The United States is home to a queer population where bisexual individuals form the largest segment. A recent Gallup poll shows that 58.6% of queer and trans adults identify as bisexual. Yet when we turn to the silver screen, the picture looks starkly different. A GLAAD analysis of LGBTQ representation in movies and TV reports that only 24% of on-screen LGBTQ characters are bisexual. With just 489 regular LGBTQ characters currently appearing in scripted series—and that number projected to shrink as queer shows face cancellation—the disparity is both obvious and troubling.
The gap between reality and representation
These statistics illustrate a classic case of bi erasure the systematic invisibility of bisexual people and the minimization of their experiences. In practice, bi erasure often shows up as the assumption that a character is “just gay” when paired with a same-gender partner, or “just straight” when the opposite-gender romance takes center stage. This binary framing is a frequent trope in television and cinema, reinforcing the notion that bisexuality is a fleeting phase rather than a lasting identity.
Catherine Mhloyi, an alumna of the queer-focused outlet Them, stresses that authentic bisexual representation does not have to rely on tired clichés. Instead, it should portray bisexual individuals as fully realized people whose attraction to multiple genders is neither a plot device nor a source of confusion for the audience. When filmmakers resist the urge to simplify bisexuality, they open the door to richer storytelling and a more accurate reflection of the community’s demographics.
A growing canon of bisexual-focused films
While the The following titles meet a clear criterion: the central character is explicitly identified as bisexual or is shown in romantic relationships with more than one gender. This is not an exhaustive list, but it serves as a living resource that can expand as representation improves.
The early pioneer: The Wings (1916)
Often cited as cinema’s first portrayal of gay desire, the Swedish silent film also introduces Mikaël, a model whose attraction to both Claude and the noblewoman Lucia makes him the earliest documented bisexual character. Though the word “bisexual” would not appear in public discourse for another decade, the narrative revolves around Mikaël’s simultaneous romantic entanglements, marking a bold step for its time.
Classic musical drama: Cabaret (1972)
Set against the fading liberalism of the Weimar Republic, Cabaret follows Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) and her lover Brian Roberts (Michael York). Roberts, a British man, is portrayed as having previously failed relationships with women, yet finds a genuine connection with Bowles—an explicitly bisexual romance that unfolds amid the looming threat of Nazism.
Bi-centric biographies: Frida (2002) and Colette (2018)
Both biopics celebrate historically bisexual artists. Salma Hayek’s Frida chronicles the Mexican painter’s open relationships with women—including Chavela Vargas—while also depicting her marriage to Diego Rivera. Years later, Keira Knightley’s turn as Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette showcases the French writer’s affairs with women like the enigmatic Missy, alongside her marriage to Willy, underscoring the fluidity that defined her personal life.
Modern genre pieces: Jennifer’s Body (2009) and Behind the Candelabra (2013)
Jennifer Check’s infamous line, “I go both ways,” has become a cult-favorite quote that signals the film’s unapologetic embrace of bisexual teen horror. In Behind the Candelabra the relationship between Liberace (Michael Douglas) and his 18-year-old companion Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) foregrounds Thorson’s bisexuality, adding emotional depth to a story often remembered for its glitz.
Recent indie highlights: Shiva Baby (2020) and Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Emma Segliman’s Shiva Baby follows Danielle, a bisexual Jewish college senior who navigates a chaotic shiva ceremony surrounded by an ex-girlfriend, a sugar-daddy, and a demanding family. Sandra Hüller’s performance in Anatomy of a Fall portrays a novelist whose bisexual identity becomes a focal point during a high-profile murder trial, exposing how societal prejudice can infiltrate legal discourse.
Emerging mainstream entries: Heartstopper Forever (2026) and Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
The cinematic conclusion of Netflix’s beloved series, Heartstopper Forever continues to grapple with Nick Nelson’s (Kit Connor) struggle against bi-erasure while deepening his relationship with Charlie Spring. Meanwhile, Love Lies Bleeding delivers a gritty, body-building-world romance between bi-identified Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie, blending crime drama with unapologetic sapphic desire.
These films illustrate a shifting landscape where bisexual characters are no longer side notes but central figures whose stories matter. As more creators choose to write bisexuality authentically, the statistical gap highlighted by Gallup and GLAAD can begin to close.
Ultimately, improving bisexual representation requires both industry commitment and audience support. When viewers champion movies that respect bisexual identities, studios receive a clear signal: visibility is not a niche concern—it is a demand rooted in real demographic reality.
