Ah, the ’90s—a time of frosted tips, chokers, and movies that weren’t afraid to go there. While straight rom-coms were churning out clichés left and right, the Sundance Film Festival was elevating lesbian stories that had depth, drama, and just the right amount of angst to keep things edgy. We wouldn’t have been surprised to see any one of them rocking Doc Martens and a leather jacket at Lilith Fair.
From steamy artistic entanglements in High Art to PTA drama hotter than a Tamagotchi meltdown in Late Bloomers, these movies brought sapphic cinema to the forefront with bold storytelling. Since it’s Sundance season and the ’90s are, like, totally back in fashion, it felt like the perfect time for a trip down memory lane.
Put down your Walkman and curl up with your favorite flannel to discover seven lesbian movies from Sundance that still slap as hard as the Spice Girls.
Go Fish (1994)
Max is a modern, trendy lesbian with big-city dreams, but she’s struggling to find someone who really clicks. Enter Ely—frumpy, older, and way outside Max’s usual type. They might not seem like an obvious match, but through unexpected conversations and clumsy romance, Max starts to realize that love doesn’t always look like you expect. A sweet, quirky, and totally honest look at relationships, this film has all the grit and charm that made ‘90s indie films a genre of their own.
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
Two girls from very different walks of life—one rich, one not-so-rich—fall in love in a sweet whirlwind of firsts. They deal with their families, their friends, and all the growing pains that come with being young and figuring out who you are. With its charmingly awkward moments, it’s a bit like watching your own teenage love story unfold onscreen.
Bound (1996)
When female ex-con Corky (Gina Gershon) meets Violet (Jennifer Tilly), the dangerously beautiful girlfriend of a paranoid mobster, things get real interesting, real fast. This thriller is a total heart-pounding ride through deception, lust, and some seriously sharp plot twists. With a steamy, tension-filled romance at its core, Bound will have you glued to your seat until the very last scene.
Everything Relative (1996)
Seven friends—all of them lesbians except for one—gather for a weekend reunion to celebrate the birth of one of the couples’ sons. As old flames are rekindled, new sparks fly, and deep-seated issues come to the surface, it’s clear that no one’s the same as they were back in college. The result is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and how the past doesn’t always stay in the past.
Female Perversions (1997)
A bisexual lawyer (Tilda Swinton) living the high-flying, fast-paced life spends her time juggling flings and her own personal drama. As she works through her messy relationships, including a kleptomaniac sister, we get a look at the not-so-glamorous side of ambition and desire. A wild ride through the complexities of sexuality and personal fulfillment, this film has all the bold, unapologetic energy of the late ’90s.
Late Bloomers (1996)
In a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, a secretary decides to leave her predictable life behind and follow her heart to the woman she loves—a tough-as-nails female basketball coach. The community reacts in true small-town fashion, gossiping and organizing protests, and it plays a bit like a classic rom-com with a twist. Who doesn’t love a twist?
High Art (1998)
A young intern at a hip magazine meets a provocative lesbian photographer who’s got as many problems as she has smoldering looks. As their careers clash and intertwine, these two women are torn between using each other to get ahead and falling for each other in ways they never expected. A gritty, emotional romance that’s raw and complicated—just like the best relationships in the late ’90s.
Related: The Groundbreaking Lesbian Kiss On L.A. Law That Made TV History
The ’90s brought a cultural shift that paved the way for some bold, groundbreaking stories in queer cinema. Whether you’re discovering these films for the first time or revisiting them with a fresh perspective today, they offer a unique lens through which to reflect on both the progress and challenges of queer representation. Plus, they provide an excellent crash course in ’90s fashion.