Top 10 Movies Like God’s Own Country Update 04/2024

Movies Like God's Own Country

Ten films that are similar to God’s Own Country should be on the must-see list for LGBT moviegoers.

In a way, God’s Own Country is a heartwarming film about the LGBTQ community. In many ways, it’s the English version of the smash hit American film Brokeback Mountain, about an English sheep farmer who falls in love with an immigrant.

As a result of this film’s rawness and ability to capture real human emotions, it stands out among gay dramas. Many other films, on the other hand, brilliantly capture the passionate love that exists between gay men.

1. Weekend (2011)

Weekend (2011)

There’s a presumption in most love stories that the characters will get married and spend the rest of their lives together. There is new ground being broken here by showing that love doesn’t necessarily require a lengthy relationship, but can instead grow out of chance encounters that may only last a weekend, as the film’s title suggests. In this film, the acting is superb, the cinematography is stunning, and the story is both sad and heartwarming.

2. Shelter (2007)

In terms of gay romance, the mid-2000s appeared to be a heyday—at least for the indie variety. Despite the fact that they didn’t have big-name stars or big budgets, there was something endearing about their naivety. In Shelter, the story revolves around a young surfer artist who is struggling to make ends meet and falls in love with his older brother’s best friend. It’s a heartwarming film with a simple plot that’s executed flawlessly.

3. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

It’s safe to say that Brokeback Mountain was going to be on this list at some point. Because it’s one of the most financially successful queer films of all time. Ang Lee’s inspired direction and Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal’s top-notch performances make this an even more exquisite film about the nature of love and desire in a repressive world. There are certain love stories that will stand the test of time, and this one is one of them.

4. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Adapted from the novel of the same name, Call Me By Your Name explores a variety of themes, including the pain of growing up and finding true love, only to have that love end in disappointment and heartache. The young Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and American graduate student Oliver (Armee Hammer) romance in this film is a powerful one, made all the more potent by the way the camera captures the lush and romantic atmosphere of an Italian summer.

5. Moonlight (2016)

Moonlight (2016)

As one of the best films of the last decade, this one certainly lives up to the hype. This film, directed by Barry Jenkins, takes a nuanced and moving look at the experiences of queer men of color.

It’s a haunting film about the nature of love and how queer men of color have to deal with racism and homophobia that’s divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a young man as he grows up. Even though the announcement of the winner went horribly wrong, the film still deserved to win the Best Picture Oscar.

6. Maurice (1987)

God’s Own Country fans will get a kick out of the British aspects of Maurice. It’s set in Edwardian England and is based on E.M. Forster’s novel of the same name. The story centers on the titular Maurice and his sexual awakening in a society that views homosexuality as a disease and an aberration. Although it moves slowly, the ways in which it examines Maurice’s developing sexuality and his eventual contentment make it well worth your time.

7. Beautiful Thing (1996)

Beautiful Thing (1996)

Two young men fall in love as they try to navigate the difficulties of their somewhat underprivileged lives in the film Beautiful Thing, another British production. There are some heartwarming moments in the film, and the chemistry between the two young leads, who capture the naiveté of youth and first love, is undeniably strong throughout.

In addition, Mama Cass’s music is featured heavily in the film, which automatically elevates it to greatness.

8. Latter Days (2003)

The meeting of opposites has long been a popular theme in romance films, and that’s exactly what happens in Latter Days when a playboy meets a Mormon. Naturally, there will be sparks flying, and the film is all about how each of them has to examine their lives and the assumptions they’ve made about their lives, as well. While it has its funnier moments, there are also some dramatic tension-filled ones.

9. The Way He Looks (2014)

The Way He Looks (2014)

Originally intended to be a short film, The Way He Looks was eventually made into a feature film. A young blind man falls in love with one of his classmates, and the story is heartwarming. Despite the fact that it deals with blindness, the film does so without sensationalism or saccharinizing it. As a result of its strong love story, however, there can be no doubt that this film is the heart of the matter.

10. Bangkok Love Story (2007)

Brokeback Mountain’s influence spread not only within the United States but also to other countries. Bangkok Love Story, a Thai production, is often referred to as Thailand’s answer to Ang Lee’s film for good reason. This is a very violent and visceral kind of love story, despite the fact that there is tenderness between the two leading characters.

Thomas J. West III graduated with honors from Syracuse University in 2018 with a doctorate in film and screen studies. There are a number of academic journals and edited collections that he has contributed to with his writings on film and television as well as popular culture. He and Mark Muster co-host the Queens of the B’s podcast, and he publishes the Omnivorous newsletter on Substack on a regular basis.