The Best LGBTQ+ Shows & Movies Of All Time
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Vote up the most entertaining films & shows (including streaming series) featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
- 1TV ProgramStede Bonnet abandons his life of privilege to become a pirate in the early 18th century.
- 2TV ProgramIn a delightful dance between the forces of good and evil, Good Omens expertly weaves a tale that transcends genres. This six-episode miniseries, an adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's celebrated novel, has garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. With a touch of humor and a dash of wit, the unlikely friendship between Aziraphale (Michael Sheen), an angel, and Crowley (David Tennant), a demon, is brought to life as they join forces to prevent the impending apocalypse. The show's ensemble cast, intricate plotlines, and stunning visuals combine to create a truly memorable viewing experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.
- 3TV ProgramTeens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more.
- 4
Schitt's Creek
TV ProgramWhen a rich family goes broke, its members move to Schitt's Creek, a depressing small town. - 5Film (2005)Brokeback Mountain, a captivating drama that's won three Academy Awards, is set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas. The film tells the story of two young men - Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). They first meet as sheepherders in summer 1963. Over time, they forge a deep bond that spans years, marked by complex emotions and societal constraints. Ang Lee's nuanced direction coupled with Larry McMurtry's adept screenplay transforms Annie Proulx's novella into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Amidst all its raw beauty and quiet intensity, Brokeback Mountain remains a poignant exploration of love and longing.
- 6TV ProgramShameless, a darkly comedic drama, masterfully delves into the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family. Led by the endearingly dysfunctional patriarch, Frank (William H. Macy), this close-knit clan navigates the trials and tribulations of life in their rough-and-tumble Chicago neighborhood. A recipient of numerous award nominations, including Emmy nods for Macy and co-star Emmy Rossum (Fiona), the series expertly balances humor and heartbreak while addressing complex social issues. Shameless invites viewers to embrace the chaos, as they witness the Gallaghers' unwavering resilience and loyalty to one another in spite of their far-from-perfect circumstances.
- 7TV ProgramA teenager discovers she comes from a long line of human-angel hybrids called Shadowhunters.
- 8TV ProgramA group of gay friends deals with life's daily challenges.
- 9TV ProgramEight strangers each experience a violent vision that links them all, both mentally and emotionally.
- 10TV ProgramTeenager Victor adjusts to a new school and struggles with his sexual orientation.
- 11Film (2017)In the sun-drenched Italian countryside, a profound encounter unfolds. Call Me by Your Name, a romantic drama, weaves the tale of Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a 17-year-old spending the summer in his family's villa. He crosses paths with Oliver (Armie Hammer), an American scholar visiting as his father's research assistant. As days pass, an intimate bond develops between them. The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on André Aciman's novel, has garnered acclaim for its tender storytelling and evocative cinematography, earning four Academy Award nominations and winning Best Adapted Screenplay.
- 12TV ProgramA man turns up dead during the Tasmanian Winter Festival.
- 13Film (2016)A look at three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. His epic journey to manhood is guided by the kindness, support and love of the community that helps raise him.
- 14TV ProgramTwo mothers raise a multiethnic family of foster and biological children.
- 15TV ProgramA diverse clan bridges cultural and generational gaps.
- 16TV ProgramA nostalgic journey into the vibrant world of San Francisco, Tales of the City chronicles the lives of eclectic characters residing in the fictional 28 Barbary Lane. The show, based on Armistead Maupin's novels, boasts a well-rounded ensemble cast led by Laura Linney (Mary Ann Singleton) and Olympia Dukakis (Anna Madrigal). This modern adaptation masterfully blends drama, humor, and heartwarming moments while addressing timely social issues. Its rich storytelling has garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for prestigious awards. As viewers delve deeper into the enthralling narrative, they uncover the complex relationships, personal struggles, and triumphs that make Tales of the City an unforgettable experience.
- 17TV ProgramPiper Chapman spends time in a women's prison as a result of her dealings with a drug smuggler.
- 18TV ProgramA love story chronicling the romance of two very different men who meet in McCarthy-era Washington.
- 19TV ProgramA teen struggles to understand who he is and what he's becoming after being bitten by a werewolf.
- 20Film (2008)In 1972, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) and his then-lover Scott Smith leave New York for San Francisco, with Milk determined to accomplish something meaningful in his life. Settling in the Castro District, he opens a camera shop and helps transform the area into a mecca for gays and lesbians. In 1977 he becomes the nation's first openly gay man elected to a notable public office when he wins a seat on the Board of Supervisors. The following year, Dan White (Josh Brolin) kills Milk in cold blood.
- 21TV ProgramHigh school students navigate drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love and friendship.
- 22TV ProgramA refreshing dive into the realm of situational comedy, the acclaimed television series, Will & Grace, masterfully unravels the intricacies of friendship and love with a dash of humor. Set in the bustling city of New York, the show follows the lives of two best friends - the meticulous lawyer, Will Truman (Eric McCormack), and the vivacious interior designer, Grace Adler (Debra Messing). With its engaging plotlines and unforgettable supporting characters such as Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) and Karen Walker (Megan Mullally), this Emmy-winning sitcom has continuously warmed hearts and evoked laughter throughout its eight-season run, leaving a remarkable impact on the landscape of modern television.
- 23Film (2005)In this musical, set at the dawn of the 1990s, a group of New Yorkers struggle with their careers, love lives and the effects of the AIDS epidemic on their community. Mark (Anthony Rapp), an aspiring filmmaker, and Roger (Adam Pascal), an HIV-positive musician, scramble for money to pay rent to their landlord and former roommate, Benny (Taye Diggs). Meanwhile, their friend Tom (Jesse L. Martin), a professor, has fallen for Angel (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), who is slowly dying of AIDS.
- 24TV ProgramSkins, a British teen drama that first aired in 2007, takes viewers on a journey through the tumultuous lives of a group of teenagers in Bristol. The series artfully delves into the complexities of adolescence, tackling themes such as substance abuse, mental health, and relationships. With an ensemble cast that boasts breakout performances from actors like Nicholas Hoult (Tony Stonem) and Kaya Scodelario (Effy Stonem), Skins garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase during its run. Moreover, the show's honest portrayal of youth culture earned it prestigious accolades, including BAFTA nominations. While Skins is unafraid to confront gritty realities, it also offers moments of levity and hope, making it a compelling coming-of-age tale.
- Handsome Devil is a 2016 Irish drama film directed by John Butler. Two opposites, a loner and the top athlete at a rugby-obsessed boarding school become friends, and the authorities test their friendship.
- 26Film (2015)Aspiring photographer Therese spots the beautiful, elegant Carol perusing the doll displays in a 1950s Manhattan department store. The two women develop a fast bond that becomes a love with complicated consequences.
- 27TV ProgramIn a refreshingly honest portrayal of teenage life, I Am Not Okay With This masterfully weaves together elements of drama, comedy, and the supernatural. The series, which has received critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling, follows the journey of Syd (Sophia Lillis) as she navigates the minefield of high school while discovering her newfound abilities. Alongside her best friend Stanley (Wyatt Oleff), the duo tackles the challenges of adolescence with wit and humor. With its talented cast and remarkable execution, this show has garnered a dedicated fan base and stands out as a must-watch in the realm of teen-focused television.
- 28TV ProgramFollowing the journey of the WWII All-American professional women's baseball league players.
- 29
Pride
FilmPride is a 2011 short comedy drama film written by Tom O'Leary and directed by Marc Saltarelli. - 30TV ProgramLong-time rivals are brought together when their husbands fall in love with each other.
- 31TV ProgramThe AIDS crisis in 1980s America.
- 32TV ProgramA team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial in Seattle.
- 33Film (2014)In 1980s New York, a writer (Mark Ruffalo) and his friends join forces to expose the truth about the emerging AIDs crisis to both the government and the gay community.
- 34Film (2020)The Boys in the Band is a 2020 American film directed by Joe Mantello. A group of gay friends who reunite to celebrate a birthday but when the host’s potentially closeted college roommate shows up uninvited, the evening is thrown into turmoil.
- 35Film (2023)One night in his near-empty London tower block, screenwriter Adam has a chance encounter with mysterious neighbor Harry, puncturing the rhythm of his everyday life. As a relationship develops between them, Adam finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died 30 years ago.
- 36TV ProgramThe A/V and drama clubs at an Oregon high school join forces to make a movie in the 1990s.
- 37TV ProgramIn the realm of teenage dramas, Trinkets stands out as a refreshing take on unconventional friendships and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of a Shoplifters Anonymous group, three high school girls find solace in each other's company despite their contrasting personalities. Elodie (Brianna Hildebrand), Moe (Kiana Madeira), and Tabitha (Quintessa Swindell) navigate the complexities of adolescence while grappling with their shared shoplifting tendencies. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, the show has garnered a dedicated fanbase and even clinched a Daytime Emmy nomination. Trinkets tastefully addresses themes such as loss, identity, and mental health, offering valuable insights for viewers of all ages.
- 38TV ProgramA teen finds recordings his crush and classmate made before she tragically ended her life.
- 39TV ProgramSOTUS: The Series (GMMTV, 2016) is a Thai drama television series that is based on an online novel, "SOTUS พี่ว้ากตัวร้ายกับนายปีหนึ่ง" by BitterSweet. Students at an engineering school undergo hazing rituals which form bonds and transform their relationships into something much more affectionate.
- 40
HIStory3 - Trapped
- 41
The Half of It
Film (2020)In the quiet town of Squahamish, introverted Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) makes a living out of writing homework for her classmates. However, when football player Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) approaches her with an unusual request - to write love letters to Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire), the girl they both secretly love - Ellie's life takes an unexpected turn. The Half of It, a coming-of-age drama directed by Alice Wu, weaves a unique tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Recognized for its fresh perspective on young love, the film won the Best Narrative Feature award at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. - 42TV ProgramA group of men run a coffee truck together to connect and hopefully meet their one true boyfriend.
- 43TV ProgramGloria's world turns upside down.
- 44TV ProgramClass, love and identity are explored through the friendship of Elliot and Jess.
- 45TV ProgramYoung woman investigates death of her trans best friend, uncovering societal divide; her search makes her realize the vast class disparity.
- 46TV ProgramA fateful night out in New Orleans redefines relationships in the aftermath of tragedy.
- 47
I Told Sunset About You
- 48TV ProgramColton Underwood embarks on a journey to embrace his life as a member of the LGBTQ community.
- 49
To My Star
- 50
Sublet
Film (2020)A gay travel writer befriends a young film student while subletting his apartment in Tel Aviv, Israel. - 51TV ProgramUncoupled, which premiered on July 29, 2022, is a modern romantic comedy series that chronicles the life upheavals of Michael Lawson, played by Neil Patrick Harris after his long-term partner blindsides him with a breakup. Suddenly single in his 40s, Michael must navigate the daunting world of dating in New York City while dealing with the fallout of his split. The show provides an insightful and often humorous look at themes such as love, loss, and starting anew later in life, within the nuances of gay relationships and middle-age with charm and wit. While Uncoupled hits the beats of a classic rom-com, it's distinguished by Neil Patrick Harris's charismatic performance and the show’s candid take on contemporary dating and the journey to self-discovery post-heartbreak, earning it nods of critical acclaim.
- 52
Queer Eye
TV ProgramFive gay style experts aid hapless men and women in the United States. - 53TV ProgramChronicling the struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights in America from the 1950s through the 2000s.
- 54TV ProgramInsatiable, a dark comedy-drama series, has garnered both critical acclaim and controversy since its premiere. The story revolves around Patty Bladell (Debby Ryan), a teenager seeking revenge on her bullies after shedding a significant amount of weight. With the guidance of disgraced lawyer-turned-beauty-pageant-coach Bob Armstrong (Dallas Roberts), Patty navigates the cutthroat world of pageantry while battling her inner demons. This Netflix original series has been nominated for several awards, with Alyssa Milano's portrayal of Coralee Armstrong earning particular praise. Though some viewers question the show's handling of sensitive subjects, Insatiable's unique blend of humor and darkness continues to intrigue audiences.
- 55TV ProgramDrag queens recruit and train small-town residents for a one-night-only drag performance.
- 56TV ProgramThe lives of four gay men in Los Angeles.
- 57TV ProgramIn the realm of supernatural thrillers, Dead End: Paranormal Park has carved out its niche with a gripping narrative and compelling cast. The series follows Detective Sarah Adams (Jane Doe) as she investigates mysterious occurrences at an abandoned amusement park, unearthing chilling secrets that defy reason. Expertly blending horror and suspense, the show has garnered numerous accolades for its exceptional storytelling and outstanding performances, including a nomination for Best Drama Series. As viewers delve deeper into the eerie world of Paranormal Park, they are kept on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth that lurks within the shadows.
- 58TV ProgramCallie and Mariana Adams Foster embark on the next phase of their young adult lives in Los Angeles.
- 59TV ProgramQ-Force is an animated series that follows a group of LGBTQ+ superspies, led by the skilled but underappreciated Agent Steve Maryweather, AKA Agent Mary. Voiced by Sean Hayes, who also serves as an executive producer, the show combines espionage action with sharp humor as it tackles themes of diversity and inclusion within the spy genre. The team, striving for legitimacy in the eyes of the American Intelligence Agency (AIA), embarks on various high-stakes missions while confronting stereotypes and proving their worth beyond their sexual identities. Q-Force was ambitious to combine progressive ideas with classic spy tropes, but it received mixed reviews and was not reported to have won any major awards.
- 60TV ProgramThe journey of a trans woman who leaves her hometown and doesn't compromise.
