Beyond the Screen: Curated LGBTQ+ Film & TV for Teens that Inspire and Reflect

Navigating the Cinematic Landscape: Our Top Picks for Teens

Ready to explore? We've gathered a selection of exceptional films and series that offer compelling LGBTQ+ narratives, perfect for teens and their families. Each entry brings something unique to the table, demonstrating the breadth of modern queer storytelling.

Heartfelt Journeys & Coming-of-Age Tales (Movies)

• The Half of It (2020): A beautifully subtle and intelligent take on the Cyrano de Bergerac story. Ellie Chu, a shy, introverted student, makes extra money writing papers for classmates. Things get complicated when a jock hires her to write love letters to the girl Ellie herself secretly crushes on. This film masterfully explores themes of unspoken love, self-discovery, and the true meaning of connection beyond romance, set against the backdrop of a charming small town. It's a poignant and unstereotypical look at young queer love and identity.
• Love, Simon (2018): A landmark mainstream romantic comedy, Love, Simon follows Simon Spier, a closeted high school student who begins an anonymous online correspondence with another closeted classmate. When his secret identity is threatened, Simon embarks on a quest to discover his mystery crush. This film blends humor, heart, and hope, perfectly capturing the anxieties and excitements of coming out and finding your voice. It's a quintessential teen rom-com, simply with a gay protagonist.
• Nimona (2023): This animated adventure takes a surprisingly deep dive into acceptance and identity. When a knight is framed for a crime he didn't commit, his only hope for clearing his name lies with Nimona, a mischievous, shape-shifting creature he's sworn to destroy. What makes Nimona exceptional is not only its thrilling plot but its casual, normalized inclusion of a prominent gay relationship for the main character, Ballister, whose partner Ambrosius Goldenloin is openly accepted by all. It's a powerful statement on found family and defying expectations.
• Strange World (2022): Disney's animated adventure sees a family of explorers journeying through a perilous land. The standout element for representation is the open and normalized portrayal of the teenage son, Ethan, who is openly gay and has a crush on another boy. Their relationship is presented without fuss or fanfare, simply as a part of the film's fabric, marking a significant step forward for mainstream animated family features.
• Nyad (2023): While perhaps for older teens, this powerful biopic tells the incredible true story of Diana Nyad's lifelong dream to swim from Florida to Cuba at 60 years old. Alongside her unwavering grit, the film highlights her enduring, supportive friendship with Bonnie Stoll, her coach and best friend. The film implicitly portrays their deep bond, subtly acknowledging Nyad's queer identity through her chosen family, focusing on perseverance and friendship.
• Breakfast with Scot (2007): This charming Canadian comedy explores themes of toxic masculinity and internalized homophobia when a former hockey player and his lawyer partner decide to adopt a young boy who prefers musicals to sports. It's a delightful story about challenging gender norms and finding the courage to be yourself, offering a comedic yet sensitive look at family dynamics and acceptance.
• Anything's Possible (2022): Directed by Billy Porter, this modern rom-com centers on Kelsa, a confident, joyful trans girl navigating her senior year of high school. When a boy develops a crush on her, the film beautifully explores their budding relationship and Kelsa's journey, highlighting the beauty of first love and the importance of self-acceptance. It's a refreshing and affirming take on the teen romantic genre.

Engaging Series that Break New Ground (TV Shows)

• Heartstopper (2022 - Present): A global phenomenon for good reason. This heartwarming British series follows Charlie, an openly gay teen recovering from bullying, and Nick, a popular rugby player who begins to question his sexuality as his feelings for Charlie develop. Heartstopper is celebrated for its incredibly wholesome, positive, and accurate portrayal of young queer love, friendship, and the journey of self-discovery, surrounded by a supportive, diverse friend group. It's a must-watch for its warmth and authenticity.
• Stranger Things (2016 - Present): While not the central theme, this beloved sci-fi horror series introduced a beloved queer character in Season 3: Robin Buckley. Her coming out scene to her friend Steve Harrington was hailed for its genuine emotion and the deepening of their friendship, offering a natural and impactful moment of LGBTQ+ representation within a massively popular show.
• The Baby-Sitters Club (2020-2021): This modern adaptation of the classic book series is a delightful, positive show focusing on a group of young teen girls starting a business. In its second season, the show introduced a non-binary adult character and depicted a wholesome, age-appropriate dating relationship between two teen girls, casually normalizing queer experiences within its optimistic framework.
• Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022): This animated series, based on the graphic novel series, centers on Barney, a gay trans boy who gets a job at a haunted theme park. The show handles Barney's identity with sensitivity and humor, making his gender identity an integral part of his character without being the sole focus. It's a wonderfully weird and inclusive show that explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and found family.
• Danger & Eggs (2017): An earlier animated series that, while perhaps geared towards younger teens, broke ground with its positive LGBTQ+ representation, featuring non-binary characters and a lesbian relationship within its quirky, adventurous world. Though the series itself was short-lived, its impact on inclusive children's programming was notable.
• Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-2015): A Canadian teen drama institution, Degrassi has long been lauded for its willingness to tackle complex social issues, including LGBTQ+ identities. Over its long run, it featured numerous queer characters and storylines, exploring coming out, relationships, and acceptance with a raw, realistic approach that resonated deeply with its young audience. While some aspects might feel dated, its pioneering spirit remains.

Documentaries & Insightful Views

• Disclosure (2020): For older teens and those interested in media studies, Disclosure is an essential watch. This groundbreaking documentary examines transgender representation in Hollywood throughout history, featuring commentary from leading trans actors, filmmakers, and thinkers. It offers critical insights into how media portrayals have shaped public perception and the real-life impact on trans lives. It's educational, eye-opening, and vital for understanding the evolution of queer visibility.
• Paris Is Burning (1990): A pivotal documentary that offers a vibrant and poignant look into the ball culture of New York City in the late 1980s, primarily through the eyes of its Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ participants. While made decades ago and containing some mature themes, it's an incredibly important historical document that sheds light on queer communities, self-expression, and the concept of chosen family for older, mature teens interested in cultural history.

Short Films: Powerful Stories in Bite-Sized Form

Sometimes, the most profound messages come in the shortest packages. Consider seeking out high-quality short films recommended by film festivals or independent creators. These bite-sized narratives often offer unique perspectives and deeply personal insights into queer experiences, perfect for quick, impactful viewing or to spark a discussion. Many explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the joy of self-expression in compelling, concise ways.