Our list of Best Lesbian Movies with Happy Endings includes queer and LGBTQ+ love stories that end on a happy note. So, if you’re looking for a romantic movie with a queer love story and a happy ending, then Womentainment got you covered. Check out our list below – maybe you’ll discover a few new favorites!
The Best Lesbian Movies are the ones with Happy Endings. It’s that simple! I mean, we get plenty of heartbreak from series with queer female characters getting canceled constantly after a season or two (no matter their ratings), so we need something short and sweet. And full of happy endings with hope.
If you’re looking for heartwarming lesbian movies with happy endings, you’re in the right place.
Lesbian, queer, or just LGBTQIA+ movies have come a long way, offering a range of films that celebrate love, resilience, and joy. Here are some of the best lesbian movies with happy endings. The kind that will leave you with a smile.
Best Lesbian Movies with Happy Endings (including any LGBTQ+ variety, of course)
While far too many LGBTQ+ movies have sad endings of some kind (death or impossible circumstances), this list featuring happy endings isn’t exhaustive. Oh yes, there are even more than the below. Crazy, right?!
Also, in recent years, it seems that even more movies featuring queer women with happy endings are coming out.
Even though this list is in a random order, I don’t mind admitting that the very first one is an all-time favorite movie of mine. I can always watch it again. In fact, each time it ends, I look forward to seeing it again.
It just makes me happy because everyone in this movie gets some kind of happy ending. How great is that?!
Imagine Me & You (2005)
Imagine Me & You is a delightful romantic comedy that tells the story of Rachel (Piper Perabo) and Luce (Lena Headey). Set in London, the film begins with Rachel’s wedding day, but when she locks eyes with the florist, Luce, sparks fly. A charming tale of unexpected love and self-discovery that culminates in an unequivocally happy ending.
I still can’t see any athlete wearing the number 9 without hearing Lena Headey as Luce belting out “You’re a wanker, Number 9”. There are so many quotes, clips, and gifs from this movie that I think of far more often than you’d ever guess. From “Am I gay? I’m ecstatic” (which I am) to “I won’t remember anything else” during a crucial scene.
*sigh* Oh yeah, I think it’s time for a rewatch of Imagine Me & You which would make it rewatch number… well, something way into the two-digits.
Find out how and where you can stream Imagine Me & You >
Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season is a delightful holiday rom-com that captures the complexities of coming out and family expectations. Directed by Clea DuVall, who herself starred in But I’m a Cheerleader which you will see on this list as well.
This LGBTQ Christmas movie stars Kristen Stewart (Love Lies Bleeding) as Abby and Mackenzie Davis (the “San Junipero” episode of the Black Mirror series) as Harper.
When Abby plans to propose to Harper at her family’s annual Christmas dinner, she discovers that Harper hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet. Despite the comedic and heartfelt chaos that ensues, the film concludes with a heartwarming and joyful ending, celebrating love and acceptance.
It was released on Hulu in the US, where it was estimated that 416,680 U.S. households watched the film in its opening weekend. This made it the best debut in Hulu’s history. It’s also out on Blu-ray and DVD.
![Happiest Season – Review [Hulu]](https://womentainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Happiest-Season-Review-Hulu-lesbian.jpg "Happiest-Season-Review-Hulu-lesbian")
But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
But I’m a Cheerleader is a cult classic that blends comedy and romance. The film stars Natasha Lyonne as Megan, a high school cheerleader who is sent to a conversion therapy camp. There, she meets and falls in love with Graham (Clea DuVall). The movie’s humorous take on serious issues and its uplifting ending make it a must-watch.
Find out how and where you can stream But I’m a Cheerleader >
Kiss Me / With Every Heartbeat (2011)
Kiss Me is a Swedish romantic drama (original title Kyss Mig), which also goes by the alternative title of With Every Heartbeat. This title came about due to Robyn’s amazing song of the same name that was used for the trailer. People immediately started referring to it by that title, so it became an alternative international English title.
The movie features the love story of Mia (Ruth Vega Fernandez) and Frida (Liv Mjönes). The two women meet and fall in love just before Mia’s engagement to a man. The film beautifully captures the complexities of love and relationships, leading to a heartfelt and happy ending.
Find out how and where you can stream Kiss Me >
Saving Face (2005)
Saving Face is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the intersections of cultural expectations, family, and love. Directed by Alice Wu, the film follows Wilhelmina “Wil” Pang (Michelle Krusiec), a Chinese-American surgeon, and her relationship with dancer Vivian (Lynn Chen).
As Wil navigates her relationship with Vivian, she also deals with her mother (Joan Chen). The movie beautifully balances humor and heart, leading to a touching and affirming ending.
Bound (1996)
Bound was an immediately iconic noir thriller directed by the Wachowskis. It’s a deliciously stylish neo-noir thriller that combines suspense and romance. With the romance part being of the very queer variety, mind you.
The film stars Gina Gershon as Corky, a tough ex-con, and Jennifer Tilly as Violet, the girlfriend of a mafia money launderer. The two women fall in love and come up with a plan to steal $2 million from Violet’s boyfriend.
Despite the dangerous and high-stakes plot, the film ends with Corky and Violet driving off together. Free and in love, which makes for both a thrilling and satisfying watch. Also, this one includes quite a steamy scene when the two women finally give in to their desires.
Well, okay, when they both give in because one has been ready all along!
Find out how and where you can stream Bound >
Desert Hearts (1985)
Desert Hearts is a groundbreaking film set in 1950s Nevada. It follows the story of Vivian Bell (Helen Shaver), a college professor going through a divorce, and Cay Rivvers (Patricia Charbonneau), a free-spirited younger woman. Their passionate love story defies societal norms and culminates in a hopeful and liberating conclusion.
You would never expect a movie with this setting to end happily, but it ends with hope and love. Directed by the wonderful Donna Deitch.
Find out how and where you can stream Desert Heart >
A movie that flipped the script
Although Carol is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Price of Salt” the movie flipped the script with its ending. The novel it was adapted from had a more ambiguous ending, which didn’t necessarily bode well.
However, the 2015 film adaptation offers a more hopeful resolution.
Carol (2015)
Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, Carol is a beautifully crafted tale of love and longing set in the 1950s. The film ends on a note of optimism and possibility, making it a rewarding watch. Also, it stars Cate Blanchett as a woman-loving woman and has the amazing Sarah Paulson portray her best friend. And yes, her character is also a lesbian.
Find out how and where you can stream Carol >
Quick side note: Carol was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, but won none. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara were nominated as was Phyllis Nagy for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Sandy Powell for Costume Design, Edward Lachman for Cinematography, and Carter Burwell for Best Original Score. I adore that score, so I’m quite miffed.
It would appear queer movies with happy endings do not win Oscars. You must portray a serial killer or someone who gets murdered (or suffers some other terrible fate) for that to happen.
Let’s list a few more happy lesbian love stories, shall we?
These lesbian movies with happy endings showcase the diversity and depth of LGBTQ+ movies and love stories. Whether you’re in the mood for a light-hearted comedy, a romantic drama, or a holiday romance, these films will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. There’s even a little horror trilogy to offer something entirely different but still gay.
Click the title of each movie for more information.
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
A charming indie film that follows the love story between Randy Dean (Laurel Holloman), a rebellious tomboy, and Evie Roy (Nicole Ari Parker), a popular and wealthy girl at school. Their story ends on an open but hopeful and uplifting note, celebrating young love.
The Handmaiden (2016)
This South Korean psychological thriller, directed by Park Chan-wook, is a visually stunning and intricate story based on Sarah Waters’ novel “Fingersmith.” The film follows the intricate plot involving Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a pickpocket, and Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), a Japanese heiress.
Despite the twists and turns, the film ends on a triumphant and happy note for the two women. Yes, just like in the BBC mini-series from 2005 which was also based on and named after Sarah Waters’ book.
I Can’t Think Straight (2008)
I Can’t Think Straight is a romantic drama directed by Shamim Sarif. It follows the story of Tala (Lisa Ray), a Palestinian woman preparing for her wedding, and Leyla (Sheetal Sheth), a British Indian woman.
Despite cultural and familial pressures, the two women fall deeply in love. The film beautifully portrays their journey of self-discovery and acceptance, culminating in a joyful and heartwarming conclusion as they choose to be together.
The Fear Street trilogy (2021)
In the summer of 2021, Netflix released the Fear Street trilogy with all three movies directed by Leigh Janiak. The Netflix horror movie series spans three different periods: 1994, 1978, and 1666. Central to the trilogy is the love story between Deena (Kiana Madeira) and Sam (Olivia Scott Welch). Yes, across multiple lives in each movie!
Despite facing a curse that spans centuries, the couple’s love and determination lead to an ultimately happy ending.
Want a shorter lesbian love story with a happy ending?
Whether you’ve watched it before or not, the episode of Black Mirror titled “San Junipero” is the perfect choice.
The episode follows Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who meet and fall in love in the simulated town of San Junipero. Despite their differing pasts and challenges, they choose to spend eternity together in this digital paradise.
While Black Mirror is a Netflix anthology series in the sci-fi, thriller, and horror genres, this one episode was made to stand out. Instead of showing the dangers of tech in human hands, we see how it can offer hope and second chances. The episode ends with a beautifully uplifting and happy ending, which has made it a favorite entry in the series.
San Junipero was episode 4 of Black Mirror season 3 (released in November 2016), and instantly became the best-rated of the entire series. To this day (with six seasons released and a seventh coming), “San Junipero” retains its “Top-Rated episode”-label in the IMDb episodic overview.
You can find it on Netflix – and thank me later if you still haven’t watched it.
Enjoy the journey of love, resilience, and happiness with these lesbian love story gems.
