The month of being out, proud, and about is here, and there are more ways to celebrate it than there are colors on the pride flag. Parades help us reclaim our visibility and honor the memory of the Stonewall riots that kick-started the queer rights movement in the late 60s. Parties allow us to connect with each other, be our true selves, and share love and joy. Educational and volunteering events strengthen our community and spread awareness about our struggles in the broader society.
Pride Month is the time to celebrate our present, contemplate our past, and create a vision for a better future, and if you’re in need of some inspiration, there is nothing better than classic queer movies with warm, vibrant colors and nostalgic, grainy texture. These classics may have long lost their relevance to the modern lives of LGBTQ+ folks, but they still mark important historical milestones for our community and for queer media as a whole.
Whether you’re a partygoer unwinding after a fun night, an old-fashioned cinema fan, or someone who is simply looking for a cozy movie to watch over the weekend, this list is made for you.
Kinky Boots (2005)
Based on true events, this movie tells a story of a struggling shoe factory in Northampton, England, and a daring drag queen who comes to its rescue. The critics weren’t appeased with the plot that hit all the overused comedy drama beats, but the audience still became enamored with its motley cast of characters, its upbeat energy, and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s spectacular performance as Lola.
The movie received a Broadway musical adaptation in 2013 with music by Cyndi Lauper, which saw numerous productions around the world and garnered critical acclaim over the years.
Big Eden (2000)
An idyllic romantic comedy about a successful artist from New York coming home to the middle of nowhere Montana, rekindling old connections, and finding new love where he least expected to find it. Set against stunning natural landscapes in a small log cabin town, this movie is heartwarming, slow-paced, and endearingly naive, which makes it perfect for decompressing after a tiresome working week.
“Big Eden” fully embraces its corniness and celebrates cliches, so if well-trodden romantic tropes, like the airport chase or cyrano-esque motifs, are your pet peeve, you may want to give it a skip. But if you’re looking for a reprieve from your daily grind, this movie is just the escape fantasy you need.
But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
A witty, whimsical twist on a weighty topic of conversion therapy, painted in all teal and hot pink, this cult classic explores the importance of being your true self, finding the people who bring out the best in you, and rejecting forced conformity.
While it doesn’t shy away from campiness and absurdity, it manages to tell a touching, genuine love story of two high-school girls who meet at a five-step program that promised to cure their homosexuality but instead led them to discover their authentic identities and attractions.
In & Out (1997)
In & Out is a story of a high-school teacher who finds himself on a journey of self-discovery against his will after being publicly outed by his former student on live TV. Despite having premiered almost three decades ago and a rather stereotypical portrayal of gay men, this light-hearted take on a heavy trope aged well thanks to its satirical criticism of heteronormativity, homophobia, and toxic masculinity.
This movie is optimistic in a way only old movies are, delivers endearing performances by Kevin Kline and Joan Cusack, and conveys a strong message of the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and acceptance wrapped in a satisfying comedic narrative.
The Birdcage (1996)
Based on a 70s French comedy, which in turn was based on an even older theater play, this movie tells a story of a gay couple whose son invited his fiance’s conservative parents for a visit. What is bound to become a disaster turns into a light-hearted exploration of the meaning of family, queerness, and love set against a backdrop of sun-kissed streets of Miami.
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, both masters of comedic improvisation, portray the bickering gay couple with charming humor and deliver carefree banter, witty quips, and fragile moments of heartfelt reflection all throughout the movie. It’s an easy, delightful watch and a must-see for comedy lovers.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995)
This enchanting, light-hearted comedy about a trio of drag queens on a misadventurous road trip, starring Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, and Patrick Swayze, wasn’t acclaimed by critics when it premiered but since became a beloved cult classic.
While the plot may be too simple for a modern viewer, the dazzling performances and the vivid polarity between the stranded trio and the dusty small town are what makes the film so irresistible. If you have a soft spot for sequined dresses, fluffy feather trims, and happy endings against all odds, grab some popcorn and give this a watch.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
This road comedy follows another extravagant trio, two drag queens and a trans woman, on a journey through the Australian desert as they bicker and confide in each other about their lives, rehearse choreography for an upcoming gig, and make unlikely friends along the way.
Just like its American successor, “The Adventures of Priscilla” captivates the audience with the contrast between glittering gowns and harsh, barren landscapes, bitterness and heartfelt connection, dark themes of homophobia, transphobia, and abuse, and elaborate drag numbers. It’s scintillating, sentimental, and a staple of queer cinema.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Another cult classic shunned by critics at first that later became a cultural phenomenon, bringing millions of people together in a celebration of queerness, weirdness, and authenticity over many decades. The macabre atmosphere of the movie is more fitting for a spooky Halloween night, but it’s never too early in the year for a “Time Warp.”
The original movie was based on a musical that saw many iterations in over 20 languages around the globe, and this year it finally received a revival on Broadway with Luke Evans stepping into the high heels of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
