In this post, we’ll be diving into the world of old lesbian movies. Get ready to explore some groundbreaking movies from the 80’s and 90’s lesbian movies, or even earlier, that pushed the boundaries of sexual expression.
If you’re a fan of classic lesbian movies that delve into the depths of emotions, then you absolutely have to check out the recommendations that follow.
Old Lesbian Movies
1. The Children’s Hour (1961)
Out of all the films I’ve come across that explore homosexuality, this one truly shines with its sincerity.
With a serious and profound tone, it exudes a sense of gravity. In America during the 1960s, the media started discussing homosexuality more openly. However, it wasn’t until 1969 that there was any real change in legislative and societal perspectives.
In the old lesbian movie, society’s fear and revulsion towards homosexuality are depicted as a plague. Traditional older women would deny them access to their homes.
Martha’s emotional confession to Wright is far from tender or romantic; it’s filled with despair and turmoil, a sentiment that she herself is deeply troubled by.
William Whler’s film is truly groundbreaking, thanks to its unwavering portrayal.
2. The War Widow (1976)
“The War Widow” explores the topic of lesbianism, which was quite progressive for a film released in 1976.
The story revolves around the deeply joyful love and captivating, nostalgic romance between two American women during the First World War, beautifully portrayed by Pamela Bellwood and Frances Lee McCain.
3. Aimée & Jaguar (1999)
Aimée & Jaguar is based on fact, as it explores a Nazi officer’s wife who meets and starts a passionate affair with a Jewish woman amidst the tumultuous era of Nazi Germany in Berlin during World War II.
The romance that flourishes in such a confined setting is filled with a captivating intensity. This film received a nomination for a 1999 Golden Globe Award and was Germany’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. It is known for its avant-garde style and explores themes of Lesbian German Movies.
During the interview, the director provided a thought-provoking analysis of why the female characters exhibit a heightened sense of tension in comparison to their male counterparts.
According to the director, women tend to experience a wider range of emotions and experiences. Women experience a greater sense of contradiction and ambivalence in life, making them a rich source of dramatic material.
4. Olivia / The Pit of Loneliness (1951)
With its groundbreaking status as the first French lesbian movie, this movie pleasantly surprised viewers by avoiding any sense of mystery or boredom.
Instead, it offered a delightful and heartwarming experience that had the audience frequently bursting into laughter. The characters truly shine with their vibrant personalities, ranging from the fiery principal to the insatiable teacher and the lazy educator.
The costumes and scenery are absolutely breathtaking, with ensemble scenes executed flawlessly. The expression of emotions is conveyed with a bold and straightforward approach, which is greatly influenced by the era’s strong emphasis on theatricality in acting.
On the whole, it was a really enjoyable watch.
5. Girls in Uniform (Mädchen in Uniform) (1931)
Girls in Uniform (Mädchen in Uniform) is a 1931 German romantic drama film that was adapted from the play Yesterday and Today (Gestern und Heute) by Christa Winsloe.
Following the passing of her mother, Manuela, a teenager, is sent to a boarding school overseen by the strict Principal. Manuela, who initially kept to herself because of her grief and anger from being sent away, finds solace and connection with her compassionate teacher, Elizabeth.
However, when Manuela’s admiration for her teacher transforms into a romantic infatuation, it quickly becomes a scandal that spreads throughout the entire school.
Thanks to the old lesbian movie’s bold and unapologetic exploration of lesbian themes, the film is a true gem of avant-garde cinema, with its captivating black and white imagery, deliberate pacing, intricate storylines, and a beautifully portrayed lesbian subplot.
This film is one of the pioneering works in German Lesbian Movies that explores the theme of same-sex and May-December love between women. This is a must-see for all fans of classic black-and-white old lesbian movies.
6. Desert Hearts (1985)
This highly acclaimed film is said to be the first of its kind, focusing on a lesbian love story. Additionally, it is a low-budget, independent production.
The story takes place in the 1950s in the United States, a period when divorce was generally looked down upon. Released in 1985 with a modest budget of $350,000, “Desert Hearts” became a groundbreaking lesbian love story that gained widespread theatrical distribution.
This captivating piece of work has managed to touch the hearts of countless viewers with its charm, wit, and honest portrayal of women’s desires. It has not only entertained audiences but also opened their eyes to the possibility of happiness in same-sex relationships, defying the stereotype of inevitable sorrow.
This well-known and influential piece established the foundation for the abundance of content centered around lesbian themes that came after.
7. It’s in the Water (1997)
The old lesbian movie takes place in a charming town called Azalea Springs, which unexpectedly gains national attention due to strange rumors about its water supply having the ability to change the sexual orientation of its residents.
Speculating about this unlikely scenario stirs up chaos and self-reflection among the residents, forcing them to confront their prejudices and anxieties about homosexuality directly.
“It’s in the Water” is a 1997 American indie film that perfectly captures the essence of LGBTQ+ cinema during that era.
8. Bound (1996)
“Bound” remains one of my absolute favorite classic lesbian movies of all time.
The reason I love it so much is because of its gripping and suspenseful storyline, full of tension and surprising twists. The two leading ladies bring a unique and captivating sensuality and charm to the screen.
Two women, both facing challenges, instantly connect and embark on a journey to create a fresh start, devising a seemingly straightforward plan that turns out to be a brilliant scheme to reclaim the gang’s money and disrupt their lives.
9. Queen Christina (1933)
Queen Christina, in reality, was not renowned for her physical appearance. However, she is celebrated as an iconic figure in history, on par with Cleopatra in terms of fame, and she was one of the few rulers who made the decision to step down from power.
Just imagine a picturesque scene: a land engulfed in snowstorms, and yet, someone daringly serenades their lover with a banjo, as if transported to a warm evening in Spain.
Antonio’s musings in the old lesbian movie capture this unlikely scenario perfectly. Perhaps it was the challenging climate that shaped the extraordinary personality of this remarkable queen.
10. Coup de foudre (1983)
When it comes to the French old lesbian movie title “Coup de foudre,” it’s interesting to note that it directly translates to “love at first sight.” The word “Coup” represents a sudden strike, while “foudre” refers to lightning.
Encountering someone who gives you an unexpected jolt of electricity is an incredibly rare event, capable of completely changing the trajectory of your life.
The story of Lena (Isabelle Huppert) and Madeleine (Miou-Miou), two women navigating the chaos of World War II, finding each other, understanding each other, and helping one another, is told in a subtle and mysterious way.
Only at the end of the film is the truth about their relationship revealed, drawing inspiration from the director’s own childhood experiences.
11. Bilitis (1977)
David Hamilton, the director, started his career as a photographer and later relocated to France. The large-scale, aesthetic nude photos of young girls stirred up quite a bit of controversy in both the UK and the US. This movie marks his first time directing a film, It’s also a very 70’s-style teenage lesbian movie.
With stunning visuals, this film captures the tender and intense admiration of the young girl Bilitis for the mature woman Melissa. Within the confines of a girls’ boarding school, Bilitis finds herself captivated by Melissa, instantly smitten and yearning for the attention of this sophisticated lady.
On the other hand, Melissa finds herself in a challenging relationship, despite being married. Despite briefly embracing Bilitis’s enthusiasm, she ultimately decides to betray her husband and get involved with the photographer Lucas.
From Bilitis’s point of view, the film beautifully captures her longing for love, her deep emotions of anger and pain when betrayed, and the way a girl’s feelings can fade away when faced with harsh reality.
This old lesbian movie beautifully weaves together a carefully crafted storyline and a visually stunning aesthetic, creating a poignant and bittersweet tale of love. It skillfully captures both the innocence and sadness of the protagonist’s romance, while also offering a glimpse into the intricate and multifaceted nature of adulthood.
12. Je, tu, il, elle (1974)
Upon initial examination, the story may appear to jump between three sections, but it delves into the profound exploration of modern isolation.
It depicts a world where the presence of sugar goes unnoticed, where deep truths are only shared with unfamiliar faces, and where a beautiful story of same-sex love unfolds.
The old lesbian movie’s structure showcases Chantal Akerman’s impressive control, especially in the first segment. Here, the use of numerous still frames resembles the artistry of fine photography.
13. Les Biches (1968)
Step into a world of secrets and scandal as the affluent and open-minded Frederique (played by Stéphane Audran) entices the young Parisian street artist Why (portrayed by Jacqueline Sassard) into a whirlwind romance, whisking her away to a luxurious villa in St. Tropez for the winter.
Architect Paul Thomas (Jean-Louis Trintignant) finds himself entangled with both women. As Frederique discovers Why’s deep love for Paul Thomas, she can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. This leads her to embark on a series of provocative mind games that involve all three of them.
From the very beginning, I couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between Frederique and Why.
As the story unfolded, I was delighted to see Why not only imitated Frederique’s style and mannerisms but also went as far as to borrow her clothes.
They can’t truly be labeled as gay, as Why points out, “We share the same hair, the same skin color, the same expression – how could I not be fond of you?”
They went from being attracted to each other to becoming jealous, and ultimately, their rivalry led to their downfall. It’s a classic case of two strong forces clashing and causing their own destruction.
14. High Art (1998)
Sid defies the typical beauty standards often portrayed in movies with lesbian themes. Yet, her charm becomes evident as the story progresses. Lucy, on the other hand, has completely won me over with her undeniable sense of style.
Her appearance may be a bit rugged and her frame somewhat lean, but there’s no denying that she exudes a captivating allure.
15. Revoir Julie (1998)
Time has flown by, but the memories of their younger days still hold a special place in their hearts, beautifully preserved with all the emotions intact.
Their conversations over drinks and playful flirting are incredibly delightful. It’s interesting how effortlessly people switch between English and French, without it seeming awkward.
It really shows how comfortable they are with both languages. Indeed, the intricacies of mature love are much more fascinating to witness, as opposed to the hormone-fueled infatuations of youth.
16. When Night Is Falling (1995)
Following “Listening to the Mermaids Sing,” “As Night Falls” is director Patricia Rozema’s next venture into the complex dynamics of relationships, delving into the intersections between heterosexual and homosexual connections.
The title is inspired by the closing lines of Ingmar Bergman’s “Fanny and Alexander”: “As night falls, malevolent spirits multiply around us…”
This ambiance suggests that the film has the potential to tell a story that is both captivatingly mysterious and daringly controversial.
17. The Investigator (1997)
Based on real events, this old lesbian movie provides an authentic portrayal of the experiences of the LGBT community in England at that time.
With a wealth of factual incidents and data, this piece effectively captures the perspectives of both the investigators and the investigated.
The author’s keen focus on the harrowing experience of living in perpetual fear and watchfulness is evident. The film fearlessly portrays the unrestrained and unlawful techniques of interrogation and investigation that are encountered.
18. Die Konkurrentin (1997)
It’s truly remarkable how a film from 1997 was crafted with such forward-thinking. The old lesbian movie story progresses through a series of stages, starting with acquaintance and leading to competition, collaboration, and ultimately romance.
It skillfully challenges the idea put forth by the female protagonist’s husband that women need men to act as intermediaries.
As this supposed mediation continues, men become less and less involved.
There is a noticeable contrast between these vintage lesbian movies and the modern ones when it comes to the absence of the fast-food romance mode.
Immersing oneself in the depths of the film reveals the director and screenwriter’s subtle examination and exploration during a less enlightened era.
These movies are exceptional works that I believe are the best lesbian films ever. They truly deserve to be appreciated over and over again.
If you like these Classic American and European lesbian movies, you can also check out these classic Japanese lesbian movies. Ukiyo-e, the language of the Orient, has its own charm.
