The 10 Best Lesbian Movies to Watch This Summer

Cinema has the power to make us feel seen, understood and connected. For decades, stories about love between women were rare on screen, often hidden in subtext or reduced to stereotypes. Today, thankfully, we have a growing collection of films that celebrate LGBTQ+ lives with depth, beauty and authenticity.

Whether you're looking for romance, self-discovery, friendship or unforgettable storytelling, these ten films deserve a place on your summer watchlist.

1. Carol (2015)

Few films have portrayed love between women with as much elegance and emotional depth as Carol.

Set in 1950s New York, the story follows Therese, an aspiring photographer, and Carol, a sophisticated woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. Their connection develops into one of the most iconic love stories in LGBTQ+ cinema.

Beautifully shot and masterfully acted, Carol remains a landmark film for queer women around the world.

Perfect for: lovers of classic romance.

2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Widely considered a modern masterpiece, this French film tells the story of a painter commissioned to create the portrait of a young aristocratic woman living on a remote island in the eighteenth century.

What begins as observation slowly transforms into a profound and unforgettable love story.

A film about desire, memory and the relationships that stay with us forever.

Perfect for: anyone who appreciates artistic and emotionally rich cinema.

3. Imagine Me & You (2005)

Warm, charming and endlessly rewatchable.

Rachel has just married when she unexpectedly meets Luce, a florist who challenges everything she thought she knew about herself.

One of the most beloved lesbian romantic comedies ever made.

Perfect for: a feel-good movie night.

4. Saving Face (2004)

A hidden gem that deserves far more recognition.

The film follows a young Chinese-American surgeon navigating family expectations, cultural identity and an unexpected romance.

Funny, moving and refreshingly original, Saving Face remains one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ films of the early 2000s.

Perfect for: viewers looking for something heartfelt and different.

5. Elisa and Marcela (2019)

Based on the true story of Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, the first known same-sex marriage recorded in Spain in 1901.

This powerful film explores love, courage and resistance at a time when women had little freedom to choose their own path.

Perfect for: lovers of historical drama.

6. The Handmaiden (2016)

Elegant, suspenseful and impossible to forget.

Directed by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, The Handmaiden combines mystery, deception and romance in a story full of unexpected twists.

Visually stunning and emotionally intense, it is often considered one of the greatest LGBTQ+ films ever made.

Perfect for: viewers who enjoy complex and thrilling storytelling.

7. Desert Hearts (1985)

Long before queer stories became more visible in mainstream cinema, Desert Hearts offered something rare: a lesbian love story with hope, warmth and a positive ending.

Today, it remains a groundbreaking classic and an important piece of LGBTQ+ film history.

Perfect for: fans of timeless classics.

8. Happiest Season (2020)

A festive romantic comedy that quickly became a favourite within the LGBTQ+ community.

The story follows a woman who plans to propose to her girlfriend during the holidays, only to discover that her partner has not yet come out to her family.

Funny, relatable and full of heart.

Perfect for: anyone looking for laughter and comfort.

9. Ammonite (2020)

Inspired by the life of pioneering paleontologist Mary Anning, Ammonite tells the story of two women who find companionship and love against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England.

A quiet, intimate and beautifully acted drama.

Perfect for: fans of slow-burning romance.

10. I Can't Think Straight (2008)

A modern favourite among queer audiences around the world.

The film explores family expectations, cultural differences and identity through a touching love story between two women from very different backgrounds.

Optimistic, romantic and deeply relatable.

Perfect for: viewers looking for an uplifting love story.

More Than Love Stories

Lesbian films do much more than entertain us.

They create visibility, inspire conversations and help new generations grow up seeing themselves reflected on screen. Representation matters because stories matter.

At ELLA Festival, we believe in the power of culture, community and visibility. Every story shared helps build a world where LGBTQ+ women can feel seen, celebrated and connected.

Whether you're discovering these films for the first time or revisiting old favourites, they are a reminder that LGBTQ+ stories deserve to be told, preserved and celebrated.

So grab your favourite snack, find a comfortable spot in the shade, and enjoy a summer filled with unforgettable stories.