Movies with prominent LGBTQ+ representation are often limited to the romance genre, creating heartwarming films like Love, Simon and Bros. While these are beloved films that improve on the lack of representation in romance, other genres include LGBTQ+ themes and representations.
For horror fans, there is a collection of great horror movies with LGBTQ+ representation. Some of these films, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Thelma, have more obvious LGBTQ+ portrayals. Others, such as Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train and Ginger Snaps, are more subtle. These movies are some of the most popular and talked about LGBTQ+ horror, making them great options for a spooky Pride Month movie marathon.
10 Freaky (2020)
Freaky is a unique twist on the Freaky Friday scenario. When outcast teen Millie (Kathryn Newton) is targeted by an infamous serial killer known as the Butcher (Vince Vaughn), his magical dagger causes them to switch bodies. The plot is a race against time as Millie fights to get back into her own body before the switch is irreversible.
Freaky is a gender-bender that appeals to all viewers that like dark comedies. However, the film is a great LGBTQ+ story, focusing on the concept of identity and how one feels when they are uncomfortable in their own skin.
9 Thelma (2017)
Thelma follows a young college student that begins having random seizures. In her search for answers, Thelma (Eili Harboe) learns she's experiencing a supernatural awakening that gives her psyche powers. During her story, Thelma falls for Anja (Kaya Wilkins) but begins to question their bond when she learns her new abilities have the potential to manipulate those around her.
Thelma is an intriguing, tragic sci-fi that has obvious LGBTQ+ themes. Aside from the character representation, Thelma's supernatural changes and questioning of her influence on others is a sobering depiction of how LGBTQ+ people can feel liberated by embracing their truth while struggling with social prejudices.
8 Jennifer's Body (2009)
Jennifer's Body has become a cult classic, despite the previous critical reception of the horror flick. In this story, Jennifer (Megan Fox) is possessed by a demon who begins feeding on the flesh of her male classmates. Meanwhile, her friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) fights to put an end to Jennifer's murder spree.
The feminist and homoerotic themes in Jennifer's Body have made it an iconic LGBTQ+ film. Though Needy tries to stop Jennifer's bloodlust, the two have an intimate relationship that undeniably hints at something far more romantic than platonic.
7 Ginger Snaps (2000)
Ginger Snaps is a coming-of-age movie that has become a cult classic among young adult horror movies. When Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) is attacked by a creature on the night during her first period, she begins displaying werewolf-like behavior. Brigitte (Emily Perkins) struggles to find a way to save her sister from this transformation.
There's no denying the strong feminist commentary Ginger Snaps is known for. However, by combating the patriarchy and the gender stereotypes it constructs, this film also questions the concept of gender, highlighting the complexity of identity.
6 The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys is an icon of the '80s and one of the most beloved gritty vampire movies of all time. When angsy teenager Michael (Jason Patric) moves to a small town with his mother and brother, he falls in with a local gang that turns out to be a group of undead vampires.
In The Lost Boys, David (Kiefer Sutherland), the head of the vampire gang, goads and entices Michael similar to how iconic vampires like Dracula are known to seduce young women into their web of darkness. The female character initially used to lure Michael is a flat character, acting as the damsel in distress, while David mostly surrounds himself with beautiful male vampires. These are among the many clues throughout that this vampire flick is abundant with LGBTQ+ themes.
5 Sleepaway Camp (1983)
While Sleepaway Camp seems like a typical campy slasher movie, the ending is one of the most shocking and talked about twists in horror movie history. The audience is made to believe that Peter died with his father in a boating accident, but it's revealed that the character thought to be his sister Angela is really Peter, who was forced by his aunt to dress and act like a girl.
Sleepaway Camp is a controversial film within the LGBTQ+ community, with some uncomfortable with the seemingly transphobic plotline. On the other hand, some transgender people have claimed the movie is an iconic look into the concept of feeling uncomfortable within expected gender roles.
4 The Hunger (1983)
The Hunger is about an immortal vampire Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) and her lover John (David Bowie), who was tricked into believing he would also have immortal life but is now slowly deteriorating. As John gets sicker, Miriam sets her sights on a potential new companion, Sarah (Susan Sarandon), a scientist who falls for Miriam but fears being a vampire.
The Hunger is a fresh twist on vampirism with enticing LGBTQ+ representation. Miriam is a great LGBTQ+ horror character that viewers adore for her tantalizing beauty and charm. The '80s cult classic is popular with today's modern audience for its interesting exploration of sexual fluidity.
3 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ horror movies. The plotline in this musical follows a stranded couple that stumbles upon the mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). The film is spooky and quirky while also being fun-loving.
Rocky Horror was released during a socially revolutionary movement in which people were pushing back against the negativity surrounding sex and sexuality. While the movie received negative reception in its time, the queer themes and Tim Curry's bold "cross-dressing" character are beloved for the focus on gender expression and combating gender norms.
2 The Haunting (1963)
The Haunting, based on the classic horror novel by Shirley Jackson, is one of the best haunted house movies. Set in the mysterious and eerie Hill House, a group of people joins an experiment, hosted by an anthropologist interested in the paranormal, and strange occurrences take place that make the guests question their skepticism.
Though the LGBTQ+ themes are subtle in this '60s film, modern audiences are able to easily pick up the suggestions. Theodora mentions living unmarried with someone else, with clues her partner is a woman. In addition, the attraction between Eleanor and Theodora is evident, though not as much as in Jackson's novel TheHaunting of Hill House.
1 Strangers on a Train (1951)
In Strangers on a Train, a frustrated Guy meets Bruno on a train, talking about his anger over his wife refusing to finalize their divorce. In a shocking turn of events, Bruno kills Guy's wife and then asks him to kill his father in return. The premise was chilling, placing Guy as a suspect in the murder of his wife.
Bruno seems to represent the darker alter-ego of Guy, creating an undeniable connection between the two men. This Hitchcock film plays on subconscious desires. Though murder is the main focus, there's an indication that this overall theme also encompasses the men's attraction to one another.