Shoppers are turning up at cinemas this Pride weekend to cheer for queer stories; two very different releases, Leviticus and Girls Like Girls, are landing in US theatres and offering either tense horror or tender romance, so there’s something for everyone who wants to celebrate queer creators.

Essential Takeaways

  • Two contrasting picks: Leviticus is a queer horror with a heavy, eerie atmosphere; Girls Like Girls is a coming‑of‑age romance with a softer, nostalgic feel.
  • Strong creative origins: Leviticus comes from director Adrian Chiarella and mixes social themes with supernatural dread; Girls Like Girls adapts Hayley Kiyoko’s song and novel into a feature.
  • Emotional textures: Leviticus feels tense and unsettling, while Girls Like Girls is warm and intimate with lyrical moments.
  • Where to watch: Both films open in US cinemas on Friday, 19 June 2026; check local listings for screenings.
  • Good for different moods: Pick Leviticus if you want chills and provocation; choose Girls Like Girls for a comforting Pride date at the pictures.

Two very different moods, same weekend: why this matters

Leviticus and Girls Like Girls arriving simultaneously feels like a neat microcosm of queer cinema now: loud, varied and unapologetic. Leviticus leans into a cold, persistent dread that keeps you on edge, while Girls Like Girls settles into a softer, heartfelt groove. Variety matters when you’re choosing how to mark Pride, sometimes you want to rage, sometimes you want to reminisce.

Leviticus: queer horror that digs under the skin

Leviticus, directed by Adrian Chiarella, stars Joe Bird as Naim, a teen in a tight religious community whose secret relationships have devastating consequences. Critics and genre outlets have flagged its mix of real‑world prejudice and supernatural elements as particularly effective; The Daily Beast even called it a likely summer obsession for horror fans. If you like your scares with moral muscle and a slow‑burn, this is a title to see in a dark theatre where the tension can land properly.

Practical tip: sit towards the back if you want the full atmospheric rumble, and expect moments that linger after the credits roll.

Girls Like Girls: a tender coming‑of‑age romance

Girls Like Girls adapts Hayley Kiyoko’s breakout song and later novel into a film about Coley, a teenager learning about intimacy and grief after moving to a new town. The movie taps into Kiyoko’s emotional, music‑driven roots, trailers and studio notes frame it as a gentle, character‑forward story. Focus Features positioned the release as a summer arrival that’s inviting and sincere, perfect for viewers who want a quieter, emotional outing.

Practical tip: this is a good Pride date movie, bring tissues and a friend who’ll clap at the cathartic beats.

Where these films fit into a bigger moment for queer stories

Both films illustrate how queer cinema now spans genres and tones, from allegorical horror to lyrical romance. Hayley Kiyoko’s project grew organically from a viral music video to a novel and now a film, showing how fan love can fuel larger adaptations. Meanwhile, Leviticus demonstrates how horror is being used to explore societal harm and identity, with directors using genre beats to spotlight real‑world injustice. The result: a weekend lineup that feels like a small festival in itself.

How to choose which to see first

Think about your after‑movie mood. If you want to be provoked and unsettled, start with Leviticus and follow up with something lighter later. If you’re in the mood for warmth, or you want to support an artist’s musical journey to film, go for Girls Like Girls. Both films are worth seeing in a cinema for their atmosphere and emotional immediacy.

It's a small change that can make your Pride weekend feel intentional, pick the mood you want and enjoy.

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