The depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships on the big screen has evolved remarkably over the years, offering audiences a diverse spectrum of narratives filled with depth, passion, and authenticity. For those interested in stories that intertwine romance with erotic undertones, lesbian and bisexual narratives add a rich tapestry of emotional complexity and cinematic beauty. Here are 20 must-watch LGBTQ+ erotic films that not only captivate with their storytelling but also with their exploration of sensuality and identity.
- Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
A mesmerizing tale of love, passion, and heartbreak, this film follows the intense relationship between Adèle and Emma. The movie masterfully captures the beauty and vulnerability of first love. - Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Set in 18th-century France, this film explores the forbidden romance between a painter and her subject. The narrative beautifully blends aesthetic elegance with the intensity of an evolving romance. - The Handmaiden (2016)
In a thrilling fusion of deceit and desire, this Korean film delivers a gripping storyline. The movie intricately weaves together themes of eroticism and betrayal, leaving viewers spellbound. - Desert Hearts (1985)
A pioneering film for lesbian cinema, this classic tells the story of a woman seeking a fresh start and finding unexpected love in rural Nevada. - Carol (2015)
Renowned for its exquisite cinematography and storytelling, “Carol” explores the burgeoning romance between a young photographer and an elegant older woman in 1950s New York. - Kiss Me (2011)
A Swedish drama that unfolds the unexpected romance between two women who meet at a family event. The film beautifully captures the intensity of attraction and the courage it takes to embrace love. - Vita & Virginia (2018)
Based on true events, this film portrays the passionate love affair between celebrated writer Virginia Woolf and the poet Vita Sackville-West, exploring the transformative power of love and art. - My Summer of Love (2004)
Set in the English countryside, this film navigates the intoxicating and sometimes destructive relationship between two young women over the course of a summer. - Below Her Mouth (2016)
A provocative drama that delves into an all-consuming weekend affair between two women, challenging societal norms and expectations about love and lust. - Elena Undone (2010)
Exploring themes of longing and realization, this film tells the story of a pastor’s wife who discovers unanticipated feelings towards a free-spirited writer. - Disobedience (2017)
A poignant story about love and religion, the film portrays Ronit and Esti — childhood friends and lovers who rekindle their romance after years apart, dealing with societal and familial pressures. - Room in Rome (2010)
An evocative exploration of intimacy, the film examines a fleeting yet profound encounter between two women in a hotel room in Rome, blending eroticism with introspective dialogue. - The Secrets (2007)
In the conservative backdrop of an Israeli seminary, this film explores the forbidden attraction between two women, weaving together themes of tradition, rebellion, and desire. - Aimee & Jaguar (1999)
Based on a true story, this historical drama reflects the forbidden love affair between two women during WWII in Nazi Germany, showcasing love’s resilience amidst adversity. - The Watermelon Woman (1996)
An innovative film that mixes documentary-style storytelling with fiction, it follows a young woman exploring her identity and pursuing a passionate romance. - Cloudburst (2011)
This heartfelt film follows an elderly lesbian couple’s journey to Canada to get married, offering a blend of comedy, romance, and a celebration of enduring love. - Rafiki (2018)
Set in Nairobi, this vibrant film portrays the love story of two young women amidst societal and familial opposition, emphasizing the power of hope and resilience. - Duck Butter (2018)
An experimental narrative where two women decide to spend 24 uninterrupted hours together, revealing truths about intimacy, vulnerability, and the rawness of human connection. - The Children’s Hour (1961)
A drama with ahead-of-its-time themes, exploring the destructive power of rumors, it subtly weaves the narrative of affection between two female teachers caught in a scandal. - Summertime (La Belle Saison) (2015)
Set in 1970s France, this tender narrative tracks the romance between two women amid a backdrop of social change, capturing the complexities of love and liberation.
These films serve not only as entertainment but also as a testament to the diversity and depth of LGBTQ+
