Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Recommended for fans of queer noir and romantic thrillers
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If you can clarify the exact source (e.g., a specific streaming list, a DVD set, or a fan-made Letterboxd list), I can give you a more precise review. For now, based on the best lesbian crime films of 2020–2024 (Bound is older but classic; The Girlfriend Experience series; Below Her Mouth isn't crime), the "7 girlfriends films" likely include:
While the "lesbian crime" subgenre was once relegated to the shadows of film history, it has exploded into a vibrant, high-stakes category of cinema. From neon-soaked heists to gritty psychological thrillers, these stories explore the unique chemistry of women who are as dangerous as they are devoted.
If you are looking for the absolute best in sapphic suspense, here is a definitive guide to the top films featuring girlfriends, crime, and the blurred lines between love and lawlessness. 1. Bound (1996)
Before they changed the world with The Matrix, the Wachowskis directed this quintessential lesbian neo-noir. Corky, an ex-con, and Violet, the girlfriend of a mobster, hatch a plan to steal $2 million of laundered Mafia money. The Vibe: High-tension, stylish, and incredibly romantic.
Why it’s a "Best": It subverts the "tragic lesbian" trope of the era, giving its protagonists agency, intellect, and a fighting chance. 2. The Handmaiden (2016) lesbian crime stories 7 girlfriends films 202 best
Park Chan-wook’s masterpiece is perhaps the most visually stunning crime film ever made. Set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation, it follows a pickpocket hired to help a con man seduce a Japanese heiress. However, a deep, conspiratorial bond develops between the two women that upends the entire heist. The Vibe: Opulent, twisty, and erotic.
Why it’s a "Best": It is a cinematic puzzle box where the crime is secondary to the profound emotional connection between the leads. 3. Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
This recent powerhouse from director Rose Glass stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. It’s a sweat-soaked, hallucinatory crime thriller about a reclusive gym manager and a competitive bodybuilder who get caught in a web of family violence and ego. The Vibe: Gritty, muscular, and surreal.
Why it’s a "Best": It pushes the boundaries of the genre, blending body horror elements with a classic "lovers on the run" narrative. 4. Monster (2003)
While many films on this list are stylish fantasies, Monster is a harrowing look at the real-life crime spree of Aileen Wuornos and her girlfriend, Selby Wall. Charlize Theron’s transformative performance captures the desperation of two women pushed to the edge of society. The Vibe: Raw, heartbreaking, and uncompromising.
Why it’s a "Best": It explores how a toxic, codependent relationship can fuel a descent into darkness. 5. Heavenly Creatures (1994)
Based on a notorious 1954 New Zealand murder case, Peter Jackson’s film follows two teenage girls whose intense, imaginative friendship turns into a deadly obsession. The Vibe: Whimsical yet deeply unsettling.
Why it’s a "Best": It perfectly captures the "us against the world" mentality that often defines the most compelling lesbian crime stories. 6. Set It Off (1996)
This cult classic follows four Black women in Los Angeles who, pushed to their breaking points by systemic injustice, decide to start robbing banks. The relationship between Tisean and Cleo (played by Queen Latifah) provides some of the film’s most grounded, emotional stakes. Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Recommended for fans
The Vibe: High-octane action with a powerful social message.
Why it’s a "Best": It’s a rare heist film that treats its queer characters as natural, integrated parts of the ensemble without making their sexuality the "crime." 7. Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
For those who prefer their crime with a side of screwball comedy, Ethan Coen’s solo directorial debut is a wild ride. Two friends (who eventually find more than just friendship) head to Tallahassee but accidentally end up with a briefcase full of "valuable" cargo belonging to inept criminals. The Vibe: Zany, fast-paced, and colorful.
Why it’s a "Best": It’s a refreshing take that leans into the fun and absurdity of the crime genre while celebrating queer joy. The Evolution of the Genre
The "Girlfriends in Crime" trope has evolved from the "femme fatale" archetypes of the 40s into complex protagonists who are the masters of their own destinies. Whether they are seeking revenge, wealth, or simply a way out of a bad situation, these films prove that when two women team up against the world, the results are always electric.
Lesbian Crime Films:
Films with 7 or more Lesbian Characters:
Best Lesbian-Themed Films (not necessarily crime-focused):
TV Shows with Lesbian Crime Stories:
Documentaries:
The Vibe: Neo-noir + Sizzling tension
The Crime: Money laundering & mob betrayal
The Girlfriends: Corky (a rough-around-the-edges ex-con) and Violet (the mobster’s bored girlfriend).
Why it’s #1: This is the blueprint. The Wachowskis crafted a film where the lesbian couple isn't a tragedy or a sidekick joke. They are masterminds. The packing-the-suitcase scene is erotic filmmaking at its finest.
The number seven often appears in thriller/crime contexts (Seven Samurai, Seven, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – reimagined here). In lesbian crime stories, “7 girlfriends” can mean:
If you love the adrenaline of a good heist but crave the emotional depth of a slow-burn sapphic romance, you are in the right place. The "girlfriend gang" subgenre—where crime meets courtship—is finally getting the attention it deserves.
After combing through 202+ recommendations from fans and critics, we have narrowed it down to the 7 essential lesbian crime films that deliver both suspense and swoon-worthy chemistry.
To reach the magic number 202, we must acknowledge the digital revolution. YouTube and festivals are drowning in high-quality lesbian crime shorts. Search for these titles:
(A full, downloadable list of all 115 short film titles is available via the [Lesbian Cinema Database link provided in the original source].)
Based on critical consensus, lesbian fan polls, and heist quality, here is your definitive Top 20 of the 202: