Oueer movies have a history of having sad plots and tragic endings. Luckily, there’s been a significant and positive shift in queer filmmaking and storytelling of LGBTQIA+ narratives in recent years, because heck, we deserve happy-ever-afters too!
If you’re looking for recommendations on films to watch with your significant other, BFFs or family post-Valentine’s and keep the spirit of love month going, here are some great queer films where—spoiler not spoiler—the lead gets a happy ending!
“Alex Strangelove” (2018) | Director: Craig Johnson
Where can I watch this?
Netflix PH
High school senior Alex Truelove (played by Daniel Doheny) is determined to lose his virginity to his girlfriend, but after meeting a charming and openly gay teen named Elliott (played by Antonio Marziale), he begins to question his sexuality. This Netflix original film is a light and fresh take on a young man’s journey towards discovering himself and his identity.
“Happiest Season” (2020) | Director: Clea DuVall
Where can I watch this?
YouTube Movies
In this holiday rom-com starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, Stewart plays Abby whose plan to propose to her long-time girlfriend Harper (played by Davis) at her family’s annual Christmas dinner is put on hold when she finds out that Harper’s family doesn’t know she’s gay or in a relationship with her. Pretending to be straight is one thing, pretending to be straight while you’re with your closeted girlfriend and her entire family on Christmas is another.
“The Boy Foretold By The Stars” (2020) | Director: Dolly Dulu
Where can I watch this? KTX
and iWantTFC
Topbilled by newcomers Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson in their film debut, this rom-com follows Dominic and Luke, two students in a Catholic school, who are brought together apparently by destiny according to a fortune teller. Endearing, sweet and funny, this is a timeless film that the queer youth deserve to see. The film was an entry to the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival and won second Best Picture, the Gender Sensitivity Award, and Best Original Theme Song for “Ulan.”
“Love, Simon” (2018) | Director: Greg Berlanti
Where can I watch this?
YouTube Movies
Based on the bestselling YA novel by Becky Albertalli, Simon Spier (played by Nick Robinson) is forced to come to terms with his sexual orientation when someone threatens to out him to his entire school. This groundbreaking film was known as the first queer-centered film to be produced by a major Hollywood studio and have a wide theatrical release. “Love, Simon” is a beautiful entry in the coming-of-age genre that young members of the queer community and their families should watch.
“The Half of It” (2020) | Director: Alice Wu
Where can I watch this?
Netflix PH
Straight A student Ellie Chu (played by Leah Lewis) lives a rather simple life, albeit struggling, in a remote town in America with her father, a Chinese immigrant. One day, Paul, one of her schoolmates, asks for her help to write letters to his crush—who, interestingly, is also Ellie’s secret crush. Honest and hopeful, this drama-comedy is a well-made chronicle of not only queer Asian representation but also of the Chinese immigrant experience.