Biographical Gay Films - Gay Films Matter

Before Night Falls

2000 Drama, Romance

The life of Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas is examined, including his struggles and triumphs.

Kinsey

2004 Drama, Romance

A look at the life of Alfred Kinsey, a pioneer in human sexuality research.

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.

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.

I Killed My Mother

2009 Drama, Romance

Hubert navigates the challenges of being gay in a semi-autobiographical tale fraught with conflict with his mother.

Gods and Monsters

1998 Drama

Academy Award winner James Whale, acclaimed creator of the Frankenstein movies, begins an unlikely friendship with his handsome gardener.

Howl

2010 Drama, Romance

Allen Ginsberg's life and art are examined, including his famous poem and its obscenity trial.

The Stranger in Us

2010 Drama

Anthony, new to San Francisco, confronts his abusive ex-lover with the help of an unlikely ally, forging an unexpected bond.

Shut Up and Kiss Me

2010 Comedy, Romance

Ben navigates the complexities of dating as a 35-year-old, exploring monogamy and relationships with Grey, questioning whether one can truly have it all in today's society.

Beginners

2010 Comedy, Drama, Romance

Oliver, a graphic designer, is captivated by the free-spirited and unpredictable Anna. His father's memories push him to embrace the possibility of a real, lasting relationship.

SHORT FILM

The Little Deputy

2015 Documentary, Drama

Trevor tries to have his photo taken with his father.

Zenne Dancer

2011 Drama, Romance

Daniel, a German photo-journalist in Istanbul, befriends flamboyant belly dancer Can and conservative Ahmet, whose quest for honesty and liberty leads to tragic consequences.

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.

Sal

2011 Drama

Explore the final day in the life of actor Sal Mineo, who tragically met his end on February 12, 1976.

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.

Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean

2012 Drama

Delves into the enigmatic life and impact of a cultural icon.

Riley

2023 Drama

The structured life of a disciplined high school athlete starts to fall apart as his queer identity clashes with the expectations of who he's always been told to be.

Kill Your Darlings

2013 Drama, Romance, Thriller

In 1944, a murder brings together iconic Beat Generation poets Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs, intertwining their lives amidst wartime intrigue.

Burning Blue

2013 Drama, Romance

Two Navy fighter pilots find their lives and careers thrown into turmoil as they navigate a forbidden relationship, grappling with the consequences of their love amidst military constraints and personal ambitions.

Mr. Angel

2013 Documentary

Chronicles transgender activist Buck Angel's journey of acceptance and activism, spanning years of personal and societal challenges, offering an inspirational portrayal of resilience and identity.

Toast

2010 Comedy, Drama

The ultimate nostalgia trip through everything edible in 1960s Britain.

Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine

2014 Documentary

Loved ones reflect on the life and tragic death of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, whose targeted murder in Wyoming in 1998 sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.

Back on Board: Greg Louganis

2014 Documentary

Olympic champion Greg Louganis faces financial struggles and returns to diving to mentor U.S. Olympic hopefuls in a bid to reclaim his former fame and stability.

Strip Jack Naked: Nighthawks II

1991 Documentary

Ron Peck talks about his experiences of growing up as a gay man, the attitudes to homosexuality in Britain, and his journey towards making his film Nighthawks (1978).

Wrong Harmonies

2014 Drama, Romance

After his partner's death, a man discovers his online affairs, leading to emotional revelations.

Saint Laurent

2014 Drama, Romance

Delve into Yves Saint Laurent's life from 1967 to 1976, a period marked by his unparalleled success as a fashion icon.