7 Recommendations for Must See Gay Films

A List of Seven Gay Interest Dramas to Start a Movie Collection

Sep 16, 2009 Steve Williams

Ever wanted to watch a gay themed movie, but not known what to pick? Here are seven recommendations for powerful dramas to start a budding film collection.

Gay interest cinema comes in many genres, from romantic comedies to dramas and thrillers. Below is a list of seven movies to start a collection that was compiled to show a variety of approaches to gay dramas. Entries were chosen specifically because of their powerful impact, their humour and pathos, and for the technical merits of the films themselves. Popcorn ready? Then let's begin:

Gay Film Recommendation 1 – Angels in America (2003)

Whilst not strictly a film, this six-part HBO television series has all the epic visuals and vast storyline to compete with any movie blockbuster. Adapted from the stage play of the same name, Angels in America dares to crack open the religious, social and political turmoil surrounding the AIDS crisis in 1980s America, utilising a brilliant cast that features Meryl Streep and Al Pacino to stunning effect.

Gay Film Recommendation 2 – Trick (1999)

A great gay romantic comedy, Trick is a real treat and one of the best in its genre. Trick sees Gabriel, a repressed New Yorker, meeting a sensual go-go dancer by the name of Mark, and follows their night together as they unsuccessfully attempt to hook-up. Witty and heart-warming, this romantic comedy has a subtle but powerful through-line, and features a brilliant comedic performance by actress Tory Spelling.

Gay Film Recommendation 3 – Beautiful Thing (1996)

This mesmerising British coming-of-age movie is arguably one of the finest ever made. Adapted from Jonathan Harvey's play of the same name, it tells the story of two gay teenagers who develop a relationship in the midst of a tough, mid-90s counsel estate. Beautiful Thing will resonate strongly with anyone who came-out at a young age, and for this reason deserves a place in any film collection.

Gay Film Recommendation 4 – Priest (1994)

A gritty British drama involving a Roman Catholic priest who is torn between his male love affairs and his personal feelings of responsibility to the Church, as well as the wider issues that a vow of celibacy and an oath of silence create for clergy members. Linus Roach as Father Greg and Robert Carlyle as his lover give evocative, passionate performances, making this a must for any gay themed DVD collection.

Gay Film Recommendation 5 – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

The irrepressible Australian movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert tells the story of three drag artists who secure a cabaret gig in a remote part of the Australian outback, and follows their journey as they travel on their lavender bus to get there. This is a gay road-trip movie of incredible warmth, and stands out as a triumph for writer/director Stephan Elliot who is said to have written the film in just two weeks.

Gay Film Recommendation 6 – Yossi & Jagger (2002)

A powerful Israeli film from writer and director Eytan Fox about two men in the Israeli military who share a secret love. In this bleak and beautiful gay themed movie, the brilliant Ohad Knoller as Yossi and the hypnotic Yehuda Levi as Jagger give wonderful performances, whilst Yossi & Jagger also comments on the almost schizophrenic nature of Israeli society itself as it attempts to balance an acceptance of homosexuality in some quarters whilst being devoutly orthodox in others.

Gay Film Recommendation 7 – Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Adapted from E. Annie Proulx's short story of the same name, Brokeback Mountain tells the tale of two lonely ranch-hands who share a love for one another that binds them through the decades. Rather than just being a tale of a doomed gay love affair, Brokeback Mountain is a story of what woe self denial can bring, and in this respect, Heath Ledger as Ennis gives a remarkable and, arguably, career defining performance.

Angels in America – Written by Tony Kushner. Directed by Mike Nichols.
Trick – Written by Jason Schafer. Directed by Jim Fall.
Beautiful Thing – Written by Jonathan Harvey. Directed by Hettie MacDonald.
Priest – Written by Jimmy McGovern. Directed by Antonia Bird.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – Written and directed by Stephan Elliot.
Yossi & Jagger – Written and directed by Eytan Fox.
Brokeback Mountain – Written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry. Directed by Ang Lee.

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