SheWired's Top 10 Lesbian Movies of 2009

Moviegoers this year bought more than 1.2 million tickets. Of course, not all of the films we frequented were good, (take Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.) but many of them were gay. We round up the best lesbian movies of ’09 — from dramas and documentaries to comedies even a horror film. And if there’s film you think should make the list, leave us a comment. Happy viewing.

Whip It

This film about bad-ass roller derby girls stars Drew Barrymore, Ellen Page, Juliette Lewis and Kristen Wiig. As gay as that sounds, the film lacks any sapphic scenes. But “Whip It” did mark Barrymore’s directorial debut and prompted pictures of Barrymore and Page cuddling and kissing. Let’s hope next time they save some for the screen.

Jennifer’s Body

Oscar-winning Juno writer Diablo Cody tries her hand at horror with Jennifer's Body. This gruesome, girl-power film stars Megan Fox as possessed cheerleader who offs her male classmates while faux-nerdy best friend (Amanda Seyfried) tries to stop her from eating boy flesh. Directed by Karyn Kusama (Girl Fight, Aeon Flux), Jennifer's Body features an onscreen kiss between Fox and Amanda Seyfried — and proves what we already know: hell is a teenage girl.

The kiss: 

More on next page...

\\\

(continued)

Dear & Yonder

Forget surfer dudes. Dear & Yonder follows top female surfers across some of the best breaks in the world. Blue Crush and Curl Girls fans will dig this scenic film — and the women in bikinis.

Trailer:

Training Rules

This award-winning hour-or-so documentary looks at the big issue in homophobia of women’s sports, with Penn State’s former women’s basketball coach Rene Portland as the focus. At the college for more than two decades, Portland racked up titles and accolades — and controversy for her anti-lesbian attitude. Her stance with players was clear: Act gay and risk losing your scholarship. See what happens when a dyke takes her on.

Trailer:

More on next page...

\\\

(continued)

Baby Formula

In the beginning, sperm came from men. But in this mockumentary from stuntwoman-turned-director Alison Reid, two lesbians get knocked up — no man needed. Married couple Athena (Angela Vint) and Lilith (Megan Fahlenbock ) want a child that’s biologically their own, so they find scientists who combine the couple’s stem cells and eggs. Both women get pregnant and a film crew documents it all, showing that all families are a little crazy and why you might not want to try a dual pregnancy at home.

Trailer: 

Amelia

Hilary Swank gets gayish again playing legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart who disappeared flying over the Pacific during an attempted flight around the world. While the film focuses on Earhart’s love affair with publisher George Putnam (Richard Gere), there are hints of lesbiana. The film makes for a valuable history lesson — plus, Swank’s wardrobe could inspire butch aviator chic.

More on next page...

\\\

(continued)

Mississippi Damned

A film-fest favorite, Mississippi Damned tells the story African-American family trapped in a world of addiction, poverty and violence. Much of the film is based on lesbian writer/director Tina Mabry’s real-life experiences growing up — and escaping — Mississippi. This award-winning film sheds light on a rarely seen subject and is worth a watch or two.

And Then Came Lola

SheWired’s own Jill Bennett and Cathy DeBuono star in this sexy, fun flick loosely inspired by the art house classic, Run, Lola, Run. In this lesbian version, Lola, an ever-late photographer on the verge of success in love and work, could lose it all if she doesn’t make it to a meeting on time. You’ll burn calories just watching her run through the streets of San Francisco — and de-robe her co-stars. Watch some behind-the-scenes clips.

Trailer:

More on next page...

\\\

(continued)

Precious

Based on the novel Push by bisexual writer Sapphire, this Oprah-endorsed film tells the story of an obese, illiterate teen pregnant with her second child. The film’s impressive cast, none of whom play to type, includes de-”Glittered” social worker Mariah Carey, kind nurse Lenny Kravitz, comedian Mo'Nique as an abusive welfare mother and Paula Patton as Precious’ lesbian teacher. Directed by the openly gay Lee Daniels, this little-film-that-could has grossed millions and racked up many awards and tears.

Trailer:

Hannah Free

Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey, Queer As Folk and Burn Notice) stars in Hannah Free, the story of a life-long love affair between adventurous unapologetic lesbian (Gless) and her closeted partner. The romantic drama — done on a dime and in less than three weeks — proved a hit at LGBT film festivals. And Gless fans will finally see the lesbian icon play gay — and butch. Check out this exclusive interview with Gless.

Find more from Jamie here!

Follow SheWired on Twitter!