When a shy teen is accidentally outed, he becomes the hottest accessory in school — every queen bee wants a G.B.F., but none of them are ready for the real him.
“G.B.F.” (2013), short for Gay Best Friend, is a delightfully sharp and satirical teen comedy that takes all the high school stereotypes — the mean girl, the jock, the nerd — and gives them a fabulous, queer twist.
The story follows Tanner, a quiet and closeted high schooler who is accidentally outed. But instead of being shunned, he becomes the most sought-after “accessory” in school — every clique queen wants a gay best friend to boost her social status. What follows is a whirlwind of makeover montages, forced friendships, and school politics wrapped in glitter and sarcasm.
While it leans into camp and classic teen tropes, G.B.F. also brings real heart. Tanner’s journey toward self-acceptance is layered with emotional nuance, especially as he realizes that being everyone’s token gay friend isn’t the same as being seen for who you really are. There’s commentary here — and it’s not subtle — about performative allyship, heteronormativity, and how queerness can be commodified even in “inclusive” spaces.
The cast is full of fresh energy, including Michael J. Willett as Tanner and scene-stealers like Natasha Lyonne and Megan Mullally in gloriously over-the-top supporting roles. The dialogue is fast, witty, and unapologetically gay — exactly the tone a film like this should hit.
Even a decade later, G.B.F. holds up as a fun, smart, and important teen film that doesn’t just show a queer character — it puts him at the center, flaws and all.
Whether you’re here for the comedy, the commentary, or just a reminder that high school can be a battlefield in heels, G.B.F. is worth (re)watching.
