As we enter the month of June, the world celebrates Pride Month in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. This month is a time to recognize and commemorate the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. It is a time to promote awareness, acceptance, and equality for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
One way to celebrate Pride Month is through watching LGBTQ+ themed horror movies. Horror films have always been a reflection of societal fears and anxieties, and LGBTQ+ themes in horror movies have been used as a tool to explore issues and challenges faced by the community. From iconic classics to modern masterpieces, here are 10 essential LGBTQ+ themed horrors to watch this Pride Month.
1. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
This cult classic musical is a must-watch for any Pride Month celebration. It tells the story of a newly engaged couple who stumble upon a strange castle filled with eccentric characters led by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a bisexual alien from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. With its catchy songs and over-the-top characters, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” celebrates sexuality and gender fluidity in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
2. “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge” (1985)
Considered one of the first mainstream horror movies with a gay protagonist, “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2” follows Jesse, a teenage boy who is possessed by Freddy Krueger. The film has been analyzed for its homoerotic undertones and themes of repressed homosexuality. It also features a gay bar scene, making it a groundbreaking film for its time.
3. “Hellbent” (2004)
This slasher film centers around a group of gay friends who are being stalked by a masked killer during West Hollywood’s Halloween festival. “Hellbent” is notable for being one of the first horror films to feature a gay protagonist and a predominantly LGBTQ+ cast. It also portrays the characters’ sexual orientation as a natural part of their lives rather than a plot device.
4. “Jennifer’s Body” (2009)
Starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, this horror-comedy tells the story of a high school student who becomes possessed by a demon after a botched sacrifice by a rock band. The film has been praised for its representation of female sexuality and subversion of the male gaze. It also features a lesbian kiss between the two main characters, challenging traditional horror movie tropes.
5. “The Babadook” (2014)
While not explicitly an LGBTQ+ film, “The Babadook” has been interpreted by many as an allegory for the experience of coming out and accepting one’s true identity. The film follows a single mother and her young son who are terrorized by a mysterious entity called the Babadook. The film cleverly uses horror elements to depict the internal struggles faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community.
6. “It Follows” (2014)
This critically acclaimed horror movie follows a teenage girl who is being pursued by a supernatural entity after having sex with her boyfriend. The film has been analyzed as a commentary on the stigma surrounding female sexuality, as well as exploring themes of sexual orientation and societal pressures. Its portrayal of queer characters is refreshingly natural, with their sexuality being just one aspect of their identities.
7. “The Handmaiden” (2016)
Directed by Park Chan-wook, this South Korean psychological thriller is based on the novel “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters. Set in the 1930s, it tells the story of a con artist who falls in love with her wealthy employer’s niece. The film beautifully explores themes of love, power, and desire, while also depicting the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a conservative society.
8. “Raw” (2016)
This French-Belgian horror film centers around a young woman who develops an insatiable craving for meat after being forced to eat raw rabbit liver as part of a college hazing ritual. The film has been praised for its exploration of female sexuality and desires, as well as its portrayal of queer relationships. It also challenges societal expectations and stereotypes, making it a must-watch for Pride Month.
9. “Thelma” (2017)
This Norwegian supernatural thriller follows a young woman attending university in Oslo who discovers she has telekinetic powers. As she explores her newfound abilities, she also starts to explore her sexuality and falls in love with another female student. The film beautifully intertwines themes of coming of age, self-discovery, and LGBTQ+ representation.
10. “The Perfection” (2019)
This psychological horror film revolves around two former cellists who reunite and embark on a twisted journey of revenge and redemption. While not an explicitly LGBTQ+ movie, it features queer characters and explores themes of abuse, trauma, and sexual liberation. Its depiction of complex and flawed queer characters is a refreshing addition to the horror genre.
In conclusion, these 10 essential LGBTQ+ themed horrors are just a small selection of the many films that celebrate and represent the diverse experiences of the community. This Pride Month, let us not only celebrate but also educate ourselves about the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community through the powerful medium of horror movies.
