I don’t know if you’ve experienced it, but when you see the words ‘based on true story’ it suddenly gives such gravity to the movie. If they’ve made a movie about something that has already happened, it is sure that it was something unusual that everyone should experience. That alone makes us so excited to get into the movie, isn’t it?
This is a list of good movies that were based on real life incidents. May it be war, crime, drama or inspirational success movies, we have tried to cover it all.
Found a movie you love in the list? I’m eager to hear all about it. Share your thoughts that made the movie memorable for you. Your feedback adds a new layer of appreciation to these films.
Feel like one of your favourite movies based on real life is missing? I’m always open to fresh recommendations! Drop your suggestions in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going. The world of cinema is vast, and there’s always room for more discoveries.
Munich
Director: Steven Spielberg
Where to Watch:
“Munich” (2005), directed by Steven Spielberg, is a historical drama that delves into the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. The film follows Avner Kaufman, an Israeli Mossad agent tasked with leading a covert team to track down and assassinate those responsible for the attack. As Avner and his diverse team travel across Europe, they face a series of moral and ethical challenges, grappling with the psychological toll of their violent mission. The narrative explores the blurred lines between justice and revenge, highlighting the intense personal sacrifices and emotional struggles each team member endures.
“Munich” provides a poignant commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering a deep and complex portrayal of the human cost of violence and the cyclical nature of retaliation. Through Spielberg’s direction and strong performances, particularly by Eric Bana as Avner, the film offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the moral complexities of vengeance and the impact of political strife. It is a long movie but Spielberg has mastered the art of making one. I don’t know why this movie isn’t appreciated but it certainly deserves recognition.
American Gangster
Director: Ridley Scott
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American Gangster is a thrilling crime drama about Frank Lucas, a powerful drug lord in 1970s New York. Directed by Ridley Scott, it features outstanding performances by Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Washington plays Lucas, who builds a heroin empire by smuggling drugs from Southeast Asia. Crowe plays Richie Roberts, the determined cop trying to take him down. With a gripping story, strong characters, and an authentic look at the gritty underworld, American Gangster is a must-watch for crime drama fans. The film’s exploration of ambition, power, and morality will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
The Pianist
Director: Roman Polanski
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“The Pianist” follows the story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist, as he navigates the harsh realities of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the war unfolds, Szpilman faces numerous challenges, including the persecution of Jews, forced relocation, and the destruction of his city. The harshness has been boldly displayed in the film. It is a film about resilience, the kindness and ruthlessness of humans and the will to survive against all odds.
Some of the scenarios in the movie are so chilling that they don’t leave easily long after we finish the film. Roman Polanski’s direction along with Adrien Brody’s acting makes this movie one of the best movies based on real life.
Memories of Murder
Director: Bong Joon-ho
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Early in the film, Park’s commander points at two men and asks Park (a local detective), who claims that he can identify the criminal just by looking at them. Before Park answers, the scene cuts. We assume he picked the right guy and he might be the one of those gifted investigators. But a few scenes with Park and we realise that we need to reanalyse things. He is nowhere near what we thought he would be. He is not a complete idiot as we might think but is just naïve.
In October 1986, two women are found raped and murdered on the outskirts of a small town. Considered to be committed by the first serial killer of Korea, Park has never dealt with such a serious case before. Instead of actually investigating, he resorts to fortune tellers and instead believes in hunches. The movie handles the comic and serious part really well. It makes the transition just seamlessly. One scene I was giggling and the very next moment I was staring into the screen seriously. The movie gives you a glimpse of the world you never really would be a part of otherwise. And when you really think about it, it was just a drop of the ocean of what it actually would have been like. That is what I really like about this one.
The Social Network
Director: David Fincher
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Everyone already knows this one. “The Social Network” explores the founding and tumultuous growth of the social media platform Facebook. After getting dumped by his girlfriend, Zuckerberg writes an insulting post about her on his LiveJournal blog. He also created a campus website called Facemash by downloading photos of female students and then allowing visitors to rate their attractiveness. This idea leads to what we all know now to be Facebook. But as the platform gains popularity, the choices made test friendships and give rise to legal disputes. There is ambition, betrayal, selfishness and shows the consequences of the actions you take.
City of God
Director: Fernando Meirelles
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City of God is a wild movie. It is based on the growth of organized crime in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. It shows the growth of crime and the insides of all that is happening through the eyes of Rocket, a young photographer who, although doesn’t want to, gets involved with them.
The narrative spans over several decades and gives a glimpse of the power, poverty, crime and drug culture in the City of God neighbourhood. All lives are interconnected and the choices each character makes in order to survive makes the movie really gritty and involving.
Schindler's List
Director: Steven Spielberg
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Mind you, I use this word very carefully but Schindler’s List is a masterpiece. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a german industrialist who save more than thousand Jewish refuges from the holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II.
Liam Neeson delivers one of the best on screen acting performances I have seen. Especially the ending the minutes of the movie (chef’s kiss), they just bring tears in your eyes. But it is not just him, even Fiennes and Kingsley deliver very strong performances. The movie is long for sure, but Spielberg’s direction, the beautiful shots along with the beautiful score composed by John Williams make this one of the greatest films ever made. In fact, Spielberg was hesitant to take make this film and passed this project to several directors before deciding to take it.
The Great Escape
Director: John Sturges
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What would happen if you bring all the prisoner escapees in one camp and put the best security possible? Is it going to straighten the dog’s tail or is there going to be another escape? Obviously from the title of the movie, you know what happened. The Great Escape is based on a true story of the mass escape by British Commonwealth prisoners of war from German POW camp Stalag Luft 3. Now that pretty much gives you the idea of the plot.
War movies tend to have many characters. Characterization in such a case tends to be a challenging task. Usually, there are two or three main characters around which the movie surrounds itself.
‘The Great Escape’ is no exception and has many characters in the movie. I am surprised myself but each one of them somehow makes their presence known. In the end, I just knew all of them with their unique quirks and personalities.
Finally, the movie makes you realize how brutal it was during that period and the sheer will of men to survive through the period just so they could see their family once again. Men who have never seen each other show immense teamwork and determination. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- One of the reasons why I watch movies is to realize what it would have been to live through different circumstances. Movies like this take you to that time and give you a tinge of experience of that period. And that is what I love the most about ‘The Great Escape’.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Director: Gabriele Muccino
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“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006), directed by Gabriele Muccino, is a biographical drama starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner. The film tells the true-life story of Gardner’s struggle with homelessness while pursuing a career as a stockbroker in San Francisco in the early 1980s.
Chris Gardner faces numerous hardships, including financial instability, eviction, and the challenges of being a single parent to his young son, Christopher (played by Jaden Smith). Despite these adversities, Gardner remains determined to secure a better future for himself and his son. He battles homelessness by participating in a competitive internship program at a brokerage firm, all while enduring the daily struggles of life on the streets.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” gets tough to watch sometimes. But at the end it is really an uplifting story of triumph over adversity and teaches about true happiness.
Catch Me if you Can
Director: Steven Spielberg
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“Catch Me If You Can” is a thrilling but so much entertaining. It follows the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a brilliant young con artist who successfully eluded the authorities while forging a path of deception.
It is very exciting to see Abagnale’s incredible ability to assume various identities and outsmart law enforcement. With a captivating storyline, great cast like Tom Hanks and Leo, along with Spielberg as the director, you just can’t go wrong.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Director: Martin Scorsese
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“The Wolf of Wall Street” is an exhilarating and darkly comedic film based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a charismatic stockbroker who rises to immense wealth and power through activities on Wall Street (not necessarily legal). Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie captures the excesses of Belfort’s lavish lifestyle, fueled by greed and corruption.
With outstanding performances, sharp dialogue, and a fast-paced narrative, “The Wolf of Wall Street” offers an enthralling glimpse into the world of high finance and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It’s a compelling watch for those who appreciate dynamic storytelling and powerful character portrayals.
Zodiac
Director: David Fincher
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“Zodiac” is a riveting crime thriller directed by David Fincher that chronicles the real-life investigation of the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The film follows a group of journalists and investigators as they try to unravel the mystery behind the Zodiac’s identity, all while facing the challenges of a cryptic and elusive adversary.
With meticulous attention to detail, a suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances by Jake Gylenhall and RDJ, “Zodiac” is a gripping and well-crafted film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Casino
Director: Martin Scorsese
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Scorsese’s Casino is no less than a three-hour epic about the relationship between the mafia and the Casino. But what drives it are human emotions. When you start a long movie, you know that it is going to take its time for something to really happen and to gain some speed. But not this one. This one starts with Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) walking through the door in his classy and showy pink suit talking about love and trust. He sits in his car and all of a sudden- “Bam!”, it blasts when he starts the ignition. Now that’s a hell of a way to start a movie.
Scorsese tells his story with the great energy and pacing he’s famous for with getting all the details necessary. We get to see the famous trio- Scorsese, De Niro and Pesci in yet another flamboyant movie. It has one of the best storytelling I have seen. De Niro and Pesci take turns telling the story making the movie one of the best crime movies I have seen.
Now for people not used to watching long movies, this probably might not be for you. But it still becomes a recommendation from my side because of the amazing direction and fantastic performances. It will pull you into their world and for me, that is all that matters. How much do I forget about my own life and start to think about theirs.
A Beautiful Mind
Director: Ron Howard
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“A Beautiful Mind” is a biographical drama based on the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician, and Nobel laureate. One of the few reasons why I enjoyed the experience of watching this movie was because of the less knowledge I had about it. The less you know the more you are going to question things and that becomes one of the crucial points the movie stands on.
If you are planning to watch this one, just don’t read anything about John Nash (if you don’t know already). The movie is inspirational and has such good chemistry between Jennifer Connelly and Russel Crowe and even keeps you on the edge of the seat sometimes. That’s it, I won’t say anything more 😊. And for God’s sake, please don’t even read the synopsis of the movie (Just don’t search it on Google).
Changeling
Director: Clint Eastwood
Where to Watch:
I watched Changeling a long time ago and still remember how scary it was.
It is a captivating historical drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Set in 1928 Los Angeles, the film tells the true story of Christine Collins, a mother whose son goes missing. When the police claim to have found him, Christine is confronted with a child she insists is not her son. As she challenges the authorities, she becomes entangled in a web of corruption and conspiracies. The movie explores themes of grief, perseverance, and the fight for justice.
The powerful performance from Angelina Jolie as Christine makes “Changeling” really compelling and thrilling.
Argo
Director: Ben Affleck
Where to Watch:
“Argo” is a gripping historical thriller directed by Ben Affleck. Based on true events during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979-1980, the film follows a daring CIA mission to rescue six American diplomats who find refuge in the Canadian ambassador’s residence. To extract them safely, CIA operative Tony Mendez (played by Affleck) devises an audacious plan involving a fake Hollywood film production.
Argo is really well executed and blend suspense and humour to capture the tension in the era. This true story is really interesting as well as entertaining to watch.
Goodfellas
Director: Martin Scorsese
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What should I even say about this one? A movie from one of the finest director of our times at his peak.
There is Robert De Niro as Jimmy “The Gent” Conway and the Oscar-winning Joe Pesci as his psychopathic buddy Tommy DeVito, with Paul Sorvino as the malevolent and slow-moving capo Paulie Cicero, Ray Liotta as Heny Hill and the director’s mother Catherine Scorsese superb in her cameo as Tommy’s artistically inclined mom. I mean it is just perfect! Even the golden songs Scorsese plays throughout the film are so classic. For sure one of best storytelling I have seen and perhaps even one of the best crime movies ever made!
Why am I even convincing? You have either watched it already or are going to watch it now!
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