17 Excellent Queer Films For Your Pride Month Playlist!

With Pride Month now here, queer representation, and all of the amazing filmmakers that have created great LGBTQ+ stories, is something to really honor! Whether you're in the mood to laugh or cry (or a bit of both), here are some of the best queer films to stream this month!

DRAMA

1. "Strange Way of Life" (2023)

"Strange Way of Life" is a queer western starring Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke that follows the rekindling of a relationship between Silvo and Sheriff Jake. It explores the identities of cowboys in an isolated lifestyle while tackling the difficulty of relationships (especially secret ones). This film is perfect for anyone looking for a short to watch in the minutes between work and rest with a runtime of only 31 minutes. Stream on Netflix.

2. Mutt (2023)

This film takes place over the course of one day. Fena, a transgender man, comes face to face with people who abandoned him during the first stage of his transition. When he reunites with these individuals, tempers fly, emotions run wild, and Fena must come to terms with his life. The film stars its co-writer, Broadway alum Lio Meheil. Stream on Netflix.

3. The Watermelon Woman (1996)

An ever interesting watch, The Watermelon Woman follows a black gay filmmaker in Philadelphia who is on the hunt for an actress only known as "the watermelon woman". The film jumps across drama, romance, and documentary genres to bring together a story of identity, culture, and queer love. Directed and starring Cheryl Dunye ("Bridgerton"). Stream on Max. 

4. All of Us Strangers (2023)

This Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal film follows a writer’s romance with his neighbor. Returning to his hometown, Adam (Scott) finds comfort and company in his downstairs neighbor, Harry (Mescal). The film is based on the novel Strangers and co-written by the novelist Taichi Yamada alongside director Andrew Haigh. Stream on Hulu. 

5. Moonlight (2016)

A modern-day classic when discussing queer films, Best Picture winner Moonlight is a stunningly gorgeous film that explores the complexities of a young gay Black man growing up in Miami. Written and directed by Barry Jenkins, the film consists of three key ages of a young man named Chiron. The film not only has an incredible hold on its storytelling but a star-studded cast that includes Mahershala Ali (who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Naomie Harris, and Janelle Monáe, plus beautiful cinematography. Stream on Max. 

ROMANCE

1. Red, White, & Royal Blue (2023)

This streaming hit is the film adaptation of Casey McQuiston's 2019 novel of the same name. The film follows the son of the United States President and a British prince as their differences lead to a totally cute enemies-to-lovers romance. This movie is destined to entertain and thrill, with some sweet moments of romance. A sequel is currently in the works! Stream on Prime Video.

2. Fire Island (2022)

If you’re looking for more of an ensemble romance film this Pride Month, Fire Island takes on a whole lot of friends that travel out to Fire Island, New York. The trip is a tradition within the group, but this year brings some new faces, which cause new sparks to fly. Starring SNL’s Bowen Yang, the movie is packed full of laugh-out-loud moments and cute beats of romance. Inspired by Pride and Prejudice, the film is a riot and definitely one to check out this Pride. Stream on Hulu. 

3. But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)

For something a little more quirky in the realm of queer romance, But I’m A Cheerleader reaches into a more aesthetically complex production of a love story between two gay women in conversion therapy. Though the setting brings on a heavy and awful reality, Jamie Babbit’s approach to the subject draws on moments of hilarity, touches of the unreal, and stunning performances from Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall. Bonus points for casting drag superstar RuPaul as one of the camp counselors! Stream on Paramount+.

4. Saving Face (2004)

Saving Face combines comedy and drama in the telling of a romance. The story plays on cultural expectations and traditions alongside the telling of queer love. These ideals clash and bring about individual turmoil but also furthers a conversation about tradition and love. Told in a combination of Mandarin and English, the story conveys the relationship between a mother and daughter as they seek out validation in their own identity. Stream on Tubi.

5. Shortcomings (2023)

Shortcomings shares a collection of love stories among a trio of people living in the Bay Area of Berkley, California. Directed by "Fresh Off The Boat" star Randall Park and starring Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola, and Ally Maki, the story combines the love of filmmaking with the classics of a rom-com. Stream on Netflix.

6. Am I OK? (2022)

Co-directed by real-life married couple Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, Am I OK? stars Dakota Johnson as a woman exploring same-sex relationships for the first time with the help of her life-long bestie (Sonoya Mizuno). The film initally premiered at Sundance in 2022 but has only just now become available to a wider internatonial audience as of this month. Stream on Max.

COMEDY

1. Bottoms (2023)

A hit from last year, Bottoms has awkward queer love meet high school antics when a set of friends decide to start a fight club. Ayo Edibri and Rachel Sennott shine as two best friends just looking to get into a relationship in the worst ways possible. With a balance of witty humor, an incredible cast, and the totally camp world it's set in, Bottoms is a fun watch for anyone looking for some comedy in their queer film collection. Stream on Prime. 

2. Dicks: The Musical (Max)

This A24 film is packed full of celebrity cameos, laugh-out-loud moments, and, of course, songs! Dicks: The Musical is nothing short of fun and totally queer. With a cast of gay icons like Nathan Lane and Bowen Yang and musical guest Megan Thee Stallion, the film is set up to be a riot. The story follows two business men (co-writers Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp) who discover an unlikely connection between the two: they’re identical twins! This leads to them swapping places in order to bring their parents back together. Stream on Max.

3. The Birdcage (1996)

This queer classic follows the owner of a Miami drag club as he attempts to woo his son’s finacée’s family, who are known conservatives. Starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as partners, this '90s film captures the gay scene in South Beach as well as different meanings of love. The film expertly moves from hearttouching to side-splitting in seconds. Stream on Peacock. 

4. Shiva Baby (2020)

Shiva Baby tells the story of a young Jewish woman who, while attending a funeral service, shares an awkward run-in with her sugar daddy and her ex-girlfriend. For those that like a little drama with their comedy, the film captures a bisexual woman’s approach to her life at a bizarre time. With themes of a coming-of-age, Shiva Baby is both a touching story and a funny one. Plus, who doesn’t love bi representation?! Stream on Max. 

5. Too Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) / The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Long before RuPaul brought drag to the mainstream with "RuPaul's Drag Race". Both Hollywood and Australia each put 3 of the most masculine men in the biz (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo / Hugo Weaving, Terrance Stamp, and Guy Pearce) into wigs and high heels for 2 hilarious yet heartwarming road trip flicks that came out back-to-back in the '90s. Way ahead of their time, they both still totally hold up today and present queer stories with authenticity along with plenty of laughs. Stream Too Wong Foo on Prime; stream Priscilla on Peacock, Pluto TV, and Tubi.

Happy Pride!