Movies Based On True Stories (Top Picks At A Glance)
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There is just something about watching movies based on real events that makes them so fascinating and so much more memorable! The thought that always seems to run through our heads is “damn I can’t believe that something like this actually happened.”
Now, obviously, when watching these movies, we must keep in mind that they’re not always completely accurate. Directors will usually take the freedoms to embellish the stories to make them more interesting for the viewer. However, most good directors will avoid letting their additions change or take away from the actual events that are being represented in their film. This allows the true essence of the stories to remain intact.
Since movies based on true stories deliver such an exceptionally captivating experience, we have made a list of the best movies based on true stories. This list contains some incredible films based on some insane true stories. So please, enjoy this fantastic list of movies based on true stories that we have put together for you.
1. Bohemian Rhapsody
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For the first of the movies based on true stories, we have a film that takes us on a crazy journey. Bohemian Rhapsody gives us an intimate glimpse into the life of Freddie Mercury and the creation of Queen. No words can explain just how amazing this movie is.
Even if you think that a film about a band isn’t for you, this is an experience that you shouldn’t pass up. Watching Bohemian Rhapsody will give you a rush of adrenaline through your body and you will find your eyes glued to the screen throughout the entire movie. We most definitely recommend this movie.
Bohemian Rhapsody Movie Description
Follow the rock band Queen and their lead singer Freddy Mercury (Rami Malek) through their ups and downs as they revolutionize the music industry. All of the hard work and effort leading up to one last concert that outshines them all.
After a tumultuous past that tore them apart, the band puts their differences aside to get back together to perform once more at the Live Aid concert held at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1985.
2. Argo
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An absolutely incredible movie based on the events of the hostage situation that took place on Nov. 4, 1979, in the U.S embassy in Tehran, Iran.
The movie takes you through the nothing short of genius planning they went through to rescue the hostages. Give it a watch, you won’t regret it!
Argo Movie Description
Militants have overrun the U.S. embassy located in Tehran, Iran and have taken 66 hostages. An exfiltration expert named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) serves as one of the U.S. last hope to save the hostages.
As they run out of time and seem to have no options at their disposal, Tony proposes a risky hail mary of a plan. The plan to create a fake movie project looking to film in Iran. If it works, they can smuggle Americans out posing as the production crew.
3. 12 Years a Slave
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This movie gives you the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a slave who started as a free man but ended up a slave. 12 Years A Slave gives you a brief insight into the absolute horrors of slavery.
The movie is based on the 1853 slave memoir of Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup. The movie is horrific and breathtaking, we highly recommend giving it a watch.
12 Years A Slave Movie Description
Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), born a free man in upstate New York will soon have his life changed for the worse. Out of nowhere, a pair of white men kidnap Solomon and sell him into slavery in the South.
His owner treats him as badly as possible but he comes into luck when he makes it into the handling of some kind owners. Over 12 years Solomon suffers unimaginable pains and fights for his life daily. However, everything begins to change when he has the chance to meet with an abolitionist.
4. American Hustle
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American Hustle is based on the FBI Abscam operation. The movie is incredible and
American Hustle Movie Description
Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), an FBI agent forces a cunning con man named Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his gorgeous partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) to work for him. DiMaso forces the two to infiltrate the Jersey powerbrokers and the mafia putting them in a world of new danger.
However, both their
5. The Wolf of Wall Street
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Here you get to follow the insane story of the infamous Jordan Belford. Now this movie is obviously a little over the top and you may think that there is no way these things actually happened.
Well, Jordan Belford, himself has talked about and confirmed multiple events portrayed in the movie! Leonardo
The Wolf Of Wall Street Description
Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) a nearly broke man manages to land an entry-level job at a Wall Street brokerage firm. Not too long into the future after learning the tricks of the trade, Belfort founds his own firm and so begins his crazy life.
Together with his good friend Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), they make an absolute abundance of money by defrauding wealthy people. However, his run of luck, drugs, sex, and money may come to an end when the SEC and the FBI start sniffing around his firm.
6. Captain Phillips
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Imagine being on a ship and a group of killer pirates board the ship and take it over. And some of you may have the wrong image of what a pirate looks like.
This movie is based on a horrifying true event that shows you the dangers of being on one of these cargo ships. Give it a watch,
Captain Phillips Movie Description
As a container ship named the Maersk Alabama makes its way to its set destination, a group of Somalian pirates boards the ship wielding guns. Now, fearing for the safety of his crew, Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) must find a way to diffuse the situation peacefully to prevent bloodshed.
However, the pirate leader Muse (Barkhad Abdi), may have different plans. With the pirates only caring about money, Phillips must find a way to save his crew and contact a rescue team.
7. Schindler's List
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This is one hell of a tough movie to watch. Not because it’s a bad movie but because of the topic that it’s about. You will shed multiple tears during this movie so prepare yourself for that. Its a hell of a movie and
Schindler’s List Movie Description
Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a businessman who cares about nothing but himself and his factory, plans on using World War II to make a profit. He uses Jews to do the work in the factory.
However, Schindler has a change of heart about the Jews when the Nazis begin to slaughter them. Now, he plans to use the fact that they work for him to save their lives and keep them from dying a morbid death.
8. 127 Hours
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We can’t even begin to imagine everything that went through Aron Ralston’s mind when he knew he had to cut off his arm to survive. This movie gives you a tiny insight into Aron’s insane story.
This film deserves your time and if you haven’t seen it give it a watch.
127 Hours Movie Description
Aron Ralston (James Franco) decides to go explore a remote canyon located in Utah. However, while in one of the crevices a boulder falls on him trapping his arm against the wall.
Aron has little supplies that won’t last him long and no one around to offer him help. He
9. American Sniper
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For the last of the movies based on true stories, we have American Sniper. This film takes you through the story of war hero Chris Kyle, who takes the title of one of the deadliest snipers ever.
Now, though the film isn’t 100% accurate, it is loosely based on true events. However, it delivers a picture of the hardships a U.S. soldier faces. Give it a watch, it’s an amazing film!
American Sniper Movie Description
Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a U.S. Navy Seal has earned the name of one of the best snipers in history. After Kyle’s first tour he struggles to adjust to normal life so he quickly reenlists. Kyle serves a total of four tours with each one becoming seemingly more dangerous than the last.
With his wife and children waiting for him, Kyle must find a way to live without war, or he may lose his family. Can Kyle manage to leave the war behind and cope with a normal life?
