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Image Credit: Queer as Folk / Red Production Company

Blue Jean (2022)

Georgia Oakley’s directorial debut won her the People’s Choice Award at the Venice Film Festival back in 2022, and that’s because Blue Jean takes a simple premise and unpacks the nitty-gritty of the protagonist’s emotions with a masterful touch.

They hook up for what is ostensibly a one-night stand.

Image Credit: My Beautiful Laundrette / Working Title Films

Young Soul Rebels (1991)

Again, it’s a Romeo and Juliet kinda sitch. Frears, known for his eclectic range of films, including Dangerous Liaisons and The Queen, showcases his mastery once again in this biographical drama.

The film vividly portrays the rise and fall of Orton, brilliantly portrayed by Gary Oldman, and explores the complex relationship between Orton and his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, played by Alfred Molina.

Francis Lee’s directorial debut is a triumph, and this poignant drama stands as a testament to the strength of independent cinema. It tells yet another story of a doomed romance – a common theme on this list. Both actors give sensitive, witty performances, providing a heart to the film where the romance sometimes falters.

Image Credit: Flowers / Channel 4

Weekend (2011)

Before Andrew Haigh made All of Us Strangers, starring Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott, he made Weekend. Its ability to capture the essence of human connection and the search for authenticity makes it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

As such, Jamie’s experiences will prove relatable to anybody whose own fathers have cast a disapproving eye over their sexual identity.

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

This two-fingered salute to Margaret Thatcher’s Britain tells the story of two gay men – a young Pakistani and a former member of the National Front – who open up a glamorous laundrette together and become unlikely lovers.

Gordon Warnecke and Daniel Day-Lewis star as the complete opposites who overcome racial and prejudicial boundaries to stick it to the world and form a romantic relationship.

gay movie england

You can watch Four Weddings and a Funeral on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video

10 Best LGBTQ Movies Set In The UK

If you’re looking for a film that highlights what it means to be both British and gay, look no further than the list below.

This selection contains ten of the best LGBTQ films that have been made in the UK.

Have we missed a movie that you think deserves a place on this list?

Prepare to be captivated by the exquisite performances, poignant writing, and enduring message of hope that Beautiful Thing delivers with grace and authenticity.

Weekend (2011)

Weekend, directed by Andrew Haigh, is a remarkable British film that delves into the complexities of human connection and intimacy.

You can watch Maurice on BFI Player and Amazon Prime Video

My Summer of Love

My Summer of Love, a story of teenage romance, invokes both hazy longing and unease as hard-edged Mona (Natalie Press) and posh Tamsin (Emily Blunt) fall for one another, despite their warring personality types. As their connection deepens, they embark on a passionate and forbidden love affair that defies societal norms and threatens the stability of Carol’s personal life.

The film’s impeccable cinematography and attention to detail transport the viewer to a bygone era, capturing the essence of 1950s America and the United Kingdom.

These are our top picks for the best British LGBTQ films that you can stream right now. Just watch it, alright. Frears skillfully recreates the era, immersing the audience in the art scene, subcultures, and shifting societal norms of the time. Though it seems difficult to spoil a film so crammed full of recognisable touchstones, let us just say that the emotional heft of the couple’s arc is one for the ages.

His most recent film, the devastating All of Us Strangers (see below) was a deeply emotional meditation on loss and grief with its tale of a gay man haunted by memories of a lost lover. Frears’ direction, coupled with Oldman and Molina’s remarkable chemistry, creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The Best British LGBTQ Films to Stream Right Now

What is it about our corner of the world which evokes something so… specific and full of yearning in love stories?

The film was considered ground-breaking at the time of its release due to its multicultural love story and honest depiction of homosexuality.

Femme (2023)

Here’s a movie with a startling twist!