Even the most die-hard romantic movie fans can only watch Rose say "never let go, Jack" so many times. Solid rom-coms and swoon-worthy films seem to be on the decline, but one way to expand your Valentine's Day viewing options is to look beyond the straight, cisgender canon.The 10 films ahead comprise a mix of recent releases and cult classics that explore LGBT relationships. There's something for every kind of romantic film fan — coming-of-age first love, an older character finding love late in life, and rom-coms leaning more heavily on the comedy strand of their DNA. The list includes critically beloved movies that have already won awards. It also features some LGBT favorites, as well as a few films that are bound to become classics.
Enjoying a romantic movie is the perfect V-Day activity, whether you're single or having a quiet date night in. But you don't need to watch Sleepless in Seattle for the 20th time. These 10 movies will help you broaden your cinematic horizons.
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Though it may be a story of unrequited love, it's still probably the most romantic film that features cannibalism.
Go Fish (1994)
In this black-and-white film that's so '90s it hurts, a group of women hook up, hang out, and have lengthy discussions about love and sex that are contractually required to appear in every movie involving more than one central couple.
The Birdcage (1996)
At the heart of this film is a sweet and strong relationship between Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane).
Saving Face(2004)
A romance with plenty of mystery and intergenerational conflict, Saving Face tells the story of a New York woman who's not quite ready to introduce her girlfriend to her mother. But when her mother gets pregnant, she becomes her daughter's roommate (though she won't say who the baby's father is).
But I'm a Cheerleader (2000)
A rom-com wrapped in bright blue and pink, this '90s cult film features a classic high school profession of love.
Rent (2005)
I could take or leave Joanne and Maureen (musical theater pun completely intended) but Angel and Collins skipping through New York singing "I'll Cover You" is so wonderful it can almost make me forget about the reprise. Almost.
I Love You Phillip Morris (2010)
This may look like a wacky rom-com, but things get pretty bleak in the end. Still, there are plenty of romantic gestures and sweet moments in between all the crime.
Beginners(2011)
The crux of this film is really the relationship between a father and son, but as The Notebook and the interview sections of When Harry Met Sally... prove, the love between two golden-agers is adorable. Also, Christopher Plummer, who won an Academy Award his performance in this movie, is completely charming as a man falling in love for the first time.
The Way He Looks (2014)
This is a truly adorable coming-of-age story about a blind teenager who feels babied by his parents and his friends eagerly anticipating his first kiss. The film won New York Lesbian and Gay Film Festival's Audience Award for Best Feature in 2014.
Boy Meets Girl (2015)
Two lifelong besties swear there's absolutely nothing romantic going on between them, though friends, family, and relative strangers suspect there is. It's a trope that's been visited over and over, but that's just because the tension and sweetness works so well. The movie also gets major points for representation by casting a transgender actress as the transgender lead.
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