Sometimes you just want to curl up with something warm and familiar, and for many of us, that means a queer comfort watch. From beloved series to feel-good films, we asked our staff and readers to share their go-to favorites. Did yours make the list?
Wynonna Earp
The former SyFy series Wynonna Earp was a top choice for many on social media, with one poster even saying, “There’s not even a close second!” The show, which ran from 2016 to 2021 (plus a 2024 movie on Tubi), has a large queer fanbase—and for good reason. It subverted many common queer tropes, including “Bury Your Gays,” and featured a strong romance between lead characters Waverly Earp (Dom Provost-Chalkley) and Nicole Haught (Kat Barrell).
Where to watch: Netflix, Tubi, Hulu (Premium), Prime Video, Apple TV
But I’m a Cheerleader
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, But I’m a Cheerleader made several posters’ comfort lists (including mine). The campy classic stars Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and RuPaul, along with several other familiar faces. Cathy Moriarty plays Mary, who runs the candy-coated “True Directions,” a conversion therapy camp where queer teens are sent for “deprogramming.” But young love prevails when Megan (Lyonne) and Graham (DuVall) form an unexpected bond, all set to a soundtrack of late-’90s riot grrrl and retro alternative rock.
Fun fact: Sondra Morris, owner of Tagg Magazine, names But I’m a Cheerleader as one of her queer comfort watches.
Where to watch: Tubi, Plex, Prime Video, YouTube TV
Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots (2005) is a British comedy-drama about Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton), who inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory. To save it, he partners with Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a fierce drag performer, to design a line of sturdy, stylish boots for drag queens. Inspired by true events, the film was later adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Prime Video
Big Eden
In Big Eden (2000), New York artist Henry Hart (Arye Gross) returns to his Montana hometown to care for his grandfather (George Coe). While revisiting unresolved feelings for his high school crush Dean (Tim DeKay), he finds an unexpected connection with Pike (Eric Schweig), a quiet local shop owner. This gentle story of healing and love was hard to find for a few years—but is now available to stream.
Where to watch: Tubi, YouTube (courtesy of Wolfe Video)
Sense8
Netflix’s Sense8 became an instant hit with LGBTQ+ viewers when it premiered in 2015. Created by Lana and Lilly Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski, the series follows eight strangers around the globe who discover they are emotionally and mentally linked. After its initial cancellation, fan advocacy helped secure a second and final season in 2017. With themes of love, identity, and chosen family, the show remains a favorite.
“Sense8 because at its core it’s about family, community, and the bonds we create with each other,” said fan and Bluesky user @xandany.
Where to watch: Netflix
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek follows the once-wealthy Rose family as they rebuild their lives in a quirky small town. While the show is full of heartfelt and hilarious relationships, many fans are especially drawn to the love story between David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid), whose romance grows from business partnership to life partnership. And, of course, there’s Moira Rose (Catherine O’Hara) and her endless supply of quotable lines. It’s comfort, like a glass of Herb Ertlinger fruit wine on a sunny day.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu
Saving Face
A beloved entry in queer cinema, Alice Wu’s Saving Face (2004) follows Wil (Michelle Krusiec), a Chinese American surgeon navigating her closeted relationship with dancer Vivian (Lynn Chen) and the surprise pregnancy of her widowed mother (Joan Chen), who is subsequently disowned by her conservative parents. The film balances humor and emotion as it explores love, family, and cultural expectations in a tight-knit Queens community.
Where to watch: Fubo, Prime Video, Fandango
The Golden Girls
While not a queer show per se, The Golden Girls has long been a comfort for the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to its iconic cast and inclusive, thoughtfully handled storylines. Airing from 1985 to 1992, the series was one of the first sitcoms to tackle issues around sexuality and identity with humor and grace. With 180 episodes, there’s a whole lot of comfort to go around.
Fun fact: Matt Simonette, publisher of Windy City Times, names The Golden Girls as one of his top queer comfort watches.
Where to watch: Hulu, Philo, Disney+