It’s that time of year again, folks. Love is in the air, candy is in the stores, and people globally are either watching romantic comedies snuggled up with a partner, or alone with a pint of ice cream and a dream (like us). Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite queer romance films that came out in 2022 so that you can feel the love this Valentine’s Day, no matter your relationship status!
In all seriousness, queer people deserve to see themselves in love on the big screen, and we’re thrilled that we can offer a list of ten films that cover a breadth of identities, all from the past year. Now get reading! Today’s the big day, and if you’re anything like us, you’re going to want to watch them all!
Bros (Peacock)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like for two gay men with commitment issues to try dating? Well, look no further than Bros! This groundbreaking GLAAD Media Award-nominated romantic comedy, co-written and executive produced by gay actor and comedian Billy Eicher, boasts an entirely LGBTQ ensemble! Bobby (Eichner) is a neurotic podcast host who’s happy to go on Tinder dates and content not to have a serious relationship. That all changes when he meets Aaron (gay actor Luke McFarlane), an equally detached lawyer who likes to play the field. Repeatedly drawn to each other, both men begin to show their vulnerable sides as their undeniable attraction turns into something resembling a commitment. With out talent including TS Madison, Miss Lawrence, Symone, Guillermo Diaz, Guy Branum, Monica Raymund, Harvey Fierstein, Jai Rodriguez, Bowen Yang, and many, many…many more, Bros is a must-see in the celebration of love!
Anything’s Possible (Prime Video)
Based on a selection from The GLAAD List— which represents the type of inclsuive stories that GLAAD would like to see studios producing on big and small screens to increase the presence of LGBTQ visibility in Hollywood— out Emmy-winner Billy Porter’s directorial debut follows a confident trans high school student (trans actress Eva Reign) as she navigates through senior year. When her classmate Khal (Abubakr Ali) gets a crush on her, he musters up the courage to ask her out, despite the drama he knows it could cause. The GLAAD Media Award-nominated film, written by trans screenwriter Ximena García Lecuona, is a delightfully Gen Z coming-of-age story that showcases the joy, tenderness, and pain of young love. Check out journalist Shar Jossell’s chat with stars Porter, Reign and Ali about Anything’s Possible!
Fire Island (Hulu)
Queer comedy icons. LGBTQ starpower. Love hiding around the corner at every turn. These are just a few of the reasons to watch Fire Island. Set in the iconic Fire Island Pines, this unapologetic, modern day rom-com centers a group of queer best friends on their annual week of love and laugher— but when a sudden change of events jeopardizes their summer in gay paradise, their bonds as a chosen family are pushed to the limit. Inspired by Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, the GLAAD Media Award-nominated film stars out actors Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, Matt Rogers, Tomás Matos, Margaret Cho, and more!
Crush (Hulu)
Remember, in high school, when you were living life as an out lesbian and had two sisters fighting for your affection? Me neither, but it makes for an extremely entertaining film in Crush. Out director Sammi Cohen crushed their directorial debut, which delivers a fresh take on a classic high school love triangle. The GLAAD Media-Award nominated film stars out actresses Rowan Blanchard and Auli’i Cravalho in a story about a teenage girl joining the track team to get closer to her crush, only to discover she is getting closer to another teammate. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good coming-of-age flick, you’ve come to the right place!
Spoiler Alert (Peacock)
If you’re looking to laugh, cry, and feel every other human emotion on the spectrum, Spoiler Alert is the film for you. Based on gay journalist, author, and actor Michael Ausiellos’ best-selling memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, this film tells a heartwarming, funny, and life-affirming story of how Michael and his husband Kit’s relationship is transformed and deepened when one of them falls ill. The GLAAD Media Award-nominated film stars out actors Jim Parson and Ben Eldridge, who deliver breathtaking performances!
Do Revenge (Netflix)
If you’re looking for an insanely unpredicatble thriller with a side of lesbian love, Do Revenge will hit right in the sweet spot. Netflix’s GLAAD Media Award-nominated dark comedy, loosely inspired by Alfred Hitchcok’s Strangers on a Train, is full of shocking twists, turns, and romances! After a clandestine run-in, queer transfer student (Maya Hawke) teams up with fallen it-girl Drea (Camila Mendes) to take vengeance on each other’s tormentors. Will they do the revenge the title promises? You’ll have to watch and see!
My Fake Boyfriend (Prime Video)
Listen, we’ve all invented a fake boyfriend at one time or another, right? No? Just me? Well, me and Andrew’s friends in My Fake Boyfriend. Directed by lesbian producer and screenwriter Rose Troche, My Fake Boyfriend gives an original twist to an age-old formula. Andrew (out actor Keiynan Lonsdale) has a major problem: he can’t stay away from the toxic boyfriend who just dumped him. So, his meddling friends (Dylan Sprouse and Sarah Hyland) decide to help him by creating Cristiano, a perfect fake boyfriend on social media. However, things soon spiral out of control when Andrew meets his real-life dream guy and Cristiano becomes a worldwide sensation!
Something From Tiffany’s (Prime Video)
While Something From Tiffany’s centers a straight romance, the true heart of the film lies in the queer relationship between out actresses Jojo T. Gibbs and Javica Leslie, as Terri and Sophia, respectively. Based on Melissa Hill’s novel of the same name, holiday magic is in the air when a simple mix-up of gifts sets off a series of twists and unexpected discoveries. Be sure to watch Javica Leslie and GLAAD’s Vice President, Communication & Talent Anthony Ramos discuss queer representation in rom-coms!
Cobalt Blue (Netflix)
Netflix’s Indian Hindi-language drama, adapted from the late gay director Sachin Kundalkar’s 2006 novel of the same name, is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. When an aspiring author and his free-spirited sister both fall for the enigmatic paying guest at their home, ensuing events rock their traditional family. Fans of literature, poetry, music, and art are in for a real treat!
The Holiday Sitter (Hallmark Channel)
Hallmark’s first leading queer couple sleighed the holiday season this year! Sam (out actor Jonathan Bennett) is a workaholic bachelor who’s babysitting his niece and nephew during the holidays. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from a handsome neighbor (out actor George Krissa) and soon finds himself in an unexpected romance. And yes, we know it’s not the holidays anymore, but does the spirit of queer love ever really go out of season? Not in this house!
Alright, it’s time to go round up your favorite snacks, a companion if you want one (animal, human, or plushie), and a comfortable place to sit while you indulge in one or more of the above films. We here at GLAAD hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, and if you need us, we’ll be at the store buying all the half-price candy.
XOXO,
Amanda Hurwitz (She/Her)
Adam Weinreb (He/Him)