10 LGBT Films Every (Gay or) Straight Person Should Watch

• Cabaret

  [Photo Credit: Allied Artists]

• Paris Is Burning

  [Photo Credit: Miramax Films]

• Philadelphia

  [Photo Credit: TriStar Pictures]

• The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

  [Photo Credit: Gramercy Pictures]

• Gods and Monsters

  [Photo Credit: Lions Gate Films]

• Boys Don’t Cry

  [Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight]

• Hedwig & the Angry Inch

  [Photo Credit: New Line Cinema]

• Brokeback Mountain

  [Photo Credit: Focus Features]

• Milk

  [Photo Credit: Focus Features]

• Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement

  [Photo Credit: Breaking Glass Pictures]

With Pride, a film about gay and lesbian activists who come to the aide of families affected by the 1984 UK miners’ strike, storming into theaters with positive fanfare and critical accolades, it may easily find its way among the top LGBT films out there today. For those who might scratch their head when it comes to queer cinema — yes there’s more than Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain — it’s time to catch up! While the list of the best gay films is a long and debatable one, we rounded up 10 essential movies that everyone — gay or straight — should watch.

If you haven’t already, check out the trailer for Pride, which is in select theaters now.