Tired of watching queer stories end in heartbreak or death? How about some that give us real joy, break us in the best way, and just make us feel seen? Here are 5 queer films that do justice to the messy, beautiful spectrum of queer love:
1. Cobalt Blue (2022, India)
Language: Hindi, Marathi
A quiet, lyrical tale of queer desire and heartbreak in a traditional Maharashtrian household. Tanay, a young poet, falls for a mysterious paying guest, and things get… complicated. It's tender, restrained, and emotionally rich—without ever being preachy.
Why watch: It doesn’t scream "queer story". It whispers it, gorgeously.
2. Moonlight (2016, USA)
Language: English
A cinematic gut-punch in three acts. This Oscar-winning masterpiece explores Black queer masculinity, vulnerability, and love with haunting beauty. Chiron’s journey of identity and longing will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Why watch: Because soft masculinity deserves screen time too.
3. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019, India)
Language: Hindi
A mainstream Bollywood attempt at a lesbian coming-out story, complete with family drama, wedding chaos, and theatre kids. Is it perfect? No. Is it important? Hell yes.
Why watch: Representation is the revolution.
4. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019, France)
Language: French
Two women. One painting. A slow burn so intense, it might actually melt your screen. This period romance is all longing glances, stolen touches, and feminist rage wrapped in exquisite visuals.
Why watch: Each shot of the movie could be in a gallery.
5. Rafiki (2018, Kenya)
Language: Swahili
Banned in its home country upon release, this love story between two Kenyan girls is rebellious, bright, and tender. It's a love letter to queer joy in the face of state control and societal judgment.
Why watch: Because queer joy is resistance.
About the Author:
Madhu (she/her) has been an avid reader of all things spicy since her childhood. She writes sassy blog posts and listicles now so that others may benefit from her wholly inappropriate, wholly informative tastes, too.
