Offering original viewpoints on queer storytelling, Australian lesbian films and dramas have been creating waves in international LGBTQ+ cinema. From gripping romances to strong series, these Australian films and shows highlight the nation’s dedication to real portrayal and varied stories. Australia has become a powerhouse for producing striking lesbian material both on the big and small screen after legalising same-sex marriage in 2017 and staging the venerable Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since the 1980s.
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.
In This Article
Australian Lesbian Movies
Triple Oh! (2024)
🎬 Release Year: 2024
⭐ Our Rating: 4.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: Film festivals, select streaming platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Real-life accounts guide this close drama between two paramedics whose professional connection veers off course. The movie deftly examines their particular approach to intimacy-based death coping, therefore forging a compelling story about discovering connection in the most trying events of life. By means of interviews with real-life paramedics, the film presents a narrative that is both real and profoundly poignant by capturing their amazing capacity to overcome anxiety with comedy.
Lockdown Lovers (2023)
🎬 Release Year: 2023
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: LGBTQ+ film festivals, indie streaming platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: After what was supposed to be a one-night fling, Canadian visitor Kristal finds herself shockingly quarantessed with Lisette when the epidemic causes borders to lockdown. Filmed in Melbourne during the early days of COVID-19, this romance drama investigates how unanticipated events could create strong bonds. Perfect conditions for studying compatibility, personal development, and the nature of modern relationships are created by the forced proximity.
Bad Behaviour (2023)
🎬 Release Year: 2023
⭐ Our Rating: 4.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: Australian streaming services, international platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Oversaw by openly gay Asian-Australian director Corrie Chen, this four-part miniseries deftly captures the nuanced social dynamics of a Sydney boarding school. With great sensitivity, the show investigates growing LGBT aspirations, hierarchical power systems, and close teenage relationships. Comparatively to cult classic “Skins,” it presents a very Australian view of adolescent sexuality and life.
My First Summer (2021)
🎬 Release Year: 2021
⭐ Our Rating: 4.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Tubi (availability varies by region)
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Through excellent cinematography, this visually spectacular movie perfectly embodies the core of first love. The narrative centres on Claudia and Grace, whose relationship grows among exquisite natural settings and sensitive emotional events. Their relationship gives each other sweet and light, much as a cool sip of strawberry milk. While keeping artistic refinement, the movie shines in capturing the delicate sensitivity of teenage love.
Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt) (2020)
🎬 Release Year: 2020
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix (select regions)
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: This wonderful supernatural romance deftly links modern teen romance with Australia’s LGBTQ+ rights legacy. The movie builds a special link between past and current queer experiences when Ellie’s ghost aunt shows her how to negotiate coming out and follow her crush on classmate Abbie. The all-female ensemble cast gives charming and historically perceptive performances.
Skin Deep (2015)
🎬 Release Year: 2015
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, LGBTQ+ streaming platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Two young women—one suffering with depression and the other with terminal cancer—have an amazing day and night from a fortuitous meeting. Their short time together develops into a deep investigation of life, death, and human connection. By means of close talks and treasured events, people find fresh angles on life and the bravery to welcome its opportunities.
Zoe.Misplaced (2014)
🎬 Release Year: 2014
⭐ Our Rating: 3.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: LGBTQ+ film festival circuits, indie platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Unexpected love disturbs Zoe’s well-organised existence and she has to negotiate the fine line between preserving her freedom and allowing fresh opportunities. The movie gently examines how romance could force us to consider what we really value in life and challenge our accepted behaviours and relationships.
Lightswitch (2009)
🎬 Release Year: 2009
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: LGBTQ+ film archives
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: This festival favourite shows how strongly emotional impact can be produced by short films. Though it is short, the movie brilliantly authentically reflects real queer experiences. Its popularity at several LGBT film festivals shows how straightforward, honest narrative may appeal more profoundly than expensively produced works.
DEFENCELESS (2004)
🎬 Release Year: 2004
⭐ Our Rating: 3.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: A creative underground cult film without a single word of dialogue that tells its revenge tale totally through images and music. This audacious artistic decision produces a singular viewing experience that transcends conventional narrative limits. Although its intensity might not appeal to every audience, its artistic vision distinguishes it among gay films.
The Getting of Wisdom (1978)
🎬 Release Year: 1978
⭐ Our Rating: 4.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, classic film platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Director Bruce Beresford’s iconic work signalled a sea change in Australian movies. Filmed in a girls’ school from the Victorian era, it deftly combines European art film aesthetics with national identity. While impacting later British heritage pictures, the magnificent costume design and subdued exploration of sensuality helped define Australia’s prominence in international film circles.
Australian Lesbian Dramas
Videoland Season 1 (2024)
🎬 Release Year: 2024
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: Australian streaming services, YouTube
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Filmed in a “90s video store, this series chronicles teenage Hayley’s search for vintage movie understanding of her lesbian identity. She imaginatively assembles her own knowledge of queer life without contemporary tools or obvious role models. The program deftly balances nostalgic respect for queer film history with coming-of-age narrative.
Flunk: The Sleepover (2021)
🎬 Release Year: 2021
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: YouTube, indie streaming platforms
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: This unique episode looks at the tense interaction between exes Tabby and Heidi as they unannouncedly share a friend’s overnight. Their forced proximity begs issues regarding second chances and the prospect of reconciliation while rekindling old emotions. The little environment wonderfully reflects the intensity of unresolved connections.
Secret Bridesmaids’ Business (2019)
🎬 Release Year: 2019
⭐ Our Rating: 3.5/5
📺 Where to Watch: Australian networks, international streaming (limited availability)
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: Through life-changing events, this dramatic series investigates friendship dynamics. Though not entirely centred on lesbian storytelling, its gay characters and interactions are organically included into the larger story. The show shows how crisis events can expose the actual power of friendship ties.
Flunk Season 1 (2018)
🎬 Release Year: 2018
⭐ Our Rating: 4/5
📺 Where to Watch: YouTube, GagaOOLala
👀 Why It’s Worth Watching: This online series catches the complexity of teenage life following three linked stories: rebellious Stella, academic-focused ED, and Ingrid’s emerging love for her closest friend. Along with family relationships, academic pressure, and identity development, the show addresses sexuality as one element of the multifarious life of its characters.
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.