Movies about gender dysphoria - Mental Health Related Films

Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.

Most people recognise aspects of themselves in at least a few psychiatric diagnostic categories. The difference between normal and disorder is not straightforward and often has more to do with degree rather than kind, i.e. does it cause big problems?

While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.

We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.

Click to see the Ultimate List of Mental Health Movies index

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria was previously termed "gender identity disorder." It is the feeling of discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their anatomic sex assigned at birth.

According to DSM-5, gender dysphoria is defined as a “marked incongruence between their experienced or expressed gender and the one they were assigned at birth.”

Not interested in the DSM-V criteria for gender dysphoria? Scroll down to the list of movies.

Abridged criteria for Gender Dysphoria in Children 302.6 (F64.2):

A. A marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender, of at least 6 months’ duration, as manifested by at least six of the following (one of which must be Criterion A1):

1. A strong desire to be of the other gender or an insistence that one is the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender).

2. In boys (assigned gender), a strong preference for cross-dressing or simulating female attire: or in girls (assigned gender), a strong preference for wearing only typical masculine clothing and a strong resistance to the wearing of typical feminine clothing.

3. A strong preference for cross-gender roles in make-believe play or fantasy play.

4. A strong preference for the toys, games, or activities stereotypically used or engaged in by the other gender.

5. A strong preference for playmates of the other gender.

6. In boys (assigned gender), a strong rejection of typically masculine toys, games, and activities and a strong avoidance of rough-and-tumble play; or in girls (assigned gender), a strong rejection of typically feminine toys, games, and activities.

7. A strong dislike of one’s sexual anatomy.

8. A strong desire for the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics that match one’s experienced gender.

B. The condition is associated with clinically significant distress or impairment in social, school, or other important areas of functioning.

Abridged criteria for Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults 302.85 (F64.1):

A. A marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender, of at least 6 months’ duration, as manifested by at least two of the following:

1. A marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender and primary and/or secondary sex characteristics (or in young adolescents, the anticipated secondary sex characteristics).

2. A strong desire to be rid of one’s primary and/or secondary sex characteristics because of a marked incongruence with one’s experienced/expressed gender (or in young adolescents, a desire to prevent the development of the anticipated secondary sex characteristics).

3. A strong desire for the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender.

4. A strong desire to be of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender).

5. A strong desire to be treated as the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender).

6. A strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender).

B. The condition is associated with clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupationali^or other important areas of functioning.

Movies about Gender Dysphoria

If we missed an essential film about gender dysphoria, please let us know. We would love to include it.

Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.

Movie Title: L'immensità

Release: 2022

Rated: 6.4

Cast: Penélope Cruz, Vincenzo Amato, Luana Giuliani

Storyline: An Italian period drama that explores themes of family dysfunction and multi-generational unhappiness, while intertwining a storyline of quiet desperation, secret yearning, and the journey of self-discovery through gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: Mi vacío y yo

Release: 2022

Rated: 6.8

Cast: Raphaëlle Pérez, Alberto Díaz, Marc Ribera

Storyline: In the midst of navigating embarrassing dates and working at a call center in Barcelona, Raphi, a young French woman diagnosed with gender dysphoria by her therapist, embarks on a transformative journey as she embraces her true identity and experiences the challenges and triumphs of her transition.

Movie Title: They

Release: 2017

Rated: 4.7

Cast: Rhys Fehrenbacher, Koohyar Hosseini

Storyline: Fourteen-year-old J, who identifies as 'They,' navigates gender dysphoria and the critical decision of transitioning after two years of medication and therapy while living with their parents in suburban Chicago.

Movie Title: Nel mio nome

Release: 2022

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Leonardo Arpino, Raffaele Baldo, Andrea Ragno, Nicolò Sproccati

Storyline: Four close friends living in and around Bologna, navigate their gender transitions and grapple with the challenges of gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: Butterfly

Release: 2018

Rated: 6.4

Cast: Emmett J Scanlan, Callum Booth-Ford, Anna Friel

Storyline: Maxine, a young transgender girl who identifies as male and desires to transition, embarks on a personal journey alongside her family, navigating the challenges they face and the profound impact of gender dysphoria on their lives.

Movie Title: Girl

Release: 2018

Rated: 7.1

Cast: Victor Polster, Arieh Worthalter, Oliver Bodart

Storyline: A transgender girl named Lara is determined to become a professional ballerina. She grapples with the challenges of her gender identity and undergoes medical procedures as part of her transition.

Movie Title: Affirmation Generation

Release: 2023

Rated: 8.4

Cast: Michelle Alleva, David Arthur, Sasha Ayad

Storyline: A documentary about six young people discussing the "gender affirming" medical care they received for gender dysphoria and how they subsequently realised this was the wrong treatment.

Movie Title: Tomboy - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2011

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson

Storyline: A young girl who with gender dysphoria, introduces herself in the neighbourhood as a boy named Mikhael. The story focuses on the difficulties of being transgender at a young age.

Movie Title: Southern Comfort - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2001

Rated: 7.7

Cast: Robert Eads, Lola Cola, Maxwell Scott Anderson, Cas Piotrowski

Storyline: The life of a couple, who both have gender dysphoria. The transgender man named Robert is battling ovarian cancer and was turned down by many doctors because of gender identity issues.

Movie Title: Just Charlie - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2017

Rated: 6.8

Cast: Harry Gilby, Scot Williams, Mark Carter

Storyline: A young boy with gender dysphoria, is torn between wanting to live up to his father's expectations or walk in his own way.

Movie Title: XXY - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2007

Rated: 7.2

Cast: Richardo Darin, Veleria Bertuccelli, German Palacios, Carolina Pelleritti

Storyline: A young girl, with gender dysphoria, experiences another level of complexity in search of her identity as she likes the son of her mother's friend.

Movie Title: Normal - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2003

Rated: 7.3

Cast: Richard Bull, Marg Seibel, Danny Goldring, Jessica Lange

Storyline: After 25-years of being married, a man named Roy reveals his gender dysphoria to his family and that he wants to undergo a sex-change operation.

Movie Title: A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2006

Rated: 7.5

Cast: Mercedes Ruehl, JD Pardo, Lupe Ontiveros

Storyline: The true story of Gwen Araujo who experiences gender dysphoria and was brutally murdered by four men in 2002.

Movie Title: All About My Mother - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1999

Rated: 7.8

Cast: Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña

Storyline: Young Esteban discovers the identity of his second mother who experiances a gender dysphoria that is concealed by his mother Manuela.

Movie Title: Another Woman

Release: 2008

Rated: 4.5

Cast: Jerry Lucas, Antoine Dulery

Storyline: Lea who has gender dysphoria, makes contact with the members of the family she abandoned a long time ago. She decides to fight for her legal rights to oversee the lives of her children.

Movie Title: Beautiful Boxer - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2004

Rated: 7.1

Cast: Asanee Suwan, Sorapong Chatree, Orn-Anong Panyawong

Storyline: Muay Thai boxer Parinya Charoenphol has gender dysphoria and pursued the sport to pay for her gender reassignment surgery.

Movie Title: Beautiful Daughters

Release: 2006

Rated: 4.6

Cast: Calpernia Addams, Christine D. Beatty, Lynn Conway

Storyline: A documentary that follows the first-ever all-transgender production of Eve Ensler's famous play "The Vagina Monologues".

Movie Title: Be Like Others - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2008

Rated: 7.4

Cast:

Storyline: A documentary about young Iranian men who have gender dysphoria choosing to undergo sex-change surgery.

Movie Title: Boys Don't Cry - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1999

Rated: 7.5

Cast: Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard

Storyline: Brandon Teena who has gender dysphoria navigates life in Nebraska.

Movie Title: Cruel and Unusual - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2006

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Ashley, Ophelia DeLonte, Anna Connelly

Storyline: A documentary about women who have gender dysphoria and their prison experiences.

Movie Title: Girl Inside

Release: 2007

Rated: 8.2

Cast: Madison

Storyline: Canadian documentary follows the life of a 26-year-old who has gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: Gun Hill Road - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2011

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Esai Morales, Robert Salzman, Ty Jones

Storyline: An ex-con returns home and discovers his child has gender dysphoria. The fragile bonds of their family are put to the test.

Movie Title: Just Call Me Kade - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2002

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Gentry McShanes

Storyline: A documentary that follows the life of 14-year-old Kade Farlow Collins who has gender dysphoria who lives with his understanding family in Arizona.

Movie Title: Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2014

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Kristin Beck

Storyline: Former U.S. Navy SEAL Christopher Beck has gender dysphoria and is on a new mission as a transgender woman.

Movie Title: Ma vie en rose - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1997

Rated: 7.5

Cast: Georges Du Fresne, Michèle Laroque, Jean-Philippe Écoffey

Storyline: Ludovic has gender dysphoria but his parents find it hard to accept his change. They send him to a psychiatrist with the hopes of fixing his faults.

Movie Title: Middle C

Release: 2007

Rated: 7.5

Cast: Tristan Whiston

Storyline: Tristan Whiston was a female soprano and has gender dysphoria. The documentary follows his transition through the process of gender re-assignment.

Movie Title: Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She

Release: 2005

Rated: 6.2

Cast: Gore Vidal, Calpernia Addams, Beth Aynsley

Storyline: A documentary that tackles the diversity of gender dysphoria or human sexual and gender variance around the globe.

Movie Title: No Dumb Questions - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2001

Rated: 7.0

Cast:

Storyline: A documentary about three sisters struggling to understand why and how their Uncle Bill is becoming a woman.

Movie Title: Paris Is Burning - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1990

Rated: 8.2

Cast: Brooke Xtravaganza, André Christian, Dorian Corey

Storyline: An American documentary filmed in the mid-to-late 1980s that shows the ball culture of New York City and a thoughtful exploration of race, gender dysphoria, and sexuality in America.

Movie Title: Princesa - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2001

Rated: 6.2

Cast: Ingrid de Souza, Cesare Bocci, Lulu Pecorari

Storyline: A 19-year-old Brazilian who has gender dysphoria travels to Milan and becomes a prostitute to finance sex-change surgery.

Movie Title: Prodigal Sons - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2008

Rated: 7.0

Cast: Kimberly Reed, Carol McKerrow, Marc McKerrow

Storyline: Filmmaker Kimberly Reed who has gender dysphoria returns home to introduce herself as a transgender and hoping to reconcile with her long estranged brother.

Movie Title: Real Boy - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2016

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Bennett Wallace, Joe Stevens, Suzy Reinke

Storyline: A documentary about 19-year-old Bennett Wallace who has gender dysphoria. Along the way, both mother and son find support in their communities.

Movie Title: Red Without Blue - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2007

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Clair Farley, Jennie Farley, Mark Oliver Farley

Storyline: The intimate bond between two identical twin brothers is challenged when one of them has gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: Romeos - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2011

Rated: 7.0

Cast: Rick Okon, Max Befort, Liv Lisa Fries

Storyline: A drama centered on the relationship between two young men who have gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: She's a Boy I Knew - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2007

Rated: 7.7

Cast: Colleen Haworth, Gwen Haworth, Kim Haworth

Storyline: A documentary about Gwen Haworth who has gender dysphoria. The document shows interviews with her friends and family about its impact on them.

Movie Title: Soldier's Girl - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2003

Rated: 7.9

Cast: Troy Garity, Lee Pace, Andre Braugher

Storyline: The story of a young soldier who falls in love with a person who has gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: TransGeneration - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2005

Rated: 7.1

Cast: Katherine A. Baker, Lucas Cheadle, Andrea Gabrielle Gibson

Storyline: A documentary about the lives of four college students who have gender dysphoria.

Movie Title: True Trans with Laura Jane Grace

Release: 2014

Rated: 7.9

Cast: Isley Reust, Laura Jane Grace, Bonnie Grace

Storyline: The story of Punk rock singer Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! and other members of the trans community.

References and Links

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Signs of gender

dysphoria: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/symptoms/

More on gender dysphoria: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532313/

Gender Dysphoria according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_dysphoria

Acknowledgments

The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.

Vincenzo Sinisi

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash