50 Essential LGBT Films

Since June is historically LGBT Pride Month, it’s worth taking a look at the ways in which cinema has depicted queers and trans people on screen in comedies, dramas, and documentaries. While this is no definitive list of the best films to feature LGBT characters, themes, or icons, it is a collection of titles worth seeing before marching outside with beads and a plastic cup in your hand to wave at the politicians, celebrities, and corporate reps who have taken to parading down the street with slogans and rainbows in tow. After the jump, take a look at a sampling of 50 essential films, and add your own favorites in the comments!

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Two drag queens and a trans woman romp through the Outback in this delightful film about drag culture down under. It’s both flamboyant and subtly introspective, and Terrance Stamp, Hugo Weaving, and Guy Pearce deliver nuanced performances as the film’s three queens.