Girl love is a genre of romance film between two lesbians. In this movie, the heroines can be best friends, lovers, or both. This genre is seen as part of the lesbian market and creates excitement and appeal to the audience. Lesbian films often construct romantic, strange and emotional moments. It transports viewers to the world of girls' love, where emotions and affection are clearly expressed, sometimes sweet, sometimes tragic and sometimes humorous. In films, female characters are often portrayed in a variety of ways, from feminine, strong, brave to traits such as chaos, villain or even innocence. One of the characteristics of girl love movies is its multidimensional vision of love. It's not just limited to lesbian relationships, but also explores the complex, intertwined emotional relationships between the characters. Girl love movies bring audiences many memorable experiences, helping them better understand the relationship between people and people, and its deep emotional values. In the movie market today, the girl love genre is one of the most popular. The truth is, young people today tend to broaden their perspective on love and gender and, at the same time, want to explore the hidden corners of life. As a result, girl love movies will be a hot movie genre in the future. And if you're a movie buff and want to learn to watch the Girl Love genre, then let's take a look at the "Top 15 Absolutely Hottest Lesbian Movies to Watch Once in 2023", and make sure you don't miss the Top 15 movies below!
1 The Handmaiden (2016)
The Handmaiden - The film exploits psychological and sexual feelings extremely boldly. Image source: movieswatchfreeonline
The Handmaiden (2016) - Official Trailer
The Handmaiden is a South Korean film, directed by Park Chan-wook and written based on the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. The film stars a talented cast, including Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo and Cho Jin-woong.
The drama, which revolves around the love story and intrigue between two women during the Japanese Empire period in Korea, tells the story of a girl named Sook-hee, who is recruited to work as a servant for a woman named Hideko. Hideko was raised in a large house run by her grandfather and is planning to marry a rich man.
Sook-hee is trusted and brought into the palace to assist Hideko. However, Sook-hee is actually a spy who is used in a scheme by a rogue count to seize the Hideoko family's property. When Sook-hee and Hideko first meet, they quickly become close friends and have many tense confrontations. The feelings between them become even more complicated and unpredictable as the intrigues and secrets inside the house are gradually revealed. Misunderstanding and darkness soon become part of their dangerous secret, and these two women must try to overcome pressure from society and those around them to find their happiness.
"The Handmaiden" is artistically acclaimed, with beautiful scenes and realistic performances by the actors. The film is also associated with psychological, emotional, sexual and complex elements of the human heart, but also received praise for its great acting from the cast. The Handmaiden won numerous awards at film festivals and is considered one of Korea's top works of art.
Director: Park Chan-wook
Writers: Park Chan-wook, Chung Seo-kyung
Cast: Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Kim Tae-ri,...
Duration: 120 minutes
Genre: psychological, emotional,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2016
Country: South Korea
2 Carol (2015)
Carol - A gentle, deep lesbian film that brings a lot of emotions. Photo credit: senscritique
Carol (2015) - Official Trailer
The film "Carol" premiered in 2015, directed by Todd Haynes and based on the novel "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith. It stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in the lead roles.
The film is set in 1952 when social restrictions on sex and love between two people of the same sex are extremely strict. The film tells the story of Therese Belivet, a beautiful young girl who has just turned twenty working in a toy store, and Carol Aird, a wealthy middle-aged woman who has a family and a daughter. One day, Carol went shopping and met Therese in the store. The two quickly become close and embark on an unruly and exciting emotional adventure. However, standing between them is Carol and her husband's divorce battle.
The movie "Carol" makes the audience experience different emotions, from romance and sweetness to moments of tension and pain. It is a story about love between two women, the experiences and difficulties they have to go through to be able to come together.
Director: Todd Haynes
Writer: Phillis Nagy
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson,...
Duration: 118 minutes
Genre: romance, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2015
Country: United States, United Kingdom
3 Tár (2022)
Tár - The film explores the complex love life of Lydia Tar. Image source: posterspy
Tar (2022) - Official Trailer
The Film Tár is a psychological drama film directed by Todd Field. The film takes center stage with composer Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett). At first, viewers can see Lydia Tár as an incredibly talented person, she has a powerful right-hand man who is Francesa's assistant, and who is the leader and spiritual support for Lydia - her same-sex wife, Sharon (Nina Hoss). However, the person of Lydia is gradually clarified through conversations.
The film also explores Lydia's complicated love life, the relationship between Lydia and Sharon becomes increasingly problematic when Lydia becomes attracted to a beautiful young female musician, Olga. In the second half of the film, many dark things about Lydia's life are gradually revealed.
The film was highly praised by critics, and was considered a strong Oscar nominee. In addition, the film also won many awards and earned actress Cate Blanchett the "Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama" award at the 80th Golden Globe Awards.
Director: Todd Field
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Nina Hoss, Noémie Merlant
Duration: 158 minutes
Genre: drama, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2022
Country: United States, Germany
4 Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
The lesbian film brings a lot of emotions to the audience - Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Image source: hofm.dcmusic.ca
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) - Official Trailer
The film Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French romantic drama film directed and written by Céline Sciamma. The film tells the story of the love affair between a painter and a young girl who is about to get married in the 18th century.
A young painter, Marianne was hired to paint a portrait for Heloïse to send that portrait to Heloïse's future husband. However, Heloïse did not want to be painted and Marianne had to pretend to be able to reach her. In the process of painting, the two develop an increasingly deep relationship and become lovers, but fate is approaching when Heloïse is about to put his hand in forced marriage.
The film converges authentic emotional episodes, great music and excellent acting of the actors. "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" won the Golden Mirror Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 and was rated as one of the featured films of that year.
Director: Céline Sciamma
Writer: Céline Sciamma
Cast: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel
Duration: 120 minutes
Genre: historical, romantic, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2019
Country: France
5 Saving Face (2004)
Saving Face - The love story of 2 women is deep and has a happy ending. Photo credit: letterboxd
Saving Face (2004) - Official Trailer
Saving Face is an American film directed by Alice Wu, released in 2004. This is a multicultural romantic comedy that revolves around the story of a famous young New York surgeon named Wil, who faces pressure from her family and the Asian American community when she begins to fall in love with an Asian woman named Vivian.
The film is set in an Asian American community where family, religious, and cultural values cause great pressure on homosexuals. Wil faces his busy life while trying to find love and family approval. Meanwhile, Wil's mother, a single mother, is still struggling to find her own love.
The film depicts a touching story of love, acceptance and the attempt to break away from tradition to follow one's own feelings. It is an exceptional film that offers a new perspective on same-sex relationships, especially in the Asian American community, and has won numerous awards and nominations from prestigious film awards.
Director: Alice Wu
Writer: Alice Wu
Cast: Michelle Krusiec, Joan Chen, Lynn Chen
Duration: 91 minutes
Genre: romance, comedy, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2004
Country: United States
6 Fingersmith (2005)
Fingersmith - The romance and light-heartedness of 2 women in 1860s London. Image source: tv.apple
Fingersmith (2005) - The Last Kiss
Fingersmith is a 2005 British television film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Sarah Waters. The film revolves around the romantic love story between Susan Trinder and Maud Lilly, two girls living in the criminal world of 1860s London.
Susan Trinder, a young girl, was raised by an old lady who commanded and worked for a criminal. He comes up with a plan for Susan to help him scam Maud Lilly, a young girl with a huge fortune. However, when Susan reaches out to Maud, she begins to feel touched by Maud's complete sincerity and affection. This changes Susan's life, as she decides to help Maud fight the Gentleman and finds sympathy and love from Maud.
The series was critically acclaimed and nominated for many prestigious awards such as BAFTA and Emmy. It was widely regarded as one of the best British dramas of the 2000s, and praised for its achievements in setting the historical scene and conveying the message of love between two women.
Director: Aishling Walsh
Writer: Peter Ransley
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Imelda Staunton, Elaine Cassidy,...
Duration: 180 minutes
Genre: romance, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2005
Country: United Kingdom
7 Imagine Me & You (2005)
Imagine Me & You - The film brings a lot of laughter accompanied by a happy feeling for mutual love. Image source: pinterest
Imagine Me & You (2005) - Trailer
The film "Imagine Me & You" is a romantic comedy film released in 2005. The story revolves around the world of a girl named Rachel, who has just married the boy she has long loved. However, when she sees a woman named Luce at her wedding, she is immediately attracted to her characteristics and attractiveness.
Meanwhile, Rachel tries to learn more about Luce and experiences with her. Increasingly, Rachel is confused about deciding between her love for her ex-husband and her feelings for Luce.
The movie "Imagine Me and You" is truly an emotional drama, with complicated relationships and unpredictable endings. It also contains the message of true love and self-acceptance. The film stars cult actors such as Piper Perabo, Lena Headey and Matthew Goode.
Director: Ol Parker
Writer: Ol Parker
Cast: Piper Perabo, Lena Headey, Matthew Goode,...
Duration: 94 minutes
Genre: romance, comedy, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2005
Country: United Kingdom, Germany
8 I Can't Think Straight (2008)
The lesbian drama gives audiences a satisfying ending worth watching once - I Can't Think Straight. Image source: Slant Magazine
I Can't Think Straight (2008) - Trailer
I Can't Think Straight is a romantic drama film directed by Shamim Sarif produced in 2008. The film is about the romantic relationship between two women of the same sex - Tala, a Palestinian, and Leyla, an Indian.
Tala is a wealthy and traditional-oriented family, while Leyla is an independent woman who works in business and is living a life full of family pressure.
After meeting at a wedding, Tala and Leyla begin to develop a relationship, but immediately face opposition from their family and conservative society. Despite trying to keep their love, Tala and Leyla still face difficulties finding acceptance from their society and family.
With stunning camera angles, realistic and touching performances by the lead actors, "I Can't Think Straight" is an inspiring melodrama about same-sex love and self-acceptance.
Director: Shamim Sarif
Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth
Duration: 80 minutes
Genre: romance, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2008
Country: United Kingdom
9 Bloomington (2010)
Image source: kinoafisha.infp
Bloomington (2010) - Trailer
Bloomington is a 2010 American drama film directed by Fernanda Cardoso. The film revolves around the life of a famous young actress named Jackie Kirk (played by Sarah Stouffer) who decides to drop out of college to pursue her acting career.
Later, Jackie gets to know a professor named Catherine Stark (played by Allison McAtee), who helps her return to her studies and supports her in her career. The two develop a deep bond, while at the same time facing difficulties from keeping a relationship between a teacher and a student.
The film is an emotional journey about a young person's quest for success and love, while also showcasing relationships built on trust and empathy. Bloomington is a highly human film and worth watching.
Director: Fernanda Cardoso
Writer: Fernanda Cardoso
Cast: Allison McAtee, Sarah Stouffer,...
Duration: 83 minutes
Genre: romance, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2010
Country: United States
10 D.E.B.S (2004)
D.E.B.S - Deep, romantic, and funny lesbian drama worth watching. Image source: IMDb
D.E.B.S (2004) - Trailer
D.E.B.S. is a 2004 American romantic comedy film that tells the story of brilliant high school girls, recruited to participate in a special program of the US government called D.E.B.S (Secret Agents). These girls have been trained to become agents specializing in investigating and foiling evil plots.
In the film, we have access to the life and work of the D.E.B.S. team, including fascinating actions, unrequited love affairs and confrontation with enemies of the same sex. However, things begin to get more complicated and intriguing when one of D.E.B.S.'s best agents, Amy Bradshaw, falls in love with the criminal Lucy Diamond she must hunt. The relationship between the two begins to develop and we will see signs that the relationship is deepening, but it will not be easy when the work and career of the D.E.B.S. and Amy's suddenly become threatening.
The film, with a talented young cast and colorful electronic music, revolves around the complex emotional relationship and the decision between duty and love. It is considered a fun, light and entertaining movie.
Director: Angela Robinson
Cast: Sara Foster, Jordana Brewster, Meagan Good,...
Duration: 92 minutes
Genre: romance, comedy, action,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2004
Country: United States
11 The World To Come (2021)
The World To Come - A romantic love drama but with a bit of sadness. Photo credit: saturdayeveningpost
The World To Come (2021) - Official Trailer
"The World to Come" is an American drama film released in 2020. It was directed by Mona Fastvold and written by Ron Hansen and Jim Shepard. The film follows the lives of two women named Abigail and Tallie, who were both farmers living in the western part of the United States in the 1850s.
Abigail is a pessimistic woman who lives in a bottleneck in her life and suffers great losses. Meanwhile, Tallie is a very different person, she is lively and full of life. The two began a romantic relationship from the first time they met. From there, they become close friends and calculate their secret feelings.
"The World to Come" is an emotional romance between two women in an era where there are still many prejudices about human sex. The film gives the audience a portrait of love, patience and hope among the people who live in their world.
Director: Mona Fastvold
Writers: Ron Hansen, Jim Shepard
Cast: Katherine Waterston, Vanessa Kirby,...
Duration: 98 minutes
Genre: romance, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2020
Country: United States
12 Bound (1996)
Bound - The pioneering film about lesbian love and crime is extremely bold and refreshing. Image source: IMDb
Bound (1996) - Original Trailer
Bound is an American crime film released in 1996, directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. It follows 2 women named Corky and Violet, the young wives of a dangerous mafia, Caesar. Corky after being released from prison moved to an apartment complex, and she met Violet in an elevator and gradually became romantically involved with each other.
Later, Corky and Violet work together in a plot to get a large sum of money from Violet's husband. They plan a professional heist, but their plans become complicated when Violet's husband discovers and becomes involved in the girls' plot. Through the film, viewers witness the development of the characters in the relationship between Corky and Violet, as well as their rise in the face of challenges.
Bound is highly praised because it has novel elements, being a film that goes beyond the form of traditional crime and adultery films. The film is considered one of the most watchable cinematic works from directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski, especially because of its cut-edge style and captivating scenes.
Director: The Wachowskis
Writer: The Wachowskis
Cast: Jennifer Stilly, Gina Gershon,...
Duration: 108 minutes
Genre: crime, thriller,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 1996
Country: United States
13 Happiest Season (2020)
The movie Girl love is warm and meaningful, giving the audience an emotional enjoyment experience - Happiest Season. Photo credit: popzara
Happiest Season (2020) - Trailer
The film Happiest Season is a romantic comedy-romance film released in 2020. The film tells the story of two women who fall in love, Abby and Harper. Abby decided to propose to Harper during the Christmas holiday season, but when they arrived at the Harper family home, Abby discovered that Harper had never told her family about their relationship. This leads to conflicts and trouble in getting their relationship accepted by the Harper family.
The film was directed by Clea DuVall and stars several famous actors such as Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy.
The film shows very well lesbian love and acceptance of emotional differences in society. The film is warm, meaningful and touching, giving the audience an emotional enjoyment experience.
Director: Clea DuVall
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie,...
Duration: 102 minutes
Genre: romance, comedy, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2020
Country: United States
14 Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013)
Blue Is The Warmest Color - The lesbian film worth watching but receiving the most controversy. Image source: The Movie Database
Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013) - Traile
Blue is the Warmest Color, better known by its original title "La Vie d'Adèle - Chapitres 1 & 2" is a popular French film released in 2013. The film tells the love story between two young girls, Adele and Emma.
Adele, a high school girl, runs into Emma, a female art student. They became friends and thus began a romantic relationship between the two. Through each scene, viewers witness the development of the relationship between Adele and Emma and the bitterness as it faces social challenges and limitations.
The film is formed from the romance novel by Jul Maroh and starring Adèle Exarchopoulos and Léa Seydoux. Blue is the Warmest Color has received many important awards, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
Director: Abdellatif Kechiche
Cast: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos
Duration: 180 minutes
Genre: historical, romantic, drama,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 2013
Country: France, Belgium, Spain
15 But I'm A Cheerleader (1999)
But I'm A Cheerleader (1999) - Trailer
"But I'm a Cheerleader" is a 1999 romantic comedy-drama film that depicts the life of a young Megan (played by Natasha Lyonne) who is dragged into a re-education center by her family and those around her who think she is gay.
Megan does not believe she is gay, but her family and friends try to convince her that she has a sexual problem. This led Megan to the cult's rehabilitation center, where she and others were governed and placed in a life skills instruction program. There, Megan met Graham (played by Clea DuVall), who was also a member of the camp and helped Megan realize that she was actually gay.
With the help of Graham and his new friends, Megan became a Cheerleader. Megan's experiences in self-search and self-acceptance are celebrated in this film. "But I'm a Cheerleader" became a world-famous film, resonating among young people and the LGBT community.
Director: Jamie Babbit
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall,...
Duration: 90 minutes
Genre: romance, comedy,...
Status: Completed
Release year: 1999
Country: United States
