Design by Yosef Phelan

For a time, gay fictional film characters were practically never guaranteed a happy ending – absolutely insane, we know. The comedic relief? Sure. An outdated and, at times, downright offensive caricature? Definitely. The beloved supporting character who helps the cis straight lead achieve their happily ever after? Absolutely. But an openly gay character who gets the guy/girl, lands the coveted job or, at the very least, makes it out alive? Fat chance!

Thankfully, in recent years, that dark cloud that once loomed so prominently over LGBTQIA+ characters and gay cinema has slowly begun to lift, making way for films that swap tragedy and trauma for unbridled queer joy. From Nick and Charlie’s enduring teenage romance in Heartstopper Forever to drag queens Noxeema Jackson, Vida Boheme and Chi-Chi Rodriguez transforming the small town of Snydersville for the better in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, we’re celebrating the LGBTQIA+ films that prove queer stories don’t always have to end in heartbreak. Here are our favourite films with happy endings that deserve a spot on your watch list.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is perfect for anyone looking for wholesome Heartstopper vibes with a side of grit. Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, the film follows Ari (Max Pelayo) and Dante (Reese Gonzales) , “two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.”

While Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe tackles some darker subject matter, including homophobia and anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes, the story is ultimately anchored by Ari and Dante’s tender, adorable romance – and it ends on a beautifully hopeful note.

Beautiful Thing (1996)

Set in the English working-class neighbourhood of Thamesmead, Beautiful Thing follows teenagers Jamie Gangel (Glen Berry) and Ste Pearce (Scott Neal) as they form a close bond and fall in love while navigating family turmoil, homophobia and the volatile world of their council estate. Admittedly, Beautiful Thing has its fair share of intense moments – including Ste’s violent relationship with his drug-dealing brother – and doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities and pushback LGBTQIA+ people faced in the UK during the ’90s. 

However, Ste and Jamie’s budding romance, coupled with the film’s overarching message of hope, ultimately drowns out the more traumatic story beats, particularly in its joyous final scene. And, because we love a little Easter egg, Gay Times even makes a cheeky cameo in the film – so keep your eyes peeled! 

The Birdcage (1996)

Hailed as one of the most iconic and groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ films of all time, The Birdcage follows Armand (Robin Williams), a gay drag club owner, and his partner, Albert (Nathan Lane), a drag performer, as they attempt to put on a “straight facade” before meeting the right-wing parents of their son’s fiancée. First of all, The Birdcage is a joy to watch thanks to the hilarious chemistry between Williams and Lane – seriously, it’s impossible not to be left in stitches. 

But beyond its brilliant performances, the film explores a very real experience many LGBTQIA+ people know all too well: the pressure to hide or tone down our queerness to make straight cis people feel more comfortable. Rather than turning this into a heavy-handed drama, however, The Birdcage tackles the issue with sharp comedy, plenty of camp and, of course, an abundance of drag realness. Darling!

Bottoms (2023)

If you’re looking for a fun, utterly bonkers sapphic comedy with a happy ending, Bottoms is the film for you. Directed by Emma Seligman, the film follows PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri), two unpopular queer girls who start a fight club “to impress and hook up with cheerleaders”.