7 classic queer films to watch in the month of love

Known as the month of love, February is the perfect time to catch up on these classic queer films, especially if you’ve never seen them before. 

The following seven love stories and rom-coms make for essential viewing. Some will have you splitting your sides with laughter, while most will rip your heart out and make you bawl. All are well worth experiencing.

Brokeback Mountain

Based on the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx, this acclaimed heart-breaking film from the mid-2000s follows Jack and Ennis through a tumultuous, but spellbinding love affair that spans two decades. As it takes place in the 1960s, the relationship between the ranch hand and rodeo cowboy is forbidden, but this love story is achingly beautiful, as are the stunning vistas against which it is told. Brokeback Mountain was nominated for Best Picture and won three awards at the 2006 Oscars.

Call Me by Your Name

So, we’re going to put aside all the disturbing real-life behaviour by its star Armie Hammer, to remind ourselves what a powerful coming-of-age romantic drama Call Me by Your Name is. (The rest of the talent who created this amazing film shouldn’t have to suffer for his sins). The film harkens back to the intensity and heartbreak of your very first love; the one you will never forget. The film won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release and was nominated for four Oscars, winning for Best Adapted Screenplay

Carol

Based on the 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, Carol stars the superb Cate Blanchett as a wealthy older woman going through a difficult divorce from her husband. The film tells the story of her forbidden love affair with an aspiring woman photographer in the 1950s. The British Film Institute dubbed Carol the best LGBT film of all time, so this is one you must watch.

Desert Hearts

Also set in the 1950s, in Reno, this 1985 film tells the story of Vivian, a university professor in her mid-thirties that travels to Nevada to get a quick divorce. When she meets Cay, an out lesbian and the daughter of the owner of the ranch she’s staying at, a slow and sight seduction – which has made this film a fan favourite among vagitarians everywhere – ensues.

I Love You Phillip Morris

This madcap romantic comedy – based on a true story, nogal – is about how far we’re prepared to go for true love. I Love You Phillip Morris stars an unlikely duo – Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor – as star-crossed prison lovers. It’s not your usual love story, but those with a darker sense of humour will enjoy it. Despite its unexpected narrative and odd comedy, it manages to be sweet and touching.

Love, Simon

Love, Simon was touted as the first big studio gay romantic comedy when it was released in 2018 and it didn’t disappoint. It has all the trapping of a Hollywood rom-com, with elements of a coming-out drama. It really works thanks to the adorably likeable cast and easy tone. When we screened this for Mamba viewers, at the time, there wasn’t a dry eye in the cinema. Love, Simon even went on to spawn a spin-off TV series titled Love, Victor.

Moonlight

Moonlight is composed of three distinct chapters in Chiron’s life – his childhood, adolescence, and early adult life – as he comes to grips with his sexuality. While on the surface it’s a gritty coming of age story, at its heart it is a moving and delicate love story. Moonlight received eight Academy Award nominations, winning three, including the coveted Best Picture – the first LGBTQ film to earn the honour.

Still looking for some other LGBTQ content to stream when you’re done with our list of classic queer films? Check out these LGBTQI films and shows on Netflix.