Here are some of the best streaming films that you should watch with someone you love (or want to love):
Waves, dir. Trey Edward Shults (2019)
Quoted from A24’s website: “Waves traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family—led by a well-intentioned but domineering father—as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss.”
Watch on Tubi.
Tangerine, dir. Sean Baker (2015)
Only 24 hours out of jail, Sin-Dee recruits fellow sex worker Alexandra on a quest all over Los Angeles to find her cheating pimp boyfriend. Best friends will understand the chaos of this comedic fever dream.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video / Mubi.
Fallen Angels, dir. Wong Kar Wai (1995)
Set in 1995 Hong Kong, Fallen Angels features two intertwined storylines of longing and alienation — an assassin trying to go straight while his agent secretly yearns for him, and a mute delinquent who falls in love with a woman he keeps running into.
Watch on Criterion Channel / HBO Max.
Y Tu Mamá También, dir. Alfonso Cuarón (2001)
With their girlfriends gone for the summer, Julio and Tenoch embark on a road trip with an attractive older woman. The three form an intense sensual bond that ultimately strips each person physically and emotionally bare.
Watch on Apple TV / Amazon Prime.
Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심), dir. Park Chan Wook (2022)
A detective investigating a man’s accidental death becomes deeply enthralled with the deceased man’s wife (his prime suspect).
Watch on Mubi.
My Own Private Idaho, dir. Gus Van Sant (1991)
A loose retelling of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, two best friends hustling in Portland embark on an international journey of self discovery - only to find their relationship stumbling along the way.
Watch on Amazon Prime.
If Beale Street Could Talk, dir. Barry Jenkins (2018)
Based on James Baldwin’s 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk, a young pregnant woman and her family set out to prove that her falsely imprisoned childhood sweetheart is innocent. An emotionally arresting film on how to trust the many forms of love.
Long, Long Time - The Last of Us, Episode 3 dir. Peter Hoar (2023)
Not a movie, but rather a very recent 80 minute episode from that series about a fungi invasion / zombie infestation. We have reached peak saturation point for the apocalypse genre, but this is a beautifully sincere, mid-life queer love story that demands to be appreciated. For all of its gore and awkwardness, you will fall in love with Bill and Frank.
*Don’t worry about watching the rest of the series, just do not miss the Linda Ronstadt reference.
Watch on HBO Max.