13 Best Western Gay Film Recommendations That You Must Watch

Kapanlagi.com - Films about gay or same-sex male couples are often portrayed as a troubled life. However, it is not always like that. There are a number of best Western gay film recommendations that do not depict it problematically.

As time goes by, there are more and more best Western gay film recommendations that you can watch. Far from a judgmental impression, these films can actually serve as a bridge to understand humans, both yourself and others.

Humans are indeed diverse, including their sexual orientation. By watching some of the following best Western gay film recommendations, you might understand how love has such a broad meaning and is not limited to just gender.

1. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005)

Film BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (Credit: imdb.com)

The film BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN is one of the best Western gay film recommendations that should not be missed. This film tells the story of two cowboys who develop feelings of love for each other. These feelings begin to grow while they are herding cattle in the mountains. This story is adapted from the work of writer Annie Proulx. The main characters are Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), who initially do not know each other but become accustomed to living together in the mountains.

No one else but the two of them has to herd cattle every day. A sense of care and attention emerges between them. The love story that takes place in 1963 actually continues, but it seems to be forgotten by both of them. They both get married and have children like a typical family. However, they both feel a sense of loss for one another and meet again after several years.

They engage in a secret relationship, continuing to love each other while hiding it from their respective partners. While watching it, you will not only be treated to the beautiful views of the mountains but also to a rather tragic ending that will make you cry.

2. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (2017)

Film CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (Credit: imdb.com)

The next recommendation for the best western gay film is CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. This film tells the story of the love between Elio Perlman (Timothee Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer). Elio is a 17-year-old teenager who is very intelligent and the son of a respected professor. One day, Oliver, who is a student of Elio's father, comes to visit.

3. LOVE, SIMON (2018)

Film LOVE, SIMON (Credit: imdb.com)

If you are looking for the best western gay film that tells the story of a teenager's search for identity, LOVE, SIMON is the answer. This film premiered at the Mardi Gras Film Festival in 2018. It received many awards, one of which is Best Feature Film at the Valladolid International Film Festival 2018.

This film tells the story of a young man named Simon. He is a teenager who experiences turmoil in his life. During his search for identity, Simon finds comfort with a man named Blue.

4. MILK (2008)

Film MILK (Credit: imdb.com)

If you are looking for the best gay western film based on a true story, MILK is the answer. This film is based on the life of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay politician in the US. He held a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. You will find flashbacks of Milk's life as he approaches 40 and his desire to enter the political world in the 1970s.

His journey is not always smooth. His boyfriend, Scott Smith (James Franco), leaves him because he directs the activism movement into the political realm. There is also Jack Lira, his boyfriend who does not particularly like that ambition and decides to take an extreme step by committing suicide. He also has to face colleagues who have opposing views.

5. ALEX STRANGELOVE (2018)

The film ALEX STRANGELOVE (Credit: imdb.com)

Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny) is a teenager who is in a relationship with a girl named Claire (Madeline Weinstein). However, at the same time, he is also questioning his own sexuality because he has feelings for Elliot (Antonio Marziale), who is open about his identity.

At first glance, ALEX STRANGELOVE seems like an ordinary teen movie. However, it actually becomes one of the best recommendations for gay western films about the search for self-identity. You will find a deep message about friendship. Friends will always support you regardless of sexual orientation. Additionally, you will understand that being true to yourself is more important than worrying about what others say.

6. MOONLIGHT (2016)

Film MOONLIGHT (Credit: imdb.com)

MOONLIGHT is one of the best recommendations for gay western films with a story that is so touching. You will encounter conflicts regarding identity, sexuality, and family presented through the raw emotions of Chiron, the main character. The quality of MOONLIGHT is proven by its Oscar win for Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.

7. RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE (2023)

Red, White and Royal Blue (credit: imdb)

Telling the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the President of the United States, who is involved in a secret love affair with Prince Henry of England. The two must keep their relationship hidden for the political stability of both countries.

The story is light yet romantic, highlighting the dynamics of love across status and public responsibility. The chemistry between the two main actors feels strong and successfully makes the audience feel the tension of their forbidden love. This film becomes a symbol of modern love freedom amidst global scrutiny.

8. FIREBIRD (2021)

Firebird (credit:imdb)

Set in the Soviet Union in the 1970s, Firebird tells the story of Sergey, a young soldier who falls in love with the charismatic pilot Roman. Their story develops amidst the threats of the KGB and strict military rules.

This film is adapted from a true story, showcasing courage and sacrifice in forbidden love. The dark and emotional atmosphere makes Firebird feel very human and heartbreaking. Its story teaches about the courage to uphold feelings even when the world is against it.

9. MY POLICEMAN (2022)

My Policeman (credit:Parisa Taghizadeh/Parisa Taghizadeh/Prime Video)

Starring Harry Styles, this film focuses on Tom, a policeman in 1950s England, who marries a schoolteacher named Marion but secretly has a relationship with a man named Patrick.

As the past unfolds, emotional conflict and guilt haunt them. The film is gentle yet tragic, highlighting the limitations of love in an era when homosexuality was considered illegal. Its warm cinematographic visuals add a sense of nostalgia and bitterness to the story.

10. FAIR HAVEN (2016)

Fair Haven (credit:imdb)

After returning from gay conversion therapy, James tries to live a normal life on his family farm with his cold and stubborn father. However, his reunion with his former lover, Charlie, shakes his decision to suppress his identity. FAIR HAVEN portrays a person's struggle to rediscover their identity and freedom after losing their way due to social and familial pressures.

This film is filled with powerful emotional silences, showcasing the complex inner conflict between guilt and true love. This gentle yet painful story illustrates that the journey towards self-acceptance often begins with the courage to be honest with one's own heart.

11. THOSE PEOPLE (2015)

Those People (credit:imdb)

THOSE PEOPLE follows the story of Charlie, a young painter who is trapped in unrequited love for his childhood friend, Sebastian, a wealthy socialite embroiled in scandal. The arrival of a foreign pianist makes Charlie begin to question the meaning of love and loyalty.

This film combines social drama with elegant romance, highlighting the complexities of human relationships amidst the glamorous world of Manhattan. Each scene is colored with artistic nuances and strong symbolism. THOSE PEOPLE speaks not only about love but also about betrayal, ambition, and finding one's identity in the shadows of others.

12. THE THING ABOUT HARRY (2020)

The Thing About Harry (credit:imdb)

This film begins with an unexpected encounter between Sam and his old school enemy, Harry, who has now come out about his sexual orientation as pansexual. Their journey in a car to a wedding party turns into an emotional trip that reopens old wounds and new hopes.

THE THING ABOUT HARRY is packaged with a warm rom-com style, full of humor but also touching. The film illustrates how love can emerge from the most unexpected places. The chemistry between Nico Tortorella and Jake Borelli feels natural and makes this story even more realistic and entertaining.

13. SUMMER OF 85 (2020)

Summer of 85 (credit:imdb)

Telling the story of Alexis, a 16-year-old teenager who is saved by David after his boat sinks on the beaches of Normandy. From that meeting, an intense relationship grows that changes both of their lives. Featuring a passionate and mysterious teenage romance, wrapped in the melancholic touch typical of the 1980s.

The film presents visual beauty and raw emotion in a first love story that is hard to forget. Francois Ozon successfully delivers a poetic narrative about loss, desire, and youthful memories. SUMMER OF 85 is not just a summer love story, but also a journey towards understanding the meaning of life and death.

14. Popular Q&A About Western Gay Films

Q: What are the most popular western gay films right now?
A: Some of the most popular titles include Call Me by Your Name, Red, White and Royal Blue, and My Policeman.

Q: Are these films based on true stories?
A: Yes, some of them like Firebird and Boy Erased are adapted from inspiring true stories.

Q: Where can I watch these films legally?
A: Most are available on official streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Well, those are some of the best western gay film recommendations that you can watch.

(kpl/gen/ans)