While it is great that we are starting to see more and more queer representation in TV and in movies, it is not difficult to realize that this representation is coming more in some genres than others.
While it is nice to see more romances or dramas which feature queer leads, sometimes you can easily yearn for something more refreshing and different in a different genre.
One genre where people may not be looking for lesbian representation is in horror or thriller movies. However, there is more lesbian representation in this genre than some may suspect.
If you like these impactful and engaging movies, but you have never seen any with a lesbian lead before, then this is the list for you! There are plenty of choices here from both TV and movies, so there will be something for everyone!
If you want something impactful to watch in one sitting, here are some of the best lesbian horror and thriller movies which are perfect to watch if you want something engaging and fun to watch!
Thelma
When Did It Get Released?
2017
What Is It About?
This is a Norwegian movie classified as a supernatural thriller, and it follows a repressed and lonely main character named Thelma.
She has just begun going to college in Oslo (Norway’s capital) and as this happens she begins to start experiencing very extreme seizures.
After a while she begins to realize that these violent seizures are actually a symptom of supernatural abilities she has which are incredibly dangerous.
Things get even more complicated when she starts to have complicated feelings for another female student called Anja and this pushes her psychokinetic powers even further out of control.
Why Should You Watch It?
If you want something completely out of the box and like foreign movies, this is definitely a great choice.
The way Thelma is portrayed is amazing and her relationship with Anja is a great presence throughout the movie. The plot developments will have you on the edge of your seat and not be able to look away!
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Thelma does have a happy ending, however, it does leave a significant amount of unanswered questions.
Lizzie
When Did It Get Released?
2018
What Is It About?
This is a thriller which is actually based off of true events, and it is a biographical tale about Lizzie Borden who was once accused of being the culprit of a vicious axe murder to her parents in 1892.
She is also in a lesbian romance with her maid played by Kristen Stewart.
Why Should You Watch It?
This is another incredibly gripping story, and the fact that the characters are based off real people makes the tale even more palpable.
The sexual chemistry between the two leads makes the scenes they share incredibly gripping and something you will not want to look away from.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* The ending can be seen as happy, however, the two lesbian characters do not end up together.
The Handmaiden
When Did It Get Released?
2016
What Is It About?
The best way to describe this movie is as a psychological thriller with intense erotic undertones.
This is actually a Korean adaption of the novel by Sarah Water’s called Fingersmith but adapted the story from its Victorian roots into Korea during Japan’s colonial rule of the country.
The story features a con man hiring a pick pocket to be the maid for a Japanese heiress to convince her to marry him, so he can then commit her to an asylum and get all of her inheritance money.
Why Should You Watch It?
The plot twists throughout this movie will keep you engaged and not be able to look away! This is one of the best lesbian movies ever made!
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* This movie actually has a great ending, and it is happy!
Monster
When Did It Get Released?
2003
What Is It About?
This is a movie which is a crime drama but also biographical, and it follows the life of a serial killer called Aileen Wuornos who used to be a prostitute before killing 7 of her clients between the years of 1989 and 1990. She was then executed in 2002.
Why Should You Watch It?
The life of this killer is incredibly interesting to watch, and the lead is played by Charlize Theron who won an Academy Award for playing the killer.
Her relationship with her lover which is presented in the movie is also incredibly engaging and is part of what makes this movie so unique!
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* No it does not, but it is still worth watching.
May
When Did It Get Released?
2002
What Is It About?
This movie is a psychological horror which follows a woman who has been traumatized by an incredibly troubling childhood and follows her attempts to connect to people which grow in desperation.
This movie has lesbian scenes between the protagonist and her colleague who starts to flirt with May, but you will have to watch the movie to see how this goes.
Why Should You Watch It?
If you are more into gory horror, and you want to see something a bit more out of the box, this is a must-watch.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* The subject matter kind of makes a happy ending impossible, but if you are a horror fan this is definitely worth watching!
Brides To Be
When Did It Get Released?
2016
What Is It About?
This is actually a dark thriller follow up to a different movie called Together Forever, and it follows the couple of Jenna and Robin as they are about to get married.
While Robin is very excited, Jenna is starting to have panic attacks and this is leading her to get worried. When they arrive at their beautiful venue, there is a threat of something planning to tear them from each other.
Why Should You Watch It?
The narrative intertwining with the character’s internal struggles makes this movie incredibly entertaining and engaging and well worth watching.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* It does have a happy ending.
Fear Street
When Did It Get Released?
2021
What Is It About?
This is actually a trilogy of Netflix horror movies which are all based on the tales of R L Stine and follows teenagers being terrorized by brutal murders from an ancient evil which repeatedly attacks their town.
At the beginning of the movie we see the main character Sam and Deena soon after they break up, but throughout the length of the movie we see them reconnect.
Why Should You Watch It?
The horror in this movie is definitely worth watching and the added trilogy element makes the narrative even more interesting.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Somehow this movie does have a happy ending.
Bound
When Did It Get Released?
1996
What Is It About?
This movie follows a romance between a former convict and a girlfriend of a money laundering mafia member who start a plan together to get 2 million dollars in cash. However, nothing goes to plan and the pair struggle to stay alive.
Why Should You Watch It?
The thrilling relationship between the two leads drives this narrative and is part of why it is so engaging.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Yes this movie does have a happy ending.
Benedetta
When Did It Get Released?
2021
What Is It About?
The narrative of this movie is actually based off true events and follows a nun in the 17th century who joins a convent in Italy and then gets in an obviously forbidden affair with another nun.
However, as this begins, she starts to have visions which if true will threaten the church.
Why Should You Watch It?
The relationship between the nuns keeps this movie engaging, have a look at the trailer to see if it is the type of movie which will interest you!
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* They do not end up together but no one dies so take that as you will.
Best Lesbian Horror/Thriller TV Shows
Here are some of the best lesbian horror and thriller TV shows, not all of these have consistent lesbian themes from the beginning, but most of them will have prevalent lesbian characters and storylines being a major theme for a significant section of their run.
The Haunting Of Bly Manor
When Did It Get Released?
First season 2020
What Is It About?
This is a supernatural horror series which is about an au pair called Dani who is hired tom care for an uncle’s nephew and niece in a country house after they had fallen into his care.
However, Dani begins to start seeing apparitions and haunting on the estate. A bright spot in the series is the relationship Dani has with Jamie, the gardener of the estate and this is part of what makes the show so appealing to watch.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Not a traditional happy ending and much more bittersweet, definitely worth watching though.
Ratched
When Did It Get Released?
First season 2020
What Is It About?
A psychological thriller which is based off One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and it stars multi talented icon Sarah Paulson as Nurse Ratched working in a psychiatric hospital in the 40s.
The show shows a lesbian relationship featuring the lead amongst all her dark and depraved secrets, adding a levity to the acts displayed by the nurse.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Hard to say, up for interpretation.
Mindhunter
When Did It Get Released?
First season 2017
What Is It About?
This story follows FBI agents as well as the main lesbian character who is a psychologist and the series follows the Behavioral Science Unit which interviews serial killers to try and work out how they think to use this knowledge to catch others.
The series is interesting if not occasionally challenging with its subject matter.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Still ongoing
Dead To Me
When Did It Get Released?
First season 2019
What Is It About?
This story follows the relationship between a sudden widow and a more free spirited friend she makes after the fact who has a mysterious past.
In the second season the widow’s friend enters a lesbian relationship which becomes a major plot line.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Still ongoing
Killing Eve
When Did It Get Released?
First season 2018
What Is It About?
An incredibly popular ongoing spy thriller which follows leads played by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. We see Oh’s character, an intelligence investigator, being tasked with capturing Comer’s character who is a psychopath assassin.
The relationship between the two grows more and more interesting, and they soon become obsessed with each other leading to an incredibly dynamic relationship.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* The show has now concluded, and the ending has split people, you will have to decide if you approve by watching yourself.
I’m Not Okay With This
When Did It Get Released?
First season 2020
What Is It About?
A coming of age story which is based off a comic with the same name, and follows a teenager who has just entered high school and starts to discover her sexuality as well as new superpowers at the same time.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Cut short after being cancelled by COVID, worth watching still, and the comics will answer any questions you have.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
When Did It Get Released?
First season 1997
What Is It About?
This 90s throwback supernatural thriller grew a strong cult following for a reason and is a fun ride to watch. While Buffy is not a lesbian, the relationship between side characters Tara and Willow is a major reason to watch.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* The series ended happily, unfortunately Tara and Willow did not get the same love with this.
Honorable Mentions With Strong Lesbian/WLW Themes Or Characters
While the previous examples all have explicit lesbian representation which is a major part of their runtimes, there are still some choices which it feels like a crime to overlook.
These may not have explicit lesbian representation, or not have lesbian main characters, but they do feature lesbian coding or themes, or have lesbian side characters have an impactful role throughout the movie or series.
A Simple Favor
When Did It Get Released?
2018
What Is It About?
A crime thriller showing the friendship and rivalry between a vlogger and a mysterious new friend she makes and her sudden disappearance. While no lesbian relationship features, the chemistry between the leads is captivating.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* For most characters except one this has a happy ending.
The Haunting Of Hill House
When Did It Get Released?
2018
What Is It About?
A predecessor to The Haunting Of Bly Manor, features a proud out lesbian who is an incredibly important character in the narrative of the story. If you like Bly Manor this is worth watching.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Yes but there are many sad moments as well.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
When Did It Get Released?
2011
What Is It About?
A crime thriller with Carol star Rooney Mara playing the role of a computer hacker who helps the lead and is also openly a lesbian.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* Partially but the tone remains dark.
Black Swan
When Did It Get Released?
2010
What Is It About?
A well known psychological thriller following two ballerinas who end up rivals over the roles of white and black swan and their relationship becomes a friendship and even a romance, but the movie is definitely worth watching.
Does It Have A Happy Ending?
*SPOILERS* No this does not have a happy ending, but the movie is an interesting watch.
Takeaway
Hopefully this list has put into perspective just how many great choices there are when it comes to lesbian representation in horror and thriller movies and TV shows.
There should be something here for everyone, so make sure to look up some of these choices and there might even be one of your future favorites in this list which you have not even watched yet!
Hello, my name is Gay Worlley - no, really - and I love learning about all things queer. I am also a qualified gardener and enjoy traveling in my spare time.
I love sharing my travel stories with anyone who will listen, and now I want to share them with the world through my new website! Not only that, but I want to inspire others and teach you about LGBTQ+ travel, queer media, pride, and much more.
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