The Christine Jorgensen Story (1970) This movie was a fictionalized biography of Christine Jorgensen, one of the first people to have a sex change surgery. She sold her story to the media but was often ridiculed for her actions, but helped to open doors for other trans people. 

The World According to Garp (1982) This movie depicts the life of a writer named T.S. Garp, but includes the transgender character Roberta Muldoon, an ex- football player. 

In a Year of 13 Moons (1978) This movie is unusual in that it depicts a character that recieved a sex change in order to garner the love of another man. The movie is considered difficult to watch as it is not particularly positive, but it does challenge gender and discusses societal norms and is therefore a precursor to movies now that discuss the same topics. 

Boys Don’t Cry (1999) Boys Don’t Cry tells the true story of trans man Brandon Teena, played by Hillary Swank. Brandon was raped and murdered by two acquaintances who learned of his status, and the film addresses people’s feelings concerning masculinity and relationships, though it is a difficult watch. 

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) This is a fun movie that depicts the life of three performers as they traverse the desert in a lip-syncing act. It shows the dignity that a trans woman can have while also showing that it’s not all drama.

Drunktown’s Finest (2014) This recent movie surrounds the life of three young Navajo people. One of them is a transgender sex worker named Felixia. It is appreciated by some trans women not only because it is an accurate portrayal of some of their lives, but also because it shows a trans woman of color played by a trans woman of color, hardly a common trope.

Paris is Burning (1990) The documentary Paris is Burning follows the lives of several people of color in New York. It depicts people dealing with transphobia, homophobia, and tries to open the eyes of it’s viewers to those who are not commonly depicted.

Boy Meets Girl (2015) This recent movie is unique in that it has a trans actress playing a trans character. It shows how love can transcend gender without glossing over the problems of relationships.

A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (2006) Another movie based on a true event, this is the heartbreaking tale of a 17 year old trans girl killed by a group of men who discover her status. It won the 2007 GLAAD Media Award and remains respected today.

Ma Vie en Rose (1999) This is a foreign film that depicts a child, insistent upon the fact that they are not the gender they were born with. It is considered revolutionary in its sensitivity and realistic depiction of some families reactions to trans people.