For most of film history, it was impossible to find a movie directed by a woman, let alone a lesbian. Although we still have a long way to go to get to parity, now there are a handful of extremely talented lesbian directors who are making movie magic. The pickings are still a little slim, but now we have rom-coms, tragic love stories, campy comedies, and touching coming-of-age stories being made by sapphic women. These movies were not just directed by lesbians, but are all excellent films that can stand on their own.So here are the 13 best films ever made by lesbians (according to us)!'Watermelon Woman' directed by Cheryl DunyeThe Watermelon Woman, which follow the story of a twenty something black lesbian making a documentary about an elusive 1930s film actress known as the Watermelon Woman, is consider to be the first feature-length film written and directed by a Black lesbian. Not only is it an exploration of film history, but its also a beautiful rom-com, and the grainy VHS aesthetic will have you nostalgic for the 90s.Where to watch: Rent on Amazon PrimeBut Im a Cheerleader directed by Jamie BabbitJamie Babbits cult classic But Im a Cheerleader remains a funny, campy, and heartfelt take on a naive teen girl (Natasha Lyonne) being sent to a gay conversion camp by her parents. This one is a cult classic for a reason, its full of slapstick comedy, John Waters style (minus some of the delightfully ruder elements), and also stars fellow lesbian filmmaker Clea DuVall as the best friend. Where to watch: Plex, Fandango at HomePariah' directed by Dee ReesPariah, directed by Dee Rees, is a semi-autobiographical look at a young lesbian's life as she navigates life with her family and looks for her first love. The film does a beautiful job of portraying the 17-year-old Alike (Adepero Oduye) in this coming-of-age story that explores the struggles of a Black lesbian coming into her own and exploring her newly discovered identity.Where to watch: Rent on Amazon PrimeParis is Burning directed by Jennie LivingstonThe documentary Paris is Burning is a seminal piece of queer cinema. Released in 1991, during the height of the AIDS crisis, the landmark film focuses on drag queens and the ballroom culture in New York City. This is one of those films that everyone needs to see at least once. Not only does it give you a window into an important part of queer history, but it also explore issues around poverty, race, sex work, and the people you meet in the film will have you riveted to the screen. Where to watch: MaxDesert Hearts' directed by Donna DeitchDesert Hearts may be set in the 1950s, and made in 1986, but the passionate affair between the two main characters (Patricia Charbonneau and Helen Shaver) is so steamy youd think it was a modern film. Donna Deitchs film is a sapphic classic for a reason: the chemistry of the two leads is off the charts, the sex scene in the hotel is one of the sexiest ever filmed (trust us), and it has a happy ending, which was unusual for a queer movie back then.Where to watch: MaxProfessor Marston and the Wonder Women directed by Angela RobinsonProfessor Marston and the Wonder Women has everything you could want in a period piece: bondage, polyamory, a sweet love story, and is based on a true story. The film follows the story of William Marston (Luke Evans), who created Wonder Woman, his brilliant wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall), and university student Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote) as they discover that they are all in love with each other. Director Angela Robinson is also responsible for the campy teen classic D.E.B.S., which should also be on your must-watch list.Where to watch: Pluto TV, Prime Video, Plex, and Fandango at HomeHome for the Holidays directed by Jodie FosterLesbian icon Jodie Foster directed this holiday movie about a Claudia (Holly Hunter) who goes home for Thanksgiving with her oddball family, including her unapologetically gay brother Tommy (Robert Downey Jr.). The film is darkly funny, has an amazing ensemble cast, and is about a messy family that will feel relatable to most people.Where to watch: Rent on Amazon PrimeDance, Girl, Dance directed by Dorothy ArznerDorothy Arzner was one of the only female filmmakers to consistently work in the male-dominated Hollywood system throughout the 1930s and 40s after making her debut with the movie Fashions for Women in 1927. She was the first woman to be accepted into the Directors Guild of America, and was also a lesbian who lived openly with her partner, Marion Morgan, at a time when it was dangerous to do so. Her film Dance, Girl, Dance stars Lucille Ball as a bawdy entertainer and Maureen OHara as an aspiring ballerina, who are struggling to survive and find love. Even if you're not a lover of black and white movies, this musical comedy is worth checking out.Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime, MGM+Portrait of a Lady on Fire directed by Cline SciammaIn 18th century France, Marianne (Nomie Merlant) arrives to paint a wedding portrait of Hlose (Adle Haenel), the daughter of a wealthy Italian countess (Valeria Golino), in this beautiful period piece by director Cline Sciamma. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a sapphic romance for the ages, and while its definitely a tearjerker, its also touchingly beautiful and doesnt just explore love and passion, but class and expressions of femininity too.Where to watch: MaxSaving Face directed by Alice WuAnother lesbian film about messy families (relatable!), Alice Wus film about young lesbian Wil (Michelle Krusiec) who feels like she cant tell her widowed mom (Joan Chen) about her sexuality, but is then shocked when she finds out her mom is keeping a secret too, shes pregnant. Not only is the plot funny and sweet, but it explored Chinese immigrant culture and and is one of the few comedies directed by a lesbian of color.Where to watch: Rent on Amazon PrimeShiva Baby' directed by Emma SeligmanStarring Rachel Sennott, Shiva Baby is about a sugar baby who runs into both her sugar daddy (Danny Deferrari) and her ex-girlfriend (Molly Gordon) while sitting shiva with her parents. This may be a comedy but its shot like a horror movie and is likely to cause as much anxiety as it does laughs. The film is funny, messy, and a heartfelt portrayal of a young queer person trying to figure out life.Where to watch: NetflixMama Mia! directed by Phyllida LloydMama Mia! may be all about straight relationships, but its also a campy musical starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried and features songs by ABBA, which lets be honest, makes it a little bit gay. This sun-drenched, low-stakes movie is perfect for a day when youre feeling low and need a little pick-me-up. Before you know it, youll be bopping along to the music and trying to figure out who Sophies real dad is right along with her.Where to watch: MaxHappiest Season directed by Clea DuvallDirected by Clea DuVall, and starring Kristen Stewart as Abby and Mackenzie Davis as Harper, Happiest Season follows a young woman who plans to propose to her girlfriend while at her family's holiday party only to discover her partner hasn't yet come out to her conservative parents. This movie is somewhat divisive (some people hate Harper), but we love the ensemble cast (Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, and Dan Levy also star), the romcom-but-make-it-gay vibes, and the clever dialogue. Plus, we all need a little lesbian love around the holidays!Where to watch: Hulu