Gay and lesbian cinema has come into its own. From herb tea to coming out, first love to the AIDS crisis, these wonderful films are essential for any comprehensive DVD collection.
1. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
This 1998 Australian comedy has got it all: drag queens, a pink bus, the desert, disco, and fine British actor Terence Stamp and Memento's Guy Pearce.
2. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell's rock opera is not to be missed. Hedwig plays Midwestern buffets, changes wigs, searches for true love, and in the end goes for it all. Fabulous music, fabulous performance.
3. Parting Glances
Bill Sherwood's quiet little 1986 feature film about the early days of AIDS focuses on a couple, Michael and Robert, during a 24-hour period in New York City.4. Go Fish
The best slacker film about young lesbians ever made. Rose Troche's movie is funny, smart, lovely. Young lesbian a young lesbian Genevieve Turner looks for Ms. Right. Will she find her? Will she?5. Better Than Chocolate
Anne Wheeler's 1999 charming film is a sexy romp of love and lust with surprising results.6. Bound
Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon steam up the scream in Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski's 1996 thriller.7. La Cage Aux Folles
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane's "Birdcage" remake has nothing on the original gay farce set on the French Riviera. One of the funniest comedies, in any language.8. Brokeback Mountain
Focus Features
Based on the short story by E. Annie Proulx, Ang Lee's award-winning [i]Brokeback Mountain[/i] is the tragic and moving story of two cowboys who unexpectedly fall in love while working together one summer in 1963. Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger give moving performances in the leading roles. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway co-star as the cowboy's baffled wives.
9. But I'm a Cheerleader
Why did Jamie Babitt's first film receive no accolades? Natasha Lyonne is utterly winning as the confused teenager who is sent to homosexual rehab for a quick fix: Clea Duvall.10. Midnight Cowboy
John Schlesinger's classic film has the distinction of being the first, and only, X-rated film to win a best picture Academy Award. Dustin Hoffman and John Voight star as sexual hustlers in the big city.