Must-Watch Movies Based on a True Story

By keely aouga

For some, the best part of watching a movie is escaping into a far-off fantasy land where anything seems possible, as seen in Disney childhood classics.

Others prefer movies based on true stories, valuing a more realistic approach to storytelling. These cinema lovers are always adding the latest biopics and historical dramas to their watch lists.

If you fall in the latter category, here are some films worth checking out ASAP.

'Hustlers' (2019) 

Two strippers wind up finessing Wall Street’s wealthiest with the help of their friends played by Cardi B, Lizzo, Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart.

'Remember the TItans' (2000) 

The film takes place in 1971, when racial tensions were high in Alexandria, Virginia as a local school board integrates an all-Black school with an all-white one.

'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013) 

After learning he has AIDs, the protagonist seeks out alternative therapies and smuggles unapproved drugs into the country wherever he can find them.

'The United States vs. Billie Holiday' (2021)

Lee Daniels directs the project which chronicles the time that the Federal Bureau of Narcotics launched an undercover sting operation against Billie Holiday. 

'12 Years a Slave' (2013) 

The historical drama takes place before the Civil War, when a free Black man from the North is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South.

'Catch Me If You Can' (2002)

The film is centered around a 17-year-old who outwitted every adult around him to become the most successful bank robber in American history.

'The Farewell' (2019)

The dramedy centers around a Chinese family who returns to their home country after planning a fake wedding to say goodbye to their grandmother before she dies.

'Cadillac Records' (2008)

In his biographical film, Darnell Martin recreates America’s music scene in the 1940s, when bar owner and Polish immigrant Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) hires a blues duo.

For more movies that are based on a true story, click the link below.

Movies Based on True Stories