Gay documentaries

Critics Consensus:We Were Here revisits the crises facing the gay community in the early 1980s -- and offers a powerful tribute to the inspiring resolve shown at a time of turmoil.

Bowen Yang, Han Gi-chan, Kelly Marie Tran, and Lily Gladstone star in this comedy about a green-card marriage between a gay man and his lesbian friend.

Here are our 40 essential LGBTQ+ documentaries, in order of release. Elordi plays Julius, a Korean War veteran who falls for his casino coworker Henry (Diego Calva).

Synopsis: When a transgender Filipina woman is found dead in a motel room and the leading suspect is a U.S.

Marine, [More]

Directed By: PJ Raval

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Dylan O’Brien stars alongside writer and director James Sweeney in this psychological black comedy about two men who meet in a grief support group for people who’ve lost their twin.

This list includes lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and gay documentary films. If so, recommend them in the comments and below!

Queer cinema hinges on stories about the one and the many.

So, what is the best LGBTQ documentary? Projects like 1977’s Word is Out, which compiled testimonials from men and women about their experiences coming to terms with their sexuality and coming out, began sketching on screen what a community could and did look like. The greatest LGBTQ+ documentary movies offer strong stories, memorable characters, and emotional payoffs that stick with you long after they're over.

Burn This Letter Please (2020)

Most of these films are available to stream now.

When the groom’s grandmother arrives to throw an extravagant Korean wedding banquet, plans go sideways.

In every way, these are some of the most important movies of our time.

Synopsis: In 1967, New York City is host to the Miss All-American Camp Beauty Pageant. Through conversations with his nurse Dorothy (Erin Kellyman), he recounts his past relationship with Philip (Robert Aramayo) and the tragic consequences of an experimental treatment.

2025 has been a standout year for queer cinema. [More]

Directed By: Arthur J. Bressan Jr.

Critics Consensus: True to its title, The Times of Harvey Milk looks back on the life of the titular politician and activist -- and the era he helped define with his trailblazing career.

O’Brien delivers dual performances that critics have called career-best work.

It’s also a moving account of two people who’ve chosen to brave their illness together.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Yoruba Richen examines the reaction of the black community to the debate over legalizing gay marriage. What begins as an unlikely friendship takes unexpected turns.

The film is set for a US theatrical release in February 2026 through Kino Lorber.

Lilies Not for Me

Lilies Not for Me is set in 1920s England.

(Nordisk Film), Alexander Skarsgard in Pillion.