Foreign lesbian films offer unique perspectives on queer love stories through diverse cultural lenses. From groundbreaking Indian cinema to intimate European dramas, these international gems showcase how different cultures approach LGBTQ+ storytelling. Let’s explore some of the most compelling foreign lesbian films from around the world.
In This Article
Middle Eastern & South Asian Lesbian Cinema
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) – India
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Shelly Chopra Dhar
Starring: Sonam Kapoor
Available on Netflix
Bollywood’s first mainstream lesbian film breaks new ground with its sensitive portrayal of a young woman’s journey to self-acceptance. Featuring Sonam Kapoor in a groundbreaking role, this film cleverly uses traditional Bollywood elements to tell a progressive story about love and acceptance.
Circumstance (2011) – Iran
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Director: Maryam Keshavarz
Available on Amazon Prime
Set in contemporary Iran, this Sundance Audience Award winner follows two young women discovering their attraction amidst Tehran’s underground youth culture. The film beautifully portrays forbidden love while offering a rare glimpse into modern Iranian society.
Looking for more South Asian LGBTQ+ content? Check out our complete guide to Indian Lesbian Movies and Thailand Lesbian Series. The region offers unique perspectives on queer stories, often tackling complex themes of tradition, family, and identity.
Israeli lesbian Films
Barash (2015)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Michal Vinik
Starring: Sivan Noam Shimon
Following 17-year-old Naama Barash’s journey of self-discovery through first love, this coming-of-age story captures the intensity of teenage emotions against the backdrop of Israeli society. The film stands out for its authentic portrayal of youth culture and sexual awakening.
Para Aduma (Red Cow) (2018)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Tsivia Barkai Yacov
This semi-autobiographical film explores the tension between religious faith and sexual awakening through the story of a young Orthodox Jewish girl. The director’s personal connection to the material adds depth to this sensitive portrayal of faith and identity.
The Secrets (2007)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Director: Avi Nesher
Starring: Fanny Ardant, Ania Bukstein
Set in a women’s religious seminary, this thoughtful drama follows two students whose lives intersect with a mysterious older woman. The film masterfully explores the intersection of faith, tradition, and forbidden love.
European lesbian Cinema
Thelma (2017) – Norway
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Director: Joachim Trier
Available on Hulu
This supernatural thriller follows a religious student whose awakening sexuality triggers mysterious powers. Combining elements of horror with tender romance, it offers a unique take on the coming-out narrative.
Anne+ (2021) – Netherlands
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Valerie Bisscheroux
Available on Netflix
A modern exploration of queer life in Amsterdam follows a twenty-something writer balancing her novel writing with potential relocation for love. The film captures contemporary queer experiences with authenticity and charm.
Dual (2013) – Slovenia
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Nejc Gazvoda
When a Danish tourist meets a Slovenian shuttle driver, their brief encounter leads to unexpected connection. The film’s title cleverly plays on both linguistic and emotional duality.
Egymásra nézve (Another Way) (1982) – Hungary
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Director: Károly Makk
Set in post-revolution Hungary, this groundbreaking film follows two female journalists navigating both political repression and forbidden love. A landmark in Eastern European queer cinema that remains powerful decades later.
European cinema has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ representation. Explore our detailed guides to French Lesbian Films, German Queer Cinema, and Swedish LGBT Movies for more groundbreaking content from these film powerhouses.
Latin American lesbian Cinema
Las Herederas (The Heiresses) (2018) – Paraguay
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Marcelo Martinessi
Available on Amazon Prime
This subtle drama follows a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself after her partner’s imprisonment. The film offers a rare portrayal of older lesbian relationships while examining class and privilege in Paraguayan society.
Elisa y Marcela (2019) – Spain
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Isabel Coixet
Available on Netflix
Based on the true story of Spain’s first recorded same-sex marriage, this period drama captures the lengths two women went to love freely in early 20th century Spain.
Asian lesbian Cinema
Baka Bukas (2016) – Philippines
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Samantha Lee
This contemporary romance follows a creative professional navigating love for her best friend in modern Manila. The film offers a fresh take on the friends-to-lovers trope within Filipino culture.
One Day, You Will Reach the Sea (2022) – Japan
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Director: Koji Fukada
Available on MUBI
A masterpiece of contemporary Japanese cinema that weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Following Jin’s transformative journey, the film uses innovative dual narrative techniques and stunning cinematography to tell a deeply moving story. The sea serves as a powerful metaphor throughout, while the subtle performances and careful attention to detail create an emotionally resonant experience that lingers long after viewing.
Related:
Concerning My Daughter (2023) – Korea
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Lee Mi-rang
Based on: Kim Hye-jin’s novel
*Available on# 16 Must-Watch Foreign Lesbian Films: Global Cinema Guide (2024)
Foreign lesbian films offer unique perspectives on queer love stories through diverse cultural lenses. From groundbreaking Indian cinema to intimate European dramas, these international gems showcase how different cultures approach LGBTQ+ storytelling. Let’s explore some of the most compelling foreign lesbian films from around the world.
Related:
Asian cinema brings fresh perspectives to lesbian storytelling. Don’t miss our comprehensive guides to Korean Lesbian Films, Japanese LGBT Movies, and Chinese Queer Cinema.
African lesbian Cinema
Rafiki (2018) – Kenya
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Director: Wanuri Kahiu
Available on Amazon Prime
Initially banned in Kenya, this vibrant love story between two young women in Nairobi beautifully captures both the joy and danger of forbidden love in contemporary Africa.
Related:
Baltic lesbian Cinema
The Summer of Sangaile (2015) – Lithuania
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Alantė Kavaitė
Available on MUBI
A visually stunning coming-of-age story about a young woman overcoming her fears through love and aerial acrobatics. Winner of the directing award at Sundance World Cinema competition.
Recent Releases
A Room of My Own (2022) – Georgia
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Ioseb “Soso” Bliadze
This contemporary drama follows a young woman discovering personal freedom through her relationship with her vibrant roommate, offering insight into modern Georgian society.
Rookie (2023)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Director: Megan Griffiths
A touching story of a tall, awkward girl who finds love and acceptance on her Catholic high school’s volleyball team, proving that sports and coming-out stories can still offer fresh perspectives.
Further Reading
- Best Thai Lesbian Movies: A Complete Guide (2025 Updated)
- 13 Best Lesbian Vampire Movies & Shows: Complete Guide (Updated 2025)
- 18 Must-Watch International & Foreign Lesbian Films: Global Cinema Guide (2025)
- 12 Must-Watch Brazilian Lesbian Movies & Series (2024)
- 22 Best Spanish Lesbian Movies & Series: Including Latin American Content (2024)
FAQs About Foreign Lesbian Films
1. Where can I watch these films?
Most are available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and MUBI. Some may require region-specific services or festival screenings.
2. Are these films subtitled?
Yes, most international releases include English subtitles when streaming on major platforms.
3. Which regions produce the most lesbian films?
While European cinema has historically led in LGBTQ+ representation, we’re seeing increasing contributions from Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
4. What makes foreign lesbian films unique?
They often approach LGBTQ+ themes through their specific cultural lenses, offering perspectives rarely seen in Western cinema.
Want to explore more international lesbian cinema? Don’t miss our detailed guides covering Asian, European, and Latin American LGBTQ+ films. Each region brings its own unique perspective to queer storytelling.
