Classic and modern cinema is full of fantastical tales that live entirely in the realm of fiction. However, many filmmakers choose to use their camera lenses as a mirror of the real world, depicting events that are almost too difficult to believe. Moviegoers know to be skeptical of any film that claims to be “based on a true story.” Far too many studios take ordinary tales, twist them to the point of being unrecognizable and use claims like that to sell tickets.
While all films take liberties with real-world stories to create a work of fictional art, several films are remarkably authentic. From dramatic retellings of historical events to tales that show you the darker side of reality, there’s no shortage of true-story cinema to watch. Here are 11 can’t-miss movies inspired by real events, giving you an inside look at unbelievable stories worth telling.
1. “The Social Network” (2010)
Social media: You love it, or you hate it! Today, Facebook is the most widely used social media platform in the world, and its practices continually attract controversy. But before it became the juggernaut we know today, it was nothing more than a small platform designed to connect college students.
“The Social Network” tells the story of how founder Mark Zuckerberg brought the platform to life. It’s a dramatic tale that was way ahead of its time. It does a masterful job of creating uneasiness long before we knew about the impact Facebook and other platforms would have on the world.
2. “Dallas Buyers Club” (2014)
“Dallas Buyers Club” is a biographical movie that depicts the life of Ron Woodruff, a reportedly bigoted man who contracted HIV. Despite his views, he exploited loopholes in federal laws to obtain medications for HIV and AIDS patients. The movie is a sad look at the federal government’s response to a then-unknown disease and the homophobia that came with it.
Matthew McConaughey plays Woodruff, going to extremes to depict the man’s deterioration after he contracted HIV. He earned an Oscar for the role and gave McConaughey a new-found reputation as a serious actor.
3. “Into the Wild” (2007)
“Into the Wild” gives film buffs a new look into what many consider a sad tale. The movie is based on a book of the same title and shows the final journey of Christopher McCandless. McCandless was a wealthy college student who abandoned his guaranteed future in search of enlightenment in the Alaskan wilderness. Unfortunately, he was found dead in an abandoned bus.
This movie shows the man’s journey, treating the story as less of a tragedy and more as a story about self-discovery. It stars Emile Hirsch in a captivating performance, shedding light on a deeply misunderstood man.
4. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020)
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a film about real-world events that show how powerful the government can be and how the justice system can fail. In 1969, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists were arrested and charged with conspiracy, crossing state lines to incite a riot and more.
The real events were controversial, and this Netflix film shows the drama that unfolded in and out of the courtroom.
5. “I, Tonya” (2018)
If you were alive in 1994, you’re likely familiar with the Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan scandal. Basically, Tonya Harding’s then-husband hired a man to attack Nancy Kerrigan before the 1994 United States Figure Skating Championship. It was a big deal, and clips of Kerrigan crying “Why” were replayed non-stop on the news.
“I, Tonya” depicts the life of Tonya Harding, who ultimately denied involvement in the scheme. It goes beyond the events, chronicling Harding’s upbringing and personal life. Despite the real-world events that inspired it, it’s a fun watch.
6. “Erin Brockovich” (2000)
In 1993, Erin Brokovich built a case against Pacific Gas & Electric, suing the company for covering up water contamination issues that affected a local community. The movie, “Erin Brokovich” tells that tale. It shows how Brokovich discovered evidence, became a whistleblower and stood up for a community suffering from the actions of a large corporate coverup.
If you love tales about underdogs, “Erin Brokovich” will have you at the edge of your seat. It stars Julia Roberts as the titular character.
7. “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
In the past, Will Smith was predominantly a comedy actor. However, that all changed with “The Pursuit of Happyness.” This film tells the real story of Chris Gardner, a single father working hard to give his son a better life. It shows Gardner’s struggles and financial woes.
The movie is a tale of perseverance, and Smith does a fine job depicting a character we can aspire to be. Smith’s real-world son, Jayden, plays Gardner’s son. It’s a father-son flick with tons of heart.
8. “Harriet” (2019)
Harriet Tubman’s story is one that we all learn about in school. Her never-ending drive to guide slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad is nothing short of inspiring. While other films and shows have attempted to bring the woman’s story to life on screen, 2019’s “Harriet” is among the most accurate.
It stars Cynthia Erivo as Harriet, and the film chronicles the amazing woman’s life, from her escape from slavery to her work helping others find freedom.
9. “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” (2019)
Ted Bundy is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Many films depict his atrocious crimes. However, this Netflix movie takes a different approach. It’s based on a memoir written by Liz Kendall, the killer’s former girlfriend.
Zac Efron stars as Bundy, while Lilly Collins plays Kendall. The movie focuses more on Bundy’s life and relationship with Kendall than the crimes committed. It takes you into the mind of a real-world monster.
10. “Elvis” (2022)
One of the newest big-budget biographical films to hit cinemas is “Elvis.” It’s about the King of Rock and Roll, focusing on his life before and during fame. Austin Butler’s award-winning performance is captivating, and he does a fantastic job of showing Elvis at various points in his life.
The movie focuses on the true story of Elvis, diving into his personal relationships and how he managed his rise to superstardom. The film won countless awards. While some people in Elvis’s life challenged some portions of the movie, many regard it as one of the most accurate depictions of the King.
11. “The Bling Ring” (2013)
In the late 2000s, a string of high-profile robberies took place in celebrity homes across Los Angeles. Tabloids ran rampant, covering famous victims like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and more. “The Bling Ring” tells the story of the gang that committed the crimes, a group of teens and young adults obsessed with fame, social media and luxury.
The movie’s ensemble cast includes Emma Watson in one of her most shocking post-Harry Potter roles. The film shows how the gang used the Internet to plan their crimes and their ultimate fall.
Stranger Than Fiction
These tales are too interesting not to create a film about! While many praise the stories thought up by clever writers, sometimes real life is more captivating than anything else. The subjects of these films are real people, and filmmakers helped bring their stories to the masses.
