As with any genre, gay romance has its duds (looking at you, Happiest Season), its all rights (Boy Erased), and its overhypes (Call Me by Your Name). But many of its films are immensely powerful. After all, the most compelling romance writing involves forbidden, secret love and associated dangers, and — tragically for the real human beings who experienced and experience this — these elements are inherent to many gay stories. The following is a selection of movies that you will not soon forget.

Supernova — Love in the time of dementia. Stars Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci.

Disobedience — Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz find love in an orthodox Jewish community.

The World to Come — Farmers’ wives fall for each other on the American frontier. With Vanessa Kirby, Katherine Waterston, and Casey Affleck.

Carol — Cate Blanchett’s character meets a younger woman (Rooney Mara) in 1950s New York.

Ammonite — Searching for fossils and companionship in the early 1800s. Stars Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.

Brokeback Mountain — The undisputed classic. With Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Anne Hathaway.

Moonlight — The Best Picture winner, a journey from black boyhood to manhood. With Mahershala Ali, Ashton Sanders, and Naomie Harris.

The Power of the Dog — Benedict Cumberbatch’s character abuses his brother’s wife and son (Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee) while struggling with his feelings for the latter.

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women — A throuple in the 1940s evades discovery, while inspiring the creation of Wonder Woman. With Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, and Bella Heathcote.

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