Gay Documentary Movies & Short Films

SHORT FILM

Landline

2018 Documentary, Drama

Told through helpline recordings and reconstructed visuals, the film captures the lives of LGBTQ people in Britain’s farming community. In a world shaped by tradition and masculinity, being gay can mean deep isolation, yet also sparks unlikely friendships, rural connections, and moments of resilience.

Eye on the Guy: Alan B. Stone & the Age of Beefcake

2006 Documentary

An in-depth exploration of the homosexual photography captured by Alan B Stone.

McQueen

2018 Documentary

The life and career of fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen: from his start as a tailor, to launching and overseeing his eponymous line and his untimely death.

The Celluloid Closet

1995 Documentary

Surveying Hollywood's depictions and societal attitudes toward homosexuals throughout North American film history.

SHORT FILM

The Girl That Got Away

2023 Documentary

A four decades playing tough guy roles, a Mexican-American actor navigates their gender identity at the risk of job security and family acceptance.

Young Royals Forever

2024 Documentary

Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg, among others, together with the main writer, creator and executive producer Lisa Ambjörn share the story of how Wilhelm and Simon's journey took shape, from the writing process and casting to the final scene.

Straight Acting

2005 Documentary

Gay men find acceptance and camaraderie through sports, from ice hockey to rugby and rodeo.

Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher

2005 Documentary

Chronicles the life of the influential hippie preacher and evangelist, exploring his spiritual journey and impact on the evangelical movement, while navigating personal challenges and societal stigma.

Tongues Untied

1989 Documentary

A documentary about the experiences of black gay men living in the US.

Chris & Don: A Love Story

2007 Documentary, Romance

The romance between British writer Christopher Isherwood and American artist Don Bachardy is explored.

Seed Money: The Chuck Holmes Story

2015 Documentary

Chuck Holmes, a pornographer turned philanthropist, battles for acceptance despite his support for LGBT causes.

Will & Harper

2024 Documentary

Will Ferrell and his close friend of thirty years decide to go on a cross-country road trip to explore a new chapter in their relationship.

SHORT FILM

Coded

2021 Animation, Documentary

Follow the illustrator J.C. Leyendecker, whose impactful work paved the way for contemporary LGBTQ advertisements that celebrate identity and pride.

Men for Sale

2008 Documentary

An intimate look over 12 months at the challenging lives of nightworkers in downtown Montreal, revealing the struggles, aspirations, and personal journeys of these marginalized individuals.

Outrage

2009 Documentary

An indictment of closeted politicians lobbying anti-gay legislation unfolds in the U.S.

Mr. Leather

2019 Documentary

Traces the progress of 9 men as they enter the 2003 Mr. Los Angeles Leather competition while attempting to humanize the leather subculture.

A Bigger Splash

1973 Documentary, Drama

Semi-fictionalized documentary biopic of British artist David Hockney. After a difficult break-up, Hockney is left unable to paint, much to the concern of his friends. Titled after Hockney's pop-art painting 'A Bigger Splash'.

L’amour fou

2010 Documentary

Delves into the complex relationship between iconic fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge, exploring love amidst creativity.

SHORT FILM

No Man Is an Island

2025 Documentary, Drama

Combining dramatic re-enactments with restored archival footage, the film explores the painful consequences of public humiliation in a tight-knit island community. As fear spreads over the upcoming changes to laws around gay relationships, the media steps in as an unofficial enforcer, pressuring men to hide their identities even beyond the reach of the courts.

This Is What Love in Action Looks Like

2011 Documentary

A documentary follows a 16-year-old in 2005 Memphis sent to a "Fundamentalist Christian" program, with his local community protesting daily at the facility, featuring former clients' stories.

SHORT FILM

The Little Deputy

2015 Documentary, Drama

Trevor tries to have his photo taken with his father.

Shut Up Little Man!

2011 Comedy, Documentary, Drama

Two friends inadvertently create a viral pop-culture sensation by recording the noisy fights of their neighbors, catapulting them into unexpected fame.

SHORT FILM

Inferno

2019 Documentary

Delves into the fantastical world of artist Gui Taccetti, whose deeply personal work channels the anxiety of growing up gay in staunchly Catholic Brazil.

Legalize Gay

2011 Documentary

A new generation of activists rises to the challenge of advocating for gay and lesbian equality, navigating political upheaval and personal sacrifice in their fight for justice.

The Jeffrey Dahmer Files

2012 Documentary, Drama, Mystery

Explores Jeffrey Dahmer's impact on those around him during his 1991 arrest, blending archival footage, interviews, and fictionalized scenarios.

Gay Meets Girl

2013 Documentary

Filmmakers Tim den Besten and Nicolaas Veul explore the boundaries of their sexuality, questioning if they are truly gay.

I Am Divine

2013 Documentary

Harris Glenn Milstead's journey from Divine to John Waters' cinematic muse and international drag icon comes to life.

Gay Documentary Movies & Short Films

All Gay Documentary Films

Landline

Eye on the Guy: Alan B. Stone & the Age of Beefcake

McQueen

The Celluloid Closet

The Girl That Got Away

Young Royals Forever

Straight Acting

Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher

Tongues Untied

Chris & Don: A Love Story

Seed Money: The Chuck Holmes Story

Will & Harper

Coded

Men for Sale

Outrage

Mr. Leather

A Bigger Splash

L’amour fou

No Man Is an Island

This Is What Love in Action Looks Like

The Little Deputy

Shut Up Little Man!

Inferno

Legalize Gay

The Jeffrey Dahmer Files

Gay Meets Girl

I Am Divine

Gay Documentary Collections

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