Fire Island Pines in Movies

Fire Island Pines isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. If you’ve ever stepped off the ferry and felt that first warm breeze, heard the hum of weekend reunions, or watched the sun melt into the bay with a cocktail in hand, you know exactly what I mean. It’s a place that’s equal parts history, heart, and home for so many in our community. And while the Pines isn’t necessarily a Hollywood hotspot, it has found its way onto the screen, capturing bits and pieces of the magic that makes this place unforgettable.

Here are a few films and shows that have given Fire Island Pines its moment in the cinematic spotlight.

Movie poster for Longtime Companion (1989), a groundbreaking film about the AIDS crisis and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

Longtime Companion (1989) – A Powerful Story of Love and Loss

One of the earliest films to address the impact of the AIDS crisis, Longtime Companion follows a group of friends over the years as they navigate love, loss, and resilience. The film includes poignant scenes set in Fire Island Pines, capturing the beauty of the place while also highlighting its role as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a deeply moving tribute to those affected by the epidemic and a reminder of the strength found in chosen families.

Movie poster for Fire Island (2022), a modern LGBTQ+ romantic comedy inspired by Pride and Prejudice, set in Fire Island Pines.

Fire Island (2022) – The Pines as a Main Character

For those of us who have spent summers in the Pines, Fire Island felt like watching our own group chats and beach walks play out on screen. Inspired by Pride and Prejudice, this Hulu film took the Pines from an inside secret to a mainstream moment, with scenes filmed right in the heart of our little paradise. Between the house parties, the sand-between-your-toes heart-to-hearts, and the inevitable ferry goodbyes, it captured the essence of what a Fire Island summer is really like—beautiful, messy, and full of unforgettable connections.

Movie poster for The Boys in the Band (1970), a landmark LGBTQ+ film about a group of gay friends navigating life and relationships in New York City.

The Boys in the Band (1970) – A Reflection of Its Time

While The Boys in the Band wasn’t filmed on Fire Island, its soul is deeply tied to places like the Pines—where, in the ‘60s and ‘70s, gay men could finally breathe, exist, and love freely. This film, based on the groundbreaking play, explores the complexities of queer identity at a time when safe spaces like Fire Island were lifelines. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and why places like the Pines still matter.