Must See Gay Themed Movies
The 60s
Satyricon (1969), also known as Fellini Satyricon, is a weird fantasy drama directed by Federico Fellini. Wiki: "The film is divided into nine episodes, following the scholar Encolpius and his friend Ascyltus as they try to win the heart of the young boy Gitón, whom they both love, within the film's depiction of a surreal and dreamlike Roman landscape and culture."
The 70s
I didn't watch these movies, but they seem interesting and some of them are well known.
The 80s
Labyrinth of Passion (1982) is a Pedro Almodovar comedy. Probably one of the most interesting movies by Almodovar. It features a lot of crazy characters, crazy themes and nudity. Another Country (1984) is a good movie. Maybe a little bit boring in comparison to the other movies here. It explores homosexuality/homophobia and hypocrisy. Basically, Rupert Everett is a gay guy who is disappointed with society and boys who had sex with boys, but they don't want to label themselves as gay or bi because of the reputation, so they pretend to be straight and are homophobic. My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) is a gorgeous comedy drama that deals with racism, besides homosexuality. Maurice (1987) is a romantic drama in early 20th-century England. It also deals with hypocrisy and homophobia of that time. I won't spoiled anything here, but I loved the twist. Law of Desire (1987) is a movie directed by Pedro Almodovar and that should say a lot. It tells a story about Pablo (a film director), Juan (Pablo's love interest) and Antonio (Antonio Banderas), who is in love with Pablo. Torch Song Trilogy (1988) is comedy drama about a gay man who works as a drag queen/torch singer. Longtime Companion (1989) is the first wide-release theatrical movie to deal with the subject of AIDS. Great actors, great story, interesting characters.
The 90s
My Own Private Idaho (1991) is an interesting movie directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix. I wished it had a happy ending. The Wedding Banquet (1993) was directed by Ang Lee and tells a story about Wai-Tung Gao and Simon, a gay couple whose happinesses is interrupted by Wai-Tung's parents who decide to come to USA from Taiwan and marry him to a girl. Different for Girls (1996) is a British comedy drama about a transgender woman who reunites with an old friend who fells in love with her. Rupert Graves is charming. Happy Together (1997) is a brilliant and artistic drama directed by Wong Kar Wai and follows two gay characters from China who try to renew their relationship in Argentina. In & Out (1997) is a solid romantic comedy starring Kevin Kline and Tom Selleck. Edge of Seventeen (1998) is a decent coming of age movie set in 1984. I liked the 80s fashion and music.
The 2000s
Presque rien (2000) is a French Belgian drama focused on a holiday romance. Mambo Italiano (2003) is a fun and solid comedy about an Italian guy in Canada. The film focuses on his coming out and its impact on his conservative family and his boyfriend. Bad Education (2004) is another gay themed movie directed by Pedro Almodovar. It is a drama that focuses on sexual abuse by Catholic priests, transsexuality and drug use. Summer Storm (2004) is a German coming-of-age drama about unrequited love. A Home at the End of the World (2004) is a drama (based on a novel of the same title) about a complex relationship between two male characters (one of them is played by Colin Farrell) and AIDS. Brokeback Mountain (2005) is another great movie by Ang Lee. I guess I don't need to say anything about it because it is one of the most iconic gay movies of the 21th century. A Single Man (2009) is a debut movie by Tom Ford. It was based based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. Since Tom Ford is a fashion designer, the movie is visually elegant and stylized. It features a fashion model Jon Kortajarena, whose role was small. Jon wants to be an actor, but he sucks at it.
The 2010s
Les Amours Imaginaires (2010) is a Canadian drama directed by Xavier Dolan, who also acts in the movie. It is in French. Interesting movie about friends (a girl and a gay guy) who fell in love with the same guy. Xavier's character is annoying. Worried About the Boy (2010) is a biographical movie about 80s pop star Boy George and his band Culture Club. It is a great movie with so many interesting facts and it portraits many popular artists of the 80s like Billy Idol, Steve Strange (leader of Visage) and Marilyn. Although it is a TV movie, it is well made. Keep the Lights On (2012) is an American drama based on a true story and shows a complicated relationship between Erik (a filmmaker) and Paul (a lawyer with drug addiction). Kill Your Darlings (2013) is a biographical drama about Beat Generation, but it features gay moments and gay characters. Call Me by Your Name (2017) is a coming of age drama set in Italy. Good actors, great story, beautiful sceneries. Love, Simon (2018) is a nice movie, but it just feels like a more commercial version of gay themed movies from the past. Still, it was fun to watch.
Other:
While I focused more on movies with romantic note, I enjoyed these ones too. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) is an Australian iconic comedy about drag queens. An acclaimed movie that impacted To Wong Foo, which was more commercial. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) is "an American comedy film, starring Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo as three New York drag queens who embark on a road trip." It was a great and unexpected choice to cast macho men to play drag queens. Fun and charming. The Birdcage (1996) is also a comedy, focused on drag queens, effeminacy, conservative people and other stuff. Madonna's dancer appeared in this movie.
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