Will this year be the gayest year for cinema ever?
Plunging right into awards and festival season at the start of the year always feels like a hopeful start for the entertainment world. Announcements of movie titles, cast lists, and nominations come left and right, creating this sense of artistic abundance.
This hit particularly hard this year, as the industry seems to have finally recovered from the delays of Covid shutdowns and writers’ strikes. However, there are still major threats to these creative projects, like the increased use of AI in media and the monopolization of certain production companies.
This only stresses the importance of supporting independent film, especially those with storylines that provide accurate representation. 2026 is brimming with new LGBTQ+ movies with a diverse range of characters, from closeted mothers and British council workers to diva pop stars. The settings will take us from remote Scottish landscapes to packed stadiums and murderous film sets.
Some of these concepts sound outrageous, but are all ultimately grounded in the universal queer desire for love and acceptance. This range of movies shows that, while everyone is unique, nobody is alone.
With so many recent announcements, it’s hard to keep track of upcoming releases. Check out these LGBTQ+ titles you might have missed among the frenzy.
1. Montreal, ma belle
In Montreal, an immigrant mother questions her role as she falls in love with a younger woman.
This Chinese-Canadian story dives into the intricate cross-sections of cultural roles and personal identity. Written and directed by Xiaodan He, the film reflects her own experiences moving to Montreal after growing up in China.
This is her second feature film, which debuted at Cannes Film Market in May of 2025. It stars Joan Chen (Twin Peaks, Dìdi) as the lead and Charlotte Aubin (Blue Moon) in the supporting role.
Montreal, ma belle will reflect the internal struggles of repressing oneself, but is rooted in hope instead of the typical “queer suffering” plotline found in many LGBTQ+ movies.
Theatrical Release: February 13, 2026 (Canada)
2. The Incomer
Co-dependent siblings Isla and Sandy live alone on a Scottish island, hunting birds for survival since their orphaning. When Daniel, a government worker, arrives to relocate them, the trio quickly falls into shambles.
While the exact queer storyline is not yet clear, it is implied that Daniel (Domhnall Gleeson) and Sandy (Grant O’Rourke) form an intimate bond. The nature of the plot itself lends itself to LGBTQ+ relatability, dealing with themes of social isolation and extreme otherness. Plus, the elements of birding, folktale sea creatures, and impeccable twee wardrobes are sure to fascinate audiences.
The Incomer will be writer and director Louis Paxton’s full-length feature debut. His past work in short film and television promises combinations of comedy and heart, along with a common theme of queer plotlines.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and is coming to theaters within the upcoming months.
3. Mother Mary
Tensions rise between pop-star Mary and her fashion designer Sam as a need for new tour clothes brings up their storied history.
Mother Mary is perhaps the most anticipated (and highest budget) LGBTQ+ film coming to grace our screens in 2026. Exploring power dynamics is a common trope in sapphic storylines, but Mother Mary brings in new twists that are elevated by bold cinematography, haute-couture costuming, and a score by Jack Antanoff and Charli xcx.
If the stunning promotional pictures were not enough, the list of actresses could convince anyone to buy a ticket. Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel may lead the film, but the supporting cast is no less impressive—Hunter Schafer, Kaia Gerber, Alba Baptista, and FKA Twigs are also tied to the project.
Theatrical Release: April 17, 2026
4. The Education of Jane Cumming
In early 19th century Scotland, two schoolteachers face accusations from a student of having an intimate relationship with each other.
The film serves breathtaking coastal visuals while also serving as a reminder of the hardships of surviving in an oppressive society.
While the visuals closely follow Ammonite (2020) and the plot sounds a lot like The Children’s Hour (1961), there is still plenty of room for originality. It stars relative newcomer Flora Nicholson, who co-wrote the film with director Sophie Heldman. This shows a personal connection to the project and a passionate female-led team.
This film also features the renowned Irish actress Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter franchise, Killing Eve), who has lived openly and proudly as a lesbian for several decades.
The film plans to premiere later this month at the Berlin Film Festival.
5. Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
That’s a wrap!!! See u all at camp next year :)) pic.twitter.com/vtQbYRMjVt
— Jane Schoenbrun (@sapphicspielbrg) June 17, 2025
A filmmaker becomes obsessed with bringing back the original ‘Final Girl’ actress for her latest installment in a long-running slasher series.
The title certainly pulls you in right away, but so do the tantalising social media promos of Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson. In May, Anderson posted a video of the two hysterically laughing with the caption, “Couldn’t let Jean Smart have all the fun,” poking fun at Einbinder’s Hacks co-star.
Both represent different generations of bisexual women in equally iconic ways: Anderson as a sexual awakening for many, as Dana Scully in The X-Files series, and Einbinder as the ever-relatable comic writer Ava in Hacks. There’s no doubt they will bring a personal LGBTQ+ touch to the characters.
The movie comes from We’re All Going to the World’s Fair and I Saw The TV Glow‘s Jane Schoenbrun. Their background in fandom, internet culture, and admiration for supernatural TV are promising elements to bring this psychosexual horror film to life.
The film does not have an official release date, but it is confirmed for 2026.
What LGBTQ film are you adding to your watchlist?
As positive reviews and awards accumulate amongst these titles, it’s time to get hyped.
The range of stories “coming out” this year covers a wide range of themes and experiences. It’s important to highlight queer joy, confusion, desire, and every other emotion. In an industry full of remakes and recycled plotlines, it’s inspiring to see original movies thrive!
Supporting these productions can be as simple as visiting your local theater. Independent studios and crews need to know what content people want to see!
What queer movie are you most excited for? Are there any gay storylines you want to see more of in 2026?
