Top 20 Best LGBTQ+ Coming of Age Movies

Top 20 Best LGBTQ+ Coming of Age Movies

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Best LGBTQ Coming of Age Movies.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most affecting and influential movies that feature gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or otherwise queer protagonists coming into their own. Although they contain elements of a coming of age story, we won’t be including films like “Brokeback Mountain,” as the lead characters are much older.

Which of these movies had a profound impact on you? Let us know in the comments.

#20: “Cowboys” (2020)

Written and directed by Anna Kerrigan, “Cowboys” offers a neo-Western take on the queer experience. The film centers around a trans boy named Joe who, faced with the disapproval of his recently separated mother, struggles to assert his true identity. As a result, he runs off into the Montana wilderness with his father Troy, kicking off a police investigation into his disappearance as well as his own transformative coming-of-age journey. Kerrigan goes for the gold here, serving up a nuanced, character-driven exploration into themes of family dynamics and the importance of unconditional love for queer youth. Of course, “Cowboys” would be nothing without the impressive ensemble of actors who bring the well-rounded characters to life.

#19: “Rafiki” (2018)

While there has been progress in LGBTQ+ acceptance in many countries, queer people still face danger in certain parts of the world. With her 2018 film “Rafiki,” Kenyan director Wanuri Kahiu highlights this reality while telling a beautiful love story between two young women. The movie follows Kena and Ziki, who nurture a secret love for each other despite their fathers being political rivals. While “Rafiki” features the violence that queer people in such places face, it doesn’t revel in it. Instead, it celebrates the unbridled joy that innocent love can bring, giving its lead characters an ending that is as happy as can be. Although it was temporarily banned in Kenya, it became the first film from the country to be screened at Cannes.

#18: “Holding the Man” (2015)

Based on the critically acclaimed 1995 memoir by Timothy Conigrave, “Holding the Man” details the true love story between Conigrave and his partner John Caleo. The film follows the two young men from their first meeting as teenagers at a Melbourne secondary school. It then chronicles their journey as they both come to terms with their sexuality, while navigating societal pressures and their own personal struggles. It’s an intense and enduring love story that is completely sold by the profound chemistry between the two lead actors - Ryan Corr and Craig Stott. Although it ends on a sad note, with both characters succumbing to AIDS-related complications, “Holding the Man” is still an affecting tale of love and passion in the face of adversity.

#17: “Beautiful Thing” (1996)

Jamie and Ste are two teenage boys who discover their attraction to each other while living in a South London council estate. As they navigate their newfound feelings, the relationship between the boys blossoms, with help from their eccentric neighbor, Leah, and Jamie’s single mother, Sandra. That is the premise of this screen adaptation of Jonathan Harvey’s 1993 same-titled original play. A tender yet complex coming-of-age story, “Beautiful Thing” was first released only on TV, but earned a theatrical run after garnering critical acclaim. The film brilliantly explores the intricacies of young love, highlighting just how important it is for young queer people to be accepted and supported by their own community.

#16: “Blue Is the Warmest Color” (2013)

Clocking in at three hours, “Blue is the Warmest Color” is certainly a slow burn, but one that cares about and revels in its central characters. The movie centers on the young love between the young Adèle and the artistic blue-haired Emma. Director Abdellatif Kechiche places the audience right in the center of their whirlwind romance, with stunning visuals to highlight the emotional depths that the film dives into. It manages to be a gorgeously sincere look at two young girls in love, while never feeling overly sentimental. The fervency between the two leads is palpable as the radiant performances and superb cinematography work together to craft an utterly unique vision.

#15: “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001)

Co-written and directed by acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, “Y Tu Mamá También” is not your typical queer movie. It follows the journey of two close friends, Julio and Tenoch, who embark on a road trip with an older woman named Luisa. As the three travel through rural Mexico, they engage in a series of romantic and emotional encounters that challenge their preconceptions of love, friendship and sexuality. With exceptional performances from Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal, the film questions traditional notions of masculinity by taking both characters on an unexpected sexual awakening. The film takes the road movie genre and injects it with themes of class and politics - elements that can appeal to everyone… and their mother too.

#14: “The Way He Looks” (2014)

After receiving high acclaim for his 2010 short “I Don't Want to Go Back Alone,” Brazilian filmmaker Daniel Ribeiro decided to expand it into a feature. In 2014, Ribeiro released “The Way He Looks,” a brilliant evolution of its source material. The film centers around Leonardo, a blind teenager who longs for his independence from his parents. At the same time, he develops feelings for a new student in his school named Gabriel, which threatens his relationship with his best friend, Giovana. Although “The Way He Looks” features multiple teen movie tropes, what sets it apart is its genuine warmth and absolutely lovable protagonists. This is one film that will remain with you long after it comes to an end.

#13: “C.R.A.Z.Y.” (2005)

Set in the 1960s and ‘70s, “C.R.A.Z.Y.” follows Zachary Beaulieu, as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality. Growing up as one of five boys in a deeply conservative family, Zac initially represses his true feelings for fears of being rejected by his folks. As he goes through various life experiences, Zac gradually learns to accept himself and eventually comes out to his family. Co-written and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, “C.R.A.Z.Y.” is brought to life by an impressive soundtrack, featuring hits by David Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones. The film received critical acclaim and is considered by some to be one of the best Canadian films ever made.

#12: “Get Real” (1998)

This one may not be as popular as some of the other entries on this list, but it nevertheless deserves a spot here. “Get Real” explores the coming-of-age of Steven Carter, a closeted British schoolboy who falls in love with a popular jock named John, after finding out he’s also queer. When John gets paranoid that he has been outed to the entire school, he destroys his relationship with Steven and abandons him. Released back in 1998, the film was groundbreaking in its exploration of self-discovery, acceptance and the challenges of coming out, especially at a young age. Through its nuanced and realistic portrayal of the experiences of LGBTQ youth, “Get Real” has now become a beloved classic of queer cinema.

#11: “I Killed My Mother” (2009)

Co-produced, written and directed by Canadian prodigy Xavier Dolan, who also stars in the lead role, “I Killed My Mother” was partly inspired by Dolan’s real life. The film revolves around Hubert Minel, a talented teenager whose tumultuous relationship with his single mother affects the exploration of his own sexuality. As he grapples with his identity and tries to find his place in the world, Hubert experiences conflicting emotions about his mother, whom he both loves and resents. Borrowing from his own life, Dolan tells a poignant story of the challenges of growing up queer in a society that often misunderstands you. Although uneven at times, “I Killed My Mother” is still raw, honest and criminally good.

#10: “Wendell & Wild” (2022)

This 2022 horror comedy marked the long-anticipated return of the famed stop-motion animation filmmaker Henry Selick. Co-written by Jordan Peele, who also voices one of the titular characters, “Wendell & Wind” tells the story of Kat, an angsty teenager who is tricked into summoning two demons into the land of the living. While the film does a great job with its fantastical exploration of grief, it also triumphs in its frank and honest representation of trans people. This is achieved through Kat’s best friend, Raúl, a trans boy in an all-girls school who uses his art to express himself and challenge authority. Despite being a supporting character, Raúl’s identity journey still takes the foreground in a way that feels organic and effortless.

#9: “Booksmart” (2019)

In this raunchy comedy, Amy and Molly hope to make up for their time spent focused on school with one wild night of partying before graduation. Unlike many of the other movies on this list, “Booksmart” treats Amy’s sexuality as simply matter-of-fact, as she spends the film pursuing a girl she has a crush on. Filled to the brim with zany characters and delivering one quotable line after another, it’s one of the most distinct high school comedies to be released in the 2010s. The friendship between the two leads is at the heart of the movie, though, and their chemistry is what makes this a modern teen classic.

#8: “My Own Private Idaho” (1991)

Gus Van Sant’s cult classic drama is widely regarded as a landmark in queer cinema of the late 20th century. With electric performances from River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, it follows Mike and Scott as they embark on a search for Mike’s mother, learning about one another along the way. It’s a touching and at times brutally honest tale of transitioning from one phase of life to another, and it doesn’t pull any of its narrative punches. Though its Shakespeare-inspired story is relatively tame by today’s standards, its subject matter and style were innovative at the time and opened the door for several later films on this list.

#7: “But I'm a Cheerleader” (1999)

Although it received negative reviews upon its release, “But I'm a Cheerleader” has since grown to become a cult classic, and deservedly so. Starring Natasha Lyonne, this movie follows her character, Megan Bloomfield, who is sent to a conversion therapy camp by her conservative parents. Despite not initially considering herself to be gay, Megan slowly begins to understand and accept her sexuality, with the help of her fellow attendees. “But I'm a Cheerleader” puts the “camp” in campy, employing a hyper-aestheticized look in its satire of religion, heteronormative standards and societal expectations. In doing so, it raises awareness about the harmful effects of conversion therapy and the importance of accepting people for who they are.

#6: “Mysterious Skin” (2004)

“Mysterious Skin” tells the parallel story of UFO enthusiast Brian and teenage gay callboy Neil, who share a painful event from the past. The two deal with their trauma in vastly different ways, as Brian attempts to find the truth in alien abduction theories and Neil tries to find fulfillment in New York. Although it’s a particularly harrowing film, it treats its themes and content with the greatest care, crafting a beautiful and ultimately uplifting story. Featuring a marvellous early-career performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it’s a hidden gem that’s hard to watch, but truly thought-provoking.

#5: “God’s Own Country” (2017)

This British indie flew under the radar when it premiered in 2017, which is a shame since it was one of the year’s best films. It tells the story of Johnny, a depressed farmhand struggling with alcohol use disorder who begins to rethink his life when he meets and begins to fall for Gheorghe. A poignant romance wrapped in a gritty setting, this juxtaposition sets the stage for the raw passion of the leads’ relationship as it develops over the course of the film. Despite the muddy backdrop, it’s ultimately a story of learning how to love oneself as well as another, and the beauty is hidden beneath the muck.

#4: “Pariah” (2011)

A deeply personal film, “Pariah” is writer/director Dee Rees’ semi-autobiographical story of self-discovery. Alike is a young poet who has recently come to terms with her attraction to women and her preference to present herself androgynously. While she has supportive friends, her parents struggle with her changing identity. It presents familiar themes in a fresh way as Alike juggles her true self with her relationship with her family. That said, every character is written and played with a degree of empathy, never outright villainizing the parents for their views, and helping us to understand how difficult Alike’s struggle is. Equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, “Pariah” manages to tap into the most human elements of the experience of coming out.

#3: “Call Me by Your Name” (2017)

Based on André Aciman’s novel of the same name, “Call Me by Your Name” follows 17-year old Elio over a single summer in Italy. He falls for the artistic grad student Oliver and the two begin to bond, and eventually have a passionate summer fling. Despite telling an admittedly simple story, the emotions are raw and true, and Timothée Chalamet’s phenomenal performance is a masterpiece unto itself. Director Luca Guadagnino captures the frenzied intimacy of a first love with gusto, with every shot more evocative than the last. The movie lives and breathes as it follows Elio on his journey, and it will stay with you long after your first viewing.

#2: “Love, Simon” (2018)

When “Love, Simon” debuted in 2018, it was the first film from a major Hollywood studio to focus on gay teen romance, and it made quite a splash. Simon Spier is a secretly gay high school senior who finds solace in a pen pal named Blue. The two come out to each other and Simon begins to have feelings for him, even though he has no idea who he’s talking to. It manages to tap into the anxieties of coming out with more than enough charm, humor and sincerity to go around. Just as groundbreaking as it is heartwarming, “Love, Simon” is one of the most important LGBTQ+ movies of the 2010s.

#1: “Moonlight” (2016)

As the first best picture winner to feature LGBTQ+ themes, Barry Jenkins’ dazzling portrait of a young man growing up Black and gay is nothing short of phenomenal. It depicts the life of Chiron as he comes to terms with who he is in three parts: as a youth, as a teen, and as an adult. Loaded with themes of race, sexuality, and identity, “Moonlight” reaches a depth that many films attempt, but few are able to achieve. With a compelling hero and a singularly brilliant vision, it’s a movie that transcends the life it portrays, and surely one that we will be talking about for a long time to come.