Top 10 Films About Transgender Experiences

Description: Although not primarily about transgender issues, this film includes a pivotal transgender character, exploring themes of identity, love, and political conflict.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: While focusing on drag queens, this film includes themes of gender identity and acceptance, as three drag queens travel across America, spreading joy and challenging stereotypes.

Fact: The film was one of the first mainstream Hollywood movies to feature drag queens in leading roles, helping to bring drag culture to a broader audience.

Description: Bree, a pre-operative trans woman, embarks on a road trip with her estranged son, leading to self-discovery and acceptance. The film offers a humorous yet touching look at transgender life.

Fact: Felicity Huffman received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Bree. The film was also nominated for Best Original Song.

Description: Based on the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery, this film explores the emotional and physical transformation of a transgender woman in the 1920s.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Lili Elbe. The film was also nominated for Best Costume Design.

Description: Shot entirely on iPhone 5S, this film follows a transgender sex worker on Christmas Eve as she seeks revenge on her pimp boyfriend. It's a raw and vibrant depiction of life in Los Angeles.

Fact: The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival and was praised for its innovative use of smartphone technology in filmmaking.

Description: A family navigates the transition of their teenage son, Ray, into his true identity as a transgender boy, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and acceptance.

Fact: The film was originally titled "About Ray" but was changed to avoid controversy over the casting of a cisgender actress in a transgender role.

Description: After her older boyfriend dies suddenly, Marina, a transgender woman, must fight for her right to mourn him, facing societal prejudice. The film won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fact: It was the first Chilean film to win an Oscar in this category. The lead actress, Daniela Vega, became the first transgender person to present an award at the Oscars.

Description: This documentary captures the lives of African American and Latino drag queens and transgender individuals in New York City, exploring themes of identity, race, and class.

Fact: The film has been influential in shaping the understanding of ballroom culture and has inspired numerous works in pop culture.

Description: This film tells the true story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man whose life was tragically cut short. It's a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the harsh realities faced by transgender individuals in rural America.

Fact: Hilary Swank won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Brandon Teena. The film was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: This Belgian film follows Lara, a transgender girl, as she trains to become a professional ballerina, dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of her transition.

Fact: The film won the Caméra d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for best first feature film.