscovers a passion for her childhood friend, Esti. It's a stirring exploration of faith, community and love.
Hearst Owned - 20/21
19) Saving Face
Wil is busy with her career as a surgeon and balancing the expectations of her traditionalist Chinese mother, which don't include her dancer girlfriend Vivian. But then her mom shows up with a surprise that calls her bluff. The ending will get your toes tapping, guaranteed.
Hearst Owned - 21/21
20) Gray Matters
Gray and Sam are siblings who are so close, people sometimes assume they're actually a couple. They agree to branch out and find each other a mate, but when Sam does, it doesn't exactly go as planned.
Hearst Owned
