It’s time to celebrate, reflect, cause a riot, and usher in the queer joy of Pride Month! Film and media in general are slowly opening up the opportunities for representation in front of and behind the camera. We’ve come a long way in options for queer media. When I think about Pride Month, I can’t help but think about films that have inspired me, helped me understand my bisexuality, and that have helped me become a better person for those in the community. Below are some of my go-to films for the month and the genres are plentiful! Enjoy and HAPPY PRIDE!!!
Table of Contents for Pride Film Picks
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 -Musical/Horror)
A newly-engaged couple has a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter.
Directed by: Jim Sharman
Written by: Richard O’Brien and Jim Sharman
Paris is Burning (1990 -Documentary)
A chronicle of New York’s drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing, and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era its warmth and vitality.
Directed by: Jennie Livingston
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001 -Musical/Drama)
A gender-queer punk-rock singer from East Berlin tours the U.S. with her band as she tells her life story and follows the former lover/band-mate who stole her songs.
Directed by: John Cameron Mitchell
Written by: John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask
To Wong Foo, Thank You For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Three drag queens travel cross-country until their car breaks down, leaving them stranded in a small town.
Directed by: Beeban Kidron
Written by: Douglas Carter Beane
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017 – Documentary)
Victoria Cruz investigates the mysterious 1992 death of black gay rights activist and Stonewall veteran, Marsha P. Johnson. Using archival interviews with Johnson, and new interviews with Johnson’s family, friends, and fellow activists.
Directed by: David France
Written by: David France and Mark Blane
The Birdcage (1996 -Comedy)
A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing moralistic parents.
Directed by: Mike Nichols
Written by: Jean Poiret, Francis Veber and Édouard Molinaro
But I’m A Cheerleader (1999 – Comedy)
A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.
Directed by: Jamie Babbit
Written by: Brian Peterson and Jamie Babbit
In & Out (1997 – Comedy/Romance)
A midwestern teacher questions his sexuality after a former student makes a comment about him at the Academy Awards.
Directed by: Frank Oz
Written by: Paul Rudnick
The Fear Street Trilogy (2021 – Horror)
A circle of teenage friends accidentally encounter the ancient evil responsible for a series of brutal murders that have plagued their town for over 300 years. Welcome to Shadyside.
Directed by: Leigh Janiak
Written by: R.L. Stine, Kyle Killen, and Phil Graziadei
Booksmart (2019 – Comedy)
On the eve of their high-school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.
Written by: Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins and Sussana Fogel
Beginners (2010 – Drama/Comedy)
A young man is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer and that he has a young male lover.
Written and directed by: Mike Mills
