MovieBias
See all results for ""

Comedy, Drama  •  1995  •  115 min  •  Adults (18+)

Boys on the Side (1995)

Boys on the Side poster

Boys on the Side (1995)

Rating & Dimensions

Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Family Values: Strongly Progressive
Viewer Rating
6.6

Overview

Boys on the Side follows three women, a lesbian singer, a woman with AIDS, and a friend fleeing domestic abuse, who form an unlikely chosen family during a cross-country road trip. The 1995 drama leans progressive for a cluster of interconnected reasons. Its central argument is that bonds formed by circumstance and mutual need can be as legitimate and sustaining as any conventional family structure. The film treats its lesbian lead with straightforward dignity rather than as a curiosity, which was still a meaningful choice for a mainstream studio release in this era. Female solidarity functions here not as a backdrop but as the entire architecture of the story.

Starring Cast

Whoopi Goldberg  •   Mary-Louise Parker  •   Drew Barrymore

Where to watch

Prime Video logoPrime Video
Apple TV logoApple TV
Google Play logoGoogle Play
Powered byJustWatch

Detailed Bias Analysis

Analyzing...
Leans Progressive

Primary

Political: Leans Left
Confidence: High

The film champions female solidarity and the formation of a chosen family as a powerful solution to societal isolation and personal crises, including domestic abuse and illness. Its narrative strongly aligns with progressive values by celebrating unconventional bonds and advocating for women's independence and mutual support.

Diversity: Moderate
Confidence: High

The film features a visibly diverse main cast, including a prominent Black actress in a leading role. Its narrative centers on the journey and friendship of three women, exploring themes of chosen family and overcoming personal challenges. The story does not explicitly critique traditional identities, nor does it make a strong, explicit DEI critique central to its themes.

Secondary

LGBTQ: Positive
Confidence: High

Boys on the Side features Jane DeLuca, an openly lesbian character depicted with dignity and complexity. Her sexuality is a natural and respected aspect of her identity, integrated seamlessly into the narrative. The film portrays her as an independent and strong individual, contributing to the diverse dynamic of the central female friendships. The overall depiction is affirming, presenting her identity without sensationalism or negative stereotypes.

Family Values: Strongly Progressive
Confidence: High

The film celebrates a chosen family formed by three women, highlighting their mutual support and love as they navigate life and motherhood outside of traditional family structures. It normalizes alternative partnerships and family arrangements.

Trans: N/A
Confidence: High

The film 'Boys on the Side' does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. The narrative centers on the evolving friendship and individual challenges faced by three cisgender women during a road trip, exploring themes of love, illness, and self-discovery.

Female Combat: N/R

The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.

Gender Swap: No
Confidence: High

The film features original characters created for its story. There are no instances where a character, previously established as one gender in source material or history, is portrayed as a different gender.

Race Swap: No
Confidence: High

The film "Boys on the Side" is an original story, not an adaptation of existing source material or a historical biopic. Its characters were created for this specific production, meaning there are no pre-established racial identities from prior canon or history to be altered.

Viewer Rating Breakdown

6.6

Viewer Rating

Combines user and critic ratings from four sources

User Ratings

IMDB logo
6.5
The Movie Database logo
6.4

Critic Ratings

Rotten Tomatoes logo
7.3
Metacritic logo
6.0

More Like This

Out poster
Progressive
7.4
Out
 (2020)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Sicko poster
Leans Progressive
8.0
Sicko
 (2007)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Lady Bird poster
Leans Progressive
8.5
Lady Bird
 (2017)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Blue Moon poster
Leans Progressive
7.6
Blue Moon
 (2025)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Am I OK? poster
Leans Progressive
6.9
Am I OK?
 (2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Not Rated
LGBTQ: Positive