Netflix’s ‘Beauty’ Is A Must-Watch Lesbian Movie Loosely Based On Whitney Houston’s Life
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There is nothing quite like a movie night. The vibes are incomparable–the popcorn, the drinks, the company. But, the entertainment has to compete with all those stellar add-ons. And now that it's June, why not celebrate Pride Month with a movie starring a lesbian character (or characters) who reflect the real world, but don't make it onto the big screen often enough? Whatever genre of lesbian film you choose, it's time to bring some much needed representation to your next cozy night in with Netflix.
For those part of the LGBTQ community, it can feel beyond affirming to watch our stories on-screen. But it's also important for allies who have had the privilege to see themselves in mainstream film watch the stories of others. "Media is uniquely positioned to be simultaneously entertaining and a creative force for democracy," says Julia Himberg, associate professor of film and media studies at Arizona State University. "This means that even when we are just watching for entertainment, seeing the lives of others whose identities are not our own broadens our perspective of our culture."
Whether you identify as lesbian or not, these films featuring lesbian romance and queer characters will make your next movie night so much more than a typical Netflix and chill sesh. In the mood for a documentary? Watch Tig, about comedian Tig Notaro and her journey navigating cancer. Or maybe you'd like to try (a very brightly-hued) musical set in high school? Check out The Prom, featuring Meryl Streep and James Corden. There are also fun, campy teen dramas, like Fear Street and Do Revenge.
Get your popcorn ready, make sure your couch is comfy, and settle in for the 20 best lesbian films on Netflix. Happy Pride!
Beauty (2020)
Directed by Lena Waithe (and very loosely based on Whitney Houston's life), Beauty follows the eponymous young singer torn between her potential career as a musician and Jasmine, her best friend and love interest. The film also stars queer royalty Niecy Nash as Beauty's religious mother.
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Carol (2015)
This period piece has become a classic for a reason. When young photographer Therese (Rooney Mara) first catches a glimpse of wealthy, married Carol (Cate Blanchett) at a department store, she's instantly drawn to the older woman. They continue to explore their deep connection, despite societal challenges.
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Let It Snow (2019)
Who says you have to wait until December to watch a holiday rom-com? This cute flick follows several high school couples as they navigate heartbreak, romance, and a pretty serious snowstorm. The highlight, of course, is Yellowjackets star Liv Hewson's performance as Dorrie, a teen waitress who's dating a closeted cheerleader played by bi actress Anna Akana.
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The Valley Of A Thousand Hills (2022)
An acclaimed South African film, The Valley Of A Thousand Hills tells the story of Nosepho (Mandisa Vilakazi), the dutiful daughter of a conservative tribal chief. When her family decides it's time for her to marry, she's forced to choose between a male suitor handpicked by her father and Thenjiwe (Sibongokuhle Nkosi), the woman she loves.
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Elisa y Marcela (2019)
Based on the true story of Spain's first same-sex marriage in 1901, Elisa y Marcela is a sweeping drama about the life-altering bond between its two characters–and the tumult they had to go through in order to fight for their love. Keep tissues handy.
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ANNE+: The Film (2021)
Life is in a state of flux for Anne, a queer postgrad living in Amsterdam: she's working hard on finishing her book while waiting to be reunited with her newly long-distance girlfriend (who wants an open relationship). When Anne crosses paths with a charming drag king, though, she really starts to question what she wants.
Also, psst: ANNE+: The Film is a continuation of the beloved Dutch webseries of the same name, so if you fall in love, there's a lot more where this movie came from.
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Disobedience (2017)
Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams co-star in this steamy, sensual movie about an ex-Orthodox photographer who, after a tragedy, returns to her family's community... only to end up staying with Esti, her childhood best friend and onetime love. Esti might be married to a man now, but their connection is undeniable.
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The Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
If fun, fact-paced slashers are your thing, you'll want to watch the Fear Street trilogy. Each movie is loosely based on a different classic horror film, but they all center around a cursed town that's been haunted by murder sprees and supernatural forces for centuries. At the heart of the films, though, is the powerful love story between Deena (Kiana Madeira) and her girlfriend Sam.
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Colette (2018)
Keira Knightley in a Sapphic, biographical period piece? Yes, please. Colette dramatizes the story of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a queer ghostwriter who begins writing bestsellers under her husband's name.
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I Care A Lot (2020)
Okay, so this dark, comedic thriller about a woman who manipulates and scams older people in assisted living homes isn't exactly a lesbian romance. But you can't deny that Rosamund Pike and Eiza González make a hot couple.
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Do Revenge (2022)
Unlikely duo Drea (Camila Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke) team up to get revenge on the people who ruined their lives: specifically, the ex who leaked Drea's nude photos and the girl who outed Eleanor years ago. This whip-smart, hilarious teen drama is full of plot twists and turns, but there's also an extremely cute lesbian romance. Just trust me on this one.
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Bruised (2020)
In this sports drama, Halle Berry (who also directed the film!) stars as Jackie Justice, a disgraced former MMA fighter who finds herself returning to the world of fighting. Along the way, she forms a deep, romantic connection with her new trainer.
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The Half of It (2020)
High schooler Ellie makes some extra cash writing papers for the other kids at school. But when a football player asks her to write a love letter to his crush instead, the rest plays out like the chaotic high school love story you were hoping for you as soon as you started reading this description. 😉
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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
This biographical musical drama centers on a single recording session for blues legend Ma Rainey in 1920s Chicago. Oscar winner Viola Davis honors Ma Rainey's queer identity by digging into the singer's sensuality, desire, and lyrics that no doubt celebrate her attraction to women.
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Tig (2015)
In 2012, Tig Notaro announced she had cancer during her standup set. Then, it went viral. The film follows what happened after that night, how she dealt with her diagnosis, how her relationship evolved with now-wife, Stephanie Allynne, and how humor served her throughout it all.
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The Prom (2020)
Prom is supposed to be a special night, but what if you're not even allowed to bring your S.O.? In this musical comedy by Ryan Murphy, the PTA cancels prom because Emma wants to go with her girlfriend. Once a few Broadway stars (including Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman) hear about the news on Twitter, they travel to Indiana to save the event.
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Duck Butter (2018)
Ever wanted to spend 24 hours with someone you just met? After meeting at a club, Naima (Search Party's Alia Shawkat) and Sergio try it out as an experiment, seeing if it could bring authentic intimacy into a new relationship.
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Ride or Die (2021)
Rei has been in love with a married woman for years. Now, she has to help her escape her abusive husband. While on the run, the relationship between the women heats up in this psychological thriller.
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A Secret Love (2020)
Pat Henschel and former All American Girl Professional Baseball League player Terry Donahue have been in love for 65 years. For most of their lives, they had to keep it a secret.
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So My Grandma's A Lesbian (2019)
A young woman is already struggling with finding acceptance among her fiancé's conservative and traditional family. Now, her grandma is putting the whole engagement at risk by announcing her decision to marry her girlfriend.
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