Movies based on true stories can be even more exciting than fiction, and there are dozens of classics which were inspired by real events. Some of thebest movies ever madehave taken their stories from real life, although there’s still an incredible variety in these types of movies. Anything from war movies to biopics and sports movies can adapt true stories for the big-screen.
While it can be a surprise to find out that certainmovies are based on true stories, this fact is often a key detail in a movie’s marketing. People have a desire to see real-life stories, even well-known stories that they might know all about. In these cases, the appeal of the movie doesn’t come from the twists and turns of the plot, but the way that the filmmaker recreates and reframes famous episodes from history. Some other movies based on true stories shine a light on unbelievable and little-known historical tales.
Most movies that take inspiration from real life tend to be dramas, butGood Morning, Vietnamis one of Robin Williams' most enjoyable comedies. Williams plays Adrian Cronauer, a DJ for Armed Forces Radio Service during the Vietnam War, whose eccentric humor and rock music quickly annoyed his superiors and delighted his listeners. Williams is, as usual, a joy to watch, as he improvises some added panache to an already superb script. Williams had a few remarkable dramatic performances up his sleeve, andGood Morning, Vietnamallows him to blend humor with some emotional moments, showcasing the full range of his talents.
BlacKkKlansmanis one of Spike Lee’s best movies, blending his penchant for comedy with his intelligent social commentary. John David Washington stars as Ron Stallworth, a Black police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s, and Adam Driver delivers a superb performance as his accomplice. There are time when the light back-and-forth between the two stars givesBlacKkKlansmanthe appeal of a buddy cop movie or a crime caper, but Lee shows that the reality of racial hatred in the United States is nothing to laugh at.Like most great historical movies,BlacKkKlansmanis relevant to the present.
Sports movies based on true storiesaren’t always as interesting as they seem to believe. Only the best ones can be just as appealing to hardcore fans of the sport as they are to complete newcomers, andFord v Ferrariis one of the best in this regard. The 1960s racing drama works so well because it stays focused on the intriguing personal dynamic between its two main characters, and it helps that Christian Bale and Matt Damon are both in top form. James Mangold injects the racing scenes with genuine excitement, but what happens off the track is just as interesting.
Ford v. Ferrari True Story: 10 Biggest Details The Le Mans ‘66 Movie Leaves Out
Ford v Ferrari did a great job breaking down the real rivalry between the automotive racers in 1966, but missed out on some juicy real details.
Hidden Figuresshines a light on the little-known story of NASA’s Black female mathematicians who helped get astronauts safely into space from behind-the-scenes. Thanks to three superb lead performances from Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe,Hidden Figuresbrings the 1960s to life, with its charming style and its harsh social truths.Hidden Figuresshows the inequality that supported the glamor of the space program in its early days, butthe story is always entertaining and relatable, rather than being too didactic.
Zodiacis one ofDavid Fincher’s best movies, and it continues his exploration of criminality that began with movies likeFight ClubandSe7enin the 1990s.Zodiac’s real-life story makes the drama even more urgent and horrifying, asFincher pays close attention to the details of each individual murder.The story mainly focuses on Robert Graysmith’s amateur investigation. He journeys deep into the rabbit hole of his own obsession, ignoring his daily responsibilities and his own safety. Fincher leaves it up to the audience to decide whether his theories are credible or not, but the lingering mystery makes it easy to fall into the same trap.
Martin Scorsese has often taken inspiration from real life, starting with early hits likeRaging Bulland running all the way up toKillers of the Flower Moon.The Wolf of Wall Streetshowcases Scorsese’s mastery of fun crime movies, but the real-world context of Jordan Belfort’s crimes has led to some accusations that the movie glamorizes his criminal acts.The Wolf of Wall Streetlooks like one big party, with Leonardo DiCaprio giving one of his funniest performances. Ultimately, it’s less an indictment of the man as it is an indictment of a system that allowed him to flourish for so long.
The aborted Apollo 13 lunar mission is one chapter from real life that seems just as tense and exciting as any movie, and it finally got a fitting big-screen dramatization in 1995. Ron Howard’sApollo 13uses the authentic transcripts from the lunar module and mission control for most of its dialogue, although there are a few added flourishes here and there. Overall, the genuine dialogue gives the drama an immersive feel, and Howard’s careful framing makes everything feel clear and claustrophobic all at once. It’s an intelligent drama that stands alongside thebest space exploration moviesever, even though it’s completely true.
Best Screenplay Based On Material Previously Produced or Published
Adrien Brody’s performance inThe Pianistbrings a human element to a harrowing story of the industrial-scale slaughter of the Holocaust.The Pianistis one of many important Holocaust dramas that serve as a reminder of the cruelty and dehumanization that occurred during the Second World War. While other movies present stories of hope and perseverance,The Pianist’s true story is propelled by luck, more than anything else.This is a somber refutation of sentimental war stories, suggesting that violence and chaos are not things which can be overcome by simple resilience.
Christopher Nolan has developed a reputation as a modern master of blockbusters, full of interesting sci-fi concepts and action set pieces. This makesOppenheimeran unexpected change of pace, but Nolan brings just as much vitality to his biopic of a polarizing figure in American history. By looking at the events of the Manhattan Project and its political fallout simultaneously,Oppenheimermakes it impossible to separate the cause from the effect.It takes a brand-new approach to the biopic genrethat seems like the culmination of Nolan’s directorial career.Oppenheimer’s ensemble castis also one of the best ever assembled.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Ruth De Jong & Claire Kaufman
Best Sound
Willie D. Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo & Kevin O’Connell
6All The President’s Men (1976)
Based On The Watergate Scandal
All the President’s Menwas made just four years after the events depicted took place, while the Watergate scandal was still fresh in America’s national memory. This makesAll the President’s Menan unorthodox real-life drama, but Alan J. Pakula still insisted on rigorous adherence to historical accuracy, which extended to procuring the same exact desks which were used in the Washington Post’s offices at the time Woodward and Bernstein were investigating the scandal. Fortunately,All the President’s Menhas aged beautifully, and it’s just as relevant now as ever, thanks to its embodiment of journalistic integrity and truth.
