Look, I get it. Finding the right movie for a gay Valentine’s Day can be tricky. Too sappy and you’ll cringe yourself off the couch. Too serious and you might kill the mood entirely.
But don’t worry – I’ve spent way too many hours watching gay romance films (it’s research, okay?) to bring you this perfectly curated list for February 14th and beyond.
1. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
If this movie doesn’t make you feel things, check your pulse. Set in the most gorgeous corner of Italy during an endless summer, it captures that intoxicating feeling of falling in love for the first time – you know, when everything feels possible and your heart might actually burst.
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer
Behind the Scenes: They reportedly filmed the whole thing in order, which explains why the chemistry feels so real – we’re watching it develop on screen. Plus, both actors said they just kept going and going during the making out scenes…
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day: God, where do I start? The stolen glances. The bike rides through Italian villages. That piano scene. Even the food looks sexy (yes, including THAT peach). Put this on with someone special and the romantic tension will be thicker than Italian gelato. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a trip to Italy afterward.
2. Fire Island (2022)
Jane Austen never looked this good in a speedo. This genius remake of Pride and Prejudice trades Victorian ballrooms for tea dances and proves that looking for love is just as complicated (and hilarious) on Fire Island as it was in 19th-century England.
Cast: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora
Fun Fact: Joel Kim Booster actually wrote this while vacationing on Fire Island – talk about method writing!
Why it’s Valentine’s Day gold: It’s got everything you need for a perfect date night – hot guys, sharp wit, and enough sexual tension to power a small city.
The romance between Noah and Will is delicious slow-burn perfection, but it’s the friendship between the main crew that’ll steal your heart. Plus, watching beautiful men running around in tiny swimsuits never hurt anybody’s Valentine’s Day plans, right?
3. All of Us Strangers (2023)
Get ready for the most beautifully haunting love story you’ll see this year. This isn’t your typical rom-com – it’s more like that deep conversation you have at 3 AM when you’re falling in love, but somehow even more intense.
Cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy
Behind the Scenes: Director Andrew Haigh filmed in his actual childhood home, which adds an extra layer of emotional authenticity to those already gut-punching scenes.
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day: Look, if you want to really FEEL something this Valentine’s Day, this is your movie. The chemistry between Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal is so electric it should come with a warning label.
It’s tender, it’s sexy, it’s devastating – basically everything you want when you’re ready to get emotionally naked with someone. Just maybe save it for date number three or four, unless you’re ready to see each other cry.
4. Maurice (1987)
Before Bridgerton made period dramas sexy again, there was Maurice – the original “hot guys in Victorian England having forbidden romance” movie. And trust me, it still holds up.
Cast: James Wilby, Hugh Grant, Rupert Graves
Fun Fact: This was considered so scandalous when it came out that some theaters refused to show it – even though it’s tamer than your average Instagram thirst trap today.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day gold: If you think repressed Victorian gays don’t sound romantic, you’re in for a surprise.
The longing looks across crowded rooms, the forbidden touches, the way they have to hide their feelings – it all builds to create this incredible tension that makes modern dating look boring in comparison. Plus, young Hugh Grant in period costume. Need I say more?
5. The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000)
This sweet slice of gay life from the turn of the millennium feels like hanging out with your chosen family – if your chosen family happened to include a ridiculously attractive cast of future TV stars.
Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Zach Braff, Dean Cain, Justin Theroux
Fun Fact: The film was actually based on director Greg Berlanti’s own experiences with his friend group in West Hollywood.
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day: Sometimes you want a rom-com that feels like a warm hug. This is that movie. Whether you’re single, coupled, or it’s complicated, there’s a character here you’ll relate to.
It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it reminds us that love comes in many forms – including the love between friends. And that caste… WOW. Perfect for a Valentine’s viewing party with your whole gang.
6. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
When the First Son of the United States falls for the Prince of England, international relations get deliciously messy. This is the kind of romantic fantasy we deserve – where the only scandal is how cute these two are together.
Cast: Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine
Behind the Scenes: The chemistry between the leads was so natural that several of their cutest moments were actually improvised.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: It’s pure romance novel fantasy brought to life, and sometimes that’s exactly what Valentine’s Day calls for.
Hot guys in suits trading witty banter? Check. Steamy makeout sessions in historic places? Check. A love story so swoony it’ll make you believe in fairy tales again? Double check. Plus, watching it with a date gives you plenty of chances to say “I’d risk an international incident for you.”
7. Beautiful Thing (1996)
This tender British coming-of-age story proves that sometimes the most beautiful love stories happen right next door. Set against the backdrop of a working-class London estate, it captures that magical moment when you realize your first love might actually love you back.
Cast: Glen Berry, Scott Neal, Linda Henry
Fun Fact: The Mama Cass songs weren’t just randomly chosen – they’re practically another character in the film, perfectly capturing each emotional moment.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: If you’re in the mood for a love story that feels real but still leaves you hopeful, this is it. Jamie and Ste’s romance develops so naturally you’ll feel like you’re falling in love for the first time all over again.
That scene where they dance together? Pure magic. Fair warning: you might find yourself slow dancing to Dream a Little Dream of Me after watching.
8. God’s Own Country (2017)
Think Brokeback Mountain, but with Yorkshire accents and a way better ending. This raw, tender romance between a frustrated young farmer and a Romanian migrant worker will warm you up even on the coldest February night.
Cast: Josh O’Connor, Alec Secăreanu
Behind the Scenes: Both leads actually learned how to birth lambs for their roles – now that’s commitment to method acting.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: The transformation from rough-and-tumble attraction to tender love story is absolutely beautiful to watch.
Plus, there’s something incredibly romantic about watching two people fall in love while taking care of baby animals in the stunning Yorkshire countryside. And those intense glances across muddy fields? Hotter than any beach scene could ever be.
9. Just Friends (2018)
This charming Dutch romance proves that sometimes the best love stories start with “let’s just be friends” – and that chemistry transcends language barriers. Plus – it stars the unbelievably handsome Josha Stradowski, of Wheel of Time fame.
Cast: Josha Stradowski, Majd Mardo
Fun Fact: The film perfectly captures the vibe of modern Amsterdam’s multicultural gay scene.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: It’s refreshingly modern and real – no dramatic coming out stories or tragic endings here. Just two gorgeous guys trying to figure out if they’re better as friends or lovers.
The scene where they’re “practicing” dance moves together? That’s the kind of tension that makes Valentine’s Day worth celebrating.
10. Shelter (2007)
A sun-soaked California love story about a struggling artist falling for his best friend’s brother, while juggling family responsibilities and dreams of a better life. This is what happens when surf culture meets real love.
Cast: Trevor Wright, Brad Rowe
Fun Fact: The surfing scenes weren’t just for show – both actors had to take intensive surf lessons to look natural on those waves.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: There’s something incredibly romantic about watching two people fall in love while teaching each other to surf against gorgeous beach sunsets.
The slow build of their relationship feels so authentic you’ll forget you’re watching a movie. And when they finally get together? Pure fireworks. Warning: may cause sudden urges to learn surfing or move to California.
11. Moonlight (2016)
Sometimes the most profound love stories aren’t just about romantic love, but about learning to love yourself. This Oscar-winning masterpiece proves that.
Cast: Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Mahershala Ali
Behind the Scenes: The three actors who played Chiron never met during filming, making their perfectly connected performances even more impressive.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: Look, not every Valentine’s Day needs to be about lightweight rom-coms. Sometimes you want something that reaches deep into your soul and reminds you why love – in all its forms – matters so much.
The diner scene alone contains more romance and longing than most full-length romance films. Just make sure you’re ready to hold hands and maybe shed a few tears with your viewing partner.
12. The Thing About Harry (2020)
What happens when you’re forced on a road trip with your high school nemesis who’s somehow gotten extremely hot since graduation? This adorable Valentine’s Day movie has the answer.
Cast: Jake Borelli, Niko Terho
Behind the Scenes: The film was specifically made to be the gay Valentine’s Day movie we’ve always deserved.
Why it’s Valentine’s Day perfect: It’s literally a Valentine’s Day movie! But beyond that, it’s got everything you want in a romantic evening – enemies becoming lovers, awkward reunions turning steamy, and enough tension to power a small city.
Plus, watching these two dance around their feelings while literally being forced to dance together? *chef’s kiss*
- Want more? Check our list of the best queer TV shows.