Top 10 Gay Movies: A must-watch guide for Amsterdam’s Roze Filmdagen 2025
Karl Krause AMSTERDAM: Discover the must-watch gay movies of 2025 with our curated list. Dive into our top selections from the Roze Filmdagen and get the best viewing tips for queer and LGBTQ+ film fans. The post Top 10 Gay Movies: A must-watch guide for Amsterdam’s Roze Filmdagen 2025 appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
Amsterdam, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and rich cinematic heritage, is set to host another inspiring year at the Roze Filmdagen, the city’s premier LGBTQ+ film festival. This year, the festival’s lineup includes films that promise to captivate, challenge, and resonate deeply with both the local community and international visitors. Here’s an expansive guide to the top 10 gay movies of 2025, tailored for those planning to experience this cultural highlight, whether you’re residing in Amsterdam or visiting.
Top 10 Gay Movies at Roze Filmdagen 2025
Roze Filmdagen Amsterdam 2025 continues to showcase the richness of LGBTQ+ cinema, offering an unparalleled platform to experience the diversity of queer narratives. This year, immerse yourself in a vibrant selection of films that highlight exceptional performances from gay, lesbian, and queer actors. Join us for engaging panel discussions that delve into queer cultural themes within the film industry. The festival spans twelve exciting days starting March 19, 2025, and is hosted at Het Ketelhuis in Amsterdam’s Westerpark. Mark your calendars for this cinematic celebration, where inclusivity, representation, and artistic excellence create an unforgettable experience.
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#1 STREETS OF GLÓRIA – heartbeats of Rio’s queer scene | Brazil
(2024) – 103 min by Felipe Sholl
Ruas da glória – Experience the pulsating heart of Rio through ‘Streets of Glória’. This film follows Gabriel, a young teacher, exploring his identity in the neon-lit nights of Rio. His journey into the depths of the city’s queer culture and his intense relationship with Adriano, a male escort, paints a vivid picture of love and longing in urban Brazil. More about the movie here >
#2 LILIES NOT FOR ME – echoes of forbidden love | UK – South-Africa – USA – France
(2024) – 99 min by Will Seefried
Set against the backdrop of 1920s England, ‘Lilies Not For Me’ explores the secret and tumultuous love affair between two men during a time of extreme social repression. This film is not just a period piece but a poignant reflection on the enduring struggle for acceptance and love within the gay community. More about the movie here >
#3 EAT THE NIGHT – crime and passion in French underworld | France
(2024) – 106 min by Caroline Poggi / Jonathan Vinel
In ‘Eat the Night’, dive into the gritty underbelly of Le Havre where Pablo, a young hustler, navigates through crime and passion. This intense drama explores his complex relationship with Night, his savior and partner in crime, against a backdrop of an impending online world shutdown.. More about the movie here >
#4 THE TIME OF HUAN NAN – a tapestry of time and emotion | Taiwan
(2023) – 139 min by Leading Li
Huan nan shi hou – This visually stunning film, set in the lively Huan Nan Market, intricately weaves the lives of four friends in early ’90s Taiwan. Their story of friendship and hidden desires offers a unique glimpse into the challenges of gay love in a conservative society. More about the movie here >
#5 FIREWORKS – igniting love in Sicilian summer | Italy
(2023) – 134 min by Giuseppe Fiorello
Stranizza d’amuri – ‘Fireworks’ explores the journey of two young lovers in Sicily during the 1982 World Cup. Their blossoming romance becomes a beacon of hope and resistance against the conservative shackles of their community, providing a poignant look at the challenges of young love. More about the movie here >
#6 NO DOGS ALLOWED – a bold exploration of taboos | Germany
(2024) – 116 min by Steve Bach
‘No Dogs Allowed’ is a provocative German film that tackles the complex issue of pedophilia within the gay community through the eyes of Gabo, a teenager grappling with his identity and dangerous desires. This film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and the possibilities of understanding within taboo topics. More about the movie here >
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Best KLM Flight Offers
We have found attractive offers for flights worldwide and in Europe via Amsterdam with the gay-friendly KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. These include direct connections with KLM or its partner airlines Air France and Delta Air Lines in Economy, Premium Comfort and Business Class. *subject to availability / last check: Spring 2024
#7 B.O.Y. – bruises of yesterday – struggles of youth and love | Denmark
(2024) – 92 min by Søren Green
Glasskår – Set in the Danish countryside, ‘B.O.Y. – Bruises of Yesterday’ details the emotional summer of 16-year-old Tobias. As he deals with his family’s neglect and his growing feelings for Aron, the film delicately portrays the inner turmoil of young love and personal acceptance. More about the movie here >
#8 DUINO – unraveling a past love story | Argentina – USA – Italy
(2023) – 108 min by Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés P. Estrada
In ‘Duino’, follow Matias, an Argentine filmmaker, as he revisits an unresolved first love with his childhood friend, Alexander. Their story, set in the ’90s and revisited 25 years later, offers a deep dive into the long-lasting impact of love and memory. More about the movie here >
#9 SAD JOKES – finding laughter in adversity | Germany
(2024) – 99 min by Fabian Stumm
Joseph’s life in ‘Sad Jokes’ encompasses the complexities of single parenthood, personal aspirations, and new romantic beginnings in Berlin. The film masterfully blends humor with life’s darker moments, offering a poignant look at personal growth amid challenges. More about the movie here >
Gay Travel Index of 2024
The Berlin-based Spartacus informs LGBTQ+ and queer travelers about how gay-friendly a holiday destination is according to several ranking factors and criteria. Gay travelers can use the Gay Travel Index 2024 to prepare for their gaycation and as a guide when choosing a holiday destination. But which country ranks first? Where is it safe to travel to as a gay and LGBTQ+ traveler?
#10 BABY – defining family in urban Brazil | Brazil – France – The Netherlands
(2024) – 107 min by Marcelo Caetano
Set in São Paulo, ‘Baby’ explores Wellington’s tumultuous life post-juvenile detention. His encounter with Ronaldo, an older hustler, opens a new chapter of love, challenging both their notions of family and belonging in the sprawling urban landscape. More about this best gay movie in 2024 here >
Best of the 2024 RFD Edition
- Top 10 Lesbian Movies 2024
- Top 10 Queer Movies 2024
- Top 15 Gay Movies 2024
Travel tips for Amsterdam & the Netherlands
- Overview: Tips, Info, & Articles for “Roze Filmdagen Amsterdam” >
- Best of Amsterdam “Gay” Pride with Canal Parade >
- All you need to know about traveling to the Dutch capital Amsterdam >
- All you need to know for your Gay Travels to the Netherlands, Holland >
- Cruising tips: Amsterdam Cruising Guide >
- Gay Beach of Amsterdam: A trip to the naked beach in Zandvoort >
Plan your visit to the Roze Filmdagen with our Top 10 Gay Movies 2025
The top 10 gay movies of 2025 provide a panoramic view of LGBTQ+ life and love across different cultures and challenges. They promise not just entertainment but also deep, reflective experiences that resonate with anyone who cherishes the power of cinema to tell profound stories. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these films are essential viewing for anyone interested in the evolving narratives of the LGBTQ+ community.
Check Roze Filmdagen 2025’s program for all movies, films, and documentaries! Prices start as low as €12 (further reduction available).
Karl & Daan.
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Do you want to know and see more of us gay couple travel bloggers? Stay tuned on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook! See you in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and around the world! This year again, it is possible to support the Amsterdam LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2025 with two different kinds of memberships (website in NL/EN).
Option 1: Become a Pink Member. You can support the Amsterdam LGBTQ+ Film Festival by becoming a member; a one-year membership is €55. A Pink member gets yearly discounts for festivals and events the RFD cooperates with, such as Ketelhuis Queer Screenings.
Option 2: Become a Platinum Member. Want to go all in? Then, become a Platinum Member. For €750, you’ll be our guest at the opening and receive a personal passepartout for all screenings during the festival.
The post Top 10 Gay Movies: A must-watch guide for Amsterdam’s Roze Filmdagen 2025 appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
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