If you’re looking for something decent to watch for Pride, you’re sure to find it in this list of the best queer movies from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Some of the films listed are modern gay classics, others are hidden gems.
The Boys in the Band (1970)
The Boys in the Band directed by William Friedkin is a must-see for anybody interested in gay cinema. It’s not an easy film to watch, but it’s an honest depiction of the emotional damage caused from living in the closet.
You can read my review of The Boys in the Band here.
The Hunger (1983)
The Hunger is a sexy bisexual vampire horror starring Catherin Deneuve, David Bowie, and Suan Sarandon. Bowie plays a vampire who is rapidly aging, Deneuve is Bowie’s wife and Sarandon is the woman Deneuve is planning to use as Bowie’s replacement.
The Hunger is hip, cool, highly stylized, and sexy.
An Early Frost (1985)
An Early Frost is a made for TV movie, and the first film made by a major studio to talk about AIDS. It has a top-notch cast and was viewed in 34 million households across the United States when it aired.
An Early Frost received 14 Emmy nominations, including Best Original Teleplay, a Peabody Award, and multiple Golden Globe nominations. It is an important addition to the canon of gay film.
My Beautiful Launderette (1985)
My Beautiful Launderette is a gay romantic drama set in London during the Thatcher years. It’s about Omar, a young Pakistani man living in London who reunites with an old friend, Johnny. The two men become romantically involved as they take over and manage a launderette originally owned by Omar’s uncle.
My Beautiful Launderette deals with the complex issues of race and class struggles.
Parting Glances (1986)
Parting Glances is a romantic comedy set in New York City in the 1980s. The acting is decent (especially for a low budget gay movie made in 1986), the cinematography works, and the story is delightful. It’s perfect for a rainy day or watching with friends. It truly is a must-see.
You can read my review of Parting Glances here.
I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
Patricia Rozema’s movie, I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing is an enchanting story about a woman with an overactive imagination. The directing, script, cinematography and pacing, are so perfect that this movie can do no wrong. Take some time to see I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing.
You can read my review of I’ve Heard the mermaids Singing here.
Orlando (1992)
Orlando starring Tilda Swinton is a period drama adapted from the novel by Virginia Wolf. The film is as fantastical and sprawling as the book. While the story is a bit more simplified for the screen, the central points are kept intact.
Orlando is a beautiful film that is thoughtful and worthy of your time. If you have an interest in gender, Virginia Wolf, or queer cinema, this film should not be missed.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
In The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, three drag queens set out on a road trip through the dessert to perform a four week gig at a casino. It stars Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, and Guy Pearce.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is outrageous fun that should not be missed.
Bound (1996)
Bound is a fun and lesbian sexy thriller with style and panache. If you’re a fan of film noir or tense thrillers, this is for you.
You can read my review of Bound here.
Wilde (1997)
Wilde is the biopic of Oscar Wilde, starring Stephen Fry as Oscar Wilde and Jude Law as Lord Alfred Douglas, his homosexual lover.
Happy Together (1997)
Happy Together, written and directed by Wong Kar-wai, is about two gay men from Hong Kong, Fai and Po-Wing, who have an on-again, off-again relationship filled with abuse, insecurities, and lies. It is so moody and beautiful to watch that it resonates with many viewers.
You can read my review of Happy Together here.
Edge of Seventeen (1998)
Edge of Seventeen is a gay romantic comedy about coming of age in 1984. It has the look, feel, and music of the 1980s. Although it finishes on a positive note, the end is still a bit messy.
You can read my review of Edge of Seventeen here.
Bedrooms and Hallways (1998)
Bedrooms and Hallways is one of those movies that should feel dated but doesn’t. Although it came out in 1998, It has a very 1980s feel and sexual themes that are more at home today than they were when the film was released.
You can read my review of Bedrooms and Hallways here.
High Art (1998)
High Art is the skillfully told story of Sydney, a young woman working her way up the ladder at a high art photography magazine. She bags an interview with Lucy Berliner, a renown photographer who had mysteriously left the art world and became a recluse. As the two women work together, they form a bond that slowly turns sexual.
Despite being a lesbian romance, High Art doesn’t shy away from fame and drug use. And the relationship between Lucy and Sydney is complex and comes with consequences. High Art is a brilliant and edgy lesbian romance.
Trick (1999)
Trick is a romantic gay comedy about the night an aspiring Broadway composure picks up a go-go boy and tries to have a night one stand, if only he could find a place to take him. Tori Spelling plays his ridiculous and clueless best friend who attracts people even more outrageous than her.
Trick is sexy, funny and entertaining.
You can read my review for Trick here.
