Vintage gay movies
The Rectangular View
If you’re looking for something decent to see for Pride, you’re sure to uncover it in this list of the best queer movies from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Some of the films listed are modern gay classics, others are concealed gems.
The Boys in the Band (1970)
The Boys in the Band directed by William Friedkin is a must-see for anybody interested in gay cinema. It’s not an easy film to watch, but it’s an honest depiction of the feeling damage caused from living in the closet.
You can browse my review of The Boys in the Band here.
The Hunger (1983)
The Hunger is a sexy bisexual vampire horror starring Catherin Deneuve, David Bowie, and Suan Sarandon. Bowie plays a vampire who is rapidly aging, Deneuve is Bowie’s wife and Sarandon is the woman Deneuve is planning to use as Bowie’s replacement.
The Hunger is hip, hip, highly stylized, and sexy.
An Early Frost (1985)
An Early Frost is a made for TV movie, and the first movie made by a major studio to talk about AIDS. It has a top-notch cast and was viewed in 34 million households across the Merged States when it aired
The 50 Best LGBTQ Movies Ever Made
Love, Simon (2018)
AmazonApple
If it feels a bit like a CW version of an after-school distinct, that's no mistake: Teen-tv super-producer Greg Berlanti makes his feature-film directorial debut here. It's as chaste a love story as you're likely to see in the 21st century—the hunky gardener who makes the title teen question his sexuality is wearing a long-sleeved shirt, for God’s sake—but you know what? The queer kids of the future need their wholesome entertainment, too.
Rocketman (2019)
AmazonHulu
A gay fantasia on Elton themes. An Elton John biopic was never going to be understated, but this glittering jukebox musical goes way over the top and then keeps going. It might be an overcorrection from the straight-washing of the previous year's Bohemian Rhapsody, but when it's this much fun, it's best not to overthink it.
Advertisement - Persist Reading Below
Handsome Devil (2016)
NetflixAmazon
A charming Irish movie that answers the question: "What if John Hughes were Irish and gay?" Misfit Ned struggles at a rugby-obsessed boarding school until a mysterious new kid moves in and an unlikely fri
Old Hollywood movies had to follow strict guidelines throughout the 1930s–1960s, known as the Hays Code. This basically prevented all US films from featuring anything that was overtly sexual or "inappropriate," which forced a lot of filmmakers to get creative about how they could navigate potential censorship. I contain running lists on Letterboxd of every Old Hollywood and LGBTQ+ movie that I watch, so I sifted through them to find a bunch from the Hays Code era that are subtly (and not so subtly) suuuuuper gay. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
1.Rebel Without a Cause (1955) stars James Dean as a bisexual hottie, so you really can't demand for much more. The original script had his character kissing Plato, who was one of the first gay teen characters on screen, but the Hays Code quickly squashed that from happening. Still, this movie is edgy and dramatic and sentimental, and the whole cast is just so amusing to look at.
2.All About Eve (1950) is a witty and toxic drama about an aging actress who befriends a fan who ultimately tries to usurp her. This film shares the record for the most Oscar nominations ever, with 14, and it briefly features Marilyn Monroe in one of her f
Double Indemnity (with "Old Soul Movie Podcast")
Welcome back Dear listeners to "That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema", We are so honored to own the opportunity to have the hosts of "Old Mind Movie Podcast", Emma & Jack Oremus! This episode we discuss the very first film noir, "Double Indemnity" starring Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray! Summary of the Clip In this classic film noir, insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) gets roped into a murderous scheme when he falls for the sensual Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), who is intent on killing her husband (Tom Powers) and living off the fraudulent accidental death claim. Prompted by the adv Mr. Dietrichson's daughter, Lola (Jean Heather), insurance investigator Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) looks into the case and gradually begins to uncover the sinister truth. Key Takeaways Double Indemnity is a pinnacle of the film noir genre, capturing the anxieties and aesthetics of the era. The film features exceptional writing, directing, and acting, with standout performances from Barbara Stanwick and Edward G. Robinson. The relationship between Walter Neff and Barton Keys is a highlight, showcasing a deep male
Double Indemnity (with "Old Soul Movie Podcast")
Welcome back Dear listeners to "That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema", We are so honored to own the opportunity to have the hosts of "Old Mind Movie Podcast", Emma & Jack Oremus! This episode we discuss the very first film noir, "Double Indemnity" starring Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray! Summary of the Clip In this classic film noir, insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) gets roped into a murderous scheme when he falls for the sensual Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), who is intent on killing her husband (Tom Powers) and living off the fraudulent accidental death claim. Prompted by the adv Mr. Dietrichson's daughter, Lola (Jean Heather), insurance investigator Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) looks into the case and gradually begins to uncover the sinister truth. Key Takeaways Double Indemnity is a pinnacle of the film noir genre, capturing the anxieties and aesthetics of the era. The film features exceptional writing, directing, and acting, with standout performances from Barbara Stanwick and Edward G. Robinson. The relationship between Walter Neff and Barton Keys is a highlight, showcasing a deep male