Real events often appear to be some of the most reliable sources of inspiration for movie-makers. These movies are obtaining such fanfare that Netflix even has an entire segment dedicated to movies based on true events. Fans of such movies find joy in learning about a captivating story based on real events.
Whether you are looking for a biopic of unsung heroes, mysterious or thrilling events, feel good stories or underdog stories – there are plenty of options available in this genre
Here, we have curated a list of best movies that are based on true stories and are absolutely worth your while.
True story based movies (Hollywood):
Argo(2012)
It’s one of those stories too far-fetched for even the most inventive screenwriter to make up. At the onset of the Iranian Revolution(1979), a CIA agent hatches a plan to evacuate six diplomats from Iran by pretending to be a Canadian movie-makers. Curiously, Hollywood took more than three decades to make a movie on such a fascinating real event. With heist movie like suspense and 1970’s-style like videos, this movie turned out to be one of the best thrillers of modern era. ‘Argo’ deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Picture, though Ben Affleck missed the Best Director award.
Rustin(2023)
‘Rustin’ earned Colman Domingo his first Academy Award nomination for his role as Bayard Rustin, a Black Civil Rights leader who organized the 1963 March on Washington. It is this march during which Martin Luther King, Jr.(played by Aml Ameen) delivered his much-famed “I Have a Dream” speech. Rustin is an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. He remained unnoticed mostly due to him being openly gay. This movie depicts the uncompromising nature of Rustin, even as his determination put him at odds with other Black leaders like Roy Wilkins(played by Chris Rock) and Adam Clayton Powell(played by Jeffrey Wright).
The Social Network(2010)
Mark Zuckerberg creates a social networking site, Facebook, with the help of his friend Eduardo. Though it turns out to be a successful venture, Zuckerberg severs ties with several people along the way – this simple yet extraordinary story of the emergence of Facebook has been remarkable portrayed in this movie. Directed by David Fincher, in this movie, Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield have played their roles very well.
Moneyball(2011)
Directed by Bennett Miller, ‘Moneyball’ depicts the story of Oakland Athletics Manager Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt) as he is trying to assemble a strong team of Baseball players for the 2002 season. Working alongside Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill), Beane uses computer-generated analyses to pick undervalued players. This movie main strength is how it manages to portray a simple story into a fantastic presentation.
Can you ever forgive me?(2018)
This movie is about a writer named Lee Israel. Here, a celebrity biographer – Lee Israel(played by Melissa McCarthy) decides to turn her art form to deception with the help of her friend Jack Hock(played by Richard E. Grant). Apart from McCarthy, perhaps no other actor could play the character of Lee Israel so well. Directed by Marielle Heller, this movie is based on Lee Israel’s memoir which is her most successful book.
The Irishman(2019)
Director Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Irishman’ is one of the rare movies to receive ten nominations at the Academy Awards, including for the Best Picture and Best Director. This movie reunites Scorsese with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. In this film, Frank Sheeran (played by Robert De Niro), a truck driver who descends into the criminal life when he starts working as a hit man for a mafia family led by Russell Bufalino(played by Joe Pesci). Though the movie’s duration is almost 300 minutes, every moment deserves your attention as it elegantly maps Sheeran’s fall from grace.
Maestro(2023)
Bradley Cooper directs, co-write script, and stars in this movie that portray complicated yet caring relationship between legendary composer Leonard Bernstein(played by Bradley Cooper) and his wife Felicia(played by Carey Mulligan). The film depicts Leonard Bernstein’s personal as well as professional life. Cooper and Mulligan’s performances are the key strength of the movie ‘Maestro’. There is a six-minute conducting scene of Cooper and that scene is so well that elevates the movie to another level. ‘Maestro’ got nominated for seven Academy Awards.
Shirley(2024)
This movie brings Shirley Chisholm’s story to life. Regina King is playing the character Shirley Chisholm, a former schoolteacher who became the first Black Congresswoman. The star-studded supporting cast include Andre Holland, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, and many others.
