Best Transgender Movies

Transgender representation in film has gained significant momentum in recent years, with movies focusing on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of transgender individuals. These films explore themes of identity, acceptance, love, and the search for personal truth. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best transgender movies, both classic and contemporary, that have sparked conversation and offered powerful stories about the transgender community.

1. The Danish Girl (2015)

Directed by Tom Hooper, The Danish Girl is a biographical drama based on the true story of Lili Elbe, one of the first people to undergo gender confirmation surgery. The film follows the emotional and physical transformation of Lili Elbe, played by Eddie Redmayne, and her wife Gerda, played by Alicia Vikander. It is a tender exploration of identity and the complex dynamics of love and acceptance.

Why It’s Great:

• Redmayne’s transformative performance as Lili Elbe won him an Academy Award nomination.
• A powerful portrayal of the early history of transgender medical procedures.
• A deeply emotional exploration of love, sacrifice, and self-actualization.

2. Paris Is Burning (1990)

Paris Is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston, is a landmark documentary that provides an intimate look at New York City’s drag ball culture in the 1980s. It features interviews with several transgender and queer individuals who were part of the ballroom scene, highlighting their lives, struggles, dreams, and aspirations. The documentary is both a celebration of transgender and drag culture and a poignant commentary on issues of race, class, and sexuality.

Why It’s Great:

• A historic and important documentary that documents the lives of transgender people in the ballroom culture.
• A timeless exploration of identity, community, and resilience.
• It has had a lasting impact on the visibility of transgender individuals in popular culture.

3. Transamerica (2005)

Transamerica, directed by Duncan Tucker, follows the journey of Bree, a transgender woman played by Felicity Huffman, as she prepares for her gender confirmation surgery. Before her surgery, Bree discovers that she has a son, Toby, from a previous relationship. The film chronicles her road trip with Toby and the emotional struggles that ensue as they begin to form a bond.

Why It’s Great:

• A heartfelt and funny exploration of family dynamics and the emotional complexity of being transgender.
• Felicity Huffman’s Oscar-nominated performance is both moving and nuanced.
• The film delves into themes of forgiveness, identity, and transformation.

4. Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

Boys Don’t Cry, directed by Kimberly Peirce, is a gritty and harrowing film based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was tragically murdered in Nebraska in 1993. The film stars Hilary Swank in an Oscar-winning performance as Brandon, depicting his struggle to live authentically in a world that rejects his identity. The movie addresses violence, discrimination, and the devastating consequences of transphobia.

Why It’s Great:

• A raw and unflinching portrayal of the life and death of Brandon Teena.
• Hilary Swank’s transformative and powerful performance as Brandon.
• It brings attention to the real-world violence faced by transgender individuals.

5. A Fantastic Woman (2017)

A Fantastic Woman (originally Una mujer fantástica), directed by Sebastián Lelio, tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman who faces discrimination and prejudice after the death of her older partner, Orlando. As she struggles with the grief of losing her love, Marina is forced to confront societal rejection and her own identity in the face of adversity.

Why It’s Great:

• Daniela Vega’s performance as Marina is extraordinary and deeply affecting.
• The film powerfully explores themes of identity, love, and societal rejection.
• It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2018.

6. The Wachowskis: Sense8 (2015-2018)

Though not a movie, the Netflix series Sense8 (created by the Wachowski sisters) features a groundbreaking and inclusive portrayal of transgender identity. One of the main characters, Nomi Marks, played by Jamie Clayton, is a transgender woman. The series follows Nomi’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to live authentically in a world full of obstacles.

Why It’s Great:

• A revolutionary portrayal of a transgender woman as a fully realized character in a mainstream show.
• Thoughtful exploration of gender, identity, and the intersection of individual stories.
• It celebrates the diversity of the LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex +) community in an inclusive and empowering way.

7. The Death and Life of John F. Donovan (2018)

Directed by Xavier Dolan, The Death and Life of John F. Donovan is a drama that features a subplot about a transgender character, whose story is intertwined with the life of a popular TV star. The character of Lynn, played by Natalie Portman, is a transgender woman whose transition is explored in the context of the media and public scrutiny.

Why It’s Great:

• A deep exploration of media representation and its impact on transgender lives.
• The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Natalie Portman and Kit Harington.
• It provides an important perspective on the struggles of being transgender in the public eye.

8. Ma Vie en Rose (1997)

Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink), directed by Alain Berliner, is a Belgian drama about a young child named Ludovic who identifies as a girl. The film explores Ludovic’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges he faces as a transgender child in a society that refuses to accept his identity. While not about an adult transgender person, the movie provides an early and poignant exploration of gender identity.

Why It’s Great:

• A compassionate and thoughtful film about a transgender child’s struggle to be themselves.
• A powerful message about the importance of acceptance and understanding in the face of societal rejection.
• A deeply empathetic portrayal of childhood innocence and gender identity.

9. Girl (2018)

Girl, directed by Lukas Dhont, tells the story of Lara, a transgender girl who dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. The film follows her intense journey of training, self-doubt, and the challenges of her transition as she navigates adolescence and the expectations placed on her. The movie offers an intimate, albeit controversial, perspective on the experience of being transgender.

Why It’s Great:

• A delicate portrayal of the emotional and physical challenges faced by a transgender teenager.
• An evocative performance by Victor Polster as Lara.
• A poignant examination of gender dysphoria, self-image, and the struggle for acceptance.

10. The Trans List (2016)

The Trans List, directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, is a documentary that profiles notable transgender individuals from various fields, including activists, artists, and celebrities. It offers a diverse and enlightening look at the lives of transgender people, highlighting their achievements, struggles, and unique stories.

Why It’s Great:

• A documentary that provides firsthand accounts and perspectives from influential transgender people.
• It sheds light on the achievements and contributions of the transgender community.
• It provides visibility to transgender individuals across different cultures and industries.

Conclusion: Empowering Transgender Voices Through Film

These transgender films, documentaries, and series have played a significant role in highlighting the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of transgender people. They offer diverse perspectives, allowing audiences to better understand the transgender community and the unique challenges that individuals face. By sharing these stories, the film industry continues to pave the way for more inclusive and authentic representation of transgender voices, ultimately fostering greater acceptance, empathy, and respect.