Movie lovers are turning to these bisexual films for stories that feel funny, tender and refreshingly human. From a much-anticipated Heartstopper finale to indie favourites such as Appropriate Behaviour and Shiva Baby, this watchlist offers plenty for Bisexual Awareness Week and beyond.

Essential Takeaways

  • A varied watchlist: The selection spans coming-of-age drama, awkward comedy, romance and heartfelt self-discovery.
  • A standout indie: Appropriate Behaviour mixes family pressure, queer identity and sharp humour.
  • Plenty of emotional range: Expect everything from uncomfortable dinner parties to warm, reflective moments.
  • A useful starting point: These films offer bisexual viewers stories that feel more layered than familiar stereotypes.

Why these bisexual films are worth your time

Good bisexual representation can be surprisingly difficult to find. Too often, bi characters are reduced to indecision, deception or a convenient plot twist, rather than shown as fully rounded people with complicated families, desires and ambitions.

This list takes a more generous route. It brings together films that let bisexual characters be messy, funny, romantic, awkward and occasionally completely overwhelmed. In other words, recognisable. Critics discussing Appropriate Behaviour have particularly praised its mix of humour and emotional discomfort, according to RogerEbert.com and The Guardian.

Start with a sharp, funny indie favourite

Desiree Akhavan's Appropriate Behaviour follows Shirin, an Iranian-American bisexual woman caught between family expectations and the life she's trying to build for herself. The result is a brisk, uncomfortable comedy about break-ups, cultural pressure and the exhausting business of appearing to have everything under control.

The film's appeal lies in its messiness. Shirin isn't presented as a perfect representative of anyone, and that's precisely what makes her feel alive. Reviews from The Arts Desk and Time Out highlight the film's caustic humour and distinctive voice, making it a strong choice for viewers who like their romantic comedies with sharper edges.

When family gatherings become painfully funny

Shiva Baby turns one tense social occasion into a pressure cooker. Danielle, played by Rachel Sennott, finds herself navigating family judgement while unexpectedly encountering both a sugar daddy and a successful former girlfriend.

It has the close-quarters energy of a nightmare you can't politely leave. Every glance feels loaded, every conversation risks going wrong, and the comedy comes from watching Danielle scramble to keep her different worlds apart. For anyone who enjoys cringe comedy with a queer perspective, it's an especially effective pick.

From university discoveries to older selves

Margarita With A Straw offers a warmer, more reflective story. Its protagonist, an Indian teenager with cerebral palsy, moves to America for university and begins exploring her sexuality with greater freedom and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, My Old Ass approaches bisexual coming-of-age through a distinctly offbeat premise. Elliott encounters her older self after taking psychedelic mushrooms, creating space for a tender conversation about choices, identity and the future. It sounds wonderfully strange, but the emotional questions are grounded and familiar.

A hopeful final chapter for Heartstopper fans

Heartstopper Forever brings Nick Nelson's bisexual representation into the final film instalment of the beloved story. With university on the horizon, the characters are moving into a new stage of life, where friendship, romance and change all become harder to keep neatly separated.

The film's place on this list also reflects the wider importance of accessible LGBTQIA+ storytelling. Heartstopper has helped make queer joy feel mainstream without sanding away every difficult feeling, and its final chapter is likely to appeal to viewers wanting something hopeful after heavier dramas.

How to choose your next watch

For fast, uncomfortable laughs, try Appropriate Behaviour or Shiva Baby. If you'd rather watch a more openly emotional journey, Margarita With A Straw and My Old Ass offer room to sit with questions about growing up and becoming yourself.

And if you want familiar characters in a larger, celebratory finale, Heartstopper Forever is the obvious choice. Settle in with snacks, keep the evening unhurried and choose according to your mood. Your ideal bisexual film marathon doesn't have to be serious from beginning to end.

A thoughtful watchlist can make bisexual stories feel visible, varied and worth returning to.

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