Kristen Stewart's queer movie roles, ranked

Kristen Stewart has had a long and wildly successful career in both mainstream hits like Twilight and indie darlings like Clouds of Sils Maria. While there's plenty to be said about queer undertones and interpretations in a number of these films, only a small number have offered her the chance to play explicitly queer characters.

We've taken a look and ranked the ones we've got. Arguments could be made to include others, or even to exclude a couple of these, but hopefully, one day, this list will grow so long that we can't even keep track of what queer roles she's taking on next!

6. 'JT LeRoy' (2018)

Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart in JT LeRoy.

Universal Pictures

JT LeRoy is based on the true story of a writer who invented an entire persona to match her allegedly "autobiographical fiction," and then convinced someone else to embody that persona at in-person events. It’s a wild tale, but the film — and Stewart’s role — just ended up underwhelming and somewhat confusing.

Where to watch:Prime Video (rental)

5. 'Lizzie' (2018)

Kristen Stewart and Chloë Sevigny in Lizzie

Saban Films/Roadside Attractions

In this retelling of the infamous Lizzie Borden murders, Stewart plays Bridget Sullivan, a housemaid who becomes romantically involved with Lizzie (Chloë Sevigny). With a cast like that, we all had sky high hopes for Lizzie, but there was just something missing when it all came together. Still, we’re glad it’s here.

Where to watch:Peacock or Tubi

4. 'Charlie's Angels' (2019)

Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, and Kristen Stewart in Charlie's Angels.

Sony Pictures

If this were a ranking of the movies themselves rather than Stewart's roles, Charlie's Angels would be much higher on the list. Sorry, haters — when you're wrong, you're wrong. Elizabeth Banks' take on the popular franchise was a delightfully fun adventure with a great cast. It's an eternal bummer we'll never get to see more of Jane (Ella Balinska), Elena (Naomi Scott), and especially Stewart's flirty and chaotic Sabina.

Where to watch:Prime Video (rental)

3. 'Happiest Season' (2020)

Mackenzie Davis and Kristen Stewart in Happiest Season.

Hulu

People have complicated feelings about Happiest Season, which didn't shape up to be the fluffy, low-stakes Christmas romcom queer Hallmark fans were hoping for. But there's no debate over how incredible it was to see Stewart tackle a gay role in a film that revolves around romance (and no axe murders). No matter who you think Abby should have ended up with (and personally I'll argue to the death that the movie made the right call), she's the kind of fully realized queer character we just love to root for.

Where to watch:Hulu

2. 'The Runaways' (2010)

Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, and Alia Shawkat in The Runaways.

River Road Entertainment

KStew as Joan Jett? Absolutely iconic. She nails Jett’s cool, detached vibe without turning her into a caricature. Even when the film meanders, Stewart’s performance stays on point. A lot of fuss was made about the kiss between Jett and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) ahead of the film's release, but as Stewart herself said at the time, "It's just a kiss. It's not really a big deal." But it was 2010, and we're still counting it.

Where to watch:Prime Video (rental)

1. 'Love Lies Bleeding' (2024)

Katy O'Brian and Kristen Stewart in Love Lies Bleeding.

A24

Love Lies Bleeding tops the list regardless of whether we're talking about the films or the roles. As Lou, Stewart plays a tough-as-nails gym manager who falls for a bodybuilder (O'Brian), in the type of role it feels like she was born to play. There's not much else to say other than to advise you to run to the nearest screen and start this sucker up if you haven't seen it yet (or even if you have).

Where to watch:Max