Jun 17
10 Pride-Themed Movies to Watch With Your Besties This Month
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
June marks Pride Month, a time for LGBTQ+ communities and allies to honor the progress made, reflect on ongoing struggles, and—most importantly—celebrate queer joy. One of the most affirming ways to revel in this spirit is by gathering your best friends for a movie marathon featuring stories that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of LGBTQ+ lives. This year, streaming platforms and cinemas are brimming with both fresh releases and enduring classics—here are ten pride-themed movies to watch this month, handpicked for their affirming messages, representation, and sheer entertainment value.
1. Milk (2008)
A cornerstone of queer cinema, "Milk" dramatizes the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Sean Penn’s Oscar-winning performance anchors a moving tribute to resilience and activism, and the film’s depiction of community organizing remains deeply relevant. Now streaming on Peacock for Pride Month, the movie also features a lesbian character, Anne Kronenberg, played by Allison Pill.
2. Pariah (2011)
This critically acclaimed film follows Alike, a Black, masculine-of-center teenager navigating family, identity, and acceptance in Brooklyn. Praised for its nuanced storytelling and specificity, "Pariah" offers an authentic look at the coming-out experience from an intersectional perspective. It’s available to stream on Peacock throughout June.
3. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
This cult classic horror-comedy has developed a strong queer following thanks to its campy aesthetic, subversive themes, and deep exploration of women’s relationships. Starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, the film’s overtly queer subtext and depiction of female empowerment make it a Pride favorite.
4. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
For those seeking something offbeat, this zombie musical-comedy features queer actress Ella Hunt and a prominent lesbian character, Steph. The film combines camp, musical numbers, and horror, making it a festive selection for group viewing.
5. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Adapted from Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, this romantic comedy follows the secret romance between the First Son of the United States and a British prince. Lauded for its chemistry and feel-good energy, it’s an ideal pick for a fun, affirming night in.
6. Pride (2014)
Based on true events, "Pride" tells the story of LGBTQ+ activists in the UK who supported striking miners during the 1980s. This feel-good film is a testament to the power of solidarity across communities, featuring an ensemble cast and plenty of humor.
7. Beautiful Thing (1996)
A tender coming-of-age story set in working-class London, "Beautiful Thing" follows two teenage boys as they fall in love against the backdrop of a supportive, if sometimes chaotic, community. Its gentle optimism and authentic performances have made it a perennial favorite.
8. Love, Simon (2018)
As one of the first major studio teen comedies centered on a gay protagonist, "Love, Simon" broke new ground for mainstream LGBTQ+ representation. Its message of self-acceptance and supportive friendships makes it a crowd-pleasing choice for Pride Month.
9. Plainclothes (2025)
Among the newest releases, "Plainclothes" explores the story of an undercover agent assigned to entrap gay men, who finds himself falling in love with his target. The film has earned praise for its nuanced portrayal of internal conflict and queer romance, and currently holds a strong critical rating.
10. Twinless (2025)
This poignant drama follows two grieving men who find connection and healing in a support group. Their evolving friendship and eventual romance offer a fresh perspective on queer male intimacy and vulnerability. "Twinless" is noted for its emotional depth and strong performances..
Where to Watch and How to Celebrate
Most of these films are available on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, with new releases like "Plainclothes" and "Twinless" rolling out on premium services and select cinemas this month.
Honorable Mentions and New Releases
Several other notable films have recently premiered or are highly anticipated, including "Cactus Pears" (an Indian queer drama), "Bros" (a groundbreaking gay rom-com), and "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie" (a musical about a teen drag queen)
This Pride, let the magic of queer cinema bring you and your besties closer together—one movie night at a time.
