Single and discovering your Queer identity

But I'm a Cheerleader

For those who are single and just discovering your Queer identity, I recommend watching the 1999 rom-com But I'm a Cheerleader.

The film follows high school cheerleader Megan (Natasha Lyonne), as she is sent off to a conversion camp by her parents to cure her lesbianism. The thing is, Megan thought she was straight — until her family and friends brought up her fascination with the female body and love for tofu.

While the film takes place in a conversion camp, it examines homophobia in a satirical light, and the characters ultimately find acceptance for themselves. This movie taught me a lot about accepting my Queer identity, and hopefully it will for you too!

Just loving your friends

Booksmart

The love between friends is just as important as that between romantic partners, and it's time for us to recognize that. So, for those who are content with loving friendships, I recommend watching the 2019 comedy/thriller Booksmart.

The movie follows high school seniors Amy and Molly (Kaitlyn Deaver and Beanie Feldstein), as they attempt to go to a party just one time before they graduate. What follows is a series of hilarious interactions with their classmates, teachers, and parents.

In love for the first time

Call Me by Your Name

Love is intense. Especially when it's happening for the very first time. For those who are in that situation (or are super into Timothée Chalamet), I recommend watching the 2017 romance/drama Call Me by Your Name.

In it, 17-year-old Elio (Chalamet), who is spending his summer with his parents in a gorgeous rural northern Italian home, falls for a 24-year-old graduate student named Oliver (Armie Hammer). The film focuses on all the intense emotions and awkward moments that come from experiencing romantic love for the first time. It's a beautiful portrayal of something most of us go through at some point in our lives.

In an online relationship or met online

Love, Simon

Are you currently in an online relationship? Or did you meet your partner online? If you answered yes to either or both questions, you should watch the 2018 rom-com Love, Simon.

The film follows closeted Gay high schooler Simon (Nick Robinson) as he sends anonymous emails to another unknown Gay boy in his high school. (In the age of online romance, this is the standard for some.)

Very taken

The Handmaiden

For those who are madly in love with their partners, I recommend the 2016 romantic thriller The Handmaiden.

The film follows the love between Japanese heiress Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee) and her Korean maid, Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), in Japanese-occupied Korea. It has everything you could possibly want from a thriller: con men, double-crossings, and enough twists and turns to make you feel spun up by the end of it all.

Point is, if you're willing to do some crazy double-crossing to be with your partner, this film is definitely for you.

Learning to love yourself

In order to love others, you must first learn to love yourself. If you're currently in the process of gaining self-love, I recommend the 2011 coming-of-age drama Tomboy.

The film follows 10-year-old Laure (Zoé Héran), who experiments with presenting as a boy when their family moves to a new town. The bravery Laure shows is something to admire and aspire to, even at an older age.

Just looking for some action

Bottoms

No shame here. Sometimes all you need is a little physical attention, and that's totally fine. For those who are just looking for some action this Valentine's Day, I recommend the 2023 comedy Bottoms.

The film follows best friends PJ and Josie (Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri), who are ready for their first times. They choose to achieve this goal by creating an all-female fight club (chaperoned by Marshawn Lynch) to secretly get their crushes to have sex with them.

It's a hilarious film that shows you exactly how you shouldn't be trying to have sex with people.