The 50+ Best PG-13 Teenage Gay And LGBTQ+ Movies

This heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the life of Simon Spier, a high school student who struggles with hiding his true identity as a gay teenager from his friends, family, and classmates. The film conveys the challenges of embracing one's own identity while navigating the complexities of adolescence, love, and friendship. With a charming cast including Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, and Josh Duhamel, Love, Simon swiftly became a significant milestone in mainstream LGBTQIA+ cinema for its earnest and realistic portrayal of the coming-out experience.

This Netflix original takes a unique spin on the conventional rom-com by entwining themes of love, identity, and friendship within a compelling narrative. The protagonist, Ellie Chu, is a socially awkward Chinese-American teenager who begins helping a fellow student write love letters, only to discover she also shares feelings for the girl in question. Directed by Alice Wu, this endearing film presents an honest and heartfelt look into self-discovery, fitting into small-town norms, and the power of platonic bonding among LGBTQIA+ youth.

A profoundly impactful tale of teen angst, mental health, and acceptance, this film takes viewers through the highs and lows of the adolescent experience for its three main characters, Charlie, Sam, and Patrick. With a standout performance by Ezra Miller as a confident yet tormented young gay man, this adaptation of Stephen Chbosky's novel is equally thought-provoking, compassionate, and sensitively constructed, making it an essential watch for both LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ audiences alike.

Based on the iconic Broadway production, this movie adaptation examines the interconnected lives of a group of artists, musicians, and dreamers, as they navigate through hardships such as poverty, addiction, and the AIDS crisis in late-'80s New York City. Featuring a diverse ensemble cast with unforgettable performances from Idina Menzel and Wilson Jermaine Heredia, this powerful film showcases emotional depth in the exploration of love, loyalty, and friendship across various LGBTQIA+ narratives.

A captivating romantic drama that challenges cultural expectations, this film follows the lives of Tala, a Jordanian woman preparing for her arranged marriage, and Leyla, a British-Indian writer. The women unexpectedly fall in love, defying family conventions and religious norms, as they journey together toward self-discovery and freedom. This poignant story provides insight into the cross-cultural complexities faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, skillfully elevating the film beyond the traditional romance genre.

An adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this poignant movie illustrates the heart-wrenching journey of two African-American sisters, Celie and Nettie, living in the early 20th-century rural South. With evocative performances by Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery, this tale delves into themes of racism, misogyny, and the undying power of sisterly love, while also exploring Same gender, love, hidden desire, and Shug Avery's character who defies societal norms.