There was a time when watching queer movies felt like voluntarily signing up for emotional devastation. Like, “Oh, what’s this? A touching love story between two men set in a small town? Cool, can’t wait to watch one of them die slowly in the rain or get sent away forever by disapproving parents.” Cue violins and trauma.
And don’t even get me started on the whole “bury your gays” nonsense. I’ve seen more tragic queer storylines than I’ve seen reruns of Golden Girls—and trust me, I’ve seen a lot of Golden Girls.
So today, I’m serving up some cinematic joy. These are my go-to queer movies that don’t end with heartbreak, funerals, or one partner flying off to another continent to start a life of quiet suffering. These are the movies that gave us queer characters who live, love, and—gasp—get a happy ending. Imagine that!
1. The Way He Looks (2014)
Brazilian, tender, and so sweet you might get a little sugar rush. It’s about a blind teenager named Leo and his friendship-turned-romance with Gabriel, the new boy at school. There’s no dramatic outing, no tragic accident—just a slowly blooming love story that left my heart feeling weirdly… full? Like, in a good way. I watched it with a stupid grin the whole time.
Bonus: the music is lowkey perfect and makes me want to dance barefoot in the rain.
2. Love, Simon (2018)
Yes, it’s teen rom-com fluff, but it’s our teen rom-com fluff. I cried when I first saw this—not because it was tragic, but because I realized I’d never had anything like this growing up. Simon is just a regular high school kid with a supportive family and friends, trying to figure out who his anonymous online crush is. The Ferris wheel scene? Adorable. This movie walked so more queer rom-coms could run.
And yes, I absolutely shipped Simon and Bram from the moment Bram spilled that Oreo.
3. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
This movie is pure fanfic energy in the best possible way—and I say that with total affection. The First Son of the United States and the Prince of England accidentally fall into a cake, and then fall into each other. There are secret rendezvous, flirty texts, political drama, and a steamy lake house moment that had me pausing the movie like five times just to grin at the screen.
It’s campy, dramatic, earnest, and incredibly satisfying. And the ending? Oh yeah—they fight for each other and get their happy ending. Cue me yelling “YESSS” at my TV while clutching a throw pillow.
4. Saving Face (2004)
Okay, this one is so underrated it hurts. A Chinese-American woman is juggling being closeted, a surgeon, and dealing with her very pregnant and very traditional mother. Sounds stressful? Yeah—but it’s also romantic, funny, and warm in all the right ways. There’s queer joy, cultural identity, and actual character growth.
Also, Vivian. Just… Vivian. You’ll see what I mean.
5. Imagine Me & You (2005)
If you’ve ever wanted to shout “LOOK AT HOW CUTE THEY ARE” at your TV screen, this one’s for you. It’s a British rom-com where a woman realizes she might not be as into her new husband as she is into the woman arranging the flowers at her wedding. Classic setup, right?
The chemistry between Rachel and Luce is off the charts, and yes, it actually ends happily. It’s charming, awkward, and full of those “oops I fell for a woman” vibes.
6. But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
Campy. Colorful. And absolutely iconic. Natasha Lyonne plays a teenager sent to a conversion camp (gross), where she ends up falling for fellow camper Clea DuVall (swoon). Yes, the setup sounds tragic, but the execution is pure queer rebellion wrapped in neon pink.
This movie is equal parts absurd satire and genuinely heartfelt. It flips the conversion trope on its head and gives us a sapphic ending that still makes me cheer. Pun intended.
7. Dating Amber (2020)
Set in 1990s Ireland, this one hit me in the feelings but didn’t leave me broken. Two queer teens—one gay, one lesbian—decide to fake-date each other to get through school without harassment. What starts as a plan of convenience slowly becomes this deep, supportive friendship that had me yelling “PROTECT THEM AT ALL COSTS.”
No one dies. No one gets hit by a truck. It’s just… honest and hopeful.
8. Alex Strangelove (2018)
Another high school coming-out film that ends on a high note. Alex is figuring out his sexuality while navigating a straight-presenting relationship. It’s awkward, messy, and super relatable. And the final kiss? Yeah. I might’ve squealed. I regret nothing.
A Few Honorable Mentions:
- Happiest Season (2020) — Okay, this one is a little fraught, but we still get a happy couple at the end, and Aubrey Plaza is in a suit. So. There’s that.
- Moonlight (2016) — Not exactly sunshine and daisies, but it’s not tragic either. It’s quiet, emotional, and ends on a moment of connection and softness.
- Maurice (1987) — A literal miracle for its time. It’s a period drama with a happy ending. Like, what?
Why This Matters (and Why I Won’t Shut Up About It)
Look—I love a good cry as much as the next queer drama queen. But sometimes? I just want to see people like me fall in love and not be punished for it. I want soft kisses under streetlights, clumsy confessions in bedrooms, dancing in kitchens, and goofy smiles at the end of the movie instead of existential despair.
We’ve had enough of the tragic endings. It’s time we get more queer stories that end in laughter, love, and maybe even a sequel.
Alright, your turn: what are your favorite queer movies that don’t wreck your soul?
P.S. If you haven’t watched Red, White & Royal Blue, please go experience that joy. I’ll wait.