Filipino films have a rich history of exploring LGBTQIA+ stories, with many of them standing out as authentic portrayals that challenge stereotypes, especially in a predominantly conservative country. From heart-wrenching dramas, such as Gil Portes’ Markova: Comfort Gay, to earnest comedies like Jun Robles Lana’s Die Beautiful, these movies offer a diverse range of voices and experiences.
Whether you’re in the mood for something deeply moving or delightfully uplifting, this list features Filipino LGBTQIA+ films currently available to stream. This selection is based on their accessibility on streaming platforms, while keeping in mind to include available films that offer diverse and meaningful glimpses into queer Filipino life, love, identity, and resilience well beyond Pride Month.
Ang Huling Cha-Cha Ni Anita (2013)
Where to stream: CignalPlay
Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Ang Huling Cha-Cha Ni Anita follows 12-year-old Anita (Therese Malvar) as she develops a crush on Pilar (Angel Aquino), a newcomer to the town of Obando, Bulacan. Their story unfolds during the vibrant Fiesta of Santa Clara, where Anita’s feelings evolve as she confronts the complexities of love and identity.
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maxi Oliveros (2005)
Where to stream: iWantTFC
This coming-of-age drama, directed by Kanakan-Balintagos, centers on Maxi Oliveros (Nathan Lopez), a young boy living in the slums of Manila with his family of petty criminals. Maxi’s life takes a sudden turn when he falls in love with Victor (JR Valentin), the handsome policeman investigating his family’s criminal activities.
Metamorphosis (2019)
Where to stream: GagaOOLala, IWantTFC
From director J.E. Tiglao, Metamorphosis follows 15-year-old Adam (Gold Aceron), who has been raised as a boy until he unexpectedly experiences his first menstrual period. Discovering that he is intersex, Adam must navigate the tensions that come with his newfound body, a burgeoning bond with fellow student Angel (Iana Bernardez), and life with his devout Christian parents.
Rookie (2023)
Where to stream: Prime Video
Directed by Samantha Lee, Rookie tells the story of awkward teenager Ace (Pat Tingjuy) as she transfers to an all-girl Catholic school and begins developing feelings for Jana (Aya Fernandez), captain of the school’s volleyball team.
The Revolution Knows No Gender (2020)
Where to Stream: GagaOOLala
Gay filmmaker Paolo (Oliver Aquino) finds his life upended when his nephew is mistakenly killed by the police during the Philippine government’s war on drugs. This tragedy propels Paolo to shift from being an ordinary artist to an active member of an armed revolutionary movement. The political drama was disqualified from the 2020 Sinag Maynila Film Festival, a choice which director Joselito Altarejos asserted was due to the film’s critical stance on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war.
The Boy Foretold By the Stars (2020)
Where to stream: iWantTFC
This coming-of-age romantic drama by Dolly Dulu follows Dominic (Adrian Lindayag), a senior high school student at an all-boys Catholic school. After consulting a fortune teller who predicts that he will soon find his soulmate, Dominic meets Luke (Keann Johnson) during a school retreat called Journey with the Lord. This Metro Manila Film Festival entry was followed by the series Love Beneath the Stars in 2022.
Die Beautiful (2016)
Where to stream: Netflix
Directed by Jun Robles Lana, Die Beautiful follows Trisha Echeverria (Paolo Ballesteros), a transgender beauty queen who unexpectedly passes away while being crowned at a pageant. Her best friend, Barbs (Christian Bables), honors Trisha’s final wish by dressing her as a different celebrity each night of her wake, celebrating the many facets of her life and identity. This film was followed by Born Beautiful in 2019, starring Martin Del Rosario.
Si Chedeng at Si Apple (2017)
Where to stream: iWantTFC
After her husband passes away, Chedeng (Gloria Diaz) decides to come out of the closet at the age of 66. On a quest to find her long-lost love in Cebu, Chedeng is accompanied by her best friend Apple (Elizabeth Oropesa), who, in a fit of rage, killed her abusive partner and now carries his severed head in a Louis Vuitton bag. This Cinema One Originals film is directed by Rae Red and Fatrick Tabada, the filmmakers behind Patay na si Hesus.
Jay (2008)
Where to stream: JuanFlix
Jay Santiago (Baron Geisler) is a gay TV producer documenting the family of a gay hate crime victim, Jay Mercado (Rjay Payawal). As the living Jay digs deeper into the life of the deceased Jay’s family, he is drawn to the secret life and love of his subject. This Cinemalaya 2008 entry is directed by Francis Pasion.
Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2011)
Where to stream: Netflix
Directed by Jade Castro, Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings centers on Remington (Martin Escudero), a young man who, as a child, mocked a grieving drag queen named Pops (Roderick Paulate). In retaliation, Pops cursed Remington to become gay on his 21st birthday. As Remington begins to feel the curse take effect, the town’s gay population becomes the target of a deadly goo.
Oliver (1983)
Where to stream: YouTube
Oliver, directed by Nick de Ocampo, is a gripping documentary that follows a female impersonator who, during martial law, supports his family by performing in Manila’s gay bars.
Changing Partners (2017)
Where to stream: IWantTFC
Directed by Dan Villegas and based on the Palanca Award-winning musical play by Vincent de Jesus, Changing Partners tells the story of Alex and Cris at four different periods of their lives. Starring Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Anna Luna, and Sandino Martin, the film explores shifting genders and sexual orientations, highlighting a couple struggling to navigate the storms of their long-term relationship.
Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978)
Where to stream: JuanFlix
From director Lino Brocka comes Ang Tatay Kong Nanay, a comedic drama about Coring (Dolphy) a gay beautician who, after breaking up with his lover Denis (Phillip Salvador), is left to take care of Denis’ son, Nonoy (Niño Muhlach). As Nonoy grows up, Coring raises him as his own, concealing his true identity to protect the boy from societal prejudice.
Brocka’s filmography also features other queer-centric films such as Tubog sa Ginto, where Eddie Garcia gives a tour-de-force performance as a patriarch who seduces their family driver, and Macho Dancer, where Allan Paule also gives a great performance as a young man looking for a quick way to earn money.
Mamu: And A Mother Too (2018)
Where to stream: IWantTFC
Mamu (Iyah Mina), a transgender sex worker in her late 40s, dreams of undergoing breast implant surgery. However, her life takes on an unexpected turn when she becomes the guardian of her orphaned niece Bona (EJ Jallorina). This Cinema One Originals entry is directed by Rod Singh.
I Get So Sad Sometimes (2021)
Where to stream: JuanFlix
In this QCinema International Film Festival-winning short film by Trishtan Perez, high school teenager Jake (JC Santiago) develops an anonymous sexual relationship with an older man whom he has never seen. Things change when Jake’s lover promises to reveal his face.
Rome & Juliet (2006)
Where to stream: IWantTFC
In this film by Connie Macatuno, conservative pre-school teacher Juliet (Andrea Del Rosario), engaged and about to be married, befriends her wedding planner, Rome (Mylene Dizon). As the two become closer while planning for Juliet’s big day, a romantic relationship between them begins to bloom.
Markova: Comfort Gay (2001)
Where to stream: Netflix
Directed by Gil Portes, Markova: Comfort Gay is a biographical drama loosely based on the life of Walter Dempster Jr., the last surviving Filipino “comfort gay” from World War II. The film unfolds with an interview between the elderly Markova (Dolphy) and journalist Loren Legarda (playing herself), focusing on the different stages of Markova’s life.
Sila-Sila (2019)
Where to stream: IWantTFC
In this award-winning Cinema One Originals entry, directed by Giancarlo Abrahan, Gab (Gio Gahol), a 30-year-old man who returns to Manila and is compelled to confront his past, comes face-to-face with his ex-boyfriend Jared (Topper Fabregas) during their high school reunion.
Señorita (2011)
Where to stream: JuanFlix
Señorita centers on Donna (played by director Isabel Sandoval herself), a transgender woman who tries to leave sex work behind by taking care of her friend’s son Tomas (Dominic Milano Palomo) and joining a mayoral campaign. Conflict arises when Donna discovers that a powerful former client is controlling the opposing mayoral campaign.
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011)
Where to Stream: JuanFlix
College student Marlon (Paulo Avelino) is struggling to keep up with his literature class. However, after discovering that his professor Karen (Jean Garcia) also teaches dance, Marlon enlists his classmate Dennis (Rocco Nacino) to help him dance. As the two men spend more time with one another, their feelings for each other deepen. This Cinemalaya entry is directed by Alvin Yapan and celebrates original poetry by Rebecca Añonuevo, Joi Barrios, Merlinda Bobis, Ophelia Dimalanta, Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, and Benilda Santos.
