Milk is a powerful biographical drama that tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. For those who appreciated the compelling narrative and strong performances in Milk, here are 16 other movies that explore similar themes of activism, LGBTQ+ issues, and personal struggles. You can find more about Milk here.
1. Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a gripping legal drama starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. The film follows a lawyer who is fired from his firm because he has AIDS and his fight for justice.
2. The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II. The movie delves into his persecution for being gay in a time when it was criminalized.
3. Dallas Buyers Club
Dallas Buyers Club features Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto in award-winning roles. The film tells the story of Ron Woodroof, who smuggles unapproved pharmaceutical drugs to treat his AIDS after being given 30 days to live.
4. Boys Don’t Cry
Boys Don’t Cry is a biographical drama starring Hilary Swank as Brandon Teena, a transgender man navigating life in rural Nebraska. The film is a poignant exploration of identity and the tragic consequences of intolerance.
5. Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two cowboys who develop a complex romantic relationship. The film is a heartbreaking look at love and societal expectations.
6. The Normal Heart
The Normal Heart is a drama based on Larry Kramer’s play, starring Mark Ruffalo and Julia Roberts. It focuses on the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis in New York City and the activism that arose in response.
7. Moonlight
Moonlight is an Oscar-winning film that chronicles the life of a young black man grappling with his identity and sexuality. Starring Mahershala Ali and Trevante Rhodes, it is a deeply moving exploration of self-discovery.
8. Call Me by Your Name
Call Me by Your Name features Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer in a beautifully crafted love story set in 1980s Italy. The film captures the intensity and passion of a summer romance between two young men.
9. The Danish Girl
The Danish Girl stars Eddie Redmayne as Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender reassignment surgery. The film explores her journey and the impact it has on her marriage and identity.
10. Love, Simon
Love, Simon is a coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama about a high school student who is forced to come out after a classmate discovers his secret. Starring Nick Robinson, it is a heartfelt story about finding oneself.
11. A Fantastic Woman
A Fantastic Woman is a Chilean drama that follows Marina, a transgender woman dealing with the death of her boyfriend. Starring Daniela Vega, it is a powerful film about resilience and dignity.
12. The Hours
The Hours stars Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman, interweaving the stories of three women connected by Virginia Woolf’s novel. It explores themes of mental illness, sexuality, and the passage of time.
13. Carol
Carol is a romantic drama set in the 1950s, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. The film tells the story of a forbidden affair between an aspiring photographer and an older woman going through a difficult divorce.
14. The Kids Are All Right
The Kids Are All Right is a comedy-drama about a lesbian couple whose teenage children seek out their sperm donor father. Starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo, it is a warm and insightful look at modern family dynamics.
15. My Own Private Idaho
My Own Private Idaho stars River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as two friends on a journey of personal discovery. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and the search for identity.
16. The Birdcage
The Birdcage is a comedy featuring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple who must pretend to be straight for the sake of their son’s engagement. It is a hilarious and heartwarming film about acceptance and family.
