Hey lovely readers! If you’re searching for the best lesbian films from the 70’s and 80’s, you’ve hit the jackpot! As your go-to lesbian film blogger who’s been obsessing over vintage queer cinema for years, I’m thrilled to share these 24 absolute classics that shaped our representation on screen.
Before we dive in, let me tell you – these aren’t just movies. They’re time capsules of our community’s journey, each one breaking new ground in its own way. From artsy French New Wave to groundbreaking Japanese cinema, these films laid the foundation for today’s diverse queer storytelling. Ready for a nostalgic trip through the golden age of lesbian films? Let’s roll! 🎬✨
In This Article
With Beauty and Sorrow (1965)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: Japan
🎭Genre: Drama
Y’all, this Japanese gem is a masterclass in visual storytelling! Director Masahiro Shinoda took Kawabata’s complex novel and turned it into something truly special. The way it handles same-sex desire through the lens of Japanese cinema is chef’s kiss. The cold blues and greys perfectly capture the emotional landscape, and Kaoru Yachigusa’s performance? Absolutely stellar.
Fun fact: This film was way ahead of its time in how it treated queer themes with such nuance in conservative 1960s Japan.
Swastika/Manji (1964)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: Japan
🎭Content Warning: Psychological thriller elements
Listen up, psychological thriller fans! This one-hour powerhouse packs more complexity than most three-hour films. The story of Fumiko and Mitsuko’s affair is like nothing else from this era. Pro tip: Skip the remakes and go straight for this original version – trust your girl on this one!
Les Biches (1968)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: France
🎭Genre: Psychological Drama
Think “The Talented Mr. Ripley” but make it sapphic! This French classic serves us complicated power dynamics with a side of stunning cinematography. The way it explores desire, identity, and manipulation is honestly still relevant today.
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The Killing of Sister George (1968)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: UK
🎭Genre: Drama
Here’s the tea: this film walked so modern queer cinema could run! For a 1968 release, it was shockingly bold in portraying an older lesbian character with all her complexities. While some aspects might make modern viewers uncomfortable (hello, 60s prejudices), it’s a crucial piece of our cinematic history.
Beryl Reid delivers a powerhouse performance that still resonates today. Pro tip: watch this with historical context in mind – it helps appreciate just how groundbreaking it was!
The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972)
🌟Rating: 5/5
🎬Country: Germany
🎭Genre: Drama
Fassbinder really said “let’s unpack female power dynamics” and gave us THIS masterpiece! The way this film explores relationships between women is just chef’s kiss. It’s claustrophobic, intense, and absolutely mesmerizing.
Bonus points: The costume design is to die for, and every frame could be a painting. Fair warning though – it’s not your typical light viewing. Grab your favorite comfort snack and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.
Je, Tu, Il, Elle (1974)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: Belgium/France
🎭Genre: Art House
Chantal Akerman didn’t just direct this film – she LIVED it. Starring in her own minimalist masterpiece, she created something so raw and authentic that it still feels revolutionary today. Yes, there are long, silent scenes that might test your patience, but trust me, they’re worth it!
The final scenes are some of the most honest depictions of female intimacy ever filmed. It’s basically required viewing for any serious queer cinema buff.
Bilitis (1977)
🌟Rating: 3.5/5
🎬Country: France
🎭Genre: Coming-of-age Drama
Let’s address the elephant in the room – this film has some problematic elements by today’s standards. However, its artistic merit lies in its groundbreaking cinematography and exploration of female friendships. The way it blends classical and modern elements creates a unique aesthetic that influenced many later films.
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Word is Out (1977)
🌟Rating: 5/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Documentary
THIS. IS. EVERYTHING! A revolutionary documentary that gave voice to 26 LGBTQ+ individuals when nobody else would. The courage of these people to appear on camera in 1977 still gives me chills.
What makes this doc special is how it captures everyday queer life – not just the struggles (though they’re there), but also the joy, love, and community. Essential viewing for understanding our history!
Times Square (1980)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Drama/Music
Can we talk about how this punk rock coming-of-age story was WAY ahead of its time? The rebellious energy mixed with tender young love against the gritty backdrop of 1980s NYC is just chef’s kiss.
Bestie, if you’re into underground music scenes and queer awakening stories, this one’s your jam. The soundtrack alone is worth your time, and the chemistry between the leads is electric!
Afternoon Breezes (1980)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: Japan
🎭Genre: Romance Drama
In an era when every lesbian film seemed determined to end in tragedy, this Japanese gem dared to be different! The light, breezy touch (pun intended!) it brings to sapphic romance was revolutionary for its time.
What starts as a potential horror setup turns into something beautifully delicate. Director’s mastery of subtle storytelling through visuals and sound? Absolutely inspiring. This one’s aged like fine wine!
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Personal Best (1982)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Sports Drama
Y’all, this sports drama walked so “Bend It Like Beckham” could run! The way it handles the complexity of competition, friendship, and attraction in women’s athletics is surprisingly nuanced for its time.
Fun fact: The film caused quite a stir for its realistic portrayal of female athletes – something rarely seen in 1982. Plus, those training sequences? Totally authentic, no Hollywood fakery here!
Another Way (1982)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: Hungary
🎭Genre: Political Drama
This Hungarian masterpiece hits different. Set against the backdrop of political upheaval, it tells a forbidden love story that’ll break your heart in the best way possible.
The fact that this film even got made in 1982 Soviet-era Hungary? Absolutely revolutionary! It’s not just a love story – it’s a powerful statement about freedom in all its forms.
Lianna (1983)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Drama
John Sayles really said “let’s tell a coming out story with respect” and delivered THIS gem! The way it handles a married woman’s journey of self-discovery feels surprisingly modern.
What I love most? It doesn’t sensationalize or tragic-ify the lesbian experience. Instead, it gives us a real, complex woman figuring out who she is. We love to see it!
Entre Nous (1983)
🌟Rating: 5/5
🎬Country: France
🎭Genre: Period Drama
Oscar-nominated for a reason, folks! This French masterpiece about two women’s deep connection in post-WWII France hits ALL the feels. Isabelle Huppert and Miou-Miou’s performances are just chef’s kiss.
The way it handles the evolution of their relationship through subtle glances and gentle moments? Pure cinema magic. Plus, the historical context adds extra layers of complexity that’ll have you thinking about it for days.
The Hunger (1983)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Horror/Romance
OMG, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon in a vampire film? YES PLEASE! This stylish gothic masterpiece serves us everything – gorgeous aesthetics, steamy romance, and enough atmosphere to drown in.
The sapphic tension is off the charts, and that scene? You know the one I’m talking about! It’s become legendary in queer cinema. If you’re into vampire aesthetics and sophisticated horror, this one’s a must-watch.
Related:
Born in Flames (1983)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Sci-Fi/Political
Talk about ahead of its time! This feminist sci-fi gem tackles race, gender, and sexuality with a boldness that still feels relevant today. The guerrilla-style filmmaking adds this raw authenticity that just hits different.
Fair warning: It’s not your typical sci-fi with fancy effects. Instead, it’s a thought-provoking piece that’ll have you questioning everything about society. Plus, the punk rock soundtrack? Absolute fire!
Desert Hearts (1985)
🌟Rating: 5/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Romance
THIS. IS. EVERYTHING! Finally, a lesbian film with a happy ending! Set in 1959 Reno, this groundbreaking film gave us the love story we deserved. Patricia Charbonneau and Helen Shaver’s chemistry is simply electric.
Fun fact: Director Donna Deitch mortgaged her house to make this film happen. The dedication paid off – it’s become a cornerstone of queer cinema. If you watch one film from this list, make it this one!
The Color Purple (1985)
🌟Rating: 5/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Drama
Spielberg adapting Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was a choice, but wow did it work! While the film subtly handles Celie and Shug’s relationship compared to the book, the tender moments between them are pure magic.
The way it interweaves themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery is masterful. And can we talk about those performances? Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Avery deserve all the awards!
The Berlin Affair (1985)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: Italy/Germany
🎭Genre: Drama
This fascinating blend of European and Japanese sensibilities gives us a complex tale of desire and power in 1930s Berlin. The way it handles themes of possession and obsession is both beautiful and haunting.
That final scene with the red rope? Absolutely iconic! It’s a sophisticated exploration of love and politics that requires your full attention – definitely not background watching material!
She Must Be Seeing Things (1987)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: USA
🎭Genre: Psychological Drama
Let’s talk about that exploration of jealousy and trust in lesbian relationships! This film really went there with examining how paranoia can mess with our heads. The way it delves into the complexities of trust issues in same-sex relationships was groundbreaking for its time.
Pro tip: Pay attention to the subtle visual metaphors throughout – the director’s background in experimental film really shines through!
I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing (1987)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: Canada
🎭Genre: Comedy-Drama
Patricia Rozema said “let’s make magical realism gay” and honestly? We’re here for it! This quirky Canadian gem follows a shy photographer’s journey while weaving in a beautiful queer subplot that feels natural and unforced.
The whimsical approach to storytelling mixed with serious themes about art and self-expression? Total perfection. Plus, it’s refreshingly different from the heavy dramas typical of this era.
Le Jupon Rouge (1987)
🌟Rating: 4/5
🎬Country: France
🎭Genre: Drama
This French film hits different with its exploration of complex relationships against historical backdrops. The way it handles the blurry lines between friendship and love? chef’s kiss
The integration of Algerian War themes adds layers of depth to what could have been a simple romance. Sometimes the quietest moments speak the loudest in this one!
Related:
Virgin Machine (1988)
🌟Rating: 4.5/5
🎬Country: Germany
🎭Genre: New Wave/Drama
German New Wave cinema really said “let’s make it gay” and delivered this absolute banger! The exploration of gender identity and sexuality through a distinctly European lens is fascinating.
What I love most? How it perfectly captures that moment of sexual awakening and self-discovery. Warning: It’s artsy AF, but in the best possible way!
Lady Emanuelle (1989)
🌟Rating: 3.5/5
🎬Country: Italy
🎭Genre: Drama
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room – this one’s definitely a product of its time. However! The soundtrack is surprisingly amazing (giving me major Sophie Marceau “First Kiss” vibes), and there’s something compelling about its exploration of desire and emotional emptiness.
While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s an interesting piece of our cinematic history that shows how far we’ve come in terms of representation.
From experimental European arthouse to bold American indies, these films pushed boundaries and challenged norms during a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ representation. Each one offers a unique window into how queer stories were told in an era when visibility was both rare and revolutionary.
Speaking of revolutionary queer cinema – if you enjoyed this deep dive into lesbian film history, you might also love exploring the rich traditions of Japanese lesbian cinema, where directors like Nagisa Oshima redefined queer storytelling. Or discover how French New Wave directors brought fresh perspectives to lesbian narratives. The Swedish film industry‘s progressive approach to LGBTQ+ themes and South Korea’s emerging GL (Girls Love) scene offer fascinating counterpoints to these vintage classics.
Further Reading
- Japanese Lesbian Dramas: Top 16 GL Series That Made History (Updated 2024)
- 30 Must-Watch Japanese Lesbian Movies (Complete List 2024 Updated)
- Swedish Lesbian Movies: Complete Nordic Film Guide 2024
- 10 Swoon-Worthy Italian Lesbian Films That’ll Make You Say “Mama Mia!”
- 24 Best Lesbian Films 70’s and 80’s: A Retro Journey Through Queer Cinema
