Showstoppers: Essential Gay Musical Movies

Rent

2005 Drama, Musical, Romance

In New York City's East Village, bohemians navigate poverty, illness, and the AIDS epidemic in pursuit of success and acceptance.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

1994 Comedy, Musical

Two drag performers and a transgender woman embark on a journey across the desert to showcase their unique cabaret act.

The History of Sound

2025 Drama, Musical, Romance

In 1917, two young music students attending the Boston Conservatory bond over their mutual love of folk music. They reconnect a few years later, embarking on a song collecting trip in the backwaters of Maine.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

2021 Comedy, Drama, Musical

Jamie, a 16-year-old dreaming of a career in drag, faces discrimination and bullying with support from his mother and friends, ultimately stepping confidently into the spotlight.

The Big Gay Musical

2009 Comedy, Musical, Romance

Two men discover self-acceptance amid the stage lights of an Off-Broadway show.

Bohemian Rhapsody

2018 Drama, Musical

Delve into the journey of legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, culminating in their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985.

I’m Not Gay: A Musical

2023 Musical

A competitive MMA fighter relocates to Fire Island, assuming a false gay identity to fulfill his dream of owning a home and confronting his inner struggles.

Naked Boys Singing!

2007 Comedy, Musical

A musical of gay experiences. told through song and explicit choreography.

Saturday Church

2017 Drama, Fantasy, Musical

A 14-year-old boy, navigating the complexities of gender identity and grappling with religious beliefs, discovers solace and passion through the realm of fantasy, offering an escape from his inner-city life.

Glitter & Doom

2023 Musical, Romance

Doom, a serious musician, and Glitter, a carefree circus performer, navigate a passionate summer romance while pursuing their dreams in the music industry.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

1975 Comedy, Horror, Musical

An engaged couple's car breakdown leads them to seek shelter at the eccentric residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter, where they encounter a world of unbridled passion and self-discovery.

Velvet Goldmine

1998 Drama, Musical

In 1984, British journalist Arthur Stuart investigates the career of 1970s glam superstar Brian Slade, who was heavily influenced by the rebellious American singer Curt Wild.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

2001 Comedy, Drama, Musical

A gender-queer punk rocker from East Berlin tours the U.S. with her band, recounting her life story and pursuing a former lover who stole her songs.

Kinky Boots

2005 Comedy, Drama, Musical

A drag queen helps a struggling man inherit his father's shoe factory by diversifying the product line.

Young Soul Rebels

1991 Musical, Mystery, Thriller

Two disc jockeys have a friend's murder to solve in the fringe-group melting pot of 1977 London.

COMING SOON

The Man I Love

2026 Drama, Fantasy, Musical

Set in late-1980s New York City, actor Jimmy George, living with AIDS, prepares for what could be the final major role of his career.

I Love You Renato

2012 Drama, Musical, Romance

During the 90s, in the city of Valença, three teenagers embark on a personal journey marked by the disillusion of the end of an era, intimate discoveries and Renato Russo's songs.

Hello Again

2017 Drama, Musical, Romance

Ten individuals intertwine in a complex exploration of love's intricate dance, experiencing its joys and sorrows through interconnected relationships.

Something Like Summer

2017 Drama, Musical, Romance

Ben and Tim navigate their secret high school romance as it evolves into a complex friendship in adulthood.

Canary

2018 Drama, Musical

Drafted into the South African army during apartheid, a young soldier discovers romance amidst the military's traveling choir, confronting his suppressed sexuality.

Rocketman

2019 Drama, Musical

This musical fantasy chronicles Elton John's breakthrough years, from his prodigious talent at the Royal Academy of Music to his enduring partnership with Bernie Taupin, capturing the highs and lows of his transformative journey in the music industry.

Please Baby Please

2023 Drama, Musical

Newlyweds Suze and Arthur become the dangerous obsession of a greaser gang that awakens a sleeping quandary into the couple's sexual and gender identities.

Midnight in Phoenix

2025 Drama, Musical, Romance

A drag queen and her partner accidentally discover a robbery and get wrongly caught up in it.

54

1998 Drama, Musical

The famous 1970s New York City nightclub seen and told through the eyes of a young employee.

The Prom

2020 Comedy, Drama, Musical

Theater stars descend on a conservative town to support a high school girl fighting for equality at her prom, sparking comedic chaos.

Waiting in the Wings: The Musical

2014 Comedy, Musical

A mix-up between a theater enthusiast and an adult performer leads to hilarity as they realize they'll need to learn some new skills to succeed.

Leave It on the Floor

2011 Comedy, Drama, Musical, Romance

Kicked out of his home for being gay, a young man finds a new family with Los Angeles drag queens.