out in my headstraights by appointment only

There may be a deluge of blockbusters coming out over summer, but I thought it would be good to have a little list of LGBT movies that I’ve watched which I think everyone needs to see regardless of orientation. These are movies I’ve watched over the years which have made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with them. So here they are, in no particular order:

Milk (2008)

Played by Sean Penn, this is the story of Harvey Milk and his struggle as an American gay activist who fought for gay rights and became California’s first openly gay elected official. A beautiful performance with a wonderful cast that sheds plenty of tears along the way.

Ciao (2008)

A beautiful story of how two men come together through the loss of a common friend. Elegantly filmed with plenty of heart to it.

Philadelphia (1993)

This movie is probably Tom Hanks at his best – fired from his job because he has AIDS, Hanks finally manages to hire an initially reluctant lawyer to defend his case, played by Denzel Washington. Both men deliver powerhouse performances throughout the film, and it’s amazing to see how both characters compliment each other to fight both the disease and the stigma.

Shortbus (2006)

It’s hard to describe Shortbus eloquently. On the surface it seems to be a movie about everybody sleeping with everybody, but at its heart it’s a movie about living and truly discovering your place in this world. It’s not censored in any way, so prepare for all kinds of kinky revelations. After all, where else will you see someone singing the US National Anthem into @jaybrannan‘s ass?

You Should Meet My Son (2010)

An adorable little film about a mother who really just wants the best for her son. Drag queens, Christians, strippers and more make this a hilarious film for those lazy weekends at home.

Saving Marriage (2006)

A landmark court decision in Massachusetts allows gay people in that state to marry – forcing activists, legislators, and ordinary people to reconsider how they view same-sex relationships. A poignant view of both sides of the argument for and against same-sex marriage.

Albert Nobbs (2011)

I was absolutely dumbstruck when I saw the trailer for this movie – this is Glenn Close as you’ve never seen her before, and she gives one of the most amazing performances of her career. Set in late 19th century Ireland where women aren’t encouraged to be independent, Nobbs poses as a waiter in a posh hotel to earn a living, where her secret soon begins to get the better of her.

Latter Days (2003)

An adorable film about two complete opposites jumping headfirst into lord knows what. A cute cast along with some frisky dialogue moves this film along at a well-matched pace.

Angels in America (2003)

While technically not a film, this HBO original features an amazing cast with the likes of Meryl Streep and Al Pacino leading the pack. A poignant look at the AIDS crisis during the mid-80s, this film does a wonderful job of casting each character in multiple roles, and never fails to take you on a complete emotional roller-coaster.

To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995)

This movie certainly has the longest title, but it’s one of the funniest I’ve seen in a while. Wesley Snips and Patrick Swayze swap bayonets for bras in this hilarious drag comedy, alongside John Leguizamo. The three men put together a spectacular performance as they roll into a sleepy little town and turn it from drab to fab.

The Birdcage (1996)

It’s got Robin Williams in it, what more do you want?

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

An absolute classic, Priscilla follows two drag queens and a transsexual as they travel to a cabaret gig in the middle of the desert. Fabulous costumes and music make for a truly unforgettable flick.

Were The World Mine (2008)

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes to life in this gay film laced with humor and music. If you had a love-potion, who would you make fall madly in love with you? A small town with a few close-minded people gets a major facelift thanks to cheeky Timothy who just wants everyone to get along.

Weekend (2011)

An amazing film that really tugs at your heart – two men who meet in a club have just 24 hours to spend together before one of them moves away. The resulting day is a race of emotions as they struggle to truly define what’s between them before it’s too late.

Love and other disasters (2006)

While technically not a LGBT film per se, this hilarious comedy is one of my favorite films of the late Brittany Murphy. Love plays a complicated hand in the lives of a group of friends, often with some side-splitting results. Look for a cameo from Dawn French in an unforgettable therapy scene!

Got a movie suggestion you think I should watch? Leave it in the comments below!