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The Only Lesbian Movie Guide You’ll Ever Need

Robyn Exton

Oct 06, 2023

The Only Lesbian Movie Guide You’ll Ever Need

Have you updated your LGBTQ+ movie favs lately? This list of loveable lesbian characters showing the good, bad and everything in between is something that you can’t miss 🎥 🌈

There’s something for everyone here, including lesbian romances, thrillers, coming-of-age stories and musicals. Curl up and enjoy some of the best lesbian movies ever made while having a solo night in, with friends, or with a hot date.

In no particular order, each of these movies may find a new spot in your movie night rotation.

Find these lesbian films on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Max and more.


Bottoms (2023)

Source: IMDb

Emma Seligman’s new comedy movie is an instant sapphic movie classic. This refreshingly bold film fearlessly dives into the intricacies of identity, self-discovery, and unapologetic authenticity. Seligman’s direction masterfully intertwines uproarious humor with heartfelt moments, providing a genuine and relatable exploration of the queer experience. Plus, Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri are an unmatched pairing, and deliver some of the best on-screen comedy moments of cinema, like ever.

Bottoms” is more than a lesbian movie; it’s a celebration of queer representation and a testament to the power of embracing all facets of oneself, creating a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ cinema.



My Young Lesbian Friend (2020)

Source: Flixi

“My Young Lesbian Friend (2020)” is a charming and comedic exploration of friendship and love. When uptight accountant Jane’s life takes an unexpected turn, she finds herself befriending the vivacious and free-spirited Sarah, who just happens to be a lesbian. 

Together, they embark on a hilarious journey of self-discovery and personal growth, navigating the ups and downs of relationships, all while Jane learns that love knows no labels. This heartwarming film is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships can lead to the most extraordinary adventures.


The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

Source: IMDb

Set in the 90s, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows the story of protagonist Cameron Post after she’s sent to conversion therapy by her conservative parents after being caught having sex in her girlfriend Coley Taylor’s car 😱🔥. 

The film is a great take on individualism and finding your own freedom, and Chloë Grace Moretz and Sasha Lane as some of the starring characters is a plus.



Crush (2022)

Source: IMDb

Crush stars Rowan Blanchard and Auli’i Cravalho along the journey of aspiring artist Paige Evans joining the track team to get close to her crush. Things take a turn when she falls for her crushes twin sister. 

Follow this beautiful teenage love story that shows the all too real feeling of having a teenage crush.

Not convinced yet? You might be after reading a few of the funniest lines in this Hulu hit:

“Yeah, I took an Instagram story and it went over the time limit.”

“She’s tried to put a love spell on me, like, six times. If I’m going to date a witch, she needs to be talented.”

“My references are older than Taylor Swift at this point.”

 


Ride or Die (2021)

Source: IMDb

This film is based off on Ching Nakamura’s manga series Gunjō. The japanese drama follows the story of Rei (played by Kizo Mizuhara), who kills her friend’s abusive husband. After running for their lives due to the crime, along the way, they discover their feelings for each other. 

This action-packed movie will keep you on your toes, and another bonus is the Japanese lesbian representation 🇯🇵💕.



The Prom (2020)

Source: IMDb

The Prom is directed by well-known director Ryan Murphy and is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. 

Emma (played by Jo Ellen Pellman) is denied bringing her girlfriend (played by Ariana DeBose) to prom, so some underdog Broadway stars help her to use her voice and speak out for herself. 

This movie will have your foot tapping and singing by the end!



Pariah (2011)

Source: IMDb

Award-winning Sundance film, Pariah showcases the story of Alike (played by Adepero Oduye), a lesbian living in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene. She quietly embraces her lesbian identity because she’s unsure if her parents will accept her.

Alike’s mother introduces her to a colleague’s daughter, and there’s an instant love connection. Throughout the movie, we see a black teenager navigating her hidden identity, as well as touching on themes of pleasing immigrant parents versus pursuing your own happiness.

 


Rafiki (2018)

Source: IMDb

Rafiki is the first Kenyan film screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

In the film, we follow the love story of Kena and Ziki. Living in Kenya, where it’s not always accepted to be queer, they navigate family and political pressure to confirm.

Despite being the first Kenyan movie to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, Rafiki was still banned in its home country. Eventually, the ban was lifted for just seven days, so that it could be considered for an Academy Award. The film took over seven years to get made — a testament to Kahiu’s patience and perseverance. 



I Can’t Think Straight (2008)

Source: IMDb

Here’s some queer South Asian representation! This film follows the romance of Tala (Lisa Ray), a young Jordanian of Palestinian descent, preparing for her wedding to Leyla (Sheetal Sheth), a British Indian.

The story shows the dynamics around being queer in South Asian culture and gives a dive into wedding culture as well.



Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)

Source: IMDb

You can’t miss this classic lesbian movie 😊

This one is about the story of Adèle, an introverted fifteen-year-old who forms a deep emotional and sexual connection with an art student Emma she meets at a Lesbian bar. While Emma’s open family is welcoming to Adele, Adèle’s family doesn’t welcome Emma. See how she navigates this journey in life and love.



Unpregnant (2020)

Source: IMDb

Unpregant stars Barbie Ferreria and Haley Lu Richardson. Seventeen-year-old Veronica discovers she’s pregnant and seeks support in driving cross country to get an abortion from her friend Bailey. 

Though it’s not the focal point of the movie, Bailey is coming to terms with her sexuality all while navigating teenage struggles.



Dating Amber (2020)

Source: IMDb

Both Amber (Lola Petticrew) and Eddie (Finn O’Shea) are closeted. Both are pretending to date each other, so everyone knows. Throughout the film, they learn to accept themselves and their respective sexualities.



The Perfection (2018) 

Source: IMDb

A lesbian thriller? Sign us up!

Follow troubled musical prodigy Charlotte and a new star student on the dangerous path they end up going down due to their choices. You’ll be on the edge of your seat.

 


Duck Butter (2018)

Source: IMDb

These two women are fed up with their relationships (with men), so they decide to spend 24 hours with each other to see if they can do better. This movie gives a whole new meaning to lesbian love. 

 


To Each, Her Own (2009)

Source: IMDb

Part of a conservative Jewish family, Simone is working up the courage to come out as a lesbian to her family when she develops a crush on a dashing male chef.

The movie does a great job of touching on the fluidity of sexuality and attraction on a spectrum.



Nina’s Heavenly Delights (2006)

Source: IMDb

After Nina’s father dies, she has to move back home to Glasgow to help keep her family’s restaurant going. She meets Lisa who owns half of the restaurant and romance ensues. For delicious-looking food, lesbian love and more, watch this film.



Life Partners (2014)

Source: IMDb

Sasha (a lesbian) and Paige (straight) are best friends. Their friendship is threatened when Paige falls for a new guy and it changes their bond. If you love to laugh, this movie will have you in tears. 



Happiest Season (2020)

Source: IMDb

Get into the holiday spirit with this quirky Christmas movie centered around protagonist Abby Holland’s (played by Kristen Stewart) plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper Caldwell (Mackenzie Davis). She finds out on the way to her parents’ house to spend Christmas that she’s not out to them yet.

This movie will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh and cry.

 

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Saving Face (2004)

Source: IMDb

Wil is busy balancing her career as a surgeon while trying to please her traditional Chinese mother. Unfortunately, her mother doesn’t approve of her relationship with her girlfriend Vivian. 

When her mom shows up with surprise news it rocks Wil’s world. This movie will definitely keep you on your toes all the way through.



Booksmart (2019)

Source: IMDb

This lighthearted teen comedy is a great palate cleanser in a sea of iffy lesbian films. Though Amy is a lesbian and Molly is straight, the characters are shown in a relatable way navigating the ups and downs of life as a teen– with a touch of humor.

This movie is great because each character is dynamic and shown as way more than their sexual identity.



The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Source: IMDb

This one’s for all of the lesbian moms out there. A middle-aged lesbian couple is confronted by the donor of their children. They navigate the struggle and decision of what to do in the best interests of the kids.

This movie needs some work because it does feature non-lesbian actors playing the role of lesbians, but it’s a great story representing an often underrepresented group.



The Four Faced Liar (2010)

Source: IMDb

This film centers on a friend group with two couples and a lesbian friend. One friend Molly is bored with her relationship and looks elsewhere when she falls in love with lesbian Bridget.

Come to this movie for a reassuring dose of reality and a whole lot of laughter.



Room in Rome (2010)

Source: IMDb

This romance movie happens in the city of love and follows the developing connection between Alba and Natasha. The connection blooms at the most unexpected time and unexpected place. This movie is erotic, steamy and passionate, so come prepared.



The Handmaiden (2016)

Source: IMDb

This is a screen adaptation of Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith but changed from taking place in Victorian England to Japanese-occupied Korea. As a lady starts developing feelings for her handmaiden, it becomes a sinister, erotic mystery. The handmaiden is tasked with tricking her out of her inheritance which adds another layer.

Come for passion, struggle and dark humor.



All About E (2015)

Source: IMDb

The plot of this movie is enough to hook you alone: An Lebanese lesbian DJ is on the run with her husband– who she only married out of convenience. She took a bag of money and headed on the run to escape the pain of staying closeted to her parents. When she hides out in the club where her ex-girlfriend Trish used to work, sparks are still flying. 

Has this plotline won you over yet?



Elisa and Marcela (2019)

Source: IMDb

It’s one more on the list of lesbian movies on Netflix ✨

A love story based on a true relationship that took in Galicia, Spain Elisa and Marcela tells the tale of the blossoming relationship between the title characters. Taking place in 1885, their love became a friendship and evolved into lesbian love at a time when even speaking the word lesbian was considered taboo. In 1901, Elisa masqueraded as a male to trick a priest into marrying them.

The film is not perfect, as it misses some of the depth of Elisa and Marcela’s relationship, but it’s a stark reminder of how much has changed with being a lesbian in society.



What TikTokers are saying about WLW movies

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These movies starring or featuring lesbian characters will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. Find out the list of the best lesbian movies now. #lesbianmovie #lesbiansoftiktok🌈 #wlwmovies

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Robyn Exton

Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.

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