Discover 13 Must-Watch LGBTQ+ Films from Around the World

13 International LGBTQ+ Films You Need on Your Watchlist

Cinema has a unique way of breaking barriers and connecting us to stories from every corner of the world. When it comes to LGBTQ+ films, the diversity and richness of experiences portrayed on screen are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether it’s a forbidden love affair in 18th-century France, a tender coming-of-age romance in Italy, or the thrilling tension of a hidden passion in South Korea, LGBTQ+ cinema offers a universal language of love, identity, and resilience.

This list takes you on a cinematic journey across the globe, showcasing 13 must-watch LGBTQ+ films from different cultures. These films don't just tell queer stories—they challenge norms, celebrate diversity, and remind us of the importance of representation. So grab some popcorn, because you're about to explore some of the most poignant and visually stunning queer stories ever told.

1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (France, 2019)

Cast: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel
Director: Céline Sciamma
Duration: 2h
Stream On: Hulu

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a stunning French period drama set in the 18th century, revolving around the forbidden romance between a painter, Marianne, and her subject, Héloïse, a woman unwillingly betrothed to another. Through passionate glances, unspoken words, and forbidden kisses, the film paints a beautiful picture of love that’s as restrained as it is intense. Its slow-burn storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and minimalist dialogue bring depth and complexity to the characters’ relationship, making it one of the most poignant queer films of the decade.

Fun Fact: There’s no musical score in the film—every moment is filled only with ambient sounds to heighten the emotional tension between the characters.

2. Call Me by Your Name (Italy, 2017)

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Duration: 2h 12m
Stream On: Amazon Prime

Set in the lush Italian countryside during the summer of 1983, Call Me by Your Name tells the story of Elio, a 17-year-old, and his blossoming romantic relationship with Oliver, a 24-year-old graduate student staying at his family’s villa. The film beautifully captures the excitement and confusion of first love, exploring the emotional and sexual awakening of a young man. With its gorgeous visuals, heartfelt performances, and a stunning soundtrack, the film has earned its place as a modern LGBTQ+ classic.

Fun Fact: The iconic peach scene became a cultural reference point, but it nearly didn’t make the final cut—director Luca Guadagnino debated its inclusion.

3. The Handmaiden (South Korea, 2016)

Cast: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri
Director: Park Chan-wook
Duration: 2h 25m
Stream On: Amazon Prime

This psychological thriller, set in Japanese-occupied Korea in the 1930s, is a lavish and intricate tale of love, deceit, and betrayal. The Handmaiden follows the story of Sook-hee, a pickpocket, who is hired as a handmaiden for Lady Hideko, a Japanese heiress. As Sook-hee’s true intentions unravel, a passionate romance forms between the two women, adding layers of intrigue to this lush, atmospheric film. Its sensuality and twisty plot make it a must-watch for those seeking something thrilling and unconventional in LGBTQ+ cinema.

Fun Fact: The film is adapted from Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith, but the setting was changed from Victorian England to 1930s Korea.

4. A Fantastic Woman (Chile, 2017)

Cast: Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes
Director: Sebastián Lelio
Duration: 1h 44m
Stream On: Netflix

A Fantastic Woman tells the powerful and emotional story of Marina, a transgender woman who faces prejudice and hardship after the sudden death of her partner. Set against the backdrop of Santiago, Chile, this Academy Award-winning film explores themes of loss, identity, and resilience. Daniela Vega’s performance as Marina is both raw and vulnerable, making her the first openly transgender actress to present at the Oscars and a trailblazer for trans representation in cinema.

Fun Fact: Daniela Vega was initially brought on as a consultant for the film before the director decided she was perfect for the lead role.

5. Rafiki (Kenya, 2018)

Cast: Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva
Director: Wanuri Kahiu
Duration: 1h 22m
Stream On: The Criterion Channel

Rafiki tells the story of Kena and Ziki, two young women who fall in love amidst the conservative, homophobic atmosphere of Nairobi, Kenya. The film is vibrant and full of hope, capturing the innocence and joy of first love while also showing the harsh realities LGBTQ+ individuals face in oppressive societies. Despite being banned in Kenya for its positive portrayal of a same-sex relationship, Rafiki gained international acclaim and became a symbol of resistance and hope for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.

Fun Fact: After a lawsuit, Rafiki was briefly allowed to screen in Kenya so it could qualify for the Oscars.

6. Blue Is the Warmest Color (France, 2013)

Cast: Adèle Exarchopoulos, Léa Seydoux
Director: Abdellatif Kechiche
Duration: 3h
Stream On: HBO Max

Blue Is the Warmest Color is a coming-of-age drama that follows Adèle, a young woman, as she navigates her burgeoning sexuality and relationship with the free-spirited Emma. The film is known for its intense emotional depth and raw portrayal of a young woman’s journey into adulthood. Its controversial and explicit love scenes have sparked debates, but at its core, the film offers a tender and heartbreaking look at love, loss, and self-discovery.

Fun Fact: The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, with the award given to both the director and the two lead actresses—an unprecedented move.

7. The Way He Looks (Brazil, 2014)

Cast: Ghilherme Lobo, Fabio Audi
Director: Daniel Ribeiro
Duration: 1h 36m
Stream On: Netflix

In this Brazilian coming-of-age drama, The Way He Looks tells the story of Leonardo, a blind teenager, who falls in love with Gabriel, a new student at his school. The film explores themes of independence, identity, and love, all with a soft, gentle tone. What makes this film stand out is how it portrays disability in a non-tragic way, focusing instead on the universality of young love and the freedom to define one’s path.

Fun Fact: The film is based on the director’s 2010 short film Eu Não Quero Voltar Sozinho, which gained a cult following online.

8. Thelma (Norway, 2017)

Cast: Eili Harboe, Kaya Wilkins
Director: Joachim Trier
Duration: 1h 56m
Stream On: Hulu

A supernatural thriller, Thelma follows a young woman who moves to Oslo for university and starts experiencing mysterious seizures. As she grapples with newfound powers, she also finds herself falling for another girl, which conflicts with her strict religious upbringing. The film skillfully blends psychological horror with a tender coming-of-age story, where the real horror is Thelma's battle with her own repressed desires.

Fun Fact: The film was Norway’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.

9. God's Own Country (UK, 2017)

Cast: Josh O’Connor, Alec Secareanu
Director: Francis Lee
Duration: 1h 44m
Stream On: Amazon Prime

Set against the backdrop of the rugged Yorkshire countryside, God’s Own Country tells the story of Johnny, a young farmer dealing with isolation and emotional repression, whose life changes when a Romanian migrant worker, Gheorghe, arrives to help out on the farm. The film is a raw and beautiful exploration of love, vulnerability, and the struggle to open up emotionally. Its quiet, atmospheric approach to storytelling is powerful, making it one of the standout LGBTQ+ films from the UK.

Fun Fact: Many people have called it the British Brokeback Mountain, though director Francis Lee insists it’s much more about healing than tragedy.

10. Weekend (UK, 2011)

Cast: Tom Cullen, Chris New
Director: Andrew Haigh
Duration: 1h 37m
Stream On: Hulu

Weekend is a quiet, tender exploration of the brief but intense romance between two men, Russell and Glen, who meet at a club and spend 48 hours together. The film dives into questions about intimacy, identity, and vulnerability, as the two men share their lives, fears, and desires. Its realism and subtle performances make it a refreshingly honest portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, without the drama or spectacle often found in mainstream cinema.

Fun Fact: The film was shot in just 16 days, contributing to its raw and organic feel.

11. Tangerine (USA, 2015)

Cast: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor
Director: Sean Baker
Duration: 1h 28m
Stream On: Hulu

Tangerine is a unique film that follows two transgender sex workers, Sin-Dee and Alexandra, as they navigate the streets of Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. Shot entirely on an iPhone 5, the film bursts with energy and vibrancy, telling a raw and real story about friendship, loyalty, and survival. It was revolutionary not only for its technical innovations but for giving voice to trans women of color in a way rarely seen in Hollywood.

Fun Fact: Director Sean Baker learned how to use an iPhone for filming only after a friend showed him how to make the shots cinematic.

12. Happy Together (Hong Kong, 1997)

Cast: Tony Leung, Leslie Cheung
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Duration: 1h 36m
Stream On: The Criterion Channel

Wong Kar-wai’s Happy Together is a visually stunning exploration of a tumultuous relationship between two men, Lai and Ho, as they move from Hong Kong to Argentina in an attempt to fix their broken relationship. The film’s dreamy cinematography and fragmented narrative capture the instability of love, and its themes of loneliness, longing, and heartbreak are universal. It’s a poignant and intense portrayal of a toxic relationship spiraling out of control.

Fun Fact: The film’s title was inspired by The Turtles’ song "Happy Together," which plays in the background of the opening scene.

13. Summer of 85 (France, 2020)

Cast: Félix Lefebvre, Benjamin Voisin
Director: François Ozon
Duration: 1h 40m
Stream On: Hulu

This French drama, set on the sunny coast of Normandy in the mid-80s, is a nostalgic and bittersweet story of young love. Summer of 85 follows the whirlwind romance between 16-year-old Alexis and the slightly older, enigmatic David. As Alexis becomes deeply infatuated with David, the film explores themes of obsession, loss, and the fleeting nature of summer love. Its retro aesthetic and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of 80s nostalgia and LGBTQ+ cinema.

Fun Fact: The film is based on Aidan Chambers’ 1982 novel Dance on My Grave, which Ozon read as a teenager and dreamed of adapting for years.

From the French countryside to the streets of Los Angeles, these 13 international LGBTQ+ films showcase the diversity, beauty, and challenges of queer love across the globe. Each film offers a window into a different cultural experience while centering universal themes like love, identity, and resilience. Whether you're in the mood for a slow-burn romance, a heart-wrenching drama, or a thrilling psychological ride, this list has something for every film lover.

These stories remind us that while LGBTQ+ experiences may differ by culture and location, the themes of self-discovery, love, and belonging are universal. Each of these films is a celebration of queer life in all its forms, and they all leave a lasting impact long after the credits roll.

Stay connected to Woke Waves for more powerful stories that showcase the vibrant world of international queer cinema.

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