What Are the Best Movies Based on True Stories

There is something inherently captivating about movies based on true stories. They allow us to imagine in a more vivid way all of the events took place and how they evolved. It’s more realistic, don’t you think?

Whether it’s the gripping survival story of an isolated frontiersman or the inspiring journey of a mathematician overcoming personal struggles, movies based on true stories resonate deeply with audiences by showcasing the human spirit’s triumphs and trials

These kinds of movies can have sad, happy, glorious, surpass stories and even horror can be based on true stories.

Discover the 8 best movies based on true stories

And if you like to watch movies inspired by real life events, today we will give you a full list to watch whenever you want to:

The good nurse

The Good Nurse it’s a movie launched in 2022, and tells the story of Amy Loughren, a nurse who was suspicious of her colleague, Charles Cullen, another nurse that will be discovered to be one of the most prolific serial killers of the USA.

Amy, with help the police unmask and catch this serial killer that targeted dozens of hospital patients in 2003. This movie is the real story of an event that happened years ago in New Jersey, and can be found on Netflix.

Hacksaw ridge

The Hacksaw Ridge is a true story based on the life of Desmond Doss, that was interpreted by Andrew Garfield. In this movie you’ll discover what Desmond had to go through as a military doctor during the Second World War.

Doss was a pacifist, so he wasn’t carrying guns during the events in real life, he was just saving lifes. He saved 75 lifes, and it’s considered a hero, he is also one of the two conscientious objectors that ever were awarded with a Medal of Honor.

You can watch it in Max.

Moneyball

This is a very well known movie from 2011, and it was a hit when it came out. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, this film tells the story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, and his revolutionary approach to assemble a competitive baseball team with a limited budget.

This movie is available on Prime Video.

All the president’s men

This is a classic that will tell the story of the journalistic investigation of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein to the Washington Post. This is the story that led to the Watergate scandal and the resignation of the president Richard Nixon.

It’s a very good movie to help journalism students understand more about press freedom. It can be found on Prime Video.

Zodiac

The Zodiac Killer was a serial killer active between 1968 and 1969 in Northern California’s Bay Area. And the movie Zodiac was launched in 2007, years before the killer was even caught.

This movie has a powerful cast, with Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. and other good and renomed actors.

It tells the story of the hunt for the killer, focusing on the Political cartoonist Robert Graysmith that worked on a newspaper during the period the Zodiac was talking with the press.

Graysmith had a big paper on the search for this man, working with Paul Avery, another journalist.

Nyad

Nyad was released in 2023, and tells the story of Diana Nyad, a 60 year old athlete, who went against all odds to fulfill her dream, and become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida, in open sea, in shark infested waters without a safety cage.

It was a journey of 103 miles and 53 hours, and she did it despite the physical challenges and criticism she received. The movie can be seen on Netflix.

Oppenheimer

This is one of the various movies based on true stories and tells the story of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist known as the ‘father of the atomic bomb’ for his important role on the Manhattan Project during the Second World War.

The film delves into his scientific achievements, his moral dilemmas, and the profound impact of his work on the world. It highlights the ethical challenges and the personal and professional repercussions of Oppenheimer’s contributions to the atomic age.

The Iron Claw

Starring Zac Efron, The Iron Claw tells the story of the rise and tragic fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers. The film covers the family’s immense success in the ring and the numerous personal tragedies they faced, including the untimely deaths of several family members.

The film provides an intimate look at the pressures and sacrifices associated with the world of professional wrestling, making it a poignant and gripping narrative.

These films not only entertain, but also educate and inspire, bringing to light real stories of courage, determination and human complexity.

FAQ

1. What are some highly recommended movies based on true stories?

Here are eight highly recommended movies based on real events:

• The Good Nurse (2022) – The story of Amy Loughren and her role in uncovering a serial killer.
• Hacksaw Ridge (2016) – Chronicles the life of Desmond Doss, a pacifist war hero.
• Moneyball (2011) – Follows Billy Beane’s innovative approach to building a competitive baseball team on a budget.
• All the President’s Men (1976) – The investigative story of Watergate by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
• Zodiac (2007) – Centers on the search for the Zodiac Killer and the journalists who investigated the case.
• Nyad (2023) – Depicts Diana Nyad’s historic swim from Cuba to Florida.
• Oppenheimer (2023) – Explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the creation of the atomic bomb.
• The Iron Claw (2023) – Chronicles the rise and fall of the Von Erich wrestling family.

2. Where can I watch The Good Nurse?

The Good Nurse is available for streaming on Netflix.

3. What is Hacksaw Ridge about?

Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector and military medic during World War II who saved 75 soldiers without carrying a weapon.

4. Which movie details the Watergate scandal?

All the President’s Men provides an in-depth look at the investigation into the Watergate scandal, led by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

5. Is Moneyball based on a book?

Yes, Moneyball is based on the book by Michael Lewis, which chronicles Billy Beane’s revolutionary approach to assembling a competitive baseball team.

6. What can you tell me about Zodiac?

Zodiac is a thriller about the hunt for the Zodiac Killer in Northern California during the late 1960s, focusing on the investigative efforts of journalists and a political cartoonist.

7. Where can I watch Nyad?

Nyad is available for streaming on Netflix.

8. What is the story behind Oppenheimer?

Oppenheimer explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the Manhattan Project and played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb.

9. What is The Iron Claw about?

The Iron Claw depicts the rise and tragic fall of the Von Erich family, a renowned dynasty in professional wrestling, highlighting both their successes and personal tragedies.

10. Why are movies based on true stories so compelling?

Movies based on true stories are compelling because they offer a realistic and emotional portrayal of real-life events and people. They allow audiences to connect deeply with the triumphs and struggles of the human spirit.