The world of Japanese LGBTQ+ films is thriving like never before. From tender love stories to bold explorations of queer identity, Japan’s filmmakers are bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to the forefront of cinema. In 2025, that spotlight is shining even brighter, with exciting new releases premiering at festivals and beloved classics finding a second life on global streaming platforms. For anyone interested in queer cinema, culture, or representation, this year offers an incredible lineup.
Here’s our curated list of the must-watch Japanese LGBTQ+ films in 2025.
1. Tiger (2025)
A brand-new release, Tiger follows Taiga Katagiri, a closeted gay masseuse in Tokyo who struggles with family obligations when his father falls ill.
- Why watch it: One of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ films of 2025, tackling themes of family, secrecy, and queer identity.
2. Close-Knit (2017)
This heartfelt family drama tells the story of a young girl who bonds with her uncle and his transgender girlfriend, Rinko.
- Why watch it: A rare and sensitive portrayal of transgender life in Japanese cinema.
- Where to watch
3. The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese (2020)
Based on the manga by Setona Mizushiro, the film follows the complex relationship between two men caught between love, betrayal, and societal expectations.
- Why watch it: A beautifully acted gay romance that bridges mainstream and queer cinema.
- Where to watch
4. Funeral Parade of Roses (1969)
An experimental classic set in Tokyo’s 1960s queer and drag underground.
- Why watch it: A cult film that remains a groundbreaking portrayal of queer life in Japan.
- Where to watch
5. Athlete (2019)
A drama about a middle-aged man discovering his sexuality and navigating the challenges of coming out later in life.
- Why watch it: Honest storytelling about modern gay life in Japan.
- Where to watch
6. High Heels Revolution (2016)
A docudrama about Natsuki Majikina’s gender transition during her school years, exploring how attitudes toward trans people have shifted.
- Why watch it: Balances documentary and drama to give a personal, cultural perspective.
- Where to watch
7. Queer Japan (2019)
A documentary showcasing queer life across Japan, featuring drag performers, activists, and artists.
- Why watch it: Offers a wide lens on the country’s diverse LGBTQ+ communities.
- Where to watch
8. Beneath the Shadow (2020)
A quiet drama about a gay man living an ordinary life until an encounter changes his world.
- Why watch it: A subtle, introspective look at identity and human connection.
- Where to watch
9. While Lily (2016)
A passionate drama about a widow and her protégé who fall into an intense lesbian relationship.
- Why watch it: One of the few Japanese films focusing explicitly on lesbian desire.
- Where to watch
10. Ride or Die (2021)
Based on the manga Gunjō, this Netflix film follows two women on the run after a murder binds them together.
- Why watch it: A raw, bold story of love, trauma, and queer identity.
- Where to watch