The top 11 LGBTQ+ movies of 2025

The 2020s have proven to be a remarkable era for LGBTQ+ cinema, delivering instant classics such as Challengers, Love Lies Bleeding, I Saw the TV Glow, Bottoms, Monica, All of Us Strangers, and Nope. Emerging filmmakers have also made a splash with stunning works like Mutt, Problemista, and The Stroll. As 2025 draws to a close, its time to celebrate the years standout comedies, dramas, documentaries, and musicals that captivated audiences. Here are 11 films that define LGBTQ+ excellence this year.

Wicked: For Good

While not reaching the heights of its predecessor, Wicked: For Good shines thanks to the powerhouse performances of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. This sequel shifts the spotlight from Elphaba to Glinda as she wrestles with staying in Oz without her closest friend. The film blends familiar characters with Oscar-worthy talent, making it a must-watch.

The Wedding Banquet

Director Andrew Ahn reimagines Ang Lees classic gay rom-com in this heartwarming comedy, now featuring a lesbian couple. Starring Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, and Han Gi-chan, the story follows Min, who proposes a lavender marriage with his lesbian friend to fund her IVF. The chemistry of the cast and the heartfelt narrative make it both tear-jerking and uplifting.

The History of Sound

In Oliver Harmanuss historical romance, Paul Mescal and Josh OConnor portray lovers separated by World War I. Lionel and David meet at the Boston Conservatory in 1917, and after the war, embark on a journey across New England to reconnect and collect folk songs. This quietly moving film is a tender meditation on love and time.

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Bill Condon returns to the musical genre with this Technicolor spectacle. Premiered at Sundance 2025, the film follows political prisoner Valentin and his gender-ambiguous cellmate Molina, who entertains him with stories of his favorite musicals. Jennifer Lopez delivers a star-making performance, and the film is a loving homage to classic Hollywood musicals.

Ponyboi

This gripping drama features River Gallo as an intersex sex worker navigating a dangerous Valentine's Day night after a fatal drug incident. Premiering at Sundance 2024 but released this year, the film highlights Gallos remarkable performance alongside Dylan OBrien, Victoria Pedretti, and Murray Bartlett, making it both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Come See Me in the Good Light

A deeply moving documentary chronicling the life of late Colorado poet laureate Andrea Gibson and their wife, Megan Falley. The film explores love, poetry, and living fully in the face of Gibsons terminal illness, celebrating joy and reflection rather than focusing solely on mortality.

Peter Hujar's Day

Ira Sachs delivers an intimate cinematic experience with this film, centering on a day-long conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. The sparse action emphasizes dialogue and performance, offering a profoundly engaging exploration of friendship and artistry.

Plainclothes

Set in 1997 Syracuse, this debut drama from Carmen Emmi follows Lucas, a young undercover officer navigating gay cruising spots. His encounters lead to a relationship with Andrew, an older man, exploring the tension between societal expectations and personal authenticity. A nuanced portrayal of closet life and self-discovery.

Enigma

Zackary Druckers documentary examines European trans history through the lives of performers April Ashly and Amanda Lear. By highlighting contrasting paths to visibility and success, Enigma emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating trans histories in a world increasingly eager to erase them.

Twinless

James Sweeneys darkly comedic film tells the story of two men meeting in a twin support group and forming a complicated friendship. With Dylan OBrien as Roman and Sweeney as Dennis, the movie blends humor, sexuality, and deception in a story of human connection and intrigue.

Hedda

Nia DaCostas adaptation of Henrik Ibsens classic features Tessa Thompson as Hedda, a socialite orchestrating a lavish party to advance her husbands career. Complications arise when her former lover appears, creating tension and drama. The film offers a compelling look at desire, power, and queerness within a 1950s British setting.

Author: Olivia Parker