Best Transgender Related Movies of the 2020’s

How are you today? In the mood for a new and lovely take on trans characters and movies?

You may be tired of Hollywood movies with the same old vision of the community.

Not to mention the lack of representatives of the trans collective in the credits in most films.

Following the new year, I decided to share with you the best films of the decade that revolve around problems that the trans community faces every day.

All these films feature or are directed by people that are part of the trans community so that at least is a great step forward.

With an honest take from the inside, these movies are not only for enjoyment on a cozy night on the couch.

But also, they speak directly to their audience, raising questions that most dare not to.

We’ll see what are the best movies that revolve around trans-related themes that have come out recently.

As none of these are commercial successes, I’m sure that you will find well-needed fresh air.

Keep reading to discover some hidden gems of the seventh art!

1. Little Girl (Petite Fille) (2020)

Little Girl is the story of an eight-year-old kid, Sasha, who questions her gender.

In the process, she causes all kinds of reactions in the people around her.

Written and directed by French director Sébastien Lifshitz, he imbues all the characters with honest feelings that make the film very relatable on many levels.

This beautiful and touching documentary follows her and her parents through the process of trying to convince Sasha’s school to accept her as a girl.

Even though its vision may seem a little harsh, every reader here knows that, in fact, this true story still happens way too often nowadays.

A very well-done documentary that everyone should see, visualizing many problems that trans youth face on a daily basis.

2. Valentina (2021)

Written and directed by Cássio Pererira dos Santos, tells the story of a trans girl and her mother who move to a new town looking for a fresh start.

The dilemma begins when the high school asks for a second parental signature to enroll Valentina.

A genuine insight of a young girl to stay true to her identity and the struggle that comes with it.

Showing the growing transphobic speech that’s common in Brazil, this movie explores this side of the coin in the required context.

A movie as intense as heartwarming with a brilliant performance by Thiessa Woinbackk in her debut as an actress.

Her delicate acting truly captures the essence of the character as she fights against the world that seems to have no place for her.

3. Things We Dare Not Do (Cosas Que No Hacemos) (2020)

In a small Mexican coastal town, a sixteen-year-old teen called Ñoño comes out as trans to his family with outdated norms and rules.

The movie is beautifully filmed and captures how trans youth are affected by the marginal setting in which they grew up.

Ñoño’s personality doesn’t fit in a conservative community as she realizes that this is not a phase and that is who she is.

This coming-of-age film narrates a profound and personal story and doesn’t incur into ubiquitous clichés and senseless debate.

An intense and intimate work in a time when trans youth face persistent assaults from phobic factions who negate their existence and experiences.

Director Bruno Santamaria Razo shot this Mexican documentary, and we praised him for the amazing shots he gave us.

4. Cowboys (2020)

Written and directed by Anna Kerrigan, this movie tells the story of Troy and his trans son Joe as they escape from his conservative wife.

With a detective on their trail, they travel through the Montana wilderness, searching for a new start across the border.

Troy’s feelings for his son are pure and filled with love, as you can see how he shows by accepting and loving him as he is.

The film captures the rollercoaster life of the family with well-written and relatable characters.

A new take on the classic cowboy formula, with beautiful shots and great performances, this movie should be on your watchlist without a doubt.

5. The One Amongst The Shadows (El compromiso de las Sombras) (2021)

This Argentinian fiction film narrates the story of a transsexual woman named Lizbeth, who is in charge of the funerary ritual of a small town.

She has the natural talent to accompany the souls of the deceased with songs and prayers on their journey to the next life.

This dedicated lifestyle has earned her a respected and loved place in her local community.

This woman spends her private life alone and in silence, which is explored by the unbiased camera of the director Sandra Barroso with tender and intimate shots.

A respectful and lovely tale that asks many questions and explores how a loved member of a rural community answers them.

A sensible light on a dilemma like what it means to be and live as a trans person.

All these movies offer, in my opinion, a fresher and more honest take on films that feature trans people’s dilemmas and place in this world.

As you can see, I tried to include films from different parts of the world to evaluate and take into account the reality that traverses the current status quo.

I hope that you watch and love these movies as much as I did, and if you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below. See you soon!

Written by Tina Munova

Learn More：

23 Best Transgender Movies You Can Stream Right Now