The LGBTQ community has made significant strides in recent years, and cinema has played a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting acceptance. Here are 10 LGBTQ movies that everyone should watch, each with a unique story and powerful performances.

1. Moonlight (2016)

Director: Barry Jenkins
Actors: Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Naomie Harris
Streaming on: Netflix

Moonlight is a coming-of-age film that follows the life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in Miami. The movie explores themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery with incredible depth and sensitivity.

2. Carol (2015)

Director: Todd Haynes
Actors: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Streaming on: Amazon Prime

Set in the 1950s, Carol tells the story of a forbidden love affair between a young photographer and an older woman going through a divorce. The film beautifully captures the complexities of desire and societal expectations.

3. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Director: Ang Lee
Actors: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal
Streaming on: Hulu

Brokeback Mountain is a groundbreaking film that explores the secret love affair between two cowboys in the American West. The movie challenges traditional notions of masculinity and the consequences of living in a homophobic society.

4. The Danish Girl (2015)

Director: Tom Hooper
Actors: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander
Streaming on: Netflix

The Danish Girl is based on the true story of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender confirmation surgery. The film delves into the complexities of gender identity and the courage it takes to live authentically.

5. Pride (2014)

Director: Matthew Warchus
Actors: Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton
Streaming on: Netflix

Pride is a heartwarming British comedy-drama that depicts the unlikely alliance between LGBTQ activists and striking miners in the 1980s. The film celebrates the power of solidarity and the importance of acceptance.

6. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Director: Luca Guadagnino
Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer
Streaming on: Amazon Prime

Set in 1980s Italy, Call Me by Your Name follows the intense romance between Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and Oliver, an older graduate student. The film beautifully captures the complexities of first love and the pain of longing.

7. Paris is Burning (1990)

Director: Jennie Livingston
Streaming on: Netflix

Paris is Burning is a documentary that explores the vibrant ballroom culture of New York City in the 1980s. The film provides an intimate look into the lives of Black and Latinx LGBTQ individuals and their pursuit of self-expression.

8. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Director: Abdellatif Kechiche
Actors: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos
Streaming on: Hulu

Blue Is the Warmest Color is a French coming-of-age film that chronicles the passionate love affair between two young women. The movie explores themes of desire, identity, and the complexities of relationships.

9. The Imitation Game (2014)

Director: Morten Tyldum
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley
Streaming on: Amazon Prime

The Imitation Game is a biographical drama that tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who played a crucial role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II. The film touches on Turing's homosexuality and the discrimination he faced.

10. Tangerine (2015)

Director: Sean Baker
Actors: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor
Streaming on: Netflix

Tangerine is a groundbreaking film shot entirely on an iPhone that follows the lives of two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. The movie offers a raw and authentic portrayal of their struggles and resilience.