Top FTM Movies to Watch—Representation & Empowerment

Movies can be a perfect way to entertain yourself on a boring Sunday. To FTMs, movies are a way of representing. It also empowers individuals to learn more about transitions and coming out in an educational way. 

In this digital era, movies and media have played a big role in promoting the FTM lifestyle. Also advocating and protecting the rights and freedoms of FTMs and queers in general. These movies can describe the real-life struggles of FTMs and their success stories. They can also teach how to handle discrimination.

This article will guide you on the best movies, TV shows, and documentaries to watch. You will also know where you can get the movies and the importance of media in FTM representation. 

Must-Watch FTM Films & Documentaries

The following are movies and documentaries you can search for and watch. 

• “Romeos” (2011) 

Romeos is a 2011 romantic comedy-drama film from Germany. It was written and directed by Sabine Bernardi. On December 8, 2011, it was released in German theaters.

The connection between two young guys is the focus of this drama. One of them deals with the challenges of being a transgender man. Lukas, a gay trans man in his 20s, is currently going through a transition.

Lukas meets Fabio, a cisgender homosexual man. Fabio is an attractive bad boy after he joins the Cologne gay scene. The two men get attracted to one another. Lukas must decide between risking losing everything and telling Fabio who he is.

• “3 Generations” (2015) 

Written by Nikole Beckwith and directed by Gaby Dellal, 3 Generations was released in 2015.

The film stars Sam Trammell, Tate Donovan, Susan Sarandon, Elle Fanning, and Naomi Watts. It debuted as “About Ray” in the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. On May 5, 2017, the Weinstein Company released the movie. 

The film features Ray (Fanning), a youngster who discovers and seeks his true identity as a man. His absent father, Craig, grandma Dolly, and mother Maggie all had to accept his identity.

• “Boy Meets Girl” (2014) 

The romantic comedy-drama Boy Meets Girl was directed by Eric Schaeffer. Michelle Hendley plays a trans woman searching for love in a tiny Kentucky community.

Ricky, 21, is a transsexual woman from a small Kentucky town. He aspires to move to New York and enroll in a fashion design school. Ricky, who works as a barista, spends much of her time with Robby. Robby, who is her lone friend, has supported her for the past 15 years.

When Francesca shows up at Ricky’s workplace, the friendship develops into an affair.

Boy Meets Girl addresses what it means to be a real man or woman. Also, the value of leading a brave life without allowing fear to stop you from pursuing your goals.

• “Tomboy” (2011) 

Tomboy, written and directed by Céline Sciamma, is a 2011 French drama film. During the summer break, a 10-year-old gender-variant child transfers to a new neighborhood. He tries out different gender presentations.

The film received favorable reviews when it first came out. Reviewers compliment the directing and the actors, especially Zoé Héran in the lead role.

• “Southern Comfort” (2001) 

This documentary chronicles the last year of transgender man Robert Eads’ life.

When Eads was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, twelve doctors refused to treat him. This was because they were afraid it would damage their reputations. The cancer had progressed to the point where Eads could no longer be saved by treatment.

• “Real Boy” (2016) 

The personal tale of a family going through a transformation. Bennett Wallace, 19, is navigating early sobriety. His late adolescence and the development of his gender identification. At the same time, his mother transitions from opposition to acceptance of her transgender son. 

Along the process, the mother and the boy discover community support. This served as a reminder that families are chosen rather than provided.

• “Transhood” (2020) 

Transhood is an American documentary film. It was produced and directed by Sharon Liese in 2020.

On June 19, 2020, the film made its debut at the AFI Documentary Festival. On November 12, 2020, it was made available on HBO and HBO Max.

From the ages of four, seven, twelve, and fifteen, this documentary follows four children as they redefine “coming of age.” These children and their families provide a chronicle of growing up transgender in the Midwest. Revealing personal realities of how gender is changing the family next door. 

A complex analysis of transgender families’ struggles, changes, and occasionally surprising meanings. This tale is both humorous and poignant, and it offers us a fresh perspective on humanity.

Honorable Mentions: TV Shows & Short Films

These are the best TV shows and short films that can be enjoyable for an FTM to watch: 

• “The Fosters” & “Good Trouble”

Bradley Bredeweg, Peter Paige, and Joanna Johnson developed the American drama television series. It is a continuation of the Freeform series ‘The Fosters”. It centers on Callie Adams Foster and Mariana Adams Foster. They begin the next chapter of their life after leaving the family home. They moved into a shared residence in Los Angeles. 

Following its January 2019 premiere, the show has five seasons. Critics gave it widespread acclaim. Critics praised the ensemble cast’s performances. And also varied portrayals of Gen Z. Among its honors were nominations for two GLAAD Media Awards and three Teen Choice Awards.

• “Shameless” (US) 

It is an American comedic drama television series that ran on Showtime from January 9, 2011, to April 11, 2021. With an ensemble cast led by William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum, it is an adaptation of the same-titled British television series by Paul Abbott.

On September 9, 2018, the ninth season of Shameless debuted. This made it the longest-running scripted original series in Showtime’s history. The series was renewed in January 2020 for its eleventh and final season. But it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, it debuted on December 6, 2020. 

Showtime revealed on December 14, 2020, that they would be presenting a clip show series called Shameless: Hall of Shame during Season 11. April 11, 2021, marked the airing of the series finale.

• “Adam” (2019) 

Adam is a 2019 American comedy-drama film that was directed by Rhys Ernst. Ariel Schrag wrote the screenplay, which was based on Schrag’s novel of the same name. Starring in it are Margaret Qualley, Bobbi Menuez, Leo Sheng, Chloe Levine, and Nicholas Alexander. 

On January 25, 2019, the Sundance Film Festival hosted its world premiere. On August 14, 2019, Wolfe Releasing published it.

Adam, a cisgender man, spends his final summer of high school in New York City with his elder sister. Her sister is involved in the local trans and lesbian activist community. At an LGBTQ+ party, Adam meets Gillian, a lesbian, and falls in love with her. 

Adam affirms Gillian’s assumption that he is a trans man, continuing the deceit to gain her love. As their friendship grows, he struggles and feels guilty about his deception. Which ultimately causes him to acknowledge that he is not transgender. 

Now that she knows she is bisexual, not lesbian, Gillian embraces this and him. But because the relationship was founded on lies, they end up splitting up.

Where to Watch These Films

With the advancement of technology, getting movies has become so easy. Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu offer a wide variety of movies and TV shows.

These platforms charge different subscription fees depending on the plan you choose. For example, Netflix’s cheapest plan goes for $8 while the premium plan costs $25. Hulu has a basic plan that charges $10 per month, and a premium plan costs $20. 

It will cost you $9 per month and $15 for a premium plan in Amazon Prime. 

Why Representation Matters in FTM Media

• Helps normalize trans experiences 

A long time ago, being a member of the LGBTQ community or being trans was bizarre and sometimes a punchline of a joke. The FTM media has helped normalize being queer. The media has changed people’s perspectives. More people see being a trans person as a valid identity.

• Provides role models for young trans men

Sometimes, young trans men feel ashamed of coming out. They can even question their decision, and this can lead to mental straining. Having a role model can help in providing guidance to these young trans people. Having a role model eliminates the feeling of despair and isolation. 

• Educates cisgender audiences on FTM issues

Sometimes, cisgender people might not know about issues affecting the LGBTQ and trans community. The media acts as a channel through which cisgenders can learn about transgender identities in a very clear way. 

Conclusion

LGBTQ films can offer a better option to learn about trans identity. The media also plays a bigger role. It makes sure cisgender people understand the issues facing the trans community. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max are platforms that trans people can use to watch their favorite TV shows.