The film industry is certainly taking a turn for the better. Inclusion and diversity are on the top priority list with trans roles given to trans actors. LGBTQ+ lives are now portrayed in a more positive and accurate way than ever before. There is certainly more awareness when it comes to trans stories.
The amazing films on this list reflect a part of the progress in bringing stories about trans people to the masses. These are must-see transgender movies to stream or download today.
The Story of a Transgender Woman: A Fantastic Woman
Opening up this wonder list of movies is a Chilean drama about a trans character that is truly worth watching.
The heart breaking story of trans women's lives. The picture explores the life of Marina who loses a very loving partner. The fact that the main character, one of the trans women who is singer and waitress is stuck to deal with her dead partner’s homophobic and transphobic family is tough to ignore.
The sublime acting won "A Fantastic Woman" critical acclaim and awards, among them an Oscar for the best foreign language film. This is the first Academy Award winning picture with a storyline about the trans community played by Daniella Vega, who is a vocal voice for Latinx trans people. "A Fantastic Woman" is truly a fantastic movie!
The Danish Girl: A Pioneer of Trans Women
This visual stunner is actually somewhat based on a true story. The reason it is only somewhat, the movie grossly exaggerates the real life story that took place. Transgender dating was a whole lot different back in the day. Great costumes, scenery and love make this a beautifully written masterpiece, but trans people notice issues cis viewers do not.
"The Danish Girl" portrays the relationship evolution between Gerda Wegener and her partner Lili Elbe, who was assigned male at birth and decides to undergo a sex change operation. Wegener married Elbe prior to her transition.
The plot only highlights the issues of the past, it does not go in too deep to explore the problems of transgender women at the beginning of twentieth century. The beautiful film recounts the pioneering journey to transgender surgery.
"The Danish Girl" is important, but it has a lot more room for improvement. Some of the weakness include:
- Lili Elbe is played by a cisgender male Eddie Redmayne who got a Golden Globe nomination for his performance;
- The movie largely centers around Gerda’s struggle with her wife’s identity to appeal to a wider audience;
- Lili’s transition is not covered on an emotional level, but rather somewhat fetishized.
Despite the above, trans characters need to be a part of feature films so young transgender man and woman watching them on screen will understand they are an important part of society.
Ma Vie En Rose: A Brave Account of Transgender Childhood
This Belgian French film focuses on a young child named Ludovic “Ludo” coming to terms with their sexuality and transness. Set in a quiet community, "Ma Vie En Rose" explores the problems associated with growing up transgender. Some of the trans subjects explored are family relationships, friendship, love.
A very brave narrative showcasing the desire to be yourself and open up to your best friend. The views of society on transgender community, and a child that simply wants to live their life as an authentic self. The film’s title translates to “My Life in Pink”, but there are shades of darkness in it too.
Without giving it away, there is a scene where a mother is quite violent towards the child that she loves no matter what. A hard scene to watch, but a reality for so many out there. The main characters are also faced with job issues, even a move to a new neighborhood, all too familiar for many transgender people throughout the world.
The French language film won a Golden Globe for the best foreign language film in 1998. It does not focus on the society as whole, but rather a personal journey of Ludovic and his family.
Paris Is Burning : Showing Off New York's Ball Culture
Some call this classic a predecessor to the hit television series "Pose". The movie takes place in 1980's NYC.
It portrays transgender characters, the ball culture for all its glitz and glamour, vogue dancing battles, drag queens, shiny outfits, amazing makeup, but don’t forget the hard-core drama associated with it.
"Paris is Burning" explores the tough issues LGBTQ+ people of color faced and continue to face in America. The classic tackles racism, homophobia, transphobia and so much more. It certainly is a moving picture that will spark plenty of emotion regardless of your identity.
All About My Mother:Meaningful account of Trans Lives
Director Pablo Almodovar is well known for his ways of making transgender movies for the masses. Actors in his works are not only playing characters based on their identity, but often portray cisgender women. A transsexual sex worker in Almodovar's movie may be played by a transgender woman, but cisgender sex workers may be played by trans women.
This movie is about human connections. After the horrible death of her son in a road accident, the main character Manuela seeks to find his father, who was a transsexual woman. The picture often talks about gender challenges women face in a society. It also stars a great cast of actors that is surely going to be a pleasure to watch.
