From Heated Rivalry to Young Royals, 10 swoon-worthy young adult LGBTQ+ shows and movies to watch this Pride Month

Pride Month in 2026 finds young adult queer content experiencing a major resurgence across Netflix, Prime Video, and beyond. With Heartstopper Forever set to premiere on July 17 and social media buzzing over 2025 releases like Overcompensating, fans are organising virtual watch parties and sharing fan theories.


These shows provide comfort, validation and escapism, especially for teens and young adults who are navigating their own journeys. Here are the topic picks of old/new movies to binge-watch and celebrate this Pride month.

1. Heartstopper (Series + Heartstopper Forever Film, Netflix)

Created by Alice Oseman and adapted from her graphic novels, the series stars Joe Locke as openly gay Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as rugby star Nick Nelson. Their slow-burn romance unfolds at a British secondary school, tackling coming out, anxiety, and friendship with a diverse ensemble including Yasmin Finney as Elle. Known for its charming animation overlays and tender moments, the story emphasises wholesome queer love. The feature film Heartstopper Forever, releasing July 17, 2026, follows Nick and Charlie as they face university transitions and long-distance hurdles.

2. Young Royals (Netflix)

Created by Lisa Ambjörn, Lars Beckung, and Camilla Holter, this Swedish drama ran for three seasons (2021-2024). Edvin Ryding shines as Prince Wilhelm, who falls deeply for working-class choir singer Simon Eriksson (Omar Rudberg) at the elite Hillerska boarding school. The series masterfully explores class divides, royal duty versus personal desire, family pressure, and queer awakening through passionate, emotionally charged scenes. Supporting cast like Malte Gårdinger as antagonist August adds layers of drama.


3. Overcompensating (Prime Video, 2025)

Premiering May 15, 2025, this comedy was created by and stars Benito Skinner as Benny, a closeted former high school football star adjusting to college life. Wally Baram co-stars as outgoing best friend Carmen, helping him confront toxic masculinity and self-acceptance. Drawing from Skinner’s personal experiences, the series mixes raunchy humour, awkward situations, and touching insights into queer discovery.

4. Love, Simon (2018, Hulu/Netflix)

Greg Berlanti directed this groundbreaking adaptation of Becky Albertalli’s novel. Nick Robinson plays Simon Spier, a closeted teen who bonds via email with his anonymous crush “Blue.” Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel portray understanding parents in a story blending humour, high school antics, and heartfelt coming-out arcs. As one of the first wide-release YA gay rom-coms, it delivers an optimistic message that everyone deserves a grand love story.


5. The Sex Lives of College Girls (Max)

Mindy Kaling’s hit follows four diverse freshmen navigating college. Renee Rapp’s Leighton Murray delivers a compelling lesbian awakening arc amid friendships, hookups, and identity exploration. Later seasons deepen queer storylines, including bisexual experiences. The show’s sex-positive, messy, and empowering tone celebrates young women owning their truths.

6. Red, White & Royal Blue (Prime Video, 2023)

Directed by Matthew López and based on Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, this charming enemies-to-lovers romance stars Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, and Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry of Wales. When a public altercation forces them into a fake friendship for PR damage control, sparks fly into a passionate secret relationship that challenges their duties and public images. Full of witty banter, steamy chemistry, and heartfelt moments, it’s a modern fairytale that beautifully captures the thrill of forbidden love.

7. Heated Rivalry (Crave / Prime Video, 2025)

Created by Jacob Tierney and adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novel series, this steamy sports romance stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov - rival professional hockey players on opposing teams who develop a secret, intense romantic relationship. The series masterfully blends high-stakes on-ice rivalry, forbidden desire, banter-filled tension, and emotional depth as the two navigate fame, secrecy, and their growing feelings.


8. Prom Dates (2024, Hulu)

Two best friends scramble for prom dates post-breakups in this comedic tale laced with queer coming-of-age elements. It balances laughs with genuine heart and self-discovery moments.

9. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Luca Guadagnino’s sensual Italian summer romance stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver. This acclaimed film captures awakening desire, nostalgia, and the beauty of first love in a sun-drenched setting. It remains a cinematic benchmark for queer storytelling.

10. Moonlight (2016)

Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning masterpiece follows Chiron through life stages, highlighting a tender teen romance. Its poetic visuals and profound exploration of Black queer masculinity add powerful resonance to any Pride lineup.


At its core, Pride Month is about visibility, acceptance, and unapologetic celebration – values beautifully reflected in these 10 swoon-worthy YA LGBTQ+ shows. Whether through the tender innocence of Heartstopper, the passionate intensity of Young Royals, the comedic honesty of Overcompensating, or the emotional depth of Moonlight, these stories remind us that queer love and identity deserve to be portrayed with joy, complexity and hope.

In 2026, as representation continues to grow, they not only entertain but also empower a new generation to embrace their truth. Let these narratives fill your screen and your heart with the kind of stories the world needs more of. Happy Pride!