Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
2025 has already proven to be a banner year for LGBTQ+ storytelling on screen—bold narratives, emotional depth, and vibrant representation abound. Here are five of the most noteworthy LGBTQ+-themed films that have premiered so far this year.
From thrilling genre-benders and intimate dramas to documentaries and queer thrillers, 2025 is shaping up to be a year when queer stories cross genres and borders. Whether it’s exploring histories, pushing stylistic boundaries, or portraying complex desires, each film brings depth, visibility, and resonance.
1. The History of Sound
Directed by Oliver Hermanus and starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, The History of Sound is a poignant and lyrical romance set in pre-World War I America. The story follows Lionel, a talented music student, who falls deeply in love with David, an aristocrat. Together they embark on a bittersweet journey across Maine to collect folk songs—an emotionally charged narrative that explores love, memory, and loss with haunting tenderness.
2. State of Firsts
This important documentary follows Sarah McBride, the first openly trans U.S. Congressperson, chronicling her groundbreaking campaign with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. It premiered at Tribeca and delivers powerful, high-stakes storytelling.
3. Parade: Queer Acts of Love and Resistance
Canada’s LGBTQ+ history gets an electrifying pass in this documentary, tracing major milestones—from protest marches to two-spirit identity—affirming how love and resistance have shaped queer activism north of the border. It opened Hot Docs 2025 to glowing reactions.
4. There’s a Zombie Outside
A delightfully surreal queer zombie film, it follows a filmmaker whose horror creation bleeds into his reality—mirroring his internal struggles with identity and relationships. Wry, mind-bending, and free to stream on Tubi and other platforms, it’s equal parts funny and poignant.
5. The Wedding Banquet
A heartfelt and timely remake of Ang Lee’s classic, this version explores fertility, immigration, and imagined families through two lesbian couples. With strong performances (including Bowen Yang), it balances comedy and emotional truth—with much to say about queerness across generations.
Films We’re Excited For (Coming Soon)
Pillion
This queer biker romance from A24 is already generating buzz. The story follows a shy wallflower (Harry Melling) who becomes the submissive companion to a charismatic motorbike gang leader (Alexander Skarsgård). It’s as sexy, edgy, and queer as it gets—and we can’t wait.
Tiger
Set in Tokyo and directed by Anshul Chauhan, Tiger tells the story of a closeted gay masseuse grappling with family expectations and identity. It debuts at the Busan International Film Festival’s ‘Visions–Asia’ section on September 22, bringing Japanese queer storytelling to the forefront.
Girlfriends
This Cantonese coming-of-age romance explores the same woman (Lok) at ages 17, 22, and 34, reflecting on love, ambition, and identity. Also premiering at Busan in September, it promises a beautifully woven narrative of queer growth across time and place.