14. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

What? — John Cameron Mitchell first introduced his trans rock starlet, Hedwig, in an off-Broadway play in 1998. Three years later, he decided that Hedwig was ready for her days of silver screen glory, and even took it upon himself to play the gender-bending heroine on top of directing duties.

Described by Mitchell as a "post-punk neo-glam rock musical," Hedwig follows the trials and tribulations of the androgynous, titular character as she tours the United States with her rock band The Angry Inch, named after the remains of a botched sex change operation Hedwig underwent in exchange for an American GI's hand in marriage and a ticket out of East Berlin. The performances bring to life flashbacks from her dark coming-of-age days in the oppressive communist country and lead us into her idyllic, though short-lived, romance with the fetching teenage Tommy Gnosis (Michael Pitt).

But things aren't looking up for Hansel-turned-Hedwig. The anguished singer pours her heart out nightly to disengaged patrons in a chain of seafood restaurants, while her ex-lover-turned-rock sensation Gnosis, whose tour dates coincide with Hedwig's, plays the songs he stole from her to massive, sold-out crowds.

Why? — Forget the heaps of praise and awards Hedwig picked up; the film was an instant cult smash, with die-hard fans referring to themselves as "Hedheads." No film since Rocky Horror has enjoyed as devout a cult following, including midnight screenings during which fans dress up as different characters and re-enact animated scenes.

Mitchell coupled rock music's natural predilection for sexual ambiguity with the story of a babysitting hooker, and out came a one-of-a-kind performer who recounts her past with infectious charm and sharp wit: "After my divorce from Luther, I scraped by with babysitting gigs and odd jobs — mostly the jobs we call blow."

The film is visually electrifying with its striking colors, sing-along subtitles complete with bouncing ball, dazzling costumes and animated sequences. And then there's the powerful David Bowie and Iggy Pop-inspired soundtrack. The music enhances the already appealing package and makes Hedwig's struggle to overcome many hurdles and stay true to herself one of universal scope. Hedwig was No. 4 on Joseph J. Cook's list and No. 1 on Adam Mattera's, who describes it as "a tranny rock odyssey that manages to be incredibly moving and deliriously life-affirming at the same time."

Almost Made the Cut: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stephan Elliott, 1994)

This electric Australian road movie in drag through the Outback has enjoyed such international cult success that a stage musical adaptation of it opened this past November at the Star City Casino in Sydney. Drag queen Tick (Hugo Weaving) accepts an offer to perform at a casino in a remote Australian town, so she convinces her fellow performer friends, transsexual Bernadette (Terence Stamp) and drag queen Felicia (Guy Pearce) to join her on a wild ride, courtesy of a tour bus they dub "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."

The intricate costumes, zany dialogue, inspired art direction and boisterous energy make Priscilla a fabulous party flick, but it's also the heartfelt tale of three outcast friends looking out for each other in an area not renowned for its Gay Pride parades. A must-see.

Next - Boys in the Band

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