Sexy boys in rugby shorts. Rowers practicing shirtless. Boys changing in the locker rooms. All of these are common images that queer sport films evoke. When I first addressed the sport genre, I certainly didn’t shy from the homoerotic pleasure that is evoked in environments where being nearly naked are acceptable. This time I have five MORE queer sport films that take it to a new level!
But before we go any further, let’s a have a quick reminder of what defines a “sport” film.
Definition of Sport Films:
- Films where the focus is on sports or a sporting event, either fictional or actual. This includes fictional stories focused on a particular sport or event, documentaries about sports, and television broadcasts of actual sporting events. In a fictional film, the sport itself can also be fictional, but it should be the primary focus of the film. Objective.
However, it’s important to note that while all of these queer films below are DEFINITELY queer sport films, there are other elements that are key to each film – and they even fall under additional genres. In fact, all five films are also queer dramas. And they are also either queer comedy, queer romance, or a combination of multiple genres.
Even though I’m highlighting the sports aspect, to be honest – it’s these other elements that are more important to whether each film is worth watching. Sure, two of this month’s queer sport films deal with rugby. But one is more a coming-out film of rugby player, while the other showcases the highs and lows of an affair with a teammate. Two other queer sport films tackle that adolescent coming-of-age and acceptance of their queer identity, but use different team sports to do so. And the last queer sports film actually deals with a retired hockey player, although the sport still features heavily in the story.
So grab your kit, your towel, and let’s head to the locker rooms to check out 5 MORE Queer Sport Films!
5 MORE Queer Sport Films
Following a drunken encounter, two equally attached men from a cash strapped and divided gay rugby club unwittingly sleepwalk into an adulterous affair but must conceal their growing feelings or risk destroying the club they love.
I’ve had In From The Side on my watch list since it was announced, especially as I played a season of rugby myself down here in New Zealand. And after finally watching this queer sports film, I’m don’t know why it took me so long. I loved it! Granted, it’s definitely a dramatic film too because despite a seemingly passionate romance between Mark and Warren, love affairs always end up messy. I actually wasn’t too pleased with the ending at first, but I slowly realized that it was actually the best ending for the film. However the appeal for most of us is certainly the rugby scenes – there’s something about a scrum in the rain and mud that is hot! So whether you want to enjoy a passionate affair or sweaty men in rugby shorts, you should definitely watch this queer sport film!
Watch In From The Side on Amazon, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
Two underclassmen roommates at an all-boys boarding school eventually and unexpectedly bond, one a social outcast, the other a star rugby player. With a new English teacher challenging students to find their own voices, the boys’ friendship is tested by the rugby-obsessed expectations of others after one is found to be gay.
I’ll confess that I have a weakness for attractive guys with an Irish accent (British too, but this story is set in Ireland!) – so I was quite captivated with Handsome Devil! Not to mention a newfound fascination with watching boys play rugby. And we cannot ignore Nicholas Galitzine in one of his earlier films. This coming out story is one that I think many young men can relate to, which makes it even more powerful of a queer film. If you haven’t seen it yet, then I strongly encourage you to watch “Handsome Devil”.
Watch Handsome Devil on Amazon, Prime Video, Dekkoo, Peacock TV, Plex, and Tubi.
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A sexually awakening gay teen athlete finds himself in a budding relationship with his mutually attracted relay race teammate.
This queer sports film is also a queer coming-of-age film. Boys is a heartfelt movie to watch because we can easily relate to Sieger’s hesitance and resistance to confessing his growing attraction towards Marc. But it’s quite beautiful and captivating when he finally gives in! Throw in a bit of family drama with Sieg’s older brother and single father, it’s a film that handles adolescent coming-of-age in a manner that is both entertaining and tender. Even though I’m sure many of you don’t speak Dutch, Boys is worth watching even with subtitles!
Watch Boys on Amazon, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
Tobi and Achim, the pride of the local crew club, have been the best of friends for years and are convinced that nothing will ever stand in the way of their friendship. They look forward to the upcoming summer camp and the crew competition. Then the gay team from Berlin arrives and Tobi is totally confused. The evening before the races begin, the storm that breaks out is more than meteor-logical.
Summer Storm is exactly like it’s title – it’s a explosion of teenage sexuality! At heart, this queer sports film is both a coming-of-age and a coming-out film. Everyone does a good job bringing their roles to life and we certainly have a wide range of characters, each bringing something special to both rowing teams. But it’s Robert Stadlober‘s portrayal of Tobi that truly stands out; he plays the conflicted and jealous best friend in a way to mirrors the sudden summer storm that breaks more than the team’s boat. I thought the ending could have been a bit more developed, but I cannot deny that Summer Storm is a queer sports film that should be added to your watch list.
Watch Summer Storm on Amazon.
Eric, a sports announcer and former hockey player, doesn’t know how to deal with the flamboyant young boy to whom he and his partner suddenly become guardians.
Based on a book (which I have not yet read), Breakfast With Scot is a Canadian queer sports film that is a tad predictable but still endearing to watch. The highlight is Noah Bernett who plays the effeminate young boy, Scot. Naturally there are some great comedic moments between as Eric and Sam have to navigate having Scot in their home and lives. But the unique twist in this film is that Scot is not the one who changes the most; it’s actually Eric and Sam who soften and grow to love Scot as he is. Again, it’s a tad predictable because you can guess how the film will end right from the start. However if you’re looking for an entertaining queer sports film, Breakfast With Scot will fit the bill.
Watch Breakfast With Scot on Amazon, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Here TV, and YouTube.
