This December, if you’re making a list—and checking it twice—of all the great, gay films and television shows to watch before the year’s up, then we’ve got you covered.
Your dose of fabulosi-TEA
Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.
Yes, the holidays are hectic, and the weather outside can be frightful, but luckily there are plenty exciting home-viewing options on the way to cozy up to. Across the major streaming platforms, this month will see the return of fan favorites, the arrival of beloved cult classics, and some exciting new titles you won’t want to miss. Heck, there’s even a would-be blockbuster heading to Netflix just a few short weeks after it hit theaters. (We’ll give you a clue: It’s a mystery!)
As is Queerty tradition, we’ve put together a guide to the best of the queer and queer-adjacent series, films, and more coming to streaming this month to help you stay on top of it all. Whether you use Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, or Hulu (or some combo of the four), we have your can’t-miss recommendations for each—and beyond. So gets those watch lists ready; it’s going to be a very gay December.
Jump to your streaming platform of choice:
What’s new and gay on Netflix in December 2022
The spotlight: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (December 23)
If you missed its extremely limited theatrical run—Netflix didn’t want to eat into its streaming numbers too much—here’s your chance to catch the highly-anticipated Knives Out follow-up at home. Filmmaker Rian Johnson re-teams with Daniel Craig as the curiously accented (and confirmed queer!) detective Benoit Blanc, tasked with peeling back the layers of another whodunit. This time, the sleuth heads to Greece, where he must parse out the potential suspects/victims from a group of well-to-do friends, played by the likes of Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Ed Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and Leslie Odom Jr. Plus, we hear there are a number of gag-worthy cameos—be we won’t spoil those here!
Related: With ‘Glass Onion’ out now, here are 9 more whodunits that prove why the genre’s a queer favorite
More New Streaming Options:
- Lady Chatterly’s Lover *Original Movie* (Dec. 2): Non-binary star Emma Corrin jumps from The Crown to Netflix’s steamy adaptation of the classic novel—which, from the looks of it, doesn’t skimp on the sex and skin!
- My Unorthodox Life, Season 2 *Original Series* (Dec. 2): This reality series about a former ultra-Orthodox Jew turned high-powered CEO Julia Haart returns, and is said to have a great story for her gay business partner, Robert Brotherton.
- Emily The Criminal, 2022 (Dec. 7): Everyone’s crush Aubrey Plaza gets a showcase role in this Indie Spirit Award-nominated crime thriller.
- Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio *Original Movie* (Dec. 9): Master of the macabre and the magical, del Toro is the perfect filmmaker to bring this stop-motioned animated musical take on Pinocchio to life.
- Side Effects, 2013 (Dec. 18): Channing Tatum, Rooney Mara, Jude Law, and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in this sharp thriller with [SPOILER ALERT] a wicked gay twist.
- Matilda The Musical *Original Movie* (Dec. 25): A new spin on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, with Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull and a whole cast of kids who can bust a move.
- The Circle, Season 5 *Original Series* (Dec. 28): Who knows what’s in store for another round of this social media competition series, but the show always makes room for dynamic LGBTQ+ competitors.
Amazon Prime Video’s LGBTQ offerings in December 2022
The spotlight: Nanny (December 16)
Rising writer/director Nikyatu Jusu’s previous project was a short film called Suicide By Sunlight—about a bisexual vampire—which is already being made into a feature with Jordan Peele’s Monkey Paw Productions, and that news has us even more excited for this year’s Nanny. Jusu’s acclaimed horror is about Senegalese Immigrant nanny Aisha (Titans‘ Anna Diop) who begins seeing some terrifying things while caring for the child of a wealthy New York City family. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance—the first horror feature to ever do so—and has earned rave reviews in its limited theatrical run, so we’ll be eager to stream at home… where we can watch with the lights on!
More New Streaming Options:
- Capote, 2005 (Dec. 1): Philip Seymour Hoffman took home the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of openly gay author Truman Capote in this riveting biopic.
- Muppets From Space, 1999 (Dec. 1): We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The Muppets are queer icons!
- Ordinary People, 1980 (Dec. 1): A young Timothy Hutton stars as a (possibly closeted) teen in this family drama, which also happens to be Robert Redford’s directorial debut.
- Thelma & Louise, 1991 (Dec. 1): Between Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon’s chemistry, and that scene with a shirtless Brad Pitt, this film’s been formative for many a baby gay.
- The Peripheral, Final Episode *Original Series* (Dec. 2): This mind-bending sci-fi epic wraps up its season, featuring trans icon Alexandra Billings as a badass (and stylish) inspector.
- Something From Tiffany’s *Original Movie* (Dec. 9): We love a rom-com—even a straight one—and this holiday-themed charmer has the good sense to feature queer star Jonica T. Gibbs in a supporting role.
- Trial & Error, Seasons 1 & 2 (Dec. 30): We can’t think of a better way to end the year than by watching this criminally underappreciated NBC sitcom, which has an amazing turn from Kristin Chenoweth in season two.
All that’s gay on the way to HBO Max in December 2022
The spotlight: Sort Of, Season 2 (December 1)
In 2021, Canadian series Sort Of dropped on HBO Max and totally took us by surprise, so we’ve been eagerly anticipating more episodes ever since. Co-created by Bilal Baig and Fab Filippo, this charmer of a comedy stars Baig as Sabi, a nonbinary Millennial who has to contend with the demanding family they nanny for, their other job at a trendy café, and their large Pakistani family, whose culture and traditions are sometimes at odds with Sabi’s identity. In other words, things are “sort of” complicated. Still, Sort Of makes plenty of space for queer joy, with an irresistible cast you’ll want to keep hanging out with long after the credits roll. We can’t wait to see this under-appreciated gem shine even brighter in season two.
Related: ‘Sort Of’ creators Bilal Baig & Fab Filippo on bringing nonbinary realness to TV
More New Streaming Options:
- Gossip Girl, Season 2 *Original Series* (Dec. 1): Return to the hallowed halls of Constance Billard, where gossip is queen, in this very queer update/sequel to The CW drama.
- Hellraiser Sequels (Dec. 1): The latest iteration of this demonic franchise hit Hulu earlier this year, so now you can catch up all of the freaky, fetish-friendly frights in six of the films that came before it.
- Hook, 1991 (Dec. 1): Steven Spielberg’s riff on Neverland got Peter Panned, but there’s major queer appeal thanks to a preening Captain Hook, Julie Roberts’ pixie cut-sporting Tinker Bell, and a sly cameo from Glenn Close in drag.
- His Dark Materials, Season 3 *Original Series* (Dec. 5): HBO’s adaptation of Philip Pullman’s (famously atheist) fantasy series has always played host to a number of unforgettable queer characters.
- Doom Patrol, Season 4 *Original Series* (Dec. 8): This truly wacky superhero saga is back, featuring Matt Bomer‘s Negative Man—in the flesh—and drag queens. What more could you possibly need?
- Trixie Motel (Dec. 14): The first season of drag superstar Trixie Mattel’s very gay renovation series makes the move from Discovery+ to HBO Max—let’s hope that means a new season is in the works!
- Lizzo: Live In Concert *Special Presentation* (Dec. 31): Ring in the New Year with “Everybody’s Gay” pop star Lizzo and her Special tour, featuring guest appearances from Cardi B, SZA, and Missy Elliott.
The best and queerest on Hulu this December 2022
The spotlight: The Real World, Season 3 (December 1)
MTV’s landmark reality series was already breaking new ground by the time it aired its third season in 1994, but San Francisco may go down in history as the most important run of the show ever. That’s due, of course, to house guest Pedro Zamora, who was one of the first gay men living with AIDS to ever appear in mainstream media. Even in the early days of “reality television,” Zamora understood the power of his platform, and dedicated himself to educating the masses on the realities of living with the disease. Tragically, he passed on November 11, 1994—just days after San Francisco‘s final episode aired. It’s a unique gift to be able to revisit the entire season on Hulu, and appreciate the life of a man who never stopped fighting to change hearts and minds.
More New Streaming Options:
- Darby And The Dead *Original Movie* (Dec. 2): Trailblazing trans director Silas Howard helms this irreverent teen comedy about a girl who can communicate with ghosts.
- Kindred *Original Series* (Dec. 13): The great Octavia Butler’s celebrated, genre-bending novel comes to Hulu by way of FX.
- Freddie Mercury: Special (Dec. 15): We’ll be honest: We’re not exactly sure what this is, but there’s a chance it could be the documentary about the star-studded tribute concert for the famed Queen frontman. And if so? We will be watching!
- Fear The Walking Dead, Season 7 (Dec. 20): The original Walking Dead may have ended, but this spin-off series zombie-shuffles onward, featuring Queerty favorite Colman Domingo.
- Blade Runner, 1982 (Dec. 26): Ridley Scott’s seminal sci-fi epic is one of those films that’s had many a queer and trans reading over the years, so perhaps it’s time for a re-watch!
- New Year’s Eve: Times Square Ball Drop 2022 Livestream (Dec. 31): Massive crowds gathering in frigid NYC to watching a shining orb fall slowly to the ground? Baby, that’s camp!
- Welcome To Chippendales, New Episodes *Original Series* (Tuesdays): Murray Bartlett and his short-shorts are just two reasons to watch this flashy true-crime drama about the rise of the famed male burlesque troupe.
And one more streaming title you won’t want to miss
Bros on Peacock (December 2)
Forget the narratives around its history-making bona fides, or the boundless theories as to why so few people turned up to theaters to actually see it: Bros is a genuinely sweet and funny rom-com, with a killer cast to boot! And, now that it will be readily available to stream at home via Peacock, you can watch it on your own terms and truly enjoy for the great time that it is. Billy Eichner makes for a compelling—and complicated—romantic lead, and Luke Macfarlane gives a star-making turn as his foil, as they navigate the ups and downs of dating in our modern gay world. Throw in hilarious LGBTQ+ talent like Ts Madison, Guy Branum, Bowen Yang, and Harvey Fierstein (to name a few), and you’ve got yourself one heck of a movie night!
Related: Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane on the ’Bros’ scene they were most nervous about
Pier
Oh noes.. they mentioned that movie “Bros”. Let the meltdowns commence. lol
thebaddestbabby
meh, it’s hard to remember anything about it
DBMC
It’s a really good movie. I’m so glad I saw it in the theater with an appreciative audience.
WillParkinson
I wish Bros had done better, but I can’t stand Billy Eichner, so I skipped it and will continue to do so. Not a meltdown, just not my cup of tea.
IanHunter
It is one of those movies where I liked it and my husband didn’t. One of my favorite movies of all time is JEFFREY, and his doesn’t like that. BROS was just a movie that gave you what you took from it. They shouldn’t have hyped it as a mainstream movie, that turned a lot of people away. It may find cult status in 10 years.
MacAdvisor
“(W)hy so few people turned up to theaters to actually see it (Bros).”
So few people, meaning straight people, showed up to see it because it shows the most explicit gay male sex scenes outside of SeanCody website. While *I* rather enjoyed them, I can see why many straight men absolutely refused to see the picture. Such scenes make them uncomfortable and there are far too many other choices for date night.
Beanie16
Ok picture it Palm Springs California, my husband’s accepting and loving yet republican and pretty inexperienced in the gay “lifestyle”. Mom and Dad are here for a visit when my husband suggests we go see Bros, now I’m a drag queen, they have only seen pics and out of drag I’m a Levi and flannel shirt so they never see me as a “threat” I’m just the very gay son in law that they love, after 23yrs they had to finally give in to my charms. So that’s the set up. So the hubs decided to pick Bros, I wasn’t a fan of Eichner, all I see is an Asshole on the Street. But because it was a major theater opening of a gay movie I wanted to support it. Okay overall it was an ok movie, Billy was still n asshole so He played himself. But putting Bear fetish aside the pairing like Heartstoppers pairs to gay men that was mostly unrealistic in our community. There are some couples that are different but think about it would Billy really ever have a chance with Luke, gay men have types, gym bodies go with gym bodies, the pretty people go with the pretty people, Circuit boys only date circuit boys. There are exceptions to everything but in real life they would have never even had a one night stand. And with Heartstoppers first I loved it it was a fantasy that so many gay men had, get the hot athlete in HS but the reality is that a hot rugby player who wasn’t even sure about his sexuality would get that close to an effeminate gay boy is just that a total fantasy. So while both were good, HS being reaps and bounds better. The thing that bothered me the most REALLY BAD casting in both cases.
Beanie16
Oh and Mom and Dad weren’t as traumatized as I thought they would be, I’m sure Dad wasn’t going to talk about it with his golf buddies while at the 10th hole but he seemed ok and Mom well she’s an innocent so the sex stuff went over her head as if it never happened but she loved the movie although she agreed that no one would date Billy and especially “a man as handsome as Luke, he could do better. Cudos to Billy for getting the hot guy he probably wouldn’t stand a chance in hell hooking up with much less date.
Just.my.opinion
BROS probably did not do well at the box office because it is, quite simply, a poorly written movie. Luke Macfarlane is the only good thing about it.
idouglas
You hit the nail on the head. It was hard to tell if it was more an overly earnest recounting of queer history or a romcom. It seemed to fail at both because who would want anyone to get together with that Billy Eichner character?
linedrive
Will definitely be checking out Bros
eeebee333
There is absolutely nothing in Ordinary People to suggest that Timothy Hutton’s character might be closeted.
abfab
Really. I’ve seen this film a dozen times and I was going to mention that. Sure he was sensitive but who wouldn’t be having the glorious and loving Mary Tyler Moore play your cold, insensitive raging mother. Now that was a remarkable movie.
abfab
Now that the dark days and nights are here I’m binge watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Thank god for Rhoda and Mrs Morgenstern. Again…..it;s always the mother. Hi Mare! I forgot how great season one was.
littlemass
Can Billy Eichner please STFU!!
abfab
I’m so glad I never saw or even had the slightest interest in seeing this movie but it sure has been fun reading everyone bicker about it.
Jon in Canada
Bros is actually a fun little time waster. Shakespeare it’s not, but if you turn off your brain and see it for what it is without taking it seriously, it’s not a bad little movie…a film it is not.
Covid Hermit
The reason a lot of movies aren’t doing that well in theaters is (a) the triple epidemic of the moment (RSV, flu and COVID) combined with the fact that a lot of people (myself included) would rather stay in and watch a movie on one of the many streaming platforms we already pay for. So, yeah, I’ll be watching Bros this weekend on my home theater setup. Then I can judge whether or not it’s any good.
Jack Meoff
Glass Onion is definitely worth a look but Bros is just preachy and annoying and bad. Billy Eichner is his own worst enemy.