In celebration of Pride Month, we’ve curated a selection of the finest WLW films that we could watch repeatedly—and just to clarify, Blue Is The Warmest Colour is not included.
Disobedience (Prime Video/AppleTV/HBO Max)
If Rachel Weisz’s enigmatic librarian from The Mummy played a role in your sexual awakening, where were you back in 1999? Having her star in a lesbian drama, alongside the romantic queen herself, Rachel McAdams, was everything we could have wished for and more. This film, based on Naomi Alderman’s novel, explores the relationship between two women within an Orthodox Jewish community, culminating in an unexpected conclusion that is sure to surprise.
First Girl I Loved (YouTube)
Dylan Gelula showed her knack for portraying the angst of adolescence as Xanthippe Voorhees on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. However, she truly shines alongside Brianna Hildebrand from Deadpool in this film that won the ‘Best of NEXT’ award at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. While addressing serious issues such as rape, sexual assault, and homophobia, it also captures the lighter aspects of first love, complete with a fantastic soundtrack that will uplift your playlist.
The Handmaiden (Prime Video)
This remarkable reimagining of Sarah Waters’ 2002 novel, Fingersmith, takes place in Japanese-occupied Korea rather than Victorian England. Directed, co-written, and co-produced by Oldboy’s Park Chan-Wook, this film is a haunting work of art that you’ll want to watch repeatedly. It tells the story of Sook-hee, a Korean pickpocket hired by the con man Count Fujiwara to help him seduce Lady Hideko, a Japanese heiress living with her Uncle Kouzuki in a house shrouded in mystery. The Handmaiden is filled with surprising twists and breathtaking visuals that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the end.
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (Prime Video/HBO Max)
Winning the Queer Palm at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, this film, written and directed by Céline Sciamma, makes us wish we had taken our French classes more seriously. With stunning visuals, period-appropriate costumes, and remarkable performances from leads Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, we are transported to 18th-century coastal France, experiencing a love story that lingers in our minds. It follows painter Marianne, who is commissioned to create a portrait of aristocrat Héloïse for her future husband, emphasizing that the depth of a relationship is not necessarily tied to its length.
Imagine Me & You (Prime Video)
This quintessential lesbian romantic comedy stars Piper Perabo from Coyote Ugly and Lena Headey from Game of Thrones. It’s the charming British film from the early 2000s that you can watch anytime without the emotional weight often found in queer cinema. A delightful mix of comedic mishaps and a beautifully crafted love story featuring bisexual representation, it captures the thrill and surprise of discovering your sexuality later in life and the electrifying energy that instant chemistry with a stranger can bring.
Carol (Netflix)
A film that hardly needs an introduction, Carol won both the Queer Palm and earned Rooney Mara the Best Actress award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s “The Price of Salt,” it inspired King Princess’ breakout hit “1950.” The film’s time period serves as a character in its own right, influencing the costumes, settings, props, and social context of this heart-touching love story between a shop girl and a divorcée—two unexpected lovers who overcome significant obstacles to be together. A tribute to the queer pioneers who forged paths for love and authenticity amidst adversity, it also provides a perfect excuse to admire Cate Blanchett, and we doubt any film will dethrone this one from the top of our list anytime soon.
