If you're on a Barbie comedown and desperate for more feel-good film recommendations, look no further than this list of the best gay films coming to cinemas this summer.

There’s nothing better than finding the perfect camp film that hits all the right spots. This year alone has seen the release of culturally iconic horror flicks M3GAN and Scream VI, The Little Mermaid starring Melissa McCarthy as the drag-inspired Ursula, and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, which had all the gays seated with a bucket of popcorn in hand.

That’s not to mention Oscar-nominee Stephanie Hsu’s return to the big-screen in the star-studded Asian-American comedic romp Joy Ride, or Elizabeth Banks’ cinematic masterpiece Cocaine Bear about the gory antics of a massive bear high on coke. Need we go on?

Maybe Billy Eichner really did herald in a new era of silly and high-camp queer movies with his history-making 2022 comedy Bros. Whatever the reason, it’s time to cease watching But I’m A Cheerleader and Mean Girls on repeat (at least, for the time being), as we enter a brand-new age of cheesy gay cinema.

The second half of 2023 is promising even more knockout films. Whether you’re waiting for the highly-anticipated adaptations of BookTok sensations, craving casts jam-packed with the hottest names in the industry or searching for hidden indie gems, we are just getting started. During a time when existing as an LGBTQ+ person feels tougher than ever, it’s the perfect way to practice self-care in the face of a relentless news cycle. So whip on the “I am Kenough” hoodie you inevitably ordered after watching Barbie and gather all your queer friends.

We have your future movie nights sorted with these eight incredible upcoming releases.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (in cinemas from 8 September)

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, Aristotle and Dante is the perfect addition to the steadily growing genre of LGBTQ+ coming-of-age films.

When Mexican-American teenagers Ari (Max Pelayo) and Dante (Reese Gonzales) meet in 1987 they must overcome the many hurdles before them in order to find true happiness. Although it has its fair share of tearjerking moments, it’s ultimately a joyous tale of friendship, first love and the beauty of human connection.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe opens in cinemas on 8 September, 2023.

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