Gay Films Set in Prison - Gay Films Matter

We Think the World of You

1988 Comedy

Johnny, a young man recently released from prison, entrusts his dog Evie to his former lover Frank. Upon his release, he faces challenges at home and considers giving up Evie to Frank.

Welcome to Chechnya

2020 Documentary

Activists risk everything to fight for LGBTQ+ rights amidst persecution in Chechnya.

In the Name Of

2013 Drama, Thriller

Adam, a conflicted priest, grapples with desire and faith when he tries to help a troubled teen, confronting suppressed emotions.

The Consequence

1977 Drama, Romance

Thomas, the son of a prison warden, falls in love with inmate Martin. After Martin's release, they attempt to build a life together, but face constant interference from others.

Caravaggio

1986 Drama, Romance

A bold retelling of the 17th-century painter's life through his provocative paintings and flirtations with the underworld, exploring art, desire, and societal rebellion.

Poison

1991 Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi

A boy shoots his father and escapes through a window. In prison, a man falls in love with a fellow inmate. A doctor accidentally ingests an experimental serum, causing chaos.

Lilies

1996 Fantasy, Mystery, Romance

A bishop's visit to a prison for a confession turns into a reflection on past love and betrayal through an unexpected play by the inmates.

Kiss of the Spider Woman

1985 Drama

A gay man and a political prisoner are together in a prison. The gay man narrates the stories of two fake movies and his own life.

Boogie Boy

1998 Thriller

Fresh out of prison, a man vows to start anew, only to face danger when a former cellmate appears, threatening to derail his fragile stability and newfound aspirations.

Head On

1998 Drama, Romance

A 19-year-old Greek Australian grapples with his sexuality, navigating awkward straight encounters and his personal desire.

Before Night Falls

2000 Drama, Romance

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

Burnt Money

2000 Drama, Romance, Thriller

Nene, Angel, and Cuervo's botched bank robbery in 1965 Buenos Aires leads to a tense hideout in Uruguay.

Circuit

2001 Drama, Romance

John, a gay cop from Illinois, moves to Los Angeles seeking acceptance. He discovers the "circuit", where he falls into a world of drugs and more.

Three Dancing Slaves

2004 Drama, Romance

Following their mother's death, three Algerian brothers grapple with violence, temptation, and finding their way. One seeks revenge, another struggles to keep a job, and the youngest falls for a capoeira dancer. Can they stay united as a family?

Antibodies

2005 Drama, Horror, Thriller

Serial killer Gabriel Engel is arrested, and small-town cop Michael Martens travels to interrogate him, discovering more than he expected.

Back Soon

2007 Drama, Romance

Logan and Guillermo, drawn together after personal losses, navigate a complex relationship that challenges their identities and pasts. As secrets unravel, their bond faces a transformative test.

Bangkok Love Story

2007 Action, Drama, Romance

An informant and hitman's betrayal leads to an unexpected passionate entanglement.

Patrik, Age 1.5

2008 Comedy, Drama

A Swedish gay couple's adoption plans take a surprising turn when they meet their new 15-year-old son, challenging their expectations and fostering understanding.

Howl

2010 Drama, Romance

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

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.

Praybeyt Benjamin

2011 Comedy

A gay man challenges stereotypes by enlisting in the military to prove himself.

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.

Truth

2013 Drama, Romance, Thriller

Caleb's love for Jeremy blurs reality as his past and mental health unravel.

The Heroes of Evil

2015 Drama, Thriller

Three teenagers, brought together by bullying, indulge in petty theft, sex and drugs. They inevitably realize they can resort to violence to take revenge on everyone who has humiliated them: students, teachers and other outcasts. One of them escalates to killing, and desires to kill again. Anyone can become his next victim. The other two face the question: should they resort to violence to stop the killings?

Hidden Away

2014 Drama, Romance

Ibrahim navigates loneliness and uncertainty after fleeing deportation, searching for belonging and stability.

SHORT FILM

Picnic

2015 Drama

Emir, accompanied by a social worker, is on his way to meet his father for a weekend picnic at Igman, a semi-open penitentiary. Due to the heavy traffic they are late.

SHORT FILM

Freed

2019 Drama

After two years in jail, Issa is about to get out when he meets Gaëtan, a young inmate who has not served his sentence yet.