The most popular LGBTQ-themed films to enjoy this season

While mainstream cinema is now bringing more LGBTQ-focused stories to the forefront, filmmakers have long explored queer and trans themes in various ways through the years. Some works have done so subtly, while others were quite overt in their portrayals.

Certain films from recent decades have clearly resonated widely and durably, like "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" and "Moonlight," thanks to their nuanced and emotional depictions of LGBTQ relationships. Others also found new life after their initial release, such as "The Watermelon Woman," introducing fresh audiences to innovative works that broadened representation.

This list highlights a selection of memorable movies across history that craft multi-dimensional and engaging narratives involving queer or trans characters. Notably, many were also directed or written by LGBTQ filmmakers themselves, authentically conveying diverse experiences.

‘Paris is Burning’ (1990) and ‘The Queen’ (1968)

Trans women have made hugely significant cultural contributions to drag performance and ballroom communities. Their talents take the spotlight in these pioneering documentary films. "The Queen" profiles the 1967 Miss All-America Camp Beauty contestants and introduces viewers to the iconic Crystal LaBeija. Fed up with the prejudice that kept herself and other queens of color from winning, she formed her own support network, the House of LaBeija. Some legendary members of this found family later starred in "Paris is Burning," celebrated for portraying Black and Latino stars in New York's 1980s ballroom scene, many of whom were trans women. Their stories heavily influenced the award-winning FX series "Pose," which featured several pioneering Black trans actresses in leading roles, recognizing their impact.

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

In this metafictional film by Cheryl Dunye, she plays a character named Cheryl who is a budding filmmaker. Cheryl decides to make a movie about an uncredited Black actress from the 1940s who had played a "mammy" role. In researching this historical actress, Cheryl learns about her queer identity and history, which were erased. Cheryl's discoveries inform both her own romantic relationships and her emerging cinematic style. "The Watermelon Woman" influenced the New Queer Cinema movement of the 1990s and future films exploring queer Black women's stories. Though hugely impactful, the film remains entertaining for its casually cool lens and shrewd insights. It brought overlooked perspectives to light regarding representation and the tracing of artistic lineages.

‘Orlando’ (1992)

Based on Virginia Woolf's novel, "Orlando" stars Tilda Swinton in the titular role of a nobleman who lives for centuries and awakens one day having mysteriously changed sex to female. The film follows Orlando's adventures across different historical eras as gender performance and its social constructs are explored. Dir. Sally Potter thoughtfully probes themes of gender identity's fluidity through Orlando's fantastical journey. Swinton's shapeshifting performance and the sumptuous filmmaking immerse viewers in reflections on this still-relevant topic. Quentin Crisp also offers a memorable appearance as Queen Elizabeth I, lending luster to this dazzlingly portrayed meditation on selfhood beyond arbitrary binaries. Potter's adaptation translates Woolf's work into a visually stunning tour de force.

‘Hairspray’ (1988)

John Waters' "Hairspray" is set in the 1960s and stars his frequent collaborator Divine in a standout performance as Edna Turnblad, the self-assured mother of trader heroine Tracy Turnblad. Played by Ricki Lake, Tracy is a plus-sized teen dancer who dreams of performing on "The Corny Collins Show" and integrating its segregated atmosphere. While Tracy is ostensibly the lead, Divine steals many scenes through his big-hearted portrayal of Edna. The film celebrates inclusion through dance and challenges to social norms of the era. As a celebration of self-acceptance featuring memorable performances, "Hairspray" highlights Waters's directing talents while maintaining his signature wit and social commentary in a more accessible form than some prior works.