40 Lesbian & Queer Titles That Don't Totally Suck
Growing up, a lot of the lesbian & queer media that was available to us was corny, dramatic, stereotypical, and sometimes just down right lame. The titles in this list won't always escape the pitfalls mentioned above, but all of them have at least one redeeming quality.
There will be many fairy tale endings, and a few "realistic happy endings". Probably not many sad endings though, as the point of this list is to be uplifting.
At the very least, there will be no murder, suicide, attempted murder, sudden death, patricide, "hysteria", etc.
(Added bonus: the films featured are accidentally mostly female-directed!)
Entries with *subplot* in the description are ones where the lesbian/queer storyline is not the main focus of the show or film.
There will be many fairy tale endings, and a few "realistic happy endings". Probably not many sad endings though, as the point of this list is to be uplifting.
At the very least, there will be no murder, suicide, attempted murder, sudden death, patricide, "hysteria", etc.
(Added bonus: the films featured are accidentally mostly female-directed!)
Entries with *subplot* in the description are ones where the lesbian/queer storyline is not the main focus of the show or film.
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- 42 títulos
- DirectorJamie BabbitReparto principalNatasha LyonneClea DuVallMichelle WilliamsUna adolescente ingenua es enviada a un campamento de rehabilitación cuando sus padres y amigos, que se encuentran en una posición estricta, sospechan que es lesbiana.A good place to start as it's probably one of the first movies to portray queer women in a humorous and positive light. Keep in mind that this was made in the 90's, so expect 90's comedy and 90's cheesiness. Still a lot of fun to watch though.
Redeeming quality: iconic, basically a must-watch. - CreadorKatie BaxendaleReparto principalOlivia HallinanLenora CrichlowRichard LumsdenKim, de quince años, acaba de mudarse a Brighton y se enamora de su nueva mejor amiga, Sugar.Definitely a good show to watch as an adolescent, but will also entertain bored adults. Sugar Rush is a British show about a young woman discovering she is attracted to her straight friend (that old story). However, it's a sweet and relatively fun take on the matter. I last saw this a long time ago but I remember distinctly that the main character's parents and younger brother were the most hilarious part.
[20 episodes]
Redeeming quality: British humor. - CreadoresBen York JonesMichael MohanReparto principalJahi Di'Allo WinstonPeyton KennedyPatch DarraghEn Oregón en 1990, los miembros de un club escolar de audiovisuales se enfrentan a los miembros del club de teatro.Clearly, it's the golden age of television. This little gem was sadly cancelled after only one season, but they managed to make something great while they had the time.
Set in the '90s (nostalgia level 9000), the series centers around a group of high school kids and manages to capture the angst of teenage crushes in general, but more specifically, what it's like to be a fifteen year old girl in love with another girl. All that, while still being one of the most adorable things I've seen in ages. Even the adults in this are adorable.
Highly recommended for a pick-me-up binge-watch.
[10 episodes]
Redeeming quality: almost makes up for all the horrible memories of secret school-time crushes that destroyed you as a teenager. - DirectorBrett HaleyReparto principalNick OffermanKiersey ClemonsBlythe DannerPadre e hija forman un dúo de cantautores improbable durante el verano anterior a que ella empiece la universidad.Kiersey Clemons has played quite a few interesting queer characters over the last few years, and this one is no exception. Also co-starring my favorite macho man, Nick Offerman, Hearts Beat Loud is about Sam (Clemons) and her relationship with her father as she prepares to leave for college. The fact that Sam has a crush on a girl does sort of take a back seat to the main plot, but I wouldn't go as far as to call it a subplot. Expect a few giggles, some good vibes, and not bad music.
Redeeming quality: a great cast of main and secondary characters and an effortless feel-good vibe.
*subplot* - DirectorAlice WuReparto principalJoan ChenMichelle KrusiecLynn ChenUna chino-estadounidense gay y su madre tradicionalista se resisten a andar en público con sus amores secretos que chocan con las expectativas culturales.A lighthearted look into Chinese-American culture with queer women at its center. Sure, it gets pretty corny at times, but it's mostly cute corny. It also manages to take on other controversial facets of life as a Chinese-American woman.
Redeeming quality: Joan Chen! (from Twin Peaks!) - DirectorMiranda JulyReparto principalRichard JenkinsDebra WingerEvan Rachel WoodLa vida de una mujer cambia cuando sus padres, criminales, invitan a una desconocida a unirse a la familia para su próximo gran golpe.I'm a total sucker for characters that go from "emotional brick wall" to "jello" over the course of a film or show. I'm also a HUGE fan of Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld is one of my top 5 favorite shows of all time). So I might be a bit biased when it comes to this sweet, thoughtful, smart, and frankly just perfectly written movie.
It's so much fun and might give you that little happy cry we've all been needing lately.
Redeeming quality: good heart feels, and Old Dolio's low-pitched voice. - DirectorOlivia WildeReparto principalKaitlyn DeverBeanie FeldsteinJessica WilliamsLa noche antes de su graduación, dos mejores amigos, superestrellas académicas, se dan cuenta de que podrían haberse divertido más y trabajado menos. Con la determinación de no quedarse atrás, se prometen pasar una noche inolvidable.A good choice if you're looking for something fun to watch that will make you giggle. The idea of high school graduation/never having to be in school ever again is just one of many little things that make this entry a total feel good movie. Though this isn't strictly a lesbian/wlw movie, I'm putting it here because the character's sexuality does feature heavily in the plot.
Redeeming quality: light, amusing, fun to watch.
*subplot* - DirectorAlexandra-Therese KeiningReparto principalRuth Vega FernandezLiv MjönesKrister HenrikssonUna joven comprometida para casarse se encuentra en una aventura con la hija lesbiana de su futura madrastra.The plot has been done a few times (Imagine Me & You) but never this gracefully. The acting is quite good and it's definitely one of the more realistic (and positive) portrayals of this sort of relationship. I believe it is set in Sweden, so the beautiful scenery does help make this one of my favorite lesbian/wlw flicks.
Redeeming quality: authentic. Also there's a good amount of spooning. - CreadorJenji KohanReparto principalTaylor SchillingDanielle BrooksTaryn ManningCondenada por haber transportado dinero del narcotráfico a una ex-novia diez años atrás, la normalmente buena ciudadana Piper Chapman es condenada a un año y medio entre rejas y se enfrenta a la realidad de cómo la prisión te puede cambiar la vida.An obvious choice for this list. People who have avoided this show so far seem to be doing so because they feel it might be "too gay", and to be fair, it is pretty darn gay (but in a great way)
On the surface, it's the story of a woman who goes to minimum security prison. By the end of season one though, you will have met more interesting female characters than possibly any other show ever. Orange continues to explore the stories and lives of inmates (and sometimes guards) in a smart, humorous, sometimes dramatic tone. There really is something for (almost) everyone, but wlw fans in particular get a good amount of fan service.
[91 episodes]
Redeeming quality: a whole lot of gender non-conforming positive representation of diverse women. - DirectorSo Yong KimReparto principalRiley KeoughJena MaloneJessie Ok GrayLa relación entre dos amigos se profundiza durante un improvisado viaje por carretera.Your excuse to stare at Riley Keough for an hour and a half. A quiet film that is subtle and bittersweet. This movie is less about queerness than it is about two women who are trying to be happy despite not having their sh*t together (most of us can relate). Also the soundtrack is not bad.
Redeeming quality: it's very real. Also it features the cutest (CUTEST) little girl ever.
*subplot* - DirectorCéline SciammaReparto principalZoé HéranMalonn LévanaJeanne DissonUna familia se muda a un nuevo vecindario, y una niña de 10 años llamada Laure se presenta deliberadamente como un niño llamado Mikhael a los niños del vecindario.One of my favorite movies ever. A French film from wonderful director Céline Sciamma. Takes a genuine look at life as a 10-year-old tomboy.
It could be argued that this film portrays the transgender experience rather than the lesbian/wlw experience. However I did relate to much of it and I'm putting it here because I do think this represents the childhood experiences of a lot of people who identify as LGBTQ+
Redeeming quality: does not need one.
*subplot* - DirectorSue KramerReparto principalHeather GrahamTom CavanaghBridget MoynahanGray and Sam are brother and sister, best friends, and flatmates in New York City, where she creates ad campaigns and he's a surgery intern. Their social life is too insular, so they head to a dog park so Sam can, maybe, meet a woman. He does: Charlie, a zoologist new in the city; he likes her immediately, and the feeling seems mutual. As the three of them spend time together, what if Gray's feelings for Charlie aren't just sisterly? Not only might this explain her solitary life, but it could lead to real dilemmas--with Charlie (who's sweet, but a bit opaque) and with Sam. No advice comes from Gray's therapist, but a co-worker and a cab driver give theirs. Can Gray sort things out?"Kitsch is in!", one of many quotable Molly Shannon lines from this movie.
The dialogue is cheesy, there's a lot of singing & A LOT of dancing, it's set in New York and features a good amount of familiar faces. Basically, this one's only here because it's so positive.
Watch it if you need a silly romantic comedy to take the load off.
Redeeming quality: you can turn off your brain for an hour and a half. - CreadoresDiablo CodyTig NotaroReparto principalTig NotaroJohn RothmanNoah HarpsterFollow Tig Notaro as she returns to her hometown after the death of her mother. Still recovering from her health problems, Tig struggles to find balance with the loss of the only person in her life who understood her.Some more really good television here that was cancelled too soon. Tig Notaro is a phenomenal actor/creator. There's just not enough I can say about how well this show is made. It's so much more than just a comedy, tackling some real life stuff but always in a light and entertaining way (it gets surprisingly sappy sometimes too)
P.S. If you're not already familiar with her personal life, make sure to google Tig Notaro (once you're done watching the whole thing but NOT BEFORE BECAUSE SPOILERS)
[12 episodes]
Redeeming quality: smart, funny, sad, cute as f***, relatable, authentic. I could go on... - DirectoresDominique CardonaLaurie ColbertReparto principalNicola Correia-DamudePatrick McKennaClaire LautierBehind the facade of a beautiful urban home, a combination of complacency and bad investments has left power couple Ben and Gail disconnected, resentful and just about broke. When the cash-strapped yuppies fire their teen-aged daughter's lesbian Mexican nanny, Margarita, they set off a chain of events that lead to her deportation.A quiet little Canadian movie that's pretty easy to watch. A modern suburban nuclear family type setting where the main focus is the family's nanny/housekeeper, who just happens to be gay and very attractive. A fun watch if you're looking to just sit back and relax.
Redeeming quality: takes place in a refreshingly idyllic world. - DirectorDarren ThorntonReparto principalSeána KerslakeCarolyn BrackenDenise McCormackA woman newly released from prison seeks a date to bring to her best friend's wedding.THIS MOVIE! *heart eyes*
It's the sweetest thing I've seen in years. With a good amount of Irish quirk & humor and a main character you will just want to hug the whole time, this film (or "fillem" as the Irish would pronounce it) somehow manages to balance realness with warm fuzzy heart feelings.
Redeeming quality: most adorably angry queer woman in movie history. - DirectorJosh BeckReparto principalWendy McColmJosh BeckChristina Elizabeth SmithWhile struggling to cope with the death of her boyfriend, a young woman begins to form romantic feelings for her new supportive female friend.Available online for free (youtube) last I checked.
This one starts out quite dramatically and tells a bit of a sad story. I wouldn't call it an all-in-all sad film though. It has its moments and is worth a watch even though it's not as colorful or fast-paced as some of the other movies on this list.
Redeeming quality: a dramatic plot that (for once) is not too exaggerated. - CreadoresKim CoghillAndrew De AngelisJeff DetskyReparto principalTatiana MaslanyDylan BruceJordan GavarisUna estafadora de la escuela de la calle se ve envuelta en una conspiración tras presenciar el suicidio de un chica idéntica a ella misma.You may have already seen it but I couldn't not add this show to the list. For those who haven't, expect lots of (awesome) female characters, including a couple of (amazing) queer characters.
Check out the first few episodes and if you find yourself hooked, let me be the first to say: welcome to Clone Club.
[50 episodes]
Redeeming quality: a great premise that focuses on agency and empowerment (and Tatiana Maslany!)
*subplot* - CreadoresChloé RobichaudFlorence GagnonReparto principalEve DuranceauKimberly LaferriereAlexa-Jeanne DubéFollows the lives of women living in Montreal.French Canadian webseries that centers around the lives of queer women living in Montreal. It's fun, quick, and pretty light all in all.
Warning for anyone who can't stand the French Canadian accent: you will not like this show.
[16 episodes]
Redeeming quality: lighthearted and unassuming, easy to binge. - DirectorJoachim TrierReparto principalEili HarboeKaya WilkinsHenrik RafaelsenUna chica religiosa y confusa trata de negar sus sentimientos por una amiga que está enamorada de ella. Ello provoca que sus poderes psicoquinéticos, reprimidos por su subconsciente, reaparezcan con resultados devastadores.Probably the only "horror/thriller" you'll find on this list. I had mixed feelings about it at first but it ended up winning me over with its intensity and the wholly captivating way it unfolds.
I should mention that this Norwegian film is going to be the one exception to the "no crazy murder flicks" rule mentioned earlier in the intro (it's worth it though)
Redeeming quality: manages to pull off the "queer women are supernatural" trope without being condescending. - DirectorJenée LaMarqueReparto principalConstance WuAngela TrimburJosh FademA lesbian bachelorette weekend goes awry when one of the brides admits she's never had an orgasm.A weekend getaway film that centers on a lesbian couple getting ready for their wedding day. Their friends are trying to throw them a memorable bachelorette party but there seems to be one major problem ruining everyone's good time.
This movie definitely tackles a topic not often touched upon in lesbian-centered media, and I think it pulls it off, if not gracefully, at least realistically.
A fun and sincere watch.
Redeeming quality: the only lesbian film/show I've ever seen that brings up female sexual dysfunction. - DirectorOwen HarrisReparto principalGugu Mbatha-RawMackenzie DavisDenise BurseUn pueblo costero. 1987. Dos chicas, una tímida y la otra extrovertida, sienten una conexión instantánea que parece desafiar las leyes del tiempo y del espacio.Black Mirror is by far one of the finest sci-fi shows of the decade. "San Junipero" is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but it is well worth the watch. Every episode of the show is a standalone story so no need to worry about continuity.
Redeeming quality: great plot that really gets you thinking. - DirectorClea DuVallReparto principalMelanie LynskeyJason RitterSkylar BernonUna escapada de fin de semana para cuatro parejas da un giro brusco cuando una de las parejas descubre que todo el viaje fue orquestado para albergar una intervención sobre su matrimonio.Not strictly a lesbian/wlw movie but the iconic couple from But I'm a Cheerleader (Clea DuVall & Natasha Lyonne) is in it so I'm pretty sure it counts.
A good movie all in all.
Redeeming quality: generally funny cast.
*subplot* - DirectorDesiree AkhavanReparto principalChloë Grace MoretzSteven HauckQuinn ShephardEn 1993, una adolescente es obligada por su familia a asistir a un centro de terapia para reorientar la sexualidad de jóvenes homosexuales tras ser descubierta besando a su mejor amiga.In contrast to But I'm a Cheerleader, this movie tells the story of gay conversion therapy camps as it really is: sad and infuriating. But it manages to stay hopeful and enjoyable throughout.
Redeeming quality: Takes a truthful and much needed look at the dangers of gay conversion therapy. - DirectorJohan MelinReparto principalAnna FabriciusLotte Norholm AndersenPredrag CalovicWith a hypnosis session on the outskirts of Copenhagen serving as the collision point for several people's lives, the action quickly escalates in this moving one-shot film.A Danish film available to watch in full on vimeo. I added this to the list even though it is a bit heavy. I found the one-take aspect of it to be kind of amazing to be honest. It's a little dark, dramatic, and rough around the edges, but there is a warmness to it that shines through to the very final scene.
Redeeming quality: I'm not an expert on film making but I found it to be technically highly impressive.
*subplot* - Reparto principalElaine CassidySally HawkinsImelda StauntonEn la Inglaterra victoriana, Sue, una joven ladrona, participa en una estafa para defraudar a una rica heredera convirtiéndose en su doncella. Las cosas toman un giro inesperado y el plan de Sue sale terriblemente mal.This one is slightly eccentric. A two-part BBC special set in Victorian England, and based on a novel by Sarah Waters. Definitely less eccentric than Tipping the Velvet, the other TV special based on a Waters novel.
It tells the story of Sue, a common thief, hence the title.
Redeeming quality: entertaining and engaging plot.
