Pride Month is here and many people are looking for ways to celebrate the queer community. While most pride celebrations have been delayed until the fall, watching movies at home is a fun alternative. Here are 8 different LGBTQ+ movies and TV shows that you should watch this Pride Month.
1. Love, Simon
Based on Becky Albertalli's hit novel Simon vs. the [censored] Sapiens Agenda, Love Simon tells the story of Simon Spier, a high school student who wants to have his own love story. It's a little more complicated, though, as he hasn't told anyone in his life that he's gay. While juggling his relationships with his friends and family, Simon also deals with the mystery of his classmate Blu, who he's fallen for online.
This film is full of heart and made noise as one of the first major motion picture releases focusing on an LGBTQ+ story. It was so successful that it led Hulu to make a spinoff series called Love, Victor. The highly praised movie is currently available to stream on Hulu or rent on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Love, Victor
The Hulu original Love, Victor follows Victor Salazar's new life in Creekwood as his family settles in from their move. It shows his journey as he makes new friends and finds a job in Creekwood, and most importantly, as he discovers who he is. It also features cameos from Love, Simon, a treat to fans of the original movie.
It is comedic at times but emotional and honest in dealing with relevant topics in today's society. It was released last year and the first season has ten episodes that can be found on Hulu. The second season is releasing this month, so catch up on the first one now!
3. The Half of It
The film follows high schooler Ellie Chu whose life gets a little more complicated when she agrees to write a love letter for a jock. She's known for her essay-writing business, and her classmate Paul Munsky approaches her with the task of helping him write a love letter. While unsure at first, she decides to help him, but what Ellie doesn't expect is to become friends with him, or to fall for his crush, Aster Flores. This Netflix original is written and directed by Alice Wu and is a beautiful coming-of-age story that everyone should watch.
4. A Secret Love
This recommendation may be surprising as it is quite different from the coming-of-age teen stories that have been mentioned so far. A Secret Love is a documentary about a lesbian couple who have been together since the '40s but kept their relationship a secret. Now, in the 2000s, Terry and Pat face coming out to their family and other struggles related to hiding their love for so long.
While the documentary has sad and tense moments, it also contains a sign of hope and shows the happiness that LGBTQ+ couples can find. This heartwarming film is available to stream on Netflix.
5. Queer Eye
This Netflix show features the new Fab Five, a group of five queer men who work together with a "hero" to give them a lifestyle makeover. Each of them works on one aspect of the hero's life: grooming, fashion, food and wine, design, and culture. Not only do they give the heroes a makeover on the outside, but work on transforming them from the inside as well, and creating a change of heart in how they view their lives.
The reboot also works to create conversation and empathy as the Fab Five form relationships with people very different from themselves. This powerful and heartwarming show currently has five seasons available on Netflix.
6. Booksmart
Best friends Amy and Molly have always been hard-working, A+ high school students, but the night before graduation they realize they may have missed out on the best parts of the high school experience. The film follows the events of one crazy night where they try to make up for four years of lost time. Not only is this a fun movie to watch for pride month, since one of the main characters is a lesbian, but also perfect for seniors to celebrate their graduation this month. Olivia Wilde's hilarious Booksmart, rated R, is available to stream on Hulu.
7. One Day at a Time
Netflix's re-imagined One Day at A Time follows the everyday life of a Cuban-American family, the Alvarezes. Penelope is a war veteran trying to adjust to civilian life, working full time as a nurse and taking care of her children, Elena and Alex, with the help of her mami Lydia. This sitcom is the perfect mixture of laughter and tears, bringing you in for the heartfelt moments while making you laugh along the way.
It has great queer representation, and deals with important topics such as mental health and coming out. Unfortunately, the series came to an abrupt end due to the Covid-19 pandemic after struggling to find a new network. The first three seasons are available on Netflix, and the six-episode 4th season is available on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
8. Carol
Set in 1950's New York City, while working in a department store, Therese Belivet spots the elegant Carol as she shops for her daughter. They quickly grow into a close relationship which becomes complicated by their circumstances. This award-winning film tells the story of forbidden love between two women.
The air of mystery and intrigue makes this movie, much like Carol, quite compelling. While a beautiful work of queer art, Carol is rated R for its maturity, and it is available on Amazon Prime Video or Tubi for free with ads.
Whether you watch one or all of these recommendations, I hope you enjoy seeing queer representation and appreciate their stories. Happy Pride Month!
