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
When I Saw a Girl, This is How I Felt (2019) – India
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: India
Where to Watch: 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)
Country: Iran
Where to Watch: 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)
Country: Israel
Where to Watch: Dekkoo, available for rent on Amazon Prime
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)
Country: Israel
Where to Watch: MUBI, available for rent on Amazon Prime
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)
Country: Israel
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Tubi (free with ads)
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)
Country: Norway
Where to Watch: Hulu
This supernatural suspense drama centres on a pious student whose awakening sexuality sets off unexplained powers. Combining sweet romance with terror gives a different perspective on the coming-out story.
Anne+ (2021) – Netherlands
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: Netherlands
Where to Watch: Netflix
A twenty-something writer juggling her novel writing with possible relocation for love guides modern research of queer life in Amsterdam. The movie brilliantly and realistically reflects modern gay experiences.
Dual (2013) – Slovenia
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: Slovenia
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, iTunes
Their brief meeting between a Danish visitor and a Slovenian shuttle driver results in surprising connection. The title of the movie deftly exploits emotional and linguistic contradiction.
Egymásra nézve (Another Way) (1982) – Hungary
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Country: Hungary
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, available for rent on Amazon Prime
Filmed in post-revolution Hungary, this innovative work tracks two female reporters negotiating political persecution as well as forbidden love. a landmark in Eastern European LGBT film still potent 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)
Country: Paraguay
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
This little drama centres on a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself after her partner goes behind bars. Examining class and privilege in Paraguayan society, the film presents a rare picture of elder lesbian couples.
Elisa y Marcela (2019) – Spain
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: Spain
Where to Watch: Netflix
Inspired by the actual account of Spain’s first known same-sex marriage, this period play vividly depicts the extent two women would have travelled to freely in early 20th century Spain.
Asian lesbian Cinema
Baka Bukas (2016) – Philippines
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: Philippines
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
This modern romance traces a creative worker negotiating love for her closest friend in contemporary Manila. The movie presents an original interpretation of the friends-to- lovers cliché in Filipino society.
One Day, You Will Reach the Sea (2022) – Japan
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Country: Japan
Where to Watch: MUBI
A masterwork of modern Japanese film combining ideas of love, death, and self-discovery. After Jin’s transforming trip, the movie tells a very poignant tale using creative dual narrative devices and breathtaking photography. While the delicate performances and careful attention to detail produce an emotionally memorable experience that stays long after viewing, the sea represents a strong metaphor all through.
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Concerning My Daughter (2023) – Korea
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Based on: Kim Hye-jin’s novel
Country: South Korea
Where to Watch: MUBI, available for rent on Apple TV
Through many cultural lenses, foreign lesbian films provide original viewpoints on queer love stories. From intimate European dramas to innovative Indian film, these international treasures highlight how various cultures approach LGBTQ+ narrative. Here are some of the most interesting foreign lesbian films available worldwide.
Related:
African lesbian Cinema
Rafiki (2018) – Kenya
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Country: Kenya
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Originally outlawed in Kenya, this vivid love tale between two young ladies in Nairobi deftly portrays the excitement and risk of forbidden love in modern-day Africa.
Related:
Baltic lesbian Cinema
The Summer of Sangaile (2015) – Lithuania
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: Lithuania
Where to Watch: MUBI
A visually spectacular coming-of-age narrative about a young woman conquering her anxiety by means of aerial acrobatics and love. Sundance World Cinema competition winner of the directing prize.
Recent Releases
A Room of My Own (2022) – Georgia
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: Georgia
Where to Watch: MUBI, available for rent on Amazon Prime
This current drama offers insight into modern Georgian society as it depicts a young woman finding personal freedom via her connection with her energetic flatmate.
Rookie (2023)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Country: USA/Canada
Where to Watch: Hulu, available for rent on Amazon Prime
Proving that sports and coming-out tales can still provide fresh ideas, a heartwarming tale of a tall, shy girl who finds love and acceptance on the volleyball team of her Catholic high school.
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.
