14 Best Australian Lesbian Movies & Dramas (Updated 2025)

Australian lesbian movies & Dramas have been making waves in global LGBTQ+ cinema, offering unique perspectives on queer storytelling. From powerful series to charming romances, these Australian films and series showcase the country’s commitment to authentic representation and diverse narratives. Since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2017 and hosting the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since the 1980s, Australia has become a powerhouse for creating compelling lesbian content both on the big and small screen.

Want to explore more global lesbian cinema? Check out our guides to Korean Lesbian Movies, Japanese Lesbian Films, German Queer Films, and Swedish Lesbian Movies.

Australian Lesbian Movies

Triple Oh! (2024)

Based on real-life stories, this intimate drama follows two paramedics whose professional relationship takes an unexpected turn. The film brilliantly explores their unique way of coping with death through intimacy, creating a powerful narrative about finding connection in life’s most challenging moments. Through interviews with actual paramedics, the film captures their remarkable ability to face fear with humor, delivering a story that’s both authentic and deeply moving.

Lockdown Lovers (2023)

When the pandemic forces borders to close, Canadian visitor Kristal finds herself unexpectedly quarantined with Lisette after what was meant to be a one-night stand. Set in Melbourne during the early days of COVID-19, this romantic drama explores how unexpected circumstances can lead to profound connections. The forced proximity creates perfect conditions for examining compatibility, personal growth, and the nature of modern relationships.

Bad Behaviour (2023)

Directed by openly queer Asian-Australian filmmaker Corrie Chen, this four-part miniseries masterfully depicts the complex social dynamics of a Sydney boarding school. The series explores emerging queer desires, hierarchical power structures, and intense adolescent relationships with remarkable sensitivity. Drawing comparisons to cult classic “Skins,” it offers a distinctly Australian perspective on teenage life and sexuality.

My First Summer (2021)

This visually stunning film captures the essence of first love through masterful cinematography. The story follows Claudia and Grace, whose relationship develops amidst breathtaking natural landscapes and delicate emotional moments. Like a refreshing gulp of strawberry milk, their connection brings sweetness and light to each other’s lives. The film excels in portraying the tender vulnerability of teenage romance while maintaining artistic sophistication.

Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt) (2020)

This charming supernatural rom-com brilliantly connects contemporary teen romance with Australia’s LGBTQ+ rights history. When Ellie’s ghost aunt appears to guide her through coming out and pursuing her crush on classmate Abbie, the film creates a unique bridge between past and present queer experiences. The all-female ensemble cast delivers performances that are both heartwarming and historically insightful.

Skin Deep (2015)

A chance encounter leads to an unforgettable day and night between two young women, one grappling with depression and the other facing terminal cancer. Their brief time together evolves into a profound exploration of life, death, and human connection. Through intimate conversations and shared moments, they discover new perspectives on existence and the courage to embrace life’s possibilities.

Zoe.Misplaced (2014)

When Zoe’s carefully structured life is disrupted by unexpected love, she must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining independence and opening herself to new possibilities. The film thoughtfully explores how romance can challenge our established routines and relationships, forcing us to question what we truly value in life.

Lightswitch (2009)

This festival favorite proves that short films can deliver powerful emotional impact. Despite its brief runtime, the film captures genuine queer experiences with remarkable authenticity. Its success across multiple LGBT film festivals demonstrates how simple, honest storytelling can resonate more deeply than high-budget productions.

DEFENCELESS (2004)

An innovative underground cult film that tells its revenge story entirely through visuals and music, without a single word of dialogue. This bold artistic choice creates a unique viewing experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. While its intensity might not suit all viewers, its creative vision makes it a standout in queer cinema.

The Getting of Wisdom (1978)

This landmark film from director Bruce Beresford marked a turning point in Australian cinema. Set in a Victorian-era girls’ school, it masterfully blends national identity with European art film aesthetics. The exquisite costume design and subtle exploration of sexuality helped establish Australia’s presence in international film circles while influencing later British heritage films.

Australian Lesbian Dramas

Videoland Season 1 (2024)

Set in a ’90s video store, this series follows teenager Hayley’s quest to understand her lesbian identity through classic films. Without modern resources or visible role models, she creatively pieces together her own understanding of queer life. The show cleverly combines coming-of-age storytelling with nostalgic appreciation for queer cinema history.

Flunk: The Sleepover (2021)

This special episode explores the charged dynamic between exes Tabby and Heidi when they unexpectedly share a friend’s sleepover. Their forced proximity reignites old feelings while raising questions about second chances and the possibility of reconciliation. The intimate setting perfectly captures the intensity of unresolved relationships.

Secret Bridesmaids’ Business (2019)

This dramatic series explores friendship dynamics through life-altering situations. While not exclusively focused on lesbian storytelling, its queer characters and relationships are naturally integrated into the broader narrative. The show demonstrates how crisis situations can reveal the true strength of friendship bonds.

Flunk Season 1 (2018)

Following three interconnected stories – rebellious Stella, academic-focused ED, and Ingrid’s awakening feelings for her best friend – this web series captures the complexity of teenage life. The show handles sexuality as one component of its characters’ multifaceted lives, alongside family dynamics, academic pressure, and identity formation.

Looking Forward

Australia’s contribution to queer cinema continues to grow, with increasing diversity both behind and in front of the camera. These films and series demonstrate the industry’s commitment to authentic storytelling and representation. As more voices join the conversation, we can expect even more nuanced and compelling LGBTQ+ narratives from Down Under.

Further Reading

FAQs About Australian Lesbian Movies & Series

1. Which Australian lesbian movie is best for beginners?

“Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt)” is an excellent entry point, offering a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and history. Its lighthearted approach makes it accessible while still addressing important themes.

2. Are these films available internationally?

Most recent releases are available on major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix. Some independent films can be found on YouTube, while others might require region-specific streaming services.

3. Why does Australia produce such diverse LGBTQ+ content?

Australia’s strong support for arts funding, combined with its multicultural society and progressive LGBTQ+ rights movement, creates an environment where diverse stories can flourish. The success of events like Sydney Mardi Gras has also helped normalize queer narratives in mainstream media.

4. What makes Australian lesbian films unique?

Australian queer cinema often combines raw authenticity with distinctly local perspectives. These films frequently explore themes of identity, family relationships, and social justice while celebrating Australia’s unique cultural landscape.

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