The Year in LGBTQ+ Films: 2025 in Review

Dylan O’Brien in “Twinless”

As 2025 draws to a close, queer cinema has moved beyond “struggle” to a vibrant era of genre-bending joy. From high-budget musicals to intimate portraits, these stories are no longer a niche—they are the year’s main event.
 
Here are a few of our recommendations:
 
Kiss of the Spider Woman
 
Bill Condon’s lush musical adaptation. Jennifer Lopez shines in a dual role, but newcomer Tonatiuh steals the show as Molina. Available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Vudu (Fandango at Home).
 
The Wedding Banquet
 
Andrew Ahn’s Gen Z update of the Ang Lee classic. Starring Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone, it swaps “shame” for a celebration of chosen family. Streaming now on Paramount+; also available on The Roku Channel and for digital purchase on Amazon.2.
 
Peter Hujar’s Day
 
A 16mm masterpiece from Ira Sachs starring Ben Whishaw. A poetic, “mundane” day in the life of the legendary photographer. Released via The Criterion Collection; available to pre-order or buy on Apple TV and Vudu.
 
Twinless
 
A twisty psychological thriller starring Dylan O’Brien in a dual role. It explores grief with an “unexpected emotional payoff.”
Where to Stream: Available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.3.
 
Heightened Scrutiny
 
Follows ACLU attorney Chase Strangio’s historic legal battle for trans rights at the Supreme Court.
Available via Gathr (Video on Demand) and select virtual cinema platforms.
 
Come See Me in the Good Light
 
A heartbreakingly beautiful look at poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley navigating love and terminal illness. Streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.
 
Pee-wee as Himself
 
A two-part HBO documentary featuring Paul Reubens‘ final, intimate interviews about his life and sexuality. Streaming exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max).

A Nice Indian Boy

This heartwarming romantic comedy stars Jonathan Groff and Karan Soni, exploring the cultural and familial intersections of a gay Indian-American man bringing his white boyfriend home. It has become a standout hit for its humor and emotional depth. Streaming on Hulu.

On Swift Horses

A stylish and sweeping period drama featuring a powerhouse cast including Jacob Elordi and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Set in the post-Korean War era, the film follows a complex web of gambling, hidden desires, and the search for freedom in a rigid society. Streaming on Netflix.

I Wish You All the Best

Based on the beloved novel by Mason Deaver, this coming-of-age story marks the directorial debut of Tommy Dorfman. Featuring a sensitive lead performance by Corey Fogelmanis, the film follows a non-binary teen’s journey of self-discovery and healing after being kicked out of their home. Available to rent or buy on Apple TV and Amazon.

Ponyboi

A gritty and visually stunning neo-noir written by and starring River Gallo. As the first feature film led by an out intersex person, it follows a young sex worker on the run in New Jersey over the course of one high-stakes Valentine’s Day. Available to rent on Google Play and Vudu.

Plainclothes

A tense and atmospheric romantic thriller set in the 1990s. Starring Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey, the story centers on an undercover police officer who becomes entangled in the very community he is assigned to entrap, leading to a high-stakes internal conflict. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

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