When it comes to gay awakening films, we all have that one movie—the one that struck us deep in our hearts and made us realize, Oh, this is it. For some, it’s an iconic romance between two men, while for others, it’s a character who, despite not being openly queer, made us question everything. These films have shaped us, sometimes quietly, sometimes with an explosive emotional punch. Today, queer cinema is evolving at a rapid pace, but there’s a long history of movies that paved the way, each contributing to the rich tapestry of queer experiences.
RELATED: These 7 Upcoming Gay Films Are Here to Break, Heal, and Haunt You
Jonathan Bailey, currently starring in Wicked: For Good as Prince Fiyero, recently revealed the movie that “completely activated” him as a gay teen. That movie was Brokeback Mountain, a landmark film that triggered a deep shift in his personal journey. Bailey shared that, upon seeing it, he instantly decided to change his dissertation from the Rwandan genocide to an analysis of the representation of homosexuality in the film. His teacher, Dr. David Brunton, encouraged him, recognizing the importance of what he was doing. Bailey’s story resonates with so many queer folks who had similar awakenings through the very same movie.
But let’s not forget: Brokeback wasn’t the only film to spark a queer revelation. There’s a whole spectrum of movies—across genres and decades—that helped us understand ourselves and our identities in ways that weren’t always overtly queer but deeply resonant.
Drama & Romance: Love, Loss, and Longing
These films dive into the complexities of love, identity, and societal pressures, making them essential to queer cinema.
- Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight is a profound exploration of identity and desire. Following Chiron, a young Black man navigating his sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood, the film is a powerful meditation on self-discovery, love, and the pain of repressing one’s true self. Its three-act structure beautifully captures the phases of Chiron’s life, offering a tender portrayal of the intersection of race, class, and queerness.
- Far From Heaven (2002)
Set in 1950s Connecticut, this film explores the double life of a suburban housewife who discovers that her husband is gay, while also falling for her Black gardener. A critical look at the repression and complexities of queerness in a post-war society, Far From Heaven is both visually stunning and emotionally intense, making it a must-watch for anyone exploring queer narratives within the context of historical social norms.
Comedy & Teen Flicks: Laughter, Camp, and Queer Revelations
Queer awakenings can happen in the most unexpected places—like a teen comedy or a campy, over-the-top flick.
- But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
This cult classic is a satirical comedy about a teenager who is sent to a “conversion therapy” camp because her parents think she’s a lesbian. With its colorful, campy aesthetic and tongue-in-cheek humor, the film is both hilarious and poignant, making it an essential queer movie for many. It’s an unapologetic critique of the absurdity of trying to “correct” someone’s identity, and it’s so much fun to watch.
- The Fifth Element (1997)
While The Fifth Element isn’t a typical “gay film,” it has become a queer touchstone for many viewers. From its campy aesthetic and futuristic fashion to Bruce Willis’s turn as an unlikely hero, the film’s fluid energy and boundary-pushing visuals speak to a kind of queerness that’s more about being free from rigid gender norms than overt sexuality. It’s quirky, chaotic, and endlessly watchable.
- Motocrossed (2001)
Disney Channel’s Motocrossed might seem like an unlikely queer awakening film, but it’s a beloved gem for those who saw themselves in the story of a girl who poses as a boy to compete in a motocross race. It plays with gender roles and expectations, making it a nostalgic, unexpected pick for anyone whose queer awakening was sparked by defying norms.
For Those Who Like It Niche: Films That Speak to Specific Queer Experiences
These films offer unique perspectives on queerness, delving into niche, often underrepresented experiences that resonate with many.
- Desert Hearts (1985)
A landmark lesbian film from the 1980s, Desert Hearts tells the story of a woman who falls in love with another woman in 1950s Nevada. Quiet, slow-burn, and beautifully shot, it’s a deeply emotional film that helped to pave the way for more authentic queer narratives in cinema. - Head On (1998)
A raw and gritty Australian film, Head On explores the sexual identity struggles of a 19-year-old Greek Australian man. With its unapologetic portrayal of complex relationships and raw sexuality, it’s a powerful and deeply personal film for those grappling with sexual identity, family pressure, and the journey of self-acceptance.
Animated Films: Finding Queerness in Unexpected Places
Animation may not always scream “queer,” but it has become an increasingly important space for subtle representation and queer awakenings.
- Strange World (2022)
Disney’s Strange World made history as the first animated film with a major openly gay character—Ethan Clade, a teenage boy who has a crush on his classmate. The film is an exciting step forward in offering queer representation to younger audiences, and it’s proof that queer stories can exist in the most unexpected and colorful places.
- Aladdin (1992)
While not explicitly a queer film, Aladdin holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up with it. The character of Aladdin himself, with his ability to transition between the street-smart rogue and the princely dreamboat, offers an interesting look at gender expression and fluidity. The film’s fantastical world made it easy for many queer viewers to connect with a sense of belonging, even if the movie itself wasn’t directly about queerness.
TV Shows: From Subtext to Full-On Representation
For many, the queer awakening wasn’t confined to movies—it also came through TV shows with characters who were either overtly or subtly queer.
- Wynonna Earp (2016-2021)
The supernatural drama Wynonna Earp features the deeply lovable queer couple, Nicole and Waverly, whose relationship became a major source of emotional resonance for many viewers. The show’s exploration of their love, in the midst of all the supernatural chaos, made them a key part of many fans’ queer awakenings. - John Tucker Must Die (2006)
A teen rom-com might not seem like fertile ground for a queer awakening, but for some viewers, John Tucker Must Die was exactly that. The character of Kate, who discovers and navigates her bisexuality in the midst of teenage drama, provided a lens through which many viewers began to understand their own sexual fluidity.
The Gay Awakening Revolution: From Subtext to Authentic Representation in Cinema
It’s important to note that, back in the day, it wasn’t common to have openly gay characters in movies. Most of our “gay awakening” films weren’t entirely gay—they were often films with subtext, films that hinted at queerness without actually showing it. This is something Jonathan Bailey even touched on in his own story. For many of us, films like Brokeback Mountain or even 8 Mile became our emotional entry point into the world of queerness, even though those characters weren’t overtly queer.
@thatnicksmith09 Last day of Pride Month, what was your Gay Awakening? @MatteoLane #gay #podcast #ineverlikedyou #matteolane #nicksmith
What’s exciting now is that we’re seeing a shift in what we call a “gay awakening.” Today’s generation can watch films and shows where gay characters exist authentically, without subtext or ambiguity. No longer do we have to decode characters’ hidden desires or fall for the “hot and sexy” films that just happened to have an undertone of queerness. Instead, we’re seeing a new wave of movies and series where queerness is the heart of the story, where characters love openly and proudly, and where being gay is just one part of their vibrant, full identities.
In short, we’ve come a long way. We’re no longer just “activating” ourselves by watching a film that gives us a taste of what we wish we could have. Now, we can celebrate films that reflect our lives in full color, with gay characters, queer love, and unapologetic storytelling. The next generation is getting the kind of queer representation we’ve always dreamed of, and it’s only going to get better from here.
Source: Esquire
Beautiful Thing (1996) showed teenage love possible even under hard circumstances
Risky Business. Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear or watering the grass in slow motion with that hose, or even just being wickedly cool…baby my blood pressure went up just thinking about it.
It was a Longtime Companion for me