We discuss 10 Movies like But I’m a Cheerleader you must watch. Add these well-recommended and highly-rated films to your watch list.
But I’m a Cheerleader is the story surrounding Megan (Natasha Lyonne), who considers herself to be a typical American girl.
Excelling in school and cheerleading, she even has a handsome boyfriend, so she’s completely stunned when her parents decide she is gay and send her to True Directions, a boot camp to alter her sexual orientation.
There she meets a teen lesbian, Graham (Clea DuVall), and during this confusing time begins to develop feelings for Graham.
This 1999 romantic comedy provides a positive representation of the LGBTQ community and helps raise awareness of the detrimental effects of conversion therapy.
These social issues are wrapped up in comedy. If you enjoyed this film, here is a list of ten more you should watch.
10 Movies like But I’m a Cheerleader
Love Simon (2018)
Nick Robinson plays Simon Spier, who keeps his sexual orientation a secret from his family. However, when a blackmailer threatens to reveal it, he goes on a roller-coaster journey to come to terms with his identity. Similar to But I’m a Cheerleader, this story is about self-discovery and learning about your sexuality, but through the eyes of a young man.
It’s sweet, moving, and an emotional roller coaster.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
This film tells the story of a girl who is sent to a treatment center and is subjected to questionable gay conversion therapies. After getting caught with another girl, teenager Cameron Post is sent to a treatment center called God’s Prise.
Here she bonds with fellow residents as they pretend to go along with the process, waiting to be released. This drama highlights the pressures of being a young person struggling with their sexuality and the dangers of these conversion therapy camps.
In & Out (1997)
This rom-com tells the story of Howard, a popular teacher whose friends and family are shocked when one of his students says he’s gay.
Howard then tries to prove he is heterosexual. The film stars Kevin Kline, Tom Selleck, Joan Cusack, Matt Dillon, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Newhart, Shalom Harlow, and Wilford Brimley, and it is hilarious to watch.
Itty Bitty Titty Committee (2007)
Just as funny as its title, this feminist indie film is well worth the watch if you like But I’m a Cheerleader. A young lesbian graduate, Anna, who still lives at home, works as a receptionist at a plastic surgeon’s office.
Their life is turned upside down when they hook up with a cadre of ultra-radical feminist lesbians (The Itty Bitty Titty Committee) determined to raise hell. This film is about taking power back and showing the strength of women.
Boy Erased (2018)
Boy Erased is the 2018 American biographical drama film based on Garrard Conley’s 2016 memoir of the same name. The story surrounds Jared, who discovers that he is homosexual and tells his family.
Happiest Season (2020)
This film is about Abby, a lesbian who plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper, in front of Harper’s family members. She’s shocked when she learns that Harper has yet to come out to her parents.
They/Them (2022)
This is a film for the horror and thriller fans. Dark and slightly disturbing, audiences watch a group of teenagers at an LGBTQ+ conversion camp endure unsettling psychological techniques while being stalked by a mysterious masked killer.
Pride (2014)
The mutual hate of Margaret Thatcher brings together the police and the conservative press, London-based gay and lesbian activists, to support striking miners in 1984 Wales.
Everyone’s Talking About Jamie (2021)
This film is uplifting and showcases how supporting someone’s dreams really can help them come true. Jamie New is a 16-year-old who’s unlike his peers. Instead of pursuing a traditional career, he dreams of becoming a drag queen.
Supported by his loving mother and amazing friends, Jamie overcomes discrimination and bullying, even from his own father.
The Birdcage (1996)
Ending this list with a personal favorite, which still makes me laugh out loud. Robin Williams plays A gay cabaret owner, and his drag queen companion (Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing parents.
In this film, everyone is comfortable with their sexuality; it’s only the straights who won’t accept it, or will they?
Do you have any other recommendations for movies like But I’m a Cheerleader? Let us know in the comments.
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