Top 5 Bisexual Films of All Time
Ranking the greatest films that prominently feature bisexual characters or themes
5. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
One of the most controversial and critically-acclaimed films of 2017, this coming-of-age romantic drama between Elio, 17, and Oliver, 24, is set amidst the lush, summer backdrop of northern Italy. The age gap between its two male leads justifiably raised concerns among some viewers. But the quality of the film’s script, acting, soundtrack, and cinematography garnered near-universal praise.
Bisexual Angle: Like other films on this list, Call Me by Your Name is often portrayed as a gay love story. However, both Oliver and Elio pursue members of both sexes over the course of the story.
4. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
The recipient of possibly the greatest “Best Picture” snub in Oscars history, Brokeback Mountain is a masterpiece drama by legendary director Ang Lee. Set in the American West between 1963–1983, the film captures the highs and lows of a secret affair between cowboys Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist. The film is widely credited with helping bring LGBT storylines into the mainstream of both film and popular culture.
Bisexual Angle: Although it’s commonly referred to as “The Gay Cowboy Movie”, Brokeback Mountain’s leads are both married to women and there has been considerable debate about their sexuality.
3. Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Another controversial yet critically-acclaimed film, Blue is the Warmest Color follows the multi-year, tumultuous relationship between Adèle and Emma in Lille, France. At nearly three hours in length, the film’s depth and realism entranced most viewers, although some had a problem with its especially graphic sex scenes. Even so, the breakout performances of the two female leads was undeniable — the Canne Film Festival awarded its main prize to both of them jointly in a history-making decision.
Bisexual Angle: Blue’s main character, Adèle, has multiple romantic encounters with men in addition to her relationship with Emma.
2. Moonlight (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
This Best Picture award winner at the 2016 Oscars has featured on lists of the greatest films of the 21st century. It follows main character Chiron, a Black boy questioning his sexuality, as he grows up amidst harsh conditions in a Miami rife with poverty, bullying, addiction, prostitution, and violence. The film is difficult to watch at times and its masterful performances create an experience that is equal parts haunting and compelling.
Bisexual Angle: Moonlight strongly suggests main character Chiron is gay, but his childhood friend and love interest Kevin (who he later encounters as an adult) is portrayed as bisexual.
1. Y tu mamá también (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Teenaged best friends Julio and Tenoch convince the older woman Luisa to join them on an epic road trip to the ocean in this powerful film about youth, friendship, sexuality, and the state of Mexico around the turn of the 21st century. It is simply the most beautiful and nostalgia-inducing film I have ever seen.
Bisexual Angle: Although the two male leads are both portrayed as straight for the vast majority of the film, their mutual attraction to one another is an underlying and unresolved theme of the story.
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