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We've all heard the saying that life imitates art, but isn't even a little more intriguing when art imitates life? If you're already into documentaries or true-crime, then chances are you'll love these movies based on true stories just as much. All of these films are enjoyable to watch just like any other movie based in fiction, but when a movie is based on a true real-life story, there's a whole other element to enjoy after the credits rolls. Of course, that being going on a Google deep dive of the real-life events that inspired the movie. From horrifying crimes to heartwarming stories of resilience to stories of the rich and famous, there are SOO many good movies that are based on a true story.
We've compiled 70 of the very best movies based on a true story and how to stream to make your next movie night a breeze. Some of the titles on these list may surprise you like The Sound of Music (yes this too is based in reality) where other tell stories you may have already caught a glimpse of in the news like She Said or The Wolf of Wall Street. With films across all genres, there's a true story everyone will enjoy. So, pop your best popcorn, get cozy and get ready to be amazed by these shocking true stories! (Plus, if the story is true that means it's essentially educational, right?!)
1
I, Tonya
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I, Tonya follows the real-life story of Tonya Harding, an American figure skater, accused of assaulting her on-ice rival.
2
She Said
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New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor uncover the twisted life of Harvey Weinstein, along with victims of his decades of abuse. Their article encouraged dozens of women to come forward with their abuse, successfully taking down the giant.
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3
Elvis
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Everyone knows who Elvis is and what led to his eventual death, but this film follows his story from the very beginning down to the bitter end.
4
Rise
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This Disney film tells the true stories of three brothers who move to the United States to pursue basketball, eventually making it pro in the NBA.
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5
Spencer
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Kristin Stewart plays British Princess Diana Spencer, telling the story of her rocky marriage to Prince Charles and the pressures that come with life as a royal and a mother to two young boys.
6
The Sound of Music
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One of the most popular movies of all time, we all know and love The Sound of Music. But, did you know the movie is based on the real life story of the von Trapp family (of course with a few Hollywood alterations)?
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7
Dark Waters
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Dark Waters is based on the true story of Lawyer Rob Bilott. The movie script got its basis from an article in the New York Times about Bilott called "The Lawyer Who Became Dupont's Worst Nightmare."
8
Saving Mr. Banks
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Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of Walt Disney's tireless efforts to get the rights to turn Mary Poppins into a movie. The accounts of Disney's family, work and business all follow the real-life events of Walt Disney.
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9
Hacksaw Ridge
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Pacifist Pfc. Desmond T. Doss refuses to bear arms during WWII on the grounds of religion, initially experiencing ridicule from his fellow soldiers he proves himself to be an admirable teammate while still holding onto his values.
10
The United States vs Billie Holiday
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World famous jazz singer Billie Holiday is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, just as she was in real life.
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11
Hustlers
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A group of high-earning strippers show the newbie their secrets to success: hustling the wealthy men on Wall Street. Their story is based off the real life events of a similar group of girls who are eventually caught and arrested.
12
The Post
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Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in this film about Katharine Graham's career as the first female publisher of a major newspaper, racing to break a major news story before her competitors.
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13
Just Mercy
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With a law degree from Harvard, Bryan Stevenson ends up in the unlikely position working pro-bono to help those without proper legal representation in Alabama. Stevenson focuses on the case of Walter McMillian, a real person wrongfully convicted for murder.
14
On the Basis of Sex
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On the Basis of Sex is a biopic of the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting her early career and fight against gender discrimination.
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15
I Still Believe
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The real-life story of Jeremy Camp, a Christian musician, and his heartwarming journey.
16
Dunkirk
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This film recreates the WWII Battle of Dunkirk, and the heroic rescue of over 300,000 Allied soldiers trapped on shore.
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17
The Pursuit of Happyness
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Will Smith and son Jaden Smith star in the film adaptation of Chris Garder's autobiography about his struggle as a homeless single father.
18
Hidden Figures
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Hidden Figures highlights the silent contributors to NASA's space program, overlooked by history books and their own coworkers on the basis on gender and race.
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19
The Theory of Everything
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A young Stephen Hawking falls in love at the idyllic Cambridge University, learns of his earth-shattering medical condition and begins to explore the theory of everything.
20
Wild
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Reeling from loss, marital problems, and the consequences of her own behavior, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) sets out on a journey to hike the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail with no hiking experience, though the real journey happens within.
Maggie Horton
Associate News Editor
Maggie Horton is the Associate News Editor at Country Living. She covers all things entertainment from celebrity news to TV shows and movies. When she's not posting to social media, researching the latest celebrity gossip or binging the hottest new TV series, you can find her at a local concert or outside enjoying nature.
