7 Queer Short Films You Can Watch Without A Subscription

Looking for something new to watch, but don’t have two hours to spare? Want to see fresh faces and diverse stories on your screen? Short films are the perfect solution. With their quick runtimes, short films make for easy watches if you find yourself pressed for time. They also happen to be terrific resources to discover and support newer artists. Here are some short films that fall under the twenty minute mark and are easily accessible on YouTube, all of which feature queer characters at the center. 

Fishbowl (2021)

This aptly named short follows childhood friends, Natalie (Stacy Chu) and Joanne (Woan Ni Wooi), as they return home from college for Chinese New Year. During the celebrations Natalie is forced to confront her budding romance with Joanne under the watchful eye of both of their families. In just fifteen minutes, director Jacqueline Chan artfully captures the isolating feeling of realizing the home you grew up in is not the same one you find yourself returning to. 

Sew Into You (2023)

Directed by Emma Josephson, Sew Into You follows an older widow (Jane Ferguson) who turns to her younger queer coworker (Jacqueline Mai) for advice on how to flirt with a woman. The perfect watch if you’re looking for something sweet to brighten your day. This short is refreshing and tender in its tone as it puts the spotlight onto older queer women, a topic that is not often touched upon with so much joy. It’s also a reminder of the importance of cross-generational friendships within the queer community. 

Under the Same Roof (2023)

Ever had that one homoerotic friendship which leaves you questioning everything? Our main character in this film might know a thing or two about that feeling. Written and directed by Daniela Rojo, Under the Same Roof follows Kiara (Zoë Thompson) as she breaks away from the monotony of her daily life when she meets Nazim (Amara Jane), a new and captivating force. The two bond quickly and easily, but the life Kiara finds herself imagining with Nazim falls apart when Nazim attempts to set Kiara up with a male friend. Kiara is then forced to examine the friendship, which she thought was a budding romance. 

Bodega (2024)

A standout from the other films on this list, Bodega is a psychodrama that follows Nora (Zoe Lika) and Eve (Ocean Van Exel) after they cross paths in a Brooklyn deli. As the film progresses, it is clear Nora has developed an almost obsessive crush on Eve. Writer and director Sharik Atkinson takes the audience on an exciting emotional rollercoaster with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. This short is perfect if you’re looking to delve into the theme of obsession in queer relationships. 

The Beginning & The Middle (2022)

Written and directed by Alexis G. Zall, The Beginning & The Middle follows Olive (Lukita Maxwell) and Grace (Genneya Walton), childhood friends who reunite at a house party. They spend the duration of the film debating the merits of hooking up. Filled with both familiarity and uncertainty, this film reminds us of the importance of taking risks. While Olive and Grace are unsure of how their story will end, they know that they’re in it together. As the phrase goes, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

Happy Place (2025)

Figuring out who you are is a tough task, and it can be even tougher when it seems like everyone else around you already knows who they are. With hopes of figuring out her sexuality, Anna (An-li Bogan) goes to a lesbian engagement party, but what she gets is a bit more complicated. This short has everything: lesbian engagement parties, awkward conversations, gay panic, and the singular straight girl in a room of lesbians that you somehow accidentally flirt with. Writer and director Sara Monge sets a tone which feels reminiscent of films like Lady Bird and Bottoms. Anna makes for a loveable awkward character who you just can’t help but root for.

My Parents (2024)

My Parents follows a high school aged boy (Ethan Eda) as he works up the courage to come out to his parents. With Hawai’i as a backdrop, directors Keli’i Grace and Lance D. Collins put a humorous and touching spin on the often daunting task of coming out to your parents. The film highlights the pressure of expectations that are placed upon us by our loved ones, as well as the pressures we place on ourselves. This short is perhaps the lightest of all of the short films on this list, and is perfect if you’re looking for a quick laugh.

Ready to discover more queer stories? Check out Envi’s First Impressions of the Thai GL Be My Angel.