The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a vibrant and heartwarming film that has captured the hearts of many with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and musical elements. If you loved this film, you’ll surely enjoy these 15 similar movies that explore themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the colorful world of drag culture. Check out the trailer for The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
1. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
This delightful comedy-drama follows three drag queens, played by Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo, as they embark on a cross-country road trip. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when their car breaks down in a small, conservative town.
2. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Starring John Cameron Mitchell, this musical drama tells the story of Hedwig, a transgender punk rock singer from East Berlin. The film explores themes of identity and transformation through powerful performances and an unforgettable soundtrack.
3. The Birdcage
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane star in this hilarious comedy about a gay couple who must pose as a straight family to impress their son’s conservative future in-laws. The film is a remake of the French classic, La Cage aux Folles.
4. Kinky Boots
This uplifting film, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joel Edgerton, follows the story of a struggling shoe factory that finds new life by producing custom footwear for drag queens. The movie is based on a true story and later inspired a hit Broadway musical.
5. Paris Is Burning
This groundbreaking documentary offers an intimate look into the drag ball culture of New York City in the late 1980s. Directed by Jennie Livingston, the film highlights the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community during this era.
6. Victor/Victoria
Julie Andrews stars in this classic musical comedy about a woman who disguises herself as a man performing as a female impersonator. The film, directed by Blake Edwards, is a delightful exploration of gender and identity.
7. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
This cult classic, starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick, is a musical horror-comedy that has become a staple of midnight movie screenings. The film’s eccentric characters and catchy songs make it a must-watch.
8. Rent
Based on the hit Broadway musical, this film adaptation follows a group of friends in New York City as they navigate love, loss, and the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS. The ensemble cast includes Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, and Idina Menzel.
9. Cabaret
Liza Minnelli stars in this iconic musical set in 1930s Berlin. The film, directed by Bob Fosse, explores the lives of the patrons and performers of the Kit Kat Klub against the backdrop of the rising Nazi regime.
10. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical
This stage adaptation of the original film brings the story of three drag queens on a road trip across the Australian outback to life with dazzling costumes and catchy musical numbers. It’s a must-see for fans of the movie.
11. La Cage aux Folles
This French-Italian comedy film, directed by Édouard Molinaro, tells the story of a gay couple who run a drag nightclub and must pretend to be straight to impress their son’s fiancée’s conservative parents. The film was later adapted into the American remake, The Birdcage.
12. A Fantastic Woman
This Chilean drama, starring Daniela Vega, follows the story of a transgender woman who faces discrimination and hostility after the sudden death of her older boyfriend. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2018.
13. The Danish Girl
Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander star in this biographical drama about Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender confirmation surgery. The film explores Lili’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces along the way.
14. Tangerine
This indie film, shot entirely on an iPhone, follows the story of two transgender sex workers on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. Starring Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, the film is a raw and authentic portrayal of life on the streets.
15. The Adventures of Felix
This French road movie follows the journey of Felix, a gay man of North African descent, as he travels across France to find his father. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters and learns about his own identity.
