Buzz
Despite gay marriage being legalized in Massachusetts nearly 20 years ago and nationwide in 2015, LGBTQ-themed films remain a rarity in mainstream cinema (though Barbie could arguably be included). The 2022 release of Bros was hailed as the first major studio-backed gay romantic comedy. While films like Saltburn and All of Us Strangers have garnered attention, they still represent a minuscule portion of mainstream releases, often highlighted for their scarcity despite claims that straight-centered entertainment is disappearing.
In the modern blockbuster era, LGBTQ representation often feels tokenistic, with examples like Poe/Finn's queer-baiting, fleeting kisses between minor characters, or the sanitized, passionless relationships seen in Eternals. However, smaller indie films are showing promise, suggesting a potential shift toward a more inclusive and daring cinematic landscape, free from the constraints of appealing to every global market.
Hollywood has a long history of producing films with queer undertones, even if subtly. The late 1920s and early 1930s saw a surge in movies addressing LGBTQ themes, with stars like Garbo, Dietrich, and Hepburn embodying bisexual iconography before the term was widely recognized. The 1970s also saw a wave of independent films exploring queer identities. At other times, representation was more about subtext—filmmakers cleverly embedding themes that bypassed censors but resonated with LGBTQ audiences. This often resulted in films that, despite their straight appearances, were deeply queer—an ironic outcome of overcompensating heteronormativity.
Certain films on this list have clear contexts that make queer interpretations vital or at least highly plausible. Others, however, exude a distinctly queer vibe, often unintentionally.
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Picking up where Frankenstein left off, Dr. Henry Frankenstein is poised to marry his fiancée when his former mentor, Dr. Septimus Pretorius, reappears. Pretorius convinces Henry to abandon his marital plans and join him in clandestine experiments to create new life. Played by Ernest Thesiger, Pretorius is a flamboyant, chain-smoking figure who defies traditional masculinity, embodying high camp long before it became a defined concept. Thesiger, openly queer in an era when such openness was rare, brought an unapologetic authenticity to the role. Known for his needlework and advocacy for injured soldiers post-World War I, he was later honored for both his craft and his acting. This film's queer undertones even inspired the 1998 biopic Gods and Monsters, which chronicles the life of its director, James Whale, portrayed by Ian McKellen, who publicly came out in 1988.
Where to stream: Amazon
Rebecca (1940)
Rebecca showcased a fascinating fusion of creative visions: Alfred Hitchcock, still new to Hollywood, lacked the influence he would soon command, forcing him to collaborate with the formidable producer David O. Selznick, who had plenty of input. Hitchcock skillfully navigated Selznick’s demands, maintaining his signature precision as a filmmaker and leaving little room for post-production alterations. The film’s queer undertones are embodied by Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), the enigmatic housekeeper of Manderley. When Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier) returns with a new bride after his first wife’s death, Mrs. Danvers’ fixation on the late Rebecca becomes central to the story. Her intimate interactions with Rebecca’s belongings—caressing her clothes and obsessing over her lingerie—hint at a devotion that transcends mere loyalty. By 1940, lesbian characters were often portrayed as stern and ominous, a stark contrast to the glamorous portrayals by Garbo and Dietrich in earlier years. Yet, Mrs. Danvers remains the film’s most compelling figure.
Where to stream: YouTube
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
While many films on this list feature overt queer themes, The Maltese Falcon is more subtle, though Peter Lorre’s portrayal of Joel Cairo offers a fascinating case of queer coding. In Dashiell Hammett’s novel, Cairo is explicitly gay, but 1941 Hollywood censors demanded ambiguity. Lorre’s performance, however, brims with flamboyance: he glides into Sam Spade’s office adorned in elegant attire, clutching a cane, and presenting gardenia-scented calling cards—a compromise after lavender was deemed too suggestive. Though such characters were often marginalized or ridiculed, audiences have reclaimed them, celebrating their complexity and charm despite the era’s limitations.
Where to stream: Tubi, Amazon
Cat People (1942)
Directed by Jacques Tourneur and produced by the visionary Val Lewton, Cat People features Simone Simon as Irena Dubrovna, a woman who believes she is descended from a lineage of feline shapeshifters. Fearful that her repressed desires will trigger a transformation into a panther, she avoids intimacy with her new husband. The film’s metaphors about otherness resonate on multiple levels, but the most compelling interpretation is Irena’s struggle within a heterosexual marriage that feels alien to her true self.
Where to stream: Amazon
Rope (1948)
Inspired by the infamous 1924 Leopold and Loeb case, Rope tells the story of two wealthy University of Chicago students who murdered a 14-year-old boy to prove their perceived superiority. Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation, based on a play that explicitly portrayed the pair as gay, cleverly navigates the constraints of the Hays Code. The film, presented as a single continuous take, stars Farley Granger and John Dall as the effete “roommates” who host a dinner party with their victim’s body hidden in the room. Screenwriter Arthur Laurents, who was gay, infused the script with subtle subtext, a hallmark of Hitchcock’s ability to push boundaries within censorship limits.
Did audiences in the 1940s truly miss the fact that these characters were more than just friends? Interestingly, screenwriter Arthur Laurents and the team never informed Jimmy Stewart about the subtext of his role, and the actor remained oblivious. However, viewers eventually caught on.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime
Red River (1948)
John Wayne might not have approved, but the queer undertones of Red River have been a topic of discussion for years. The film marked a breakthrough for Montgomery Clift, a gay actor who portrayed Matt, the sensitive protégé of Wayne’s rugged character. The dynamic becomes even more intriguing with the arrival of John Ireland as Cherry Valance. A particularly memorable scene involves Matt and Cherry comparing guns, a moment rich with innuendo. Even the characters seem to notice the tension, with Wayne describing their interaction as “pawing at each other” and Walter Brennan’s character calling it “a peculiar kind of fun.”
Where to stream: Tubi, MGM+, Amazon
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Patricia Highsmith, a lesbian author, was no stranger to gay subtext (as seen in The Talented Mr. Ripley) or overt themes (like in The Price of Salt). Similarly, Alfred Hitchcock wasn’t shy about weaving queerness into his films, as evidenced by Rope and Rebecca. With Farley Granger in the mix, it’s no surprise that Strangers on a Train is brimming with provocative undertones. Granger’s character, Guy Haines, has a fateful encounter with Bruno Antony (Robert Walker) on a train, leading to a chilling discussion about swapping murders. Bruno’s deadly seriousness turns the hypothetical into reality, creating a narrative that feels like a straight man’s nightmare—where even a fleeting connection with another man could spell disaster.
Where to stream: Tubi, Amazon
Johnny Guitar (1954)
Though not one of Joan Crawford’s most famous films, this Nicholas Ray-directed western is among her most intriguing, earning a spot in the Criterion Collection. Crawford plays a saloon owner in the Arizona wilderness, described by an employee as “a woman who was more man.” Her fierce rivalry with Mercedes McCambridge’s cattle baroness drives the film, with their confrontations—often clad in black leather—radiating a charged, almost fetishistic energy. While male love interests exist, they pale in comparison to the electric tension between the two leading women, making their dynamic the film’s true core.
Where to stream: Amazon
Diabolique (1955)
A cornerstone of 1950s thrillers, this adaptation of Boileau-Narcejac’s novel omits the explicit lesbian relationship between its two central characters—the wife and mistress of a man they conspire to kill—while significantly changing the ending. Despite this, the bond between Nicole and Christina remains palpable. Their intimacy is noted by the boarding school community where they reside, as they travel together, share rooms, and even sleep in the same bed. A pivotal moment unfolds like a breakup scene, with Simone Signoret and Véra Clouzot delivering one of French cinema’s most unforgettable pairings, even if their romance is never overtly stated.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Jim Stark (James Dean), a moody and sensitive teenager, encounters Plato Crawford (Sal Mineo) and Judy (Natalie Wood) at the police station, sparking one of cinema's most iconic emotional love triangles. While the final film tones down the intensity, the connection between Plato and Jim is unmistakable. Concerned censors warned director Nicholas Ray to avoid any hint of a homosexual relationship, yet Mineo later revealed that Dean coached him to gaze at him with the same longing he showed Natalie. Subtle hints, like the Alan Ladd pin-up in Plato's locker, cleverly nod to the underlying themes for perceptive viewers.
Where to stream: Amazon
Ben-Hur (1959)
Charlton Heston might not have known, but the creative team behind Judah Ben-Hur and Messala's relationship was fully aware of the romantic undertones. Screenwriter Gore Vidal convinced the producer, director William Wyler, and actor Stephen Boyd that the story's emotional depth relied on the implication that the two had once been lovers. Heston, however, remained oblivious until years later, reacting with anger and dismissing the idea as disrespectful to the director.
Where to stream: Amazon
The Haunting (1963)
While the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House brought the subtext to the forefront, the 1963 original film subtly conveyed the chemistry between the stylish Theo (Claire Bloom) and the introverted Eleanor (Julie Harris). Theo dismisses male advances, focusing her attention on Eleanor, creating a dynamic that mirrors a classic lesbian couple archetype: one confident and polished, the other reserved and tomboyish.
Where to stream: Amazon
Fear No Evil (1981)
A quirky, low-budget cult favorite, Fear No Evil tells the story of a sensitive young man (Stefan Arngrim) who discovers he is the antichrist. Tormented by older actors portraying high school bullies, who frequently parade around half-naked, the protagonist eventually embraces his dark destiny. Donning makeup and unleashing chaos, his transformation into a flamboyant Satan figure leaves audiences divided, with many rooting for his outrageous revenge spree despite the film's ambiguous messaging.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime, Tubi, Shout Factory TV
A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)
The film’s underlying themes are so overt that they barely qualify as subtext, yet many straight viewers in 1985 overlooked them. Jesse (Mark Patton) assumes the role typically reserved for the “final girl” in slasher films, a reversal that highlights his vulnerability. Freddy’s interactions with Jesse are charged with innuendo, including a moment where he sensually touches Jesse’s lips with his bladed fingers. Jesse’s frequent state of undress, his panic around both danger and his girlfriend, and his encounter with his gym teacher in a leather bar underscore the film’s exploration of closeted teenage angst. The locker room scene, where the teacher meets a humiliating end, further cements the film’s metaphorical take on repressed sexuality.
Where to stream: Netflix, Amazon
Fright Night (1985)
When Chris Sarandon and Jonathan Stark become neighbors, the main character’s mom quips, 'I heard he has a live-in carpenter. Knowing my luck, he’s probably gay.' While terms like 'friends' or 'roommates' are more common, 'live-in carpenter' adds a fresh twist, though the underlying dynamic is clear. Despite being a vampire and his familiar, their bond is marked by effortless chemistry and mutual care, portraying a supportive relationship—even if they are sinister vampires.
Where to stream: Amazon
Top Gun (1986)
In 1986, coming out in the military would have led to a dishonorable discharge, which likely explains why Top Gun frequently emphasizes Tom Cruise’s affection for Kelly McGillis. However, the film’s true emotional core lies in the tension and connection between Cruise’s Maverick and Val Kilmer’s Iceman. The movie features shirtless, sweaty (or oiled) Navy men engaging in activities like volleyball, set to Kenny Loggins’ 'Playing with the Boys.' Dialogue such as, 'I want somebody’s butt! I want it now!' and 'I’d like to bust your butt, but I can’t!' adds to the homoerotic undertones. Late director Tony Scott admitted to using gay beefcake photography books as inspiration for filming the male cast, which might explain the abundance of suggestive mustaches.
Where to stream: Paramount+, Amazon
The Lost Boys (1987)
This film is packed with layers, and it’s unclear how much was deliberate (director Joel Schumacher, known for Batman & Robin, wasn’t exactly subtle). A gang of leather-wearing rebels obsessed with preying on more conventional teens, culminating in a seductive vampire showdown; Corey Haim’s room inexplicably features a poster of a glistening Rob Lowe; and the oiled-up, saxophone-playing scene that practically redefines the film’s queer undertones. Straight? Definitely not.
Where to stream: AMC+, Amazon
Red Heat (1988)
Director Walter Hill once called Red Heat a 'love story' between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Belushi’s characters, and while he may not have meant it romantically, the script wouldn’t need much tweaking to make their bond overt. This film epitomizes the hyper-masculine, action-packed movies of the ’80s (many starring Schwarzenegger), filled with intense male camaraderie and a steamy bathhouse opening scene. Though co-ed, the focus is squarely on the men, battling in what can only be described as minimal clothing.
Where to stream: Amazon
Scream (1996)
Similar to Hitchcock’s Rope, Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter of Scream, drew partial inspiration from the infamous duo Leopold and Loeb when crafting the film-obsessed killers Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard). Even without explicit confirmation from interviews, queer audiences quickly picked up on the dynamic—Stu’s intense fascination with Billy is unmistakable.
Where to stream: Max, Amazon
Batman & Robin (1997)
Begin with Joel Schumacher’s campy flair—the openly gay director once boasted of intimate encounters with thousands of men (not that queer credibility hinges on numbers, but still). Add a batsuit featuring noticeable nipples, an oversized codpiece, and an exaggerated rear cleavage, and you’ve got the ultimate queer superhero spectacle. And that’s before George Clooney’s Batman takes in a nearly adult man just nine years younger than himself.
Where to stream: Max, Amazon Prime
Fight Club (1999)
When hyper-masculinity reaches its peak, it begins to blur into homoeroticism. How many shirtless, sweaty men can you cram into a women-free space before it resembles a gay club? And remember, don’t breathe a word of what happens here to wives, girlfriends, or colleagues.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Whispers suggest that Jess (Parminder Nagra) and Jules (Keira Knightley), the football teammates, were initially written to end up as a couple, but the script was altered to appease more traditional American and Indian viewers. Even so, the bond between the two players is electric, with scenes of hand-holding and even a kiss leaving room for romantic interpretations in this standout sports-underdog story.
Where to stream: Disney+, Hulu, Amazon
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
If Sam and Frodo were of opposite genders, their relationship would undoubtedly be seen as romantic. Even without a queer lens, their bond—both in the books and films—stands as a rare portrayal of deep male intimacy. They hold hands, embrace, and even carry each other, showcasing a level of care seldom seen in cinema. Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen, with his flowing hair and dramatic transformation, embodies the classic drag-queen-as-mentor archetype, adding another layer of queer-coded richness to the trilogy.
Where to stream: Max, Amazon
300 (2006)
While 300 repeatedly insists on the Spartans’ hyper-masculinity, with Leonidas and his nearly nude warriors emphasizing their toughness, Zack Snyder’s adaptation feels like a visual homage to every fetish party imaginable. The Persians, adorned with makeup and jewels, are explicitly queered to appear more intimidating to the male audience, as Snyder has admitted. Yet, the film seems oblivious to the irony of its own homoerotic undertones, not to mention its glaring misreading of ancient Spartan culture, which was far from heteronormative.
Where to stream: Hulu, Amazon
The Covenant (2006)
The tale of four young men (suspiciously mature for high schoolers) descended from witches, battling some vague evil force—plot details are secondary, and the film itself isn’t particularly strong. Yet, it has earned a cult following for its unintentional charm, featuring soon-to-be-famous actors in a Craft-inspired narrative with extra locker room scenes. It’s refreshing to see the camera shift its gaze to ogle the male cast for a change, subverting the genre’s usual focus.
Where to stream: AMC+, Amazon
Frozen (2013)
Elsa’s journey resonates deeply with queer audiences: hiding a secret she fears will be exposed, then finding liberation when she embraces her true self. Unlike other Disney princesses, Elsa’s story isn’t about finding a romantic partner, a refreshing departure from the norm. Frozen 2 leaves her romantic future ambiguous, a small but meaningful step for Disney, a studio often hesitant to alienate its straight audience. And let’s not forget the climactic scene of her galloping across the sea on a magical horse—undeniable queer energy.
Where to stream: Disney+, Amazon
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook unexpectedly became a gay icon. While some social media chatter had hinted at this, it gained traction when Netflix inexplicably placed the film in its LGBTQ category. Suddenly, queer interpretations felt validated—and rightly so. On the surface, The Babadook explores grief and the perils of ignoring trauma, but it also serves as a powerful metaphor for the closet. With his gothic flair, the Babadook haunts a mother and son who attempt to deny his existence. The more they try to suppress him, the more havoc he wreaks. Only by confronting and accepting him can they hope to heal.
Where to stream: Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, Amazon
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
When The Force Awakens debuted in 2015, fans sensed a shift in the Force, but the hope for LGBTQ representation in the Star Wars universe was ultimately crushed. The bond between Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) seemed to transcend friendship, and the films left room for a deeper connection. However, the trilogy’s final installment introduced female love interests for both characters, despite the actors’ openness to portraying a romantic relationship. This decision, coupled with the sidelining of Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose after online harassment, felt like a concession to the franchise’s most toxic fans. Still, if you overlook the last film, the potential for a groundbreaking queer storyline remains evident.
Where to stream: Disney+
Venom (2018)
Tom Hardy delivers a moody performance in Venom, a tale of two 'roommates' sharing one body. After being taken over by an alien symbiote, Eddie Brock constantly clashes with his new companion, but over time, they grow to understand and perhaps even care for each other. Is it just two guys teaming up to fight crime? Perhaps, but their chemistry is undeniable. When Venom inhabits Eddie’s girlfriend Annie (Michelle Williams) in the climax, the lines blur—who’s really kissing whom? The scene radiates serious throuple vibes.
Where to stream: Disney+, Amazon
RRR (2022)
No one can persuade me that this isn’t a high-octane romantic comedy: two men meet in a dramatic bridge rescue, instantly bond, and spend nearly every moment together, all while wrestling with secrets that threaten to pull them apart. Their passions? Stripping off their shirts, battling colonialism with tigers, and their undeniable love for each other.
Where to stream: Netflix
