In honor of Valentine’s Day, it’s always fun to watch a romantic movie with a partner or friends the day of. For LGBTQ+ people, it’s a bit harder to access rom-coms and feel-good movies with good representation.
For that reason, I have compiled a list of gay and sapphic movies to watch, each with an all-so-rare happy ending.
From director Emma Seligman — previously known for the film “Shiva Baby” — is “Bottoms,” which is about a comedic queer fight club made up by the main characters PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) in order to get with the two girls they have crushes on.
This movie is one of my favorites from last year and is a great and lighthearted adventure throughout the entire storyline. The characters are lovable, and the dialogue is very realistic.
2. “But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999)
A classic in the sapphic community, “But I’m a Cheerleader” follows everyday cheerleader Megan (Natasha Lyonne) as she is sent to a conversion therapy camp where she meets Graham (Clea DuVall), and the two navigate the camp’s strictness and their love for each other.
While the plot might seem serious, the film is a rom-com. The conversion camp and some characters are doused in stereotypes and comedic undertones.
A Valentine’s Day staple, “Imagine Me & You” focuses on Rachel’s (Piper Perabo) wedding day when she meets Luce (Lena Headey), and the two instantly feel drawn to each other. Despite the fact that she is now married, Rachel cannot stop thinking about Luce.
This movie was one of the first rom-coms that I watched, and despite its silly nature, I find it to be absolutely adorable and a must-watch.
4. “Red, White & Royal Blue” (2023)
Based on the book of the same name written by Casey McQuiston, “Red, White & Royal Blue” is a rom-com following the first son of the United States, Alex (Taylor Zakhar Perez), falling in love with Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine). The two must overcome the press and the royal family to work.
As someone who read the book, I was anticipating the release of his movie and was not disappointed with the results.
A movie about love, loss and acceptance, “Moonlight” is split up into three chapters of Chiron’s life as he comes to terms with his sexuality — with Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes all portraying Chiron at different stages of his life.
The film is a beautiful telling of someone learning how to be themselves with and without support from others. The movie ends on a hopeful note.
6. “The Thing About Harry” (2020)
A classic trope familiar to everyone, Sam (Jake Borelli) and his former high school bully Harry (Niko Terho) reunite after graduation. The pair end up sharing a car ride, leading to a romance.
“The Thing About Harry” is a heartwarming film with two actors “Grey’s Anatomy” fans might recognize. The film is a sweet rom-com with a beautiful ending.
These picks are just some of my favorites, but definitely not all that’s out there. I can’t wait to see what new LGBTQ+ rom-coms will be released in the coming years.
