TL;DR
- Nine unrated LGBTQ movies to watch
- Filmmakers avoid NC-17 ratings
- Explores themes of queer sexuality
- Includes films with unsimulated sex
- Find out where to stream them
When it comes to LGBTQ cinema, the ratings game can be a real drag. Many boundary-pushing filmmakers have thrown caution to the wind and decided to release their films as unrated rather than risk the dreaded NC-17 rating. Why? Because let’s face it, an NC-17 rating is like a commercial kiss of death. It’s a label that can lead to theaters banning the film and makes advertising a total nightmare. So, what’s a daring director to do? Here’s a list of nine unrated LGBTQ movies that are not just provocative but downright essential viewing.
First up, we have Shortbus, the dramedy from John Cameron Mitchell that features actors having real sex on screen. Critics might have called it pornographic, but Mitchell defended his work, stating that the sex is “de-eroticized.” The film follows a diverse group of New Yorkers connecting in an underground artistic salon. Where to watch? You can catch it on PlutoTV.
Next, we have the stunning Y tu mamá también (2001). This film follows two teenage boys on a summer road trip with a beautiful older woman, leading to a sexual awakening that includes a memorable threesome scene. The MPAA wasn’t having it, though, and the film had to skip the rating system altogether. Stream it on Netflix.
Then there’s Rotting in the Sun (2023), a tragicomedy that pulls no punches when it comes to depicting gay sex and hook-up culture. With an abundance of full-frontal male nudity, this film opted for the unrated route to maintain its artistic integrity. You’ll see Sebastián Silva playing a depressed filmmaker navigating life on a gay nudist beach.
https://www.netflix.com/watch/60023237?source=35
Below Her Mouth (2016) is another must-see. This erotic lesbian film showcases a torrid affair between a fashion editor and a female roofer, complete with tribbing and strap-on scenes. It’s a celebration of queer love that would have definitely earned an NC-17 rating had it gone through the MPAA.
Don’t miss The Big Gay Musical (2009), a delightful musical comedy about two men starring in a blasphemous musical about Adam and Eve. This indie gem decided to skip the MPAA to save on marketing costs. And then there’s Stranger by the Lake (2013), an erotic French thriller that explores love and danger at a popular gay cruising spot. It’s graphic but dives deeper into themes of loneliness.
I Want Your Love (2012) is another film that blurs the lines between art and adult content, featuring real sex scenes among friends. It’s a bittersweet tale of love and loss in San Francisco. The film Interior. Leather. Bar. (2013) reconstructs lost scenes from William Friedkin’s Cruising and also opted out of the MPAA rating to avoid censorship.
Finally, Show Me Love (1998) is a sapphic coming-of-age film that, despite lacking explicit content, was released unrated due to fears of an NC-17 rating stemming from its frank discussions about sex. It’s a classic that resonates with many.
So there you have it! Nine unrated LGBTQ films that boldly defy the MPAA’s restrictive ratings system. Whether you’re in the mood for steamy romance or thought-provoking narratives, these films are a testament to the power of queer storytelling. Check them out and celebrate the artistry that thrives outside the confines of conventional ratings!
For more steamy recommendations, don’t forget to check out our article on NC-17 Queer Films You Must Watch that broke barriers and made waves!