LGBTQ+ cinema in 2025 presents an interesting contrast. GLAAD's upcoming 13th annual Studio Responsibility Index reveals the lowest percentage of LGBTQ-inclusive films compared to the last three reports. Yet this year has produced some remarkable queer cinema.

Let me walk you through four groundbreaking LGBTQ+ movies that made their mark this year. Each brings unique and powerful stories to the screen. 

A Nice Indian Boy

"A Nice Indian Boy" masterfully weaves cultural traditions with modern love. With an approval rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, the story revolves around Naveen Gavaskar (Karan Soni), a soft-spoken doctor, and Jay Kurundkar (Jonathan Groff), a charismatic white photographer. Jay and Naveen first met at a Hindu temple. Jay speaks fluent Hindi and deeply connects with Indian culture. 

He wins Naveen's heart through emotional openness. One scene captures this beautifully, Jay breaks into song from the Bollywood classic "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ) on the sidewalk. The reserved Naveen runs away embarrassed.

Cultural elements shine through without apology. A reviewer noted, "The movie leans into its cultural specificity unapologetically, not attempting to explain itself or water anything down. It is made with the diaspora in mind, and that makes it an even better representation". 

The supporting cast delivers exceptional performances. Stand-up comedian Zarna Garg makes her feature film debut as Naveen's mother. She brings depth to what could have been a simple character. The film's message surpasses specific identities. At its core, it explores being seen by your partner, family, culture, and yourself. The trailer's seven million views prove audiences want diverse stories.

Plainclothes

A tension-filled thriller released in September 2025, Plainclothes stands as one of the year's most thought-provoking LGBTQ+ films. The film takes place in 1997 Syracuse, New York. Lucas (Tom Blyth), a young police officer, works undercover in a sting operation targeting gay men in public spaces. 

His job requires him to lure men into mall bathrooms, get them to expose themselves, and signal another officer to make an arrest. This morally complex situation, similar to what online slots once was, but not any more due to responsible gambling regulations, becomes more complicated when he meets Andrew (Russell Tovey), a handsome, older married man who fascinates him instantly. 

Lucas breaks protocol by stepping into a bathroom stall with Andrew and can't complete the arrest. The film draws its strength in part from showing a shameful chapter in American law enforcement history without flinching. 

The film's timing adds to its significance as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation increases worldwide. A viewer commented: "I'm so happy this got picked up for distribution because this is such an important film to come out, especially in this new, more bigoted country". 

Ponyboi

The story follows its main character Ponyboi (River Gallo), an intersex Salvadoran sex worker, through a chaotic Valentine's Day after a drug deal goes wrong. He is working at a roadside laundromat under his aggressive pimp Vinny (Dylan O'Brien). Their life turns upside down when a client dies from a new type of meth. With stolen money and a gun, they start a journey that becomes both an escape and a path to self-discovery.

Gallo's talent shines through as writer, producer, and star. He brings depth and strength to his character, showing the real challenges of living as an intersex person in a world fixed on binary gender. Director Esteban Arango creates a dream-like world where real and imaginary blend together. 

Ed Wu's camera work paints the screen with neon colors and sharp shadows that mirror Ponyboi's inner struggles. This style fits the story perfectly, showing both New Jersey's gritty underworld and the character's rich imagination.

Dylan O'Brien surprises critics with his role as Vinny. He plays the insecure mobster with both threat and charm, very different from his previous work. Victoria Pedretti matches his performance as Angel, Ponyboi's childhood friend and Vinny's pregnant girlfriend. Some critics point out predictable moments, but they still recognize the film's goals and cultural impact.

The History Of Sound

"The History of Sound" by Oliver Hermanus made its debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Mubi released the film in theaters on September 12, and it quickly became one of the year's most talked-about queer romances.

The story takes us back to 1917, where two music students, Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O'Connor), meet at Boston's New England Conservatory. Their bond starts with a folk song and ends with romance.  

However, their budding romance faces an abrupt halt. America joins the war, the conservatory shuts down, and David gets drafted to Europe. Lionel heads back to his family's Kentucky farm due to poor eyesight disqualifying him from service. These separations show how historical events have shaped queer relationships throughout time.

The war ends, and David sends a letter from his teaching position at a Maine college. He asks Lionel to join a department-funded project recording folk songs on wax cylinders across the state. Their reunion leads to the film's most magical moments as they travel through rural Maine, capturing America's voices and stories.

Their on-screen chemistry builds a relationship rooted in musical passion as much as attraction. 

The recording sessions for example, create unforgettable moments.  One critic summed it up perfectly: "the power of music alone makes it one of the most unabashedly romantic LGBTQ films in recent memory".