16 (and an extra 7) Movies You Should Watch!

If you’re like me, you know that there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good movie, hot guy buy you’re side and a bowl of popcorn that would feed the entire theatre – only we’re at home, and I’m eating it, alone, regardless of the hot guy.

As a movie buff and someone who used to review movies for a living I’ve seen my fair share of on-screen entertainment, from the truly awful to the amazingly inspirational, so with that in mind I’ve compiled a list of 16 films that I think every gay man should watch at least once (or a dozen times). Actually, scratch that, 16 films I think everyone should watch, regardless of sexuality!

They’re not in any particular order as they all have something special to offer and I think ranking them would be wrong, well for me it would as I wouldn’t be able to pick the top one. But My Beautiful Laundrette would come quite high, as would Paris is Burning, The Boys in the Band and Nighthawks. And Boys Don’t Cry, The Celluloid Closet… you know, I’m just gonna stop. I couldn’t pick a top five let alone a number one!

So here you go, sixteen movies you should watch.

1. Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

This one is a gut punch, but Boys Don’t Cry is a powerful, gritty film everyone should see. Based on the true story of Brandon Teena, a trans man navigating life and love in rural Nebraska, it’s a haunting reminder of the violence faced by LGBTI+ people, especially those who are trans. But it’s also about love, defiance, and being true to who you are—even when the world says no. Hilary Swank’s performance will break your heart, and if you don’t cry at least once, check your pulse. It’s not the sexy romp of the list, but if you want to know where the fight for trans rights really started kicking down doors, start here.

2. The Boys in the Band (1970)

Before Grindr and TikTok, gay men had to hang out IRL, and The Boys in the Band captures the drama of one such gathering. It’s a birthday party where all the gay stereotypes of the ‘60s come out, and so do all the reads. It’s witty, cutting, and gloriously campy—like a big, drunken therapy session but with sharper zingers. If you love watching your friends unravel over game night, you’ll adore this film. It’s also a window into how far we’ve come (and how much shade still survives) since then. 

3. The Celluloid Closet (1995)

Okay, film nerds, this one’s for you. The Celluloid Closet is basically the Queer Eye makeover for Hollywood’s past. It dives into how queer characters have been portrayed throughout movie history—mostly in ways that would make you roll your eyes or hurl your popcorn. But it’s also a celebration of how far LGBTI+ representation has come, with all the campy subtext and hidden innuendoes from old-school Hollywood. It’s like that friend who knows everything about film and always has a juicy story about the actors. Perfect for those who want to look back and laugh, cry, and sometimes cringe.

4. Cruising (1980)

Al Pacino goes undercover in New York’s BDSM leather scene in Cruising, and the whole thing feels like a fever dream of sweat, leather, and questionable police work. The film is controversial—some call it homophobic, others a cult classic—but it’s undeniably sexy and scandalous. It’s got a gritty ‘80s vibe and a lot of sweaty torsos, so if you’re into murder mysteries but want some steamy, late-night underground vibes, this is a must-watch. Plus, it’ll make you appreciate the much more open (and safer) club scenes today. Now look, this film got a lot of flack at the time, and when viewing you might think “rightly fucking so it got flack!” but I think it’s important to remember that when being made it had a lot of support from the leather and SM community of New York but it’s not just that. It’s a vision of how Hollywood treated gay culture and if one night you’re sat with friends talk about movies and LGBTI+ representation in the industry, how great will you look being able to bring up this one!

5. Edward II (1991)

A medieval king with a thing for his hunky boyfriend? Yes, please. Edward II takes the true story of the doomed English king and gives it a queer twist, complete with modern elements, homoerotic subtext, and a truly fierce performance by Tilda Swinton. It’s Shakespearean but sexy, with enough brooding glances to fill a gay bar. Think of it as history class, but with more tension and very questionable political decisions. If you like your period pieces with a dose of rebellion and some serious heat, add this to your watchlist.

6. Looking for Langston (1989)

Part poetry, part tribute, and fully an experience, Looking for Langston is an artistic journey through the life of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance. It’s dreamlike, erotic, and unapologetically Black and queer. Think soft jazz, beautiful men, and smoky atmospheres. It’s perfect for those who like their queer history with a bit of avant-garde flair. It’s sexy in that sultry, ‘let’s read poetry and then make out’ kind of way, and it’s a reminder of the richness and beauty of Black queer culture.

7. My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

What happens when you mix Thatcher-era politics with forbidden love? My Beautiful Laundrette. This film pairs a Pakistani immigrant and a skinhead lover as they try to run a laundrette together. It’s full of unlikely tenderness and political tension, but also plenty of ‘80s style, like neon lights and leather jackets. The chemistry between Daniel Day-Lewis and Gordon Warnecke is electric—yes, you’ll be rooting for them, even when things get messy. It’s a love story that’s rough around the edges but so worth the spin. This movie evokes so many feelings and memories in me.

8. My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix star in this dreamy, wandering film about hustlers looking for love, family, and purpose. My Own Private Idaho is the kind of road trip that gets more poetic the longer you stay in the car, with gorgeous shots and even more gorgeous leading men. River’s performance is heartbreaking and beautiful, and the film is a love letter to outsiders. It’s sexy in that grunge-era way, with unwashed jeans and desperate kisses under neon lights. Prepare for feelings.

9. Nighthawks (1978)

Nighthawks is a time capsule of what it was like to be gay before apps and insta-twinks. It’s about a teacher living his double life—professional by day, gay club regular by night. It’s a slow burn, but it’s worth it for the honesty of its portrayal of London’s gay scene. It’s like watching a disco ball spin in slow motion. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, but it’s also got some sexy vibes with those low-lit dance floors and clandestine glances. Ideal for history buffs who want a more raw, unfiltered look at gay life in the ‘70s.

10. Paris Is Burning (1990)

Let’s be real—Paris Is Burning is an absolute must-see. This documentary dives deep into the underground ballroom scene of New York, where queens, kings, and everything in between were serving looks and attitude. It’s all about voguing, shade, and the chosen families who made this scene legendary. Expect amazing style, witty one-liners, and the kind of sass that makes you feel like you just walked into the fiercest club ever. But beyond the drama, it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the art of creating space for yourself when the world won’t. Watch this and you’ll see where most of the phrases you use came from.

11. Parting Glances (1986)

This ‘80s classic is a beautiful snapshot of love, loss, and friendship during the AIDS crisis. But don’t worry, it’s not all tears—it’s got its share of humour, too. Parting Glances is all about those complicated ex-relationships that somehow still work and the messy, real-life connections we navigate. It’s got heart, it’s got Steve Buscemi as a punk rocker with feelings, and it’s got just the right amount of sexy tension. Think of it as a warm hug with a touch of bittersweetness.

12. Silverlake Life: The View from Here (1993)

Okay, tissues ready. Silverlake Life is an emotional documentary about two men living with AIDS, documenting their love and struggle with the disease. It’s raw, it’s real, and yes, it’s going to make you cry—but in a way that leaves you feeling the beauty of love even in the hardest times. It’s a reminder of the strength and resilience of the LGBTQI+ community. It’s sexy in that love-is-a-verb kind of way, showing intimacy, vulnerability, and unwavering devotion. Watch it to appreciate how far we’ve come and to never forget the people who paved the way.

13. Taxi Zum Klo (1980)

If you want something raunchy, unapologetically explicit, and oh-so-German, then Taxi Zum Klo is for you. It’s about a teacher (yes, another one!) who lives a double life—respectable by day, cruising by night. And it’s got a lot of…um…realism. This film dives into the gay underground scene in Berlin with a fearless attitude, celebrating the joy and messiness of sex. It’s both a time capsule of the pre-AIDS era and a provocative challenge to conventional ideas about relationships. It’s hot, it’s gritty, and you’ll definitely have some opinions.

14. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

“Hey, I’m walkin’ here!” Okay, you know the quote, but do you know the movie? Midnight Cowboy is the story of a naïve hustler, Joe Buck (Jon Voight), and a scrappy drifter, Ratso (Dustin Hoffman), struggling to survive in New York City. It’s the original buddy drama with plenty of homoerotic tension thrown in. Their relationship is touching and tender, but let’s not forget it’s about a hustler’s journey, so there’s some definite heat and raw energy. It’s a classic that’ll make you appreciate how far LGBTI+ cinema has come.

15. Pink Narcissus (1971)

A fever dream of a film, Pink Narcissus is what happens when you mix erotic fantasy with DIY aesthetics. It’s all about one man’s fantasy world where he’s everything from a matador to a Greek god. The movie is literally dripping with homoerotic imagery—think sweaty bodies, lavish colours, and not-so-subtle phallic symbols. It’s avant-garde, artsy, and very NSFW, but it’s also a celebration of desire, fantasy, and the male body. Perfect for those who like their films with a side of surrealism and a lot of sex appeal.

16. Beautiful Thing (1996)

If you’ve ever had a crush on the boy next door, Beautiful Thing is for you. It’s a sweet coming-of-age love story set in a working-class London housing estate. Jamie and Ste’s romance blooms between school, dodging bullies, and finding solace in each other’s arms. It’s got the ‘90s charm, a killer Mama Cass soundtrack, and enough feel-good moments to warm your heart. It’s sexy in that innocent, first-love kind of way, and it’ll leave you remembering the giddiness of discovering that someone special for the first time.

 

Oh, and while I’m at it, you should also try these:

• God’s Own Country (2017): A sexy British love story featuring mud, sheep, and a brooding farmer that’ll make you rethink your relationship with rural life—and perhaps your wardrobe.
• Angels in America (2003): This epic miniseries blends politics, drama, and a touch of fabulousness with Meryl Streep playing multiple roles. You’ll laugh, cry, and maybe start questioning your life choices.
• Brokeback Mountain (2005): Cowboy romance at its finest—this film proves that love can be complicated, heartbreaking, and make you want to saddle up for your own adventure under the stars.
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001): A glam rock musical about identity, love, and that oh-so-unfortunate “angry inch.” Expect catchy songs, fierce outfits, and a crash course in fabulousness.
• Yossi & Jagger (2002): A steamy love story between Israeli soldiers that’ll make you question your own military service—and leave you swooning over those uniforms.
• Weekend (2011): A beautiful and intimate exploration of a one-night stand that turns into something deeper. Warning: you might start questioning the meaning of true connection.
• The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994): Fabulous drag queens on a road trip across Australia, serving looks and laughs that’ll inspire you to embrace your inner diva—glitter optional but encouraged!