A Swedish-Georgian film about a male dancer in a homophobic society, but its secondary romance between two women (the main character’s sister and her girlfriend) offers a powerful parallel narrative of women seeking women in repressive environments. Not strictly a “girlfriends film” but contains essential queer female representation. 5. The Chambermaid (Mexico) Runtime: 102 minutes Director: Lila Avilés
While not exclusively a romance, Booksmart features one of the most delightful teen lesbian subplots in recent memory. Molly (Beanie Feldstein) has a crush on her classmate (Skye) and the film treats her sexuality as matter-of-fact and joyful. It’s a buddy comedy at heart, but the “women seeking women” moments are authentic and hilarious. Perfect for those wanting a lighthearted, new take on high school girlfriends. 3. Tell It to the Bees (UK) Runtime: 106 minutes Director: Annabel Jankel
Set in 1950s Scotland, this drama stars Anna Paquin as a doctor and Holliday Grainger as a single mother who forms a forbidden romantic bond. The film was released in 2019 and gained a cult following for its aching portrayal of two women seeking each other against societal pressure. Classic “girlfriends” period drama with emotional weight. 4. And Then We Danced (Sweden/Georgia) Runtime: 113 minutes Director: Levan Akin
In the landscape of modern cinema, few themes have grown as swiftly and meaningfully as stories about women seeking women. 2019, in particular, stood out as a landmark year for lesbian, bisexual, and queer female-driven narratives. From tender independent dramas to bold international features, the year offered a rich tapestry of “girlfriends films” that moved beyond stereotypes and into the realm of authentic human emotion.
Keep searching. Keep watching. And remember: sometimes the best film isn’t the one you typed in—it’s the one you discover along the way. Did we miss a 2019 film that fits your search? Contact us with the exact title, and we’ll update this guide. For more LGBTQ+ film recommendations, subscribe to our newsletter.
