Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, and it’s the perfect time to cozy up and watch some great movies. It doesn’t matter if you’re hanging out with your partner or having a chill night by yourself; love is love, and everyone deserves a story that feels close to their heart. That’s why we’ve put together an awesome list of LGBTQ+ romance movies. These movies are all about showing love in its many colors, telling stories that might make you laugh, cry, or cheer because of how beautiful and real they feel.
LGBTQ+ movies have come a long way, and now there are so many films where everyone can see a bit of themselves or learn about others’ love stories. We want to share some of these amazing stories this Valentine’s. So, get your favorite snacks ready, make yourself comfy, and join us as we dive into some of the best LGBTQ+ romance movies. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, serious, or just a good love story, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with movies that celebrate love in every form.
1. Maurice (1987)
“Maurice” is a 1987 British romantic drama film directed by James Ivory, based on E.M. Forster’s novel. It stars James Wilby, Hugh Grant, and Rupert Graves, with a screenplay by Ivory and Kit Hesketh-Harvey. The film explores gay love in Edwardian England, following Maurice Hall through his life, struggles, and eventual partnership. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival, winning a Silver Lion for Best Director, and Best Actor for Wilby and Grant. The film also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
2. Blue is The Warmest Color (La Vie d’Adèle) (2013)
“Blue Is the Warmest Color”( La Vie d’Adèle) is a 2013 romantic drama directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, starring Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos. The film, based on a graphic novel by Jul Maroh, explores the relationship between Adèle, a teenager, and Emma, an aspiring painter, from Adèle’s high school years to her early adult life. It faced controversy over its portrayal of sexuality and working conditions on set. The film won the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, awarded to both the director and lead actresses, and received critical acclaim worldwide.
3. Love Simon (2018)
“Love, Simon” is a 2018 film directed by Greg Berlanti, based on the novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli. Starring Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, and Jennifer Garner, it follows Simon Spier, a closeted high school student navigating love and identity. The film, notable for being the first major Hollywood studio release focusing on a gay teenage romance, received positive reviews for its tone, writing, and representation, grossing $66.3 million worldwide. A TV series titled “Love, Victor” expands its universe.
4. Carol (2015)
“Carol” is a 2015 film directed by Todd Haynes, featuring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. The story, set in early 1950s New York, explores the forbidden love between an aspiring photographer and an older woman undergoing a difficult divorce. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Price of Salt,” the film was acclaimed for its direction, performances, and portrayal of its characters’ romance. Garnering widespread critical praise, “Carol” competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes and received numerous accolades, including six Academy Award nominations.
5. Mathias & Maxime (2019)
“Matthias & Maxime” is a 2019 Canadian drama directed by Xavier Dolan, featuring a story about two lifelong friends whose relationship is tested by a kiss for a student film. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of their late twenties life challenges. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was released in Canada in October 2019.
6. Imagine Me & You (2005)
“Imagine Me & You” is a 2005 romantic comedy-drama directed and written by Ol Parker, starring Piper Perabo and Lena Headey. The story unfolds around Rachel’s wedding day when she meets Luce, leading to a deep connection between them. The film navigates themes of love and self-discovery. It was well-received for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship, adding a refreshing narrative to the rom-com genre.
7. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
“Brokeback Mountain” is a 2005 film directed by Ang Lee, adapted from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story. The screenplay was written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry. Starring Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Michelle Williams, it tells the story of the complex romantic relationship between two American cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, from 1963 to 1983. The film was critically acclaimed, won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, and received multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director.
8. Summertime ( La Belle Saison) (2015)
“Summertime” (La Belle Saison) is a 2015 French-Belgian romantic drama directed by Catherine Corsini, featuring Cécile de France, Izïa Higelin, and Noémie Lvovsky. The story, set in 1971, follows Delphine, a farmer’s daughter who moves to Paris and falls in love with Carole, a feminist activist. The film explores their passionate love affair against the backdrop of the feminist movement. It premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival, winning the Variety Piazza Grande Award.
9. God’s Own Country (2017)
“God’s Own Country” is a 2017 British romantic drama directed and written by Francis Lee. It features Josh O’Connor and Alec Secăreanu as a young sheep farmer in Yorkshire and a Romanian migrant worker, whose relationship transforms their lives. The film, celebrated for its performances and storytelling, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, winning the World Cinema Directing Award.
10. Portrait of a Lady on Fire ( Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu) (2019)
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a 2019 French historical romantic drama directed by Céline Sciamma, featuring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. The film, set in the late 18th century, centers on the developing lesbian romance between an aristocrat and the painter commissioned to paint her portrait. It was notable for winning the Queer Palm at Cannes, marking the first time a film directed by a woman won this award. The film also received accolades for its screenplay at Cannes and was praised for its powerful depiction of women’s relationships and artistic creation.
Valentine’s Day is a great time to watch LGBTQ+ and gay romance movies. These films offer not just captivating stories, but also a deeper understanding and representation of LGBTQ+ experiences. Whether it’s a story of forbidden love, the joy of self-acceptance, or the journey to finding one’s true self, these movies resonate with the spirit of Valentine’s Day by celebrating love in all its forms. Let these stories remind us of the universal language of love that knows no boundaries, making Valentine’s Day a celebration for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Happy Valentine!
