It takes some time for a style to go from a fashion choice to a fashion trend. Katie Holmes knows this well, as she nearly broke the Internet by wearing a dress over a pair of jeans a couple of years ago in a nod back to Y2K fashion trends. But that was a couple of years ago, and in the time since wearing a skirt or dress over pants has happened periodically, but it hasn’t full-on revved up until more recently. 

It’s a style that’s nearly as controversial as the pants-free movement, though it (generally) requires way more articles of clothing, and recently Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber were both seen trying out the layered style.

Gigi Hadid Followed In Katie Holmes' Footsteps With Her  Own Look

Gigi Hadid did it in a more traditional route, donning a pair of jeans and throwing on a long, flowy shirt dress. She looks perfectly styled in this outfit from May, and her look could have been construed as a long cardigan (though it is a dress), so it wasn’t as outside-the-box as some of the dress-over-jeans takes have been. 

Still, it’s not a look that has greatly endeared itself to all internet users. Katie Holmes’ dress over jeans, for example, went so viral (in a bad way) that she later had to address the fashion moment, stating that women shouldn’t be roasting each others’ fashion choices and should instead by supporting one another, noting (as part of a longer statement): 

Hadid obviously didn’t pair jeans with a strapless dress like Holmes did, instead choosing the Showtime dress from her own knitwear line, Guest in Residence. It retails for $445 dollars. 

Kaia Gerber Went A Step Further And Wore A Skirt Over Pants

Now, Bottoms star Kaia Gerber also has her own take on the fashion trend and she took it a step further, rocking a skirt over pants. The skirt was built-in in this case, though, as she wore a pair of paints with a skirt over them from the brand Paloma. The wool pants have an overlapping mini and come in brown or khaki. They cost a cool $287. 

You can see the full look over at our sister site Marie Claire. Meanwhile the fashion choice has started to be commented on in places like Reddit with a lot of individuals calling it "frumpy" and "bulky," though some do seem to dig it. It's certainly earned a wide variety of takes, however. 

What I will say about the dress/skirt over pants trend is that doubtless it’s a heckuva lot more comfortable than going pants-free, as stars like Megan Fox have done wearing just a blazer, etc. Or like Halle Berry did when she recycled a top to go pants-free for New Year's Eve. It’s also a lot more comfortable than the sheer fashion  trend that’s dominated the red carpets even at the Met Gala recently too. 

But doing it the right way can be really tricky, making the style way more controversial than it might have been otherwise. If you are someone who really dislikes the layers, there is a silver lining. Right now the look still seems to be casual fare and not making it’s way to major Hollywood events, but I suppose that could always change.

From stories of womanhood and growing up, to historic biopics to slapstick comedy involving theater and a fight club, the films on the 2023 movie schedule blew me away this year! For the first time in my life, I watched over 100 films that came out in a given year, and now I’m here to report my own best movies of 2023. 

While Barbie was my clear and obvious #1 film of the year, how the other nine entries shook out came as a surprise. I’m thrilled that so many highlight women’s stories and all of them tell compelling tales in totally unique ways. So, without further ado, let’s get into my top ten films of 2023.

10. The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes 

As someone who grew up with The Hunger Games books, I was curious to see President Snow’s backstory, and his tale left me in shock and awe. Tom Blyth plays the future president of Panem in a way that allows you to have empathy for him while also giving us hints of the evil leader we know from the original trilogy. Then, when you pair him with Rachel Zegler’s Lucy Gray, you get a fascinating story of love and survival that also revealed a vital part of The Hunger Games history. 

The book-to-screen adaptation of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes drew me in and pulled me through this brutal story about corruption and power set in a dystopian world I grew up reading about. That mix of nostalgia and astonishment left me thinking about this movie for weeks after I saw it. 

9. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 

The joyous fantastical romp that is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was one of the biggest delights of the year. Like a D&D campaign, the cast of characters, played by Chris Pine, Justice Smith, Michelle Rodriguez, Sophia Lillis and Regé-Jean Page, are true chaos together, and their chemistry is unmatched. Their scrappy attempt to save their land is full of heart, humor and some glorious practical effects – like our favorite human-sized bird Jarnathan – making John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s film one of the most creative of the year.  

8. Bottoms

The Bottoms cast is led by Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, and they play two besties who set out to start a fight club to get with their crushes. When I walked out of the theater, I couldn’t help but think about how these two women are well on their way to becoming major forces in this genre, following in the footsteps of Kristen Wiig and Tina Fey. Overall, Bottoms is raunchy, violent, wickedly fun and an excellent example of great Gen Z comedy. 

7. The Color Purple

After the book was adapted into a beloved film in 1985, and then into a Broadway musical in the 2000s, another adaptation of The Color Purple made its way to the big screen, blending the cinematic elements of Steven Spielberg’s film with the gorgeous music of the musical. Capturing the sunlight and darkness of Celie’s story through Dan Laustsen's cinematography, and illustrated through the moving lyrics and choreography, this film tells the odyssey of her incredibly difficult life and her finding strength in herself and the women around her. And while everything about this film shines, if you take anything away from this it’s that Fantasia Barrino, who plays Celie, is an absolute star, and as she sings, she’s “here.”  

6. May December

There’s a scene in May December in a dress shop, and Natalie Portman’s Elizabeth has come with Julianne Moore’s Gracie to study her for a film. The shot is framed so Moore and her reflection are sandwiching Portman’s Elizabeth as she imitates her subject, and it perfectly illustrates the unique tone and impeccable directing of this film. Todd Haynes directs a movie that balances perfectly between prestige drama and soap opera to tell the story of a woman attempting to figure out a couple’s story that was ripped from the tabloids for a television film. 

Portman, Moore and especially the actor behind Gracie’s husband, Charles Melton, give standout performances worthy of awards. It's in their simultaneously subtle and over-the-top work that we get this nuanced and thought-provoking film.

5. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse redefined what was possible in animation. Then the insanely well-reviewed Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse managed to take the precedent the first film set and smash it. Every single frame in this movie is fine art, and the mixing of animation forms alone had me staring wide-eyed at the screen. However, when you mix these stunning visuals with the incredible Across the Spider-Verse voice cast and the high-stakes plot set across the vast multiverse, you get the greatest Spider-Man movie yet.

4. Theater Camp

Theater Camp had me cry laughing over the genius physical comedy from Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin and Ayo Edebiri, and I found myself getting actually emotional as the uber-talented children sang the finale song “Camp Isn’t Home.” Theater Camp is heartfelt and hilarious, and it harkens back to classic comedies like Best in Show while also being wholly original. It's a movie made by theater kids, for theater kids, and you can feel the love and affection for the art radiating off of it while they absolutely roast it in the funniest way. 

3. Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer terrified me, and I mean that in the highest regard. This historical drama about the father of the nuclear bomb is a three-hour film that moves like a high-stakes 90-minute thriller. The way Christopher Nolan wrote and directed this movie made the tension palpable, and Cillian Murphy’s searing and masterfully subtle performance as the lead of the Oppenheimer cast underlined and emphasized that point. Complimented by a rousing score from Ludwig Göransson and impeccable sound design, this film made you feel the historical implications of this scientific discovery in a profound and deeply moving way.

2. Poor Things

If we don’t see Emma Stone on the Oscar stage again for Poor Things, I’ll be so mad. Her performance as Bella Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos’ epic Frankenstein-esque fantasy is a true tour-de-force. You can feel the actress’s love and commitment bursting through the screen. Then, when you mix that with the quick-witted script from Tony McNamara, a brilliant supporting cast and the colorful-fantastical-punk-rock world designed by Zsuzsa Mihalek, and you are left with a modern sci-fi tale of a woman on a journey of self-discovery and liberation byway of confident curiosity. 

1. Barbie

Since Barbie’s release, I have found myself referring to my apartment as a “mojo dojo casa house,” singing along to “Dance The Night” regularly and wearing more pink. The Barbie effect was, and still is, real. I’m here to say, that not only is it my favorite film of the year, I think it’s one of my all-time favorites. 

Sure, you can credit Barbie’s record-breaking box-office success to its stellar cast led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, immaculate candy-colored set design and wildly hilarious plot. However, I think this film resonated with so many, myself included, because of how it illuminated the experience of girlhood and all its juxtapositions. 

I can’t even begin to describe how emotional it makes me think about how many folks felt understood by Greta Gerwig’s film. Knowing that it will be around to support so many kids as they grow up for generations to come moves me to a point beyond words. 

Well, folks, there you have it! My top ten of the year. It’s safe to say that 2023 was a fantastic year in film, and it's one I’ll remember forever. Here’s hoping 2024’s new movie releases can live up to this year’s excellence! 

From a movie about a doll having an existential crisis (Barbie) to a comedic slasher that also involves time travel (Totally Killer) to a movie about a bear who is high on cocaine (Cocaine Bear), the 2023 movie schedule was full of wildly creative and hilarious comedies. So while reflecting on this magnificent year of film, we couldn’t help but reminisce about all the funny flicks and come to a conclusion about which rose to the top as the best. With all that being said, here are the 20 best comedies of 2023, ranked. 

20. We Have A Ghost 

We Have A Ghost will warm your spirit and charm the whole family with its silly story about a boy who befriends a silent ghost living in his attic. Leading Netflix’s We Have A Ghost cast is David Harbour as Ernest the ghost, as well as his human friend Kevin, played by Jahi Di'Allo Winston. This film is such a goofy good time as the duo figures out how to deal with the ghost’s newfound viral fame, and it shines brightest when the Stranger Things star gets to show off his physical comedy chops. 

19. 80 For Brady 

While our review of 80 For Brady wasn’t exactly glowing, fans loved this football comedy starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sally Field and Rita Moreno, and so did I! The film follows four older ladies as they make their way to the Super Bowl to see Tom Brady play. It’s a silly goofy good time, and these four women seemed to be having the times of their lives being funny together.  

18. Murder Mystery 2 

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston are back as your favorite inexperienced detectives! While watching Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2, I was thinking a lot about how fantastic these two are together, and just how great they are at playing two folks who are really bad at solving high-profile crimes. Overall, this globetrotting mystery was a grand 'ol time that allowed these two legends to shine.

17. The Blackening 

Like Scream, The Blackening uses comedy to poke fun at horror movies while also being an excellent horror film. As our review of The Blackening noted, this movie is a fantastic satire that provides a thought-provoking commentary on racial inequality (specifically in movies). It’ll have you both reflecting on the history of the genre while also laughing and screaming over this great slasher comedy.  

16. Dicks: The Musical 

Bonkers, unhinged, chaotic and hilarious are all words that have been used to describe Dicks: The Musical. Our own Corey Chichizola called it “the most unhinged movie” he’s ever seen, and critics of Dicks adored how wholly original it was. Overall, this A24 musical deeply inspired by The Parent Trap pokes fun at musical theater and fully embraces the wild and wacky.  

15. Cocaine Bear 

Listen, when you make a movie called Cocaine Bear, you have to lean into the ridiculousness. The film, which is based on a real story, follows a bear who has just done cocaine – as the title implies – and various people who are wandering around the same park. It’s a violent and hilarious horror comedy, and as our review of Cocaine Bear states, it’s “severely and ridiculously fun – just as nature intended.” 

14. Shotgun Wedding 

What could go wrong in a Jennifer Lopez-led wedding rom-com? Well, in Amazon Prime Video’s Shotgun Wedding, the answer is everything, and it's hilarious. As we wrote in our review of Shotgun Wedding, the film is an over-the-top action-comedy led by JLo and Josh Duhamel, who play a couple that's about to get married when their wedding is hijacked. Its action and the two stars’ physical comedy skills during it are what got this film onto this list. 

13. Renfield 

Nicolas Cage plays Dracula and Nicholas Hoult plays his familiar Renfield, who wants to break up with his vampire boss. Need I say more? As our review of Renfield explains, Cage is clearly living his best afterlife, and Hoult makes for a great screen partner as he tries to quit his job, making for a silly, goofy, bloody and all-around good time.  

12. They Cloned Tyrone 

While Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone is a sci-fi thriller before it’s a comedy, there’s no denying how funny it is. In our review of They Cloned Tyrone, Nick Venable wrote that Jamie Foxx turns in a career-best performance as he plays Slick Charles, who shows off all the charm and humor the actor thrives on. 

11. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 

While our review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 notes that you need to bring the tissues to this Marvel movie because of Rocket’s tragic story, like all GOTG movies, it’s also hysterical. After three solo movies and a few team-ups together, the GOTG Vol. 3 cast was firing on all cylinders, and they really brought the funny as they traversed the galaxy to save Rocket. 

10. Polite Society 

Polite Society is a blast of a martial arts comedy that follows Ria (Priya Kansara), a young girl who dreams of being a stunt double as she tries to save her older sister Lena (Ritu Arya) from an arranged marriage. Filled with incredible action and hysterical moments, at its heart, this movie is a story about sisters and the bond they share. The added bonus is their comedic chemistry.   

9. Totally Killer 

Take the slasher plot from Scream and the time travel of Back to the Future, then mix the two films’ senses of humor, and you get Amazon Prime’s Totally Killer. The film follows Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) as she goes back in time to find a serial killer and stop them from killing her mom. It’s honestly such a fun and fresh take on the slasher film, and it mixes in Gen Z humor and ‘80s nostalgia in a really fun way. 

8. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah 

Not only is You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah one of the best coming-of-age movies in recent years, it’s also a fabulous comedy from Netflix. The Sandler family comedy got 3.5 out of 5 stars from us, and it was deserving of every one. Led by Adam Sandler’s young daughter Sunny Sandler, the film follows her and her bestie in the lead-up to their Bat Mitzvahs, and all the drama and hilarity that comes with being a teen. 

7. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves 

Not only did reviews of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves praise it for how it honors the tabletop game, but another major high point of the film is just how hilarious it is. The D&D cast, which is led brilliantly by Chris Pine’s bard character Edgin Darvis, and their chaotic energy makes you feel like you're watching a campaign. Then mix in silly characters and jokes, like Jarnathan the bird, and you have a nuanced, unique and incredibly fun action-comedy from Paramount Pictures.  

6. Rye Lane 

Rye Lane is easily one of the best rom-coms of the year, David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah star as two young folks who have both gone through breakups as they spend one memorable day together. Drenched in dry humor, this Hulu film is a new and unique take on both romance and comedy, making for an excellent addition to this list. 

5. No Hard Feelings 

Jennifer Lawrence let her comedic skills loose in No Hard Feelings, and it was the best. This comedy leaned hard into its raunchiness and showed it all (and no, JLaw didn’t use a body double for that beach scene). The hard R-ness of the film makes it funny, but ultimately the reason this story about an older woman fake-dating a young guy works is because of the heartfelt and funny relationship formed between Lawrence’s Maddie and Andrew Barth Feldman’s Percy. 

4. Bottoms 

Through Bottoms, we got to know a cast of new comedic voices who are poised to make a real impact on the genre. The film follows two high schoolers played by Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri as they start a fight club to get with the girls at their school. The film has an energy similar to some of the best movies of the 2000s, namely Superbad, with an ensemble that has a unique and hilarious take on the raunchy high school movie.  

3. Joy Ride 

A no-holds-barred road trip comedy led by Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu? Sign me up! As I wrote in my review of Joy Ride, this film is successful because it fully commits to the raunchiness, and it leans into its outrageous premise that leads to hilarious moments (the K-pop dance number). However, what ultimately makes this one of the best is how it balances being a road trip comedy with having a refreshing take on female friendship.

2. Theater Camp 

With standout performances from Noah Galvin, Ben Platt, Molly Gordon and Ayo Edebiri, Theater Camp is easily one of the best comedies because of its outstanding ensemble. Along with veteran actors, the kids who attend the camp are just as funny and immensely talented. From hilarious moments of physical comedy, like Gordon and Platt’s introduction of the summer’s musicals, to incredible musical numbers, like the finale of the camp’s musical “Joan, Still,” this film is unique and oh so much fun. 

1. Barbie 

I feel confident saying that the more you watch Barbie and notice the details, the funnier it gets. Many of the reviews for Barbie specifically cite Ryan Gosling’s Ken as the comedic highlight of the film, which is true, as the Ken-ergy is irresistible. However, everyone in this movie has their hilarious time to shine, and the comedy mixed with its inspiring message is what makes it one of the best films of 2023. 

Overall, 2023 was a fantastic year of comedy, and it’s refreshing to see so many different kinds of funny movies being made. So make sure you go back and watch some of these incredible comedies and take in all the silly goofy fun this year had to offer.   

Finally, the actors' strike came to an end earlier this month, which allowed for Hollywood’s biggest stars to promote their fall movies. Julianne Moore has taken full advantage of this, as she is currently in the midst of a press cycle for her upcoming Netflix film, May December. While promoting the drama is very much a priority for the Oscar winner, Moore took a break from promoting her own work this week to shout out the summer comedy Bottoms. The cast and crew couldn’t be happier to receive Moore’s endorsement, and stars like Ayo Edebiri commented sweet messages.

Bottoms was released during the actors' strike, so it made it difficult for stars to promote the film. Nevertheless, the comedy found its audience and received fantastic reviews from critics. So many adored the film, including Julianne Moore, who posted about the movie and how much she enjoyed it. She also shouted out key Bottoms cast and crew in the caption to ensure the love was shared. You can see her sweet post from Instagram below:

The Bottoms creative team could not have been more excited to receive such a compliment from one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Ayo Edibiri, who plays one of the protagonists in the film, commented:

Emma Seligman, the director of Bottoms, also saw the post and was moved. Clearly a fan, it seems like the shout out meant the world to the filmmaker. She commented:

Elizabeth Banks, who produced the film, also shared the love with simple emojis expressing her gratitude. She said:

The official Instagram account for Bottoms used its blue check to share a message that reflects the feelings of the rest of the cast and crew, commented: 

Julianne Moore loving Bottoms may seem surprising considering the actress has mostly committed herself to serious dramas as of late. Her new film, May December, is no exception. It follows the aftermath of a scandalous relationship 20 years after it became tabloid fodder. Emotions run high as an actress comes into a couples life to uncover uncomfortable truths about their past. Also starring Natalie Portman and Charles Melton, May December is one of the buzziest movies this Oscar season.

However, the fact that the Still Alice star loved a teen comedy like Bottoms shows the fast range of Moore’s taste. The actress is no stranger to a raunchy comedy herself as she starred in both Boogie Nights and The Big Lebowski in the 90s. Both are iconic performances, and this post shows that Moore still has a soft spot for the genre. Maybe after May December, the actress will look towards something more light and fun. If these comments are any indication, the creative team would love to have someone like Julianne Moore join their next project. 

You can catch Julianne Moore in May December, which will be available for Netflix subscribers on December 1st, 2023. If you missed Bottoms in the theaters, you can check out the hilarious film now by streaming it on MGM+. For more information on other films heading to streaming and cinemas this year, make sure to consult our 2023 movie release schedule. 

Today, we're talking about the best Ayo Edebiri movies and TV shows because she deserves all the praise. 

Regarding modern-day actresses that I have completely fallen in love with, Ayo Edebiri tops that list. While I hadn't gotten the chance to see her much before The Bear, I knew that after I watched her award-nominated performance, I needed to see much more of how amazing she was – because she's a true master of both drama and comedy. 

So today, we will go over Ayo Edebiri's best movies and TV shows so far, starting with something that I think all of us need to see. 

Bottoms (2023)

First up here is the obvious – Bottoms. This is the comedy of 2023, so you have to pay attention – at least, it's the comedy of the year for me. 

Bottoms is a hilarious coming-of-age comedy that stars Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott as two high schoolers who start a fight club in an effort to get with cheerleaders. In doing so, they decide to start a high school "fight club" as a guise to succeed.

I can't tell you how much I love this movie. First, the Bottoms cast is genuinely iconic, but Ayo Edebiri is pure gold as Josie. Her comedic timing is on point, and her chemistry with Rachel Sennott is everything you could want. Not only that, but the story is hilarious and filled with a lot of heart, which is sometimes hard to do for movies that focus on hooking up with girls at first. 

Seriously, it's one of the best films on the 2023 movie schedule, in my opinion, and I think everyone needs to see it. Check out Bottoms if you haven't – if not just for Edebiri's performance. 

Rent/Buy Bottoms on Amazon.

Big Mouth (2020 - Present)

Big Mouth is a Netflix animated show for young adults (since it is marketed as a coming-of-age sitcom) that is mainly based on students in suburban New York as they are going through life changes, both physical and personal, hilariously. Big Mouth specifically explores puberty, and it is open about discussing anything to do with the body, primarily through Hormone Monsters. 

Edebiri not only voices one of the main characters on the show, Missy (which she took over the part from Jenny Slate), but she also works as a writer for the series. If you want an idea of Ayo Edebiri's excellent voice acting, her role as Missy is proof of that. 

Stream Big Mouth on Netflix.

Dickinson (2021) 

Dickinson is an excellent Apple TV+ show about Emily Dickinson, the famous poet, and it takes a look at her life through a more comical lens, telling her story and how she began. 

Ayo Edebiri played Hattie in the show, and while she wasn't one of the main characters, her role left a lasting impact. She was honestly hilarious in her role as a writer but also, frankly, a hustler who got money from the people that she served, which I give her props for. Edebiri also worked as a staff writer for Dickinson, so now you know why it was so funny. 

Stream Dickinson on Apple TV+. 

Abbott Elementary (2023 – Present)

Abbott Elementary is a popular mockumentary sitcom that follows the teachers of the titular school in Philadelphia. We learn about the educators' personal and professional lives, and see how they try to give the absolute best to their students despite limited funds. 

Edebiri doesn't play a teacher. She portrayed Ayesha Teagues, the sister of Janine (the main character), and while she has a recurring guest role on the show, I instantly tune in any time I see her with Quinta Brunson (Janine). After hearing so much about Janine's sister in previous episodes, their scenes are great, especially in the Season 2 episode, "Teacher Appreciation," where they were astounding. But honestly, you should watch Abbott Elementary for how great it is all around.

Stream Abbott Elementary on Hulu.

Theater Camp (2023)

In this comedy film, Theater Camp, we follow a rundown theater camp staff after the camp's leader falls into a coma, and they are tasked with saving the beloved place.

There are plenty of reasons to like and finally see Theater Camp on Hulu and Ayo Edebiri (for me) is one of them. Her character, Janet Walch, is an underqualified teacher, who is pretending to be a theater expert. The actress is hysterical in every way, and any scene she's in automatically makes the top of my list of the best moments in the film – but I will say that Noah Galvin is also a standout in Theater Camp, so watch it for both. 

Stream Theater Camp on Hulu.
Rent/Buy Theater Camp on Amazon.

As Of Yet (2021)

As of Yet was a 2021 release, and it's told entirely through video cameras and diaries. The film follows Naomi, a young woman dealing with both a roommate who drives her crazy and a relationship that she can't pursue, and to top it off this film takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I like this movie because of how creative it is. It's probably one of the most underrated Ayo Edebiri films because it's small compared to her other ventures. With that said, she's great in her role as Khadijah and has some super funny moments. The movie is hilarious, so be sure to check it out. 

Stream As of Yet on Starz.
Rent/Buy As of Yet on Apple TV+.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

This 2023 film is a definite watch. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated movie that follows the legendary group of teenage mutants as they struggle to find acceptance in society, but when a crime syndicate releases mutants in the world, it's up to them to help the humans. 

The film has Ayo Edebiri voicing April O'Neil, and I'm sorry, but she needs to voice this character from here on out. The entire Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem cast is talented, but she brings more personality to this character than I've ever experienced. 

Stream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on Paramount+
Rent/Buy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on Amazon.

Clone High (2023 – Present)

While this series initially ran from 2002 – 2003, we are talking about the revival of the series years later, in 2023, when Ayo Edebiri joined the cast. It's an adult animated series about high school and the clones of well-known historical figures who attend. 

This show is just so much fun, and it serves as a parody of many classic teen drama shows of years past. Ayo Edebiri's voice role as a clone of Harriet Tubman is perfect casting. Somehow, her character fits perfectly in this strange clone world they inhabit, even when there's another clone of Harriet in the school, too, just in the background. Truly so funny. 

Stream Clone High on Max. 

The Bear (2022 – Present) 

You knew this would be on here, come on. The Bear is a great Hulu original show that mainly follows Carmy, a chef who left his high-end cooking gig to take over his brother's sandwich shop in Chicago so it doesn't close down after his death. 

The series from FX and Huly is one that just about everyone has undoubtedly heard about. The Bear cast is incredibly talented, but no one quite beats Ayo Edebiri as Sydney. Not only is she hilarious in so many ways, but her acting in the dramatic moments is so good that I wish she were in more dramas. Not only that, but everything she cooks makes me hungry – you better believe I made that omelet with Boursin cheese after Season 2.

Truthfully, Edebiri deserves all the praise for her performance in this show, and I genuinely hope it receives a Season 3 renewal because I need to see more of her story. I have to see her become the best chef there is. 

Stream The Bear on Hulu.

There are indeed so many amazing things that Ayo Edebiri has done, and she's only getting started. Now, I need The Bear to get renewed for Season 3, and I'll be happy again!

Nicholas Galitzine was perfectly cast as Henry in Red, White and Royal Blue. However, that is just one of many movies where he’s been the ideal actor for that role. He has perfectly played a prince in multiple movies, a gay hero in a few films, and even an aspiring musician in a movie or two. Nicholas Galitzine has had an interesting film career already. Hopefully, it continues to evolve with each new project.

If you are unfamiliar with Galitzine’s other projects, besides Red, White and Royal Blue, then look no further because he has plenty of movies to put on your radar. Let’s take a journey through the Nicholas Galitzine filmography.  

The Beat Beneath My Feet (2014) 

The Beat Beneath My Feet is a dramedy starring the late Luke Perry and Nicholas Galitzine. Galitzine plays a teen named Tom who dreams of the rockstar lifestyle. Perry plays his neighbor Steve who used to be a famous musician but a tragedy ended his career. Steve and Tom form an unlikely friendship as Steve teaches him how to gain confidence to perform. 

The Beat Beneath My Feet is a dramedy that also combines experimental elements, such as musical dream sequences. It’s not Perry or Galitzine’s best movie or performance but it’s a low-stakes film that feels like a combination of a nostalgic  Disney Original movie and a CW teen drama. 

Stream The Beat Beneath My Feet on Peacock.
Rent/buy The Beat Beneath My Feet on Amazon.

High Strung (2016) 

High Strung is a dance movie similar to the Step Up franchise. It includes random dance sequences that make you miss Step Up and long for the days of Center Stage. High Strung follows aspiring professional ballet dancer Ruby (Keenan Kampa) and aspiring professional violinist Johnnie (Nicholas Galitzine). She’s struggling to keep up at this elite professional arts school and he’s just trying to survive.

High Strung isn’t one of the best dance movies, but it’s a cute romantic one. You watch as Johnnie and Ruby work together to help achieve their dreams. Obviously, they also start to fall for each other. Yes, it has some Save the Last Dance elements thrown in as well.

Stream High Strung on Tubi.
Rent/buy High Strung on Amazon.

Handsome Devil (2016) 

Handsome Devil follows Ned (Fionn O’Shea) who is an outcast at his school for not worshipping rugby like the rest. Ned is also bullied by the other students at his all-boys boarding school about his sexuality. A new boy named Conor (Nicholas Galitzine) becomes his new roommate. Conor is one of the stars of the rugby team.

This makes Ned believe that he will also isolate and ostracize him. However, they bond and form a close friendship. It’s later revealed that Conor is gay. They both must navigate what that means in this world of toxic masculinity and casual homophobia.  Handsome Devil is an underrated indie movie that more people need to watch, not only for Galitzine’s performance in it but for the writing as well. It’s one of the best movies on Peacock right now. 

Stream Handsome Devil on Peacock.
Rent/buy Handsome Devil on Amazon.

The Changeover (2017)  

The Changeover is a supernatural movie about a teen girl named Laura (Erana James) who must fight a sinister figure, Carmody (Timothy Spall) who wants to drain the life of her younger brother for his immortality. Sorensen (Nicholas Galitzine) is her love interest who guides her and helps her try to save her brother.

This is a film that’s a lot more supernatural than romantic but it’s an interesting story that feels quite dark, but that’s what gives it its character. The stakes feel real and you’re not confident that Laura can save her brother in time. 

Stream The Changeover on Tubi.
Rent/buy The Changeover on Amazon.

Share (2019) 

Share showcases the damaging effects of viral videos while also exploring sexual assault and reputation. Mandy (Rianne Barreto) discovers that a video of her has gone viral from a drunken night that she doesn’t remember. Nicholas Galitzine plays A.J., one of the main guys in the video and the focus of the investigation.

Because of Share’s subject matter, it’s not a film that’s lighthearted and happy. It’s a really dark movie that exposes the reality faced by many women and girls. It features fantastic performances by the cast, especially Barreto and Poorna Jagannathan, who plays Mandy’s mother. 

Stream Share on Tubi.

The Craft: Legacy (2020) 

The Craft Legacy is a continuation of the original Craft movie (confirmed by the movie’s ending). It follows a new group of four teenage witches. Together they begin to hone and learn the limitations and strengths of their powers. It stars Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, and Zoey Luna. Nicholas Galitzine plays Timmy, the school bully who the girls reform using magic. 

The Craft: Legacy does a good job of reforming Timmy in such a short time frame. He goes from an annoying, unlikable bully to a sweet and heartwarming boy. This is a testament to Galitzine’s acting abilities. With limited screen time, he’s able to be a convincing villain and likable character in the same movie.

Stream The Craft: Legacy on Starz.
Rent/buy The Craft: Legacy on Amazon.

Cinderella (2021) 

Cinderella is the Prime Video version starring Camila Cabello in the title role. It also features an all-star cast that includes Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Billy Porter, and Pierce Brosnan. Nicholas Galitzine plays Cinderella’s love interest, Prince Robert.

This Cinderella movie may not rank high on the charm scale but it has plenty of great musical moments. These fun musical moments include a rendition of “Somebody to Love” performed by Galitzine. Yes, similar to his The Idea of You co-star Anne Hathaway’s Ella Enchanted version. 

Stream Cinderella on Prime Video.

Purple Hearts (2022) 

Purple Hearts is a Netflix original movie about a songwriter and a marine who get married to receive military benefits. It stars Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine as Cassie and Luke. This fake dating movie goes the extra mile by making it a fake marriage film. Cassie and Luke’s relationship starts off awkwardly because they don’t really know each other, but it grows into something deeper the longer they’re together.

Carson and Galitzine have great chemistry so you can’t help but root for them to figure it all out and continue to trick the government. 

Stream Purple Hearts on Netflix.

Bottoms (2023) 

Bottoms is a comedy about two lesbian high school kids who form a women’s fight club in order to try to hook up with their crushes. Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri star. The Bottoms cast also includes Ruby Cruz, Havana Rose Liu, Kaia Gerber, Nicholas Galitzine, and Miles Fowler. Galitzine plays Jeff, the star of the football team and Isabel’s (Havana Rose Liu) boyfriend.

This is by far Galitzine’s funniest performance. Jeff is a standout character in a film full of them. He’s the type of ridiculous that makes him awful but slightly endearing. 

Rent/buy Bottoms on Amazon.

Red, White and Royal Blue (2023) 

Red, White and Royal Blue is a romantic comedy about a British prince and the son of the President of the United States falling in love. It stars Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine as Alex and Henry. Book fans can appreciate how closely the movie follows the book on which it's based, and Galitzine and Perez's amazing on-screen chemistry. They expertly transport Alex and Henry from page to screen.

Red, White and Royal Blue and Bottoms are a perfect movie night combination because they show Galitzine’s acting versatility. He plays serious and earnest Henry in the Prime original and silly, silly Jeff in Bottoms.

Stream Red, White and Royal Blue on Prime Video.

Nicholas Galitzine continues to take on interesting projects that highlight his potential to eventually become a household name. Catch Nicholas Galitzine next starring alongside Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You and in the miniseries Mary & George. 

If you haven’t seen Bottoms, the hilarious sex comedy that made its wide release debut last weekend, stop what you’re doing and go buy a movie ticket now. The queer, female-led comedy centers on two unpopular best friends who start a high school fight club to meet girls and hopefully lose their virginity. It’s zany, raunchy and encapsulates the highs and lows of growing up and exploring who you are as a Gen-Z teenager. 

After leaving the theater and catching my breath from laughing so hard, I immediately started wracking my brain, wondering what other movies I could watch that would evoke a similar sense of Gen-Z panic and belonging in me. Thankfully, I ended up with an impressive list of Gen-Z humor and angst-ridden, female-led movies that certainly pair well with Bottoms. So, without further ado, here are seven movies to watch after Bottoms that are available to stream from home. 

Do Revenge (2022)

Released almost a year ago on Netflix, Do Revenge is a teen black comedy loosely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train. The movie centers on Drea (Camila Mendes), a popular student whose boyfriend leaks an intimate video of her to the entire school, and Eleanor (Maya Hawke), a transfer student who was falsely accused of forcibly kissing another girl at summer camp. The two outcast girls decide to team up and seek revenge on their assailants. 

Like Bottoms, Do Revenge is full of questionable choices and Gen-Z humor. Both movies also explore the intricacies of teenage female friendship and queer relationships, and they’re both directed and written by impressive women. Ironically though, Do Revenge has less death than Bottoms does.

Stream Do Revenge on Netflix. 

Booksmart (2019)

When it comes to talking about quintessential Gen-Z coming-of-age movies, Booksmart is often at the top of the list. The movie, which served as Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut,  follows two straight-A overachievers who discover that their classmates have managed to get into top-tier colleges while also enjoying their high school experience. Realizing the error in their ways, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) decide to cram four years worth of partying into the night before their high school graduation. 

Booksmart and Bottoms both share a love for raunchy comedy and foul mouth teenage girls, making it the perfect movie to check out after leaving the theater. They also both explore what it’s like for unpopular girls to suddenly get the attention of the more popular crowd. Additionally, Amy and Molly share much in common with Bottoms’ leads PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Aye Edebiri), as they struggle to understand each other despite being best friends for years. 

Rent/Buy Booksmart on Prime Video. 

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Despite being one of the earliest Gen-Z coming-of-age movies released, The Edge of Seventeen rarely gets the praise it deserves. Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) is already having a hard time navigating adolescence after the death of her beloved father, but it is made worse when her brother (Blake Jenner) starts dating her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson). After the two girls argue over the relationship, Nadine ends their friendship and turns to her favorite high school teacher for guidance. 

While The Edge of Seventeen is firmly in the coming-of-age genre, whereas Bottoms dives in and out of the genre, the two movies still have a lot of similarities to offer viewers. Aside from the obvious teen girl angst, they both also feature unlikely high school teacher mentors. 

Rent/Buy The Edge of Seventeen on Prime Video.

Unpregnant (2020)

Adapted from the book of the same name, Unpregnant follows two estranged best friends as they travel across the country to secure a safe and legal abortion. It all starts when Veronica (Haley Lu Richardson) gets caught taking a pregnancy test at school by her former best friend Bailey (Barbie Ferreira). After discovering that Missouri won’t let her get an abortion without parental consent, Veronica asks Bailey if she’ll drive her to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she doesn’t need parental permission to terminate her pregnancy. 

Though the stakes for the young girls in Unpregnant are tremendously higher than the ones Josie and PJ face in Bottoms, they are comparable. Not only do both movies explore the power of female friendship, but they also have rich subtexts that explore real-world problems girls are facing — like access to abortion and fighting the male patriarchy that runs rampant in high schools. Plus, like most Gen-Z coming-of-age stories, Unpregnant also dives into exploring and understanding one's sexuality. 

Stream Unpregnant on Max. 

Eighth Grade (2018) 

Popular YouTuber Bo Burnham made his debut as a writer and director with the release of the critically acclaimed coming-of-age movie Eighth Grade. Produced by A24, the movie follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher), a 13-year-old girl who is trying to end her middle school career on a high note after having a disastrous eighth-grade year. 

Though the characters in Eight Grade are much younger than those in Bottoms, a lot of the same themes are still relevant. Both movies explore teenage anxiety and uncertainty when it comes to dating. They are also sex-positive movies, with both showing that girls of all ages experience sexual tendencies just like their male counterparts, and that it’s not something that should be shameful. 

Stream Eighth Grade on Max.

You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah (2023)

One of the newest and best additions to the Gen-Z coming-of-age genre is the Sandler family-led You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah. Stacy (Sunny Sandler) is on the precipice of adulthood as she and her best friend Lydia (Samantha Lorraine) begin planning their epic Bat Mitzvahs. However, the girls’ tight friendship is tested when Lydia begins dating Stacy’s longtime crush, causing her to call off their friendship and un-invite Lydia to her big day. 

You’re So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah is a quintessential pre-teen angsty movie that has the power to become a classic amongst Gen-Z viewers. Though not nearly as raunchy as Bottoms, the movies do speak to Gen-Z audiences in the way they portray womanhood and all its ups and downs as a positive thing instead of a negative thing that shouldn’t be talked about. Both movies also explore the dynamics of popularity and how romantic relationships can jeopardize important platonic relationships. 

Stream You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah on Netflix. 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Though To All The Boys I've Loved Before is largely considered a teen romantic comedy and credited for revitalizing the romantic comedy genre, the movie is also a ripe Gen-Z coming-of-age story that still resonates with viewers even five years after its release. Not only is Lara Jean (Lana Condor) navigating her first fake/real relationship with Peter (Noah Centineo), but she's also growing into her own and learning to navigate the world without her older sister (Janel Parrish) constantly watching out for her. 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before is nowhere near as raunchy as Bottoms, but it does offer another side to the Gen-Z romantic experience. One that is built more on anxiety and pressure than on wanting to dive right in like Josie and PJ. Though much like Josie in Bottoms, Lara Jean also goes to great lengths to secure her first romantic relationship, which is why these movies pair well together. 

Stream To All The Boys I've Loved Before on Netflix. 

Bottoms might be breathing life into the coming-of-age genre as we speak, but these are just a few movies that came before it that have paved the way for an authentic Gen-Z coming-of-age experience. Who knows, maybe in 10 years, teenagers will be looking back at this era of movies the same way we look back at the '80s and '90s coming-of-age movies. If you're looking to return to movie theaters after having fun there this summer, check out our 2023 movie schedule to plan accordingly.

Over the years, Pride Month has become a beautiful and all-encompassing celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and everything it has done to make the world a better place for everyone, no matter their sexual identity, race, ethnicity, or religious preference. A great number of people honor the momentous occasion by participating in rallies, parades, and other events, but there are other ways to celebrate Pride Month, like checking out great LGBTQIA+ movies and shows on some of the best streaming services. 

So, in honor of Pride Month, we have put together a breakdown of what the major streaming platforms are doing to honor the occasion, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other specials that touch on a variety of topics and highlight different voices. Here are just a few of the options you can watch as we celebrate Pride Month.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon’s Pride section is full of great titles that honor different aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community. With an Amazon Prime subscription, you can access all the titles listed below as well as countless other movies, TV shows, and documentaries that range from comedy to drama and everything in between.

Bottoms (2023)

In 2023, Emma Seligman turned the teen sex comedy genre on its head with Bottoms, a biting satire following two teenage girls (played by Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri) who set up a fight club at their high school with the sole purpose of hooking up with cheerleaders.

One of the best Gen-Z coming-of-age comedies, this hilarious yet thoughtful comedy finds the perfect balance between crude humor and social commentary, creating an unforgettable and enjoyable experience in the process.

Stream Bottoms on Prime Video.

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

One of the biggest Amazon original movies of the past couple of years, Red, White & Royal Blue follows the first son of the United States (played by Taylor Zakhar Perez) and the spare to the British throne (played by Nicholas Galitzine) as they go from enemies to lovers after a public relations disaster. However, they are forced to keep their relationship a secret to not disrupt things for their respective families.

This beautifully crafted book-to-screen adaptation took the world by storm following its release, and for good reason. With great messages about following your heart and being true to yourself, there’s a lot to take away from it.

Stream Red, White & Royal Blue on Prime Video.

This Is Me (2015)

Released in 2015 in response to the successful Amazon original series, Transparent, This Is Me features a collection of short documentaries from five trans and gender-nonconforming filmmakers who touch on different aspects of their lives and personal journeys. Each documentary ranges anywhere from five to six minutes, with each having its own structure, tone, and message.

Stream This Is Me on Prime Video.

Disney+

The Disney+ Pride collection consists of three different sections — movies and shorts, series, and “Pride episodes” — that tackle a myriad of topics centered on the LGBTQIA+ community with everything from some of the best Marvel movies like Eternals, shows like Glee, and the titles we’re highlighting below. 

Growing Up (2022)

There are a ton of great documentaries and docuseries on Disney+, and Growing Up is one of them. Released back in 2022, this series created by Brie Larson and Culture House spent 10 episodes focusing on coming-of-age stories that are different in the sense that they follow different teenagers and 20-somethings, but similar in that they all dive into the experience of life.

Eye-opening as it is enchanting, this experimental and engaging docuseries is a great way to celebrate all aspects of the human experience.

Stream Growing Up on Disney+.

Out (2020)

One of the best entries in Disney+’s Sparkshorts animated anthology series, Out follows Greg, a young man who has yet to come out to his parents. Though his attempts to keep his secret from his parents have been successful for the most part, a random visit from his mom and dad quickly changes things. 

What follows is a short, sweet, and transformative (quite literally) adventure that ends with a great lesson that can be enjoyed by all.

Stream Out on Disney+.

Howard (2020)

One of few titles saved from Disney+’s May 2023 purge, the 2020 documentary, Howard, tells the story of Howard Ashman, the lyricist behind movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. This film is a touching love letter to the late songwriter and the animated films he helped make into classics.

Stream Howard on Disney+.

Pride From Above (2023)

The 2023 National Geographic documentary, Pride From Above, takes you on a globe-trotting adventure to some of the biggest Pride events on the planet. The history of the phenomenon, as well as in-depth looks at those epic parades and displays of creativity, are on full display in this documentary.

Stream Pride From Above on Disney+.

The Little Prince(ss) (2021)

Released as part of the Disney+ Launchpad program in 2021, The Little Prince(ss) is a short film about a young Chinese boy who makes a new friend at school. But when the new friend’s father doesn’t understand and refuses to accept the boy’s feminine behavior, the two classmates, and their friendship, are put to the ultimate test.

Stream The Little Prince(ss) on Disney+.

Max

Similar to the “Shine On” offerings in the past, anyone with a Max subscription can browse the streaming platform's massive Pride Month collection to access dozens of movies, shows, and specials from the service’s robust library. Below is just a sample of what you’ll find.

Moonlight (2016)

Barry Jenkins’ 2016 Best Picture winner is a film that everyone should watch at least once in their lives, if not more. Centering on the life and struggles of Chiron (Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Alex R. Hibbert) as he tries to find out who he is and his place in the world, this beautifully written and shot coming-of-age drama is a treasure.

Stream Moonlight on Max.

The Last Of Us (2023 - Present)

HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us is arguably the best video game show (or movie) of all time. Not only does it faithfully recreate one of the most beloved and successful horror games of the 21st century, but it also gave audiences “Long, Long Time,” a touching one-off episode about the unlikely connection and beautiful relationship shared by two survivors.

A landmark event in terms of storytelling and production, The Last of Us not only meets the hype, it exceeds it in every possible way.

Stream The Last of Us on Max.

Dicks: The Musical (2023)

Based on the off-Broadway sensation, Fucking Identical Twins, Larry Charles’ 2023 musical, Dicks: The Musical, centers on a pair of twins as they go to great lengths to get their parents back together. But, that’s where things get weird. Very, very weird.

What follows is one of the funniest, strangest, and most messed up musicals you’ll see on the big screen, or any screen, really. It’s wild, it’s heartfelt, and you’ll never look at a sewer the same way again.

Stream Dicks: The Musical on Max.

Transhood (2020)

Released in 2020, Transhood is a feature-length documentary that spends a considerable amount of time with four transgender children – ages four, seven, 12, and 15 – as they, and their friends and families, attempt to navigate life and “redefine coming-of-age” in Kansas City.

Stream Transhood on Max.

Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel (2022)

One of the best options for fans of Jerrod Carmichael, the comedian’s 2022 HBO comedy special, Rothaniel, is as poignant and raw as it is hilarious. Over the course of the 50-minute routine, the remarkable artist leaves nothing on the table and lets out his biggest, and most personal revelation to date.

Stream Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel on Max.

Hulu

Once again, Hulu is home to a plethora of LGBTQIA+ content. In the past, we pointed out titles like Pride, Changing the Game, and Love, Victor, and this year we have even more movies and shows to check out as you celebrate Pride Month. Let’s take a look at just three of the titles worth watching with your Hulu subscription.

Fire Island (2022)

If you’re looking for a sexually explicit Hulu movie that pushes all kinds of boundaries, Fire Island is going to do the trick. Andrew Ahn’s 2022 romantic comedy is loud, proud, and vulgar as all hell with a story that’s pretty much a balls-to-the-wall take on Pride and Prejudice.

When a group of friends go to Fire Island, where anything and everything can happen, they find themselves on an eye-opening and unforgettable experience for the ages.

Stream Fire Island on Hulu.

Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

Kimberly Peirce’s 1999 biographical drama tells the story of Brandon Teena (Hilary Swank), an American trans man at the center of one of the darkest and most tragic moments in the LGBTQIA+ movement. The movie is undeniably unsettling, but it’s also a story that we need to hear to better understand the world around us.

Stream Boys Don’t Cry on Hulu.

All Of Us Strangers (2023)

All of Us Strangers, Andrew Haigh’s adaptation of Taichi Yamada’s Strangers, follows a lonely screenwriter (played by Andrew Scott) as he strikes up an intimate relationship with his neighbor (played by Paul Mescal) while also attempting to come to terms with his parents’ passing decades earlier.

What follows is a mesmerizing and transfixing experience as a man begins to have detailed and lifelike visions on his journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Stream All of Us Strangers on Hulu.

Pose (2018 - 2021)

Set in 1980s New York City, the FX musical drama series, Pose, dives head-first into the Big Apple and its booming ball culture, as well as all the interconnected lives of its most prominent figures.

Stream Pose on Hulu.

Netflix

Netflix is constantly coming out with new and special features for subscribers, and in June 2024, the popular streaming service is offering up a Pride Month collection that highlights some of the best movies, shows, and specials on the platform. Here are some of the titles available for anyone with a Netflix subscription. 

Rustin (2023)

A must-watch Black movie for Pride Month, Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo) as he attempts to find himself and his place in the world leading up to the iconic March on Washington. This touching portrait of the oft-overshadowed civil rights activist is stunning in its scope and scale, though it never loses its intimacy or careful touch.

Stream Rustin on Netflix.

Nyad (2023)

The 2023 Netflix original biopic, Nyad, follows swimmer Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) as she attempts to swim the Straits of Florida, a passage between Florida and Cuba. Though the monumental feat is a major part of this story, it’s not the only part, as the film dives deep into the testy relationship shared by Nyad and her former partner, Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster). 

What follows is a triumph of both human endurance and human spirit, as the aging swimmer pushes through the surf to make history and make something of herself.

Stream Nyad on Netflix.

Nimona (2023)

One of the best 2023 animated movies, Nimona was saved by Netflix, and the world is a better place because of it. This Oscar-nominated film, which is set in what can best be described as a futuristic medieval world, follows a disgraced knight (Riz Ahmed) and a mysterious shapeshifter (played by Chloë Grace Moretz) who can help him clear his name. 

Filled with tremendous animation and some great LGBTQIA+ themes, this is a movie that resonates.

Stream Nimona on Netflix.

Sex Education (2019 - 2023)

The Netflix original series, Sex Education, centers on Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), the awkward teenage son of a sex therapist (Gillian Anderson) who takes his mother’s work and findings to open a sex therapy clinic at his high school and helps his friends and classmates overcome a myriad of issues.

Stream Sex Education on Netflix.

Pray Away (2021)

The 2021 documentary, Pray Away, follows former leaders and survivors of a conversion therapy program as they come to terms with their respective roles in the movement and speak out against the very tactics they once used long ago.

Stream Pray Away on Netflix.

Paramount+

Anyone with a Paramount+ subscription will notice a new collection of movies, TV shows, and documentaries on the homepage throughout Pride Month 2024. The Paramount+ Pride Month collection has a little bit of everything, like the titles found below… 

Carol (2015)

Todd Haynes’s 2015 historical romantic drama, Carol, centers on the forbidden relationship shared by a glamorous and wealthy woman (played by Cate Blanchett) and a young, aspiring photographer (Rooney Mara) in 1950s New York City. Going against the status quo and sticking their noses up at social norms, the pair risk it all for a shot at love.

Stream Carol on Paramount+.

Rocketman (2019)

One of the best music biopics in quite some time, Rocketman tells the story of Elton John (Taron Egerton) as he transforms himself into a musical pioneer and pop culture sensation. Detailing the good, the bad, and everything in between of the Grammy-winning singer’s life and career, Dexter Fletcher’s inventive musical paints a brilliant picture of the man, the myth, the legend.

Stream Rocketman on Paramount+.

Mean Girls (2024)

Much like the original 2004 film and the Broadway musical on which this movie is based, Mean Girls is a celebration of being yourself and breaking free from the social norms and constraints of high school. Empowering, hilarious, heartfelt, and filled with some catchy tunes, this is a reimagining that truly breaks the mold.

Stream Mean Girls on Paramount+.

Three Months (2022)

The 2022 comedy, Three Months, follows high school senior Caleb (Troye Sivan) as he finds out he has been exposed to HIV just before his graduation. During the three-month period between exposure and finding out his definitive results, the South Florida teenager attends a support group and strikes up an unlikely romance.

Stream Three Months on Paramount+.

RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009 - Present)

RuPaul has long been one of the most recognizable and iconic drag queens around thanks to his electric personality and multiple TV shows. One of the best is RuPaul’s Drag Race, the long-running competition series that sees contestants transform themselves into incredibly fabulous personas that rival the famous drag queen.

Stream RuPaul’s Drag Race on Paramount+.

Peacock

And then there is Peacock, which offers those with a Peacock subscription access to tons of great movies, shows, and documentaries. The library of titles is vast and encompasses all kinds of genres. Here’s just a small sampling…

Queer As Folk (2022)

In 2022, Peacock brought back Queer as Folk with a new reimagining of the classic British TV series of the same name. Set in New Orleans instead of Manchester, England, this drama series spent eight episodes with a diverse group of friends impacted by a devastating shooting at their beloved nightclub. They attempt to pick up the broken pieces of their lives while making sense of the world around them.

Stream Queer as Folk on Peacock.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

In 2005, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal played friends-turned-lovers in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain. One of the biggest movies of the early 2000s and a conversation starter for years to come, this decades-spanning romantic drama paints a beautiful picture of two rugged cowboys who just can’t quit each other, no matter how hard they try.

Stream Brokeback Mountain on Peacock.

TransAmerica (2021)

The 2021 special, TransAmerica follows journalist Joe Fryer as he dives into and breaks down various state laws that discriminate against transgender citizens as well as lawmakers, allies, and others who are making great strides in making the country a better place to live in for everyone, no matter their sexuality or identity. 

Stream TransAmerica on Peacock.

Light In The Water (2018)

Light in the Water tells the story of the West Hollywood Aquatics Club, the first openly gay swim team and polo team, from its humble beginnings in 1982 all the way into modern times with a focus on its members and how they made an impact on the sports community and society as a whole.

Stream Light in the Water on Peacock.

This is just a very small portion of all the great LGBTQIA+ stories that are worth checking out even after Pride Month 2024 has come and gone.