15 heartwarming queer stories to watch on Netflix RN!

Netflix brings a compelling array of films and series that celebrate the resilience and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here’s what needs to be in your watchlist RN!

A few years ago, queer stories making it to mainstream media platforms and OTT giants like Netflix wasn’t even a conversation. But thankfully with the help of more and more filmmakers wanting to make stories around the LGBTQIA+ community, they have made a home for themselves everywhere today. From Indian narratives that left us pondering way past the credits rolled to international shows that gained a lot of acclaim worldwide, there are a plethora of queer stories to pick and choose from! From Netflix’s recent hit The Royals to Queer Eye which has been around for years, seasons after seasons, queer content has found its way to the masses and has a wide range of target audience who love watching these stories! 

Also Read: 5 underrated queer K-dramas that deserve a spot on your watchlist!

Check them out!

The Half of It

In Alice Wu’s tender coming-of-age film, an introverted student, Ellie Chu agrees to write love letters on behalf of a jock, only to discover she has feelings for the same girl. The Half of It unpacks queerness, race, and loneliness in small-town America with the utmost nuance. It's a gentle reminder that love, of any kind, is rarely simple, and often beautifully complicated!

Queer Eye

The Fab Five - Karamo, Tan, Jonathan, Antoni, and Bobby, bring heart, humor, and healing in every makeover, turning each episode into an emotional journey of self-love and acceptance. What sets Queer Eye apart is its empathy. Whether it’s a closeted father in rural America or a trans woman stepping into her truth, their stories remind us that being seen matters. The show has resonated with audiences for years and featured not just Americans but people from all around the world!

Cobalt Blue

When an aspiring author and his free-spirited sister both fall for the enigmatic paying guest at their home, the events that follow rock their traditional family. An unconventional love triangle like no other, Cobalt Blue is one of those underrated queer films that deserve more recognition!

Firecracker

It centers around a young photographer who is on the fence about introducing her girlfriend to her traditional family as Chinese New Year approaches. The movie features Lydia Li and Faye Nightingale in lead roles and is a heartwarming short film that’ll leave you with a smile on your face!

Beautiful Rebel

A biopic on the life of Gianna Nannini, this one reveals how the singer found love and inspiration in Carla. It portrays a beautiful yet unknown side of her that the world has never seen.  

Alex Strangelove

This Netflix teen comedy-drama follows Alex, a high school senior grappling with his sexual identity as he finds himself falling for a boy while trying to pursue a ‘normal’ relationship with his girlfriend. It's a funny, awkward, and affirming story about figuring yourself out at your own pace. With heartfelt writing and relatable teen chaos, it’s a coming-out story that feels both honest and hopeful.

Heartbreak High

This reboot of the iconic Aussie teen drama features a proudly diverse ensemble cast, including Quinni, an autistic queer teen, and Sasha, her girlfriend. Their relationship is refreshing to watch on-screen as it captures the messiness and joy of young love. 

Dabba Cartel

In this gripping thriller, Shahida, portrayed by Anjali Anand, embarks on a romantic relationship with a female police officer, Preeti (Sai Tamhankar). Set in 1960s Mumbai, their bond unfolds amidst crime and societal expectations, highlighting how love can blossom even in the most challenging circumstances. Their arc in the series is a unique perspective on queer relationships during a time of social and political upheaval, which is not something we’re used to seeing often!

Heartstopper

Based on Alice Oseman's beloved graphic novels, this British series revolves around the friendship that turns into romance between a happy go-lucky student, Charlie and a rugby player Nick. Their relationship unfolds with an earnestness and innocence that's all too rare on screen. With its soft visual palette, emotionally intelligent storytelling with an unabashed queer lens, Heartstopper is a feel-good celebration of young love and self-acceptance!

Sex Education

Sex Education is a coming-of-age series that delves deep into the intricacies of teenage life, with authentic LGBTQIA+ narratives. Characters like Eric Effiong, a gay Black teen, and Adam Groff, his closeted love interest, navigate the challenges of acceptance, love, and self-discovery. By addressing topics such as sexual identity, consent, and mental health, Sex Education stirred conversations on many such important topics including being a true ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Schitt's Creek

The Emmy winning Canadian sitcom flips the script on traditional queer narratives with David and Patrick’s romance. Their relationship is treated with the same charm and care as any heterosexual pairing, and that’s exactly the point. Schitt’s Creek may have started as a fish-out-of-water comedy but it evolved into one of the most radical shows on Netflix by simply making queerness normal!

Ajeeb Daastaans

This anthology film presents four unique stories, with one of them solely focusing on the evolving relationship between Priya and Bharti. Their bond, set against societal prejudices and personal struggles, offers a nuanced portrayal of same-sex love, emphasizing the complexities and beauty of queer relationships. 

Badhaai Do

Badhaai Do focuses on Shardul, a gay police officer, and Suman, a lesbian physical education teacher, who entered into a marriage of convenience to appease societal pressures. As they navigate their individual relationships and familial expectations, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by queer individuals in conservative settings. It encourages one to embrace their truth the way it is and face it head on even when society convinces you that you’re wrong.

The Royals

A coming-of-age modern day rom-com, The Royals follows a financially struggling royal family. The series introduces a compelling lesbian storyline between characters Jinnie and Nikki, exploring their relationship amidst the challenges of tradition vs modernity. The Royals is proof that queer stories today are making its way to mainstream content which would only pave the way for many more to come!

Mismatched

While primarily a young adult romance, Mismatched subtly weaves in queer narratives through impactful characters like Namrata, Celina and Rith. Each one of them had a journey of embracing their identity in the most heartwarming way. On the path of self-acceptance, all of them faced some challenges in coming out, adding depth to the series, highlighting the importance of being a true ally and a supportive friend during times like this. 

Which of these would you add to your list? Let us know in the comments below!

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