All 21 Dustin Lance Black Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online

Karl White
8 min readJun 20, 2024

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Get ready to dive into the world of Dustin Lance Black as we take a closer look at his impressive body of work. From thought-provoking dramas to inspiring biopics, we’ll uncover the themes and characters that have made Black a go-to name in Hollywood. Buckle up for an immersive exploration of his movies that leave you feeling inspired and moved to the core.

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1. Gypsy Boys (1999)

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Dive into the colorful world of “Gypsy Boys” (1999), an intriguing comedy-drama that takes love and friendship through the San Francisco bar scene. As young, gay men navigate their romantic journeys, the film explores the complexities of love and the thrilling San Francisco social life.

2. The Journey of Jared Price (2000)

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“The Journey of Jared Price” is an exhilarating drama-romance film that takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the complex world of a young man’s quest for independence and the intricacies of love and relationships. As Jared grapples with deception, loneliness, and the potential for true affection, he leads us into a captivating realm of desire, intimacy, and self-discovery. This thought-provoking film, set in the USA, was released in 2000 and features the talented actors Corey Spears, Steve Tyler, and Josh Jacobson.

3. On the Bus (2001)

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“On the Bus” (2001) is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges the stereotypes of young, gay men on a road trip. This journey takes place from Los Angeles to the radical self-expression festival Burning Man in the Nevada desert.

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4. The Singing Forest (2003)

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In the gripping drama, “The Singing Forest, “ two young lovers are tragically killed during the Holocaust. Years later, their tragic past weaves its way into the present as a father, grieving for his lost love, takes up residence with his daughter.

5. Pedro (2008)

“Pedro” is a drama movie that recounts the inspiring and challenging life of Pedro Zamora, a man who made history as the first HIV-positive gay man to appear on a reality show. “The Real World: San Francisco” brought Pedro’s story to the forefront, forcing audiences in the United States and worldwide to confront the topic of AIDS.

6. Milk (2008)

Released in 2008, Milk is a captivating biographical drama that provides a glimpse into the life of Harvey Milk, an American gay rights activist who made history as California’s first openly gay official. Directed by accomplished filmmaker Gus Van Sant, the film features Sean Penn in the lead role, portraying the charismatic and unyielding Milk, who devotedly fought for gay rights and against the prejudices of his era.

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7. Virginia (2010)

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In the year 2010, the drama film “Virginia” was released, featuring an intriguing plot about a sheriff struggling to balance his personal and professional life. The sheriff, played by Ed Harris, finds his political aspirations in jeopardy as his daughter starts dating the son of a woman, played by Jennifer Connelly, who has captivated him for two decades. This fascinating narrative dives into the depths of human emotions and explores the complexities of extramarital affairs.

8. Howl (2010)

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“Howl” is a riveting biographical drama that delves into the life and work of American poet Allen Ginsberg. As Ginsberg reflects on his life and art, the movie creatively animates his most famous poem, “Howl, “ while simultaneously depicting the obscenity trial surrounding the piece. This unique portrayal of a prominent figure in the post-World War II USA counterculture and American culture offers a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

9. Illegal Love (2011)

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“Illegal Love” is a riveting documentary that explores the battle for civil rights and the impact of Proposition 8 in California. In 2008, French filmmaker Julie Gali traveled to the United States to capture the historic election of Barack Obama, a symbol of hope for many. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn as she discovers the unjust removal of a hard-fought right for the LGBTQ+ community.

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10. Hollywood to Dollywood (2011)

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“Hollywood to Dollywood” follows the spirited journey of two young gay twins from North Carolina as they embark on a road trip filled with dreams, laughter, and a touch of the unexpected. With their hearts set on meeting the legendary Dolly Parton, the ‘Backwoods Barbie’, they venture out in their RV named Jolene. This heartwarming documentary-meets-comedy takes you on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs as the duo navigates the winding roads of life, love, and stardom, discovering more about themselves than they ever imagined along the way.

11. J. Edgar (2011)

J. Edgar, released in 2011, is a gripping biographical drama that delves deep into the life of J. Edgar Hoover, the powerful head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly fifty years. Directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Dustin Lance Black, this film offers a fascinating look at Hoover’s personal and professional journey, leaving no stone unturned in exploring his controversial and complex character.

12. 8 (2012)

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“8” is a riveting 2012 drama that captures the raw and unabated emotion of the historic federal trial of California’s Proposition 8. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Dustin Lance Black, the film provides an unfiltered look into this landmark court case and its implications on American civil rights. Through the inclusion of the actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews, “8” offers viewers a unique perspective on the litigation, the judge, and the quest for fairness in the face of social change.

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13. A World of Dreams: Voices from the Out100 (2013)

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A World of Dreams: Voices from the Out100 takes us on an inspirational journey through the world of the LGBT community’s brightest stars. This enlightening documentary, nominated for a Daytime Emmy, chronicles the annual Out100 event, celebrating the achievements of the most influential and game-changing LGBT advocates and personalities.

14. David Blaine: Real or Magic (2013)

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Witness the extraordinary journey of illusionist David Blaine as he traverses America from New York to Los Angeles, performing jaw-dropping magic acts for celebrities and the general public alike. “David Blaine: Real or Magic” is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the life and art of one of the world’s most enigmatic magicians.

15. Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank (2014)

“Compared to What: The Remarkable Odyssey of Barney Frank” is a gripping documentary that explores the enigmatic and influential life of America’s most elusive political figures, Barney Frank. The film is presented through the perspective of a captivating portrait, chronicling Frank’s journey as a recently retired Congressman hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, who has indelibly shaped the city and the nation.

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16. Girltrash: All Night Long (2014)

Get ready for a hilarious, electrifying night that will have you on the edge of your seat in “Girltrash: All Night Long. “ A group of five fearless girls embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with love, lust, girl-fights, and some seriously rockin’ roll. This thrilling comedy-drama masterfully blends the genres, keeping viewers intrigued and engaged throughout the ride. With a heartwarming take on love, friendship, and self-discovery, prepare to witness some of the most unpredictable, heart-racing moments in cinema.

17. Cook & Banks (2015)

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“Cook & Banks” is a riveting comedy-drama set against the backdrop of the 1980s rock ’n’ roll era. The film focuses on the dynamic duo of Jack Cook and Oliver Banks, a talented pair of musicians who embark on a journey to become the most successful band of their time. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles, including the influence of their producer and manager, their romantic relationships, and the rivalry with another band.

18. Rift (2017)

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“Rift” is a chilling 2017 thriller that sends shockwaves through the lives of two men whose broken relationship is haunted by a supernatural entity awakened by their shared grief. Directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen and written by the same talented mind, this atmospheric drama-horror-mystery explores themes of grief, guilt, and the complexities of relationship, all against the backdrop of a chilling ghost story.

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19. The Spark: The Origins of Pride (2019)

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Experience the journey of pride’s birth like never before in the documentary “The Spark: The Origins of Pride. “ Delve into the storm of anger that fueled a revolution with an unprecedented look into the patrons of the infamous “Stonewall Inn. “ Director Benoît Masocco captures the intensity and passion of the 1969 uprising that led to the formation of the gay rights movement. Featuring interviews with prominent LGBT+ activists like Robert Badinter and Dustin Lance Black, this powerful film is not just a history lesson — it’s a testament to the power of resistance and the unyielding spirit of those who fought for their rights.

20. Mama’s Boy (2022)

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“Mama’s Boy” is an inspiring and heartfelt documentary, released in 2022, that delves into the life of Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and his unique bond with his mother. Focusing on their close relationship, the film showcases how it fueled Black’s activism, particularly in the realm of LGBTQ+ rights.

21. Rustin (2023)

In the dynamic and inspiring historical drama, “Rustin” (2023), audiences are taken on a journey through the life of Bayard Rustin, a courageous activist who fought tirelessly against racism and homophobia. Set amidst the tumultuous era of the 1960s Civil Rights movement, the film reveals how Rustin’s extraordinary actions played a pivotal role in shaping the future of American civil rights.

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