Ridham Vashishth
Movies rooted in real-life events have a special resonance, captivating audiences with authentic tales of triumph, tragedy, and adventure. Hulu’s vast collection, in particular, offers a splendid variety of films grounded in truth, each bringing forth its blend of comedy, action, and animation. From humorous retellings to heart-pounding adventures, these stories not only entertain but often shed light on historical events and iconic personalities that shaped our world. As we delve into the best true story films available on Hulu, we are reminded of the age-old adage: sometimes, reality truly is stranger and more wonderful than fiction.
12. Greater (2016)
This David L. Hunt directorial is based on the life of Brandon Burlsworth, who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team and went from walk-on to All-American. Considered the greatest walk-on story in American football history, Burlsworth’s untimely demise at 22, 11 days after being drafted in the 1999 NFL Draft, left a vacuum in American football. The film showcases his hard work, talent, and achievements and highlights his relationship with his elder brother, Marty Burlsworth, who was his driving force. The cast includes Christopher Severio, Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, and Michael Parks. You can watch ‘Greater’ here.
11. The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story (2023)
Directed by Simone Stock, ‘The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story’ tells the true story of 15-year-old Kara Robinson, who was kidnapped by a man on June 24, 2002, from her friend’s place in West Columbia, S.C. He took her to his house and assaulted her for as long as 18 hours. However, this didn’t shift Kara’s focus from keeping as many details as possible in mind and escaping at the right moment. She then led the police to the place, and the evidence pointed toward the serial killer, identified as 38-year-old Richard Evonitz. He already had three girls. Though Evonitz escaped after finding out that Robinson had fled, he was intercepted by the police in Sarasota, Florida, on June 27, 2002, but shot himself to death. Katie Douglas plays Kara Robinson, while Kristian Bruun plays Richard Evonitz. You can watch the film here.
10. Suncoast (2024)
Directed by Laura Chinn, ‘Suncoast’ is a semi-autobiographical drama based on Chinn’s own life and experiences during the early 2000s. The film follows teenager Doris and explores her relationship with her impudent mother, Kristine, and her dying brother, Max. As Doris navigates such an overwhelming phase in her life, she befriends activist Paul Warren who is staging a protest to show his support for a landmark medical case. The way ‘Suncoast’ explores themes of family, friendship, happiness, grief, and self-discovery makes it a must-watch coming-of-age drama. The film stars Nico Parker, Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, Daniella Taylor, and Ella Anderson. You can watch it here.
9. Boston Strangler (2023)
The Matt Ruskin directorial is based on the case of the Boston Strangler, a name given to the murderer(s) of 13 women in Greater Boston between 1962 and 1964. While a guy named Albert DeSalvo was convicted of the crimes based on his confession and the DNA evidence recovered from the last victim, multiple parties believe that more than one person committed the murders.
The film throws light on the case from the POV of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter from the Boston Record American newspaper to break the news about the murders that compelled the Boston police to look into the case that it had been overlooking and instead was spending time raiding gay bars (a reminder of the 1969 Stonewall riots) and oppressing minorities. The cast includes Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin, Carrie Coon as Loretta’s fellow reporter Jean Cole, and David Dastmalchian as Albert DeSalvo, among others. You can watch the film here.
8. Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018)
‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ is a harrowing crime drama directed by Jim Donovan. The movie brings to light the horrifying true events of 1984 when Lisa McVey was abducted and held captive by the serial killer Bobby Joe Long. The narrative unfolds over a terrifying 26-hour period, where Lisa uses her intelligence and courage to leave clues about her kidnapper and eventually escape.
The film features brilliant performances by Katie Douglas (Lisa McVey), Rossif Sutherland (Bobby Joe Long), David James Elliott (Detective Larry Pinkerton), and Bruno Verdoni (Morris Elwood), among others. Not only does the movie recount the traumatic experience of Lisa, but it emphasizes the remarkable resilience and bravery of a young woman against her tormentor. Earning a spot on this list, the film stands as a testament to the human spirit and resilience and offers a powerful message on survival and hope in the direst of circumstances. You may watch ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ here.
7. Nitram (2021)
‘Nitram’ is a biographical psychological drama film helmed by Justin Kurzel. The screenplay by Shaun Grant unfolds the troubled life of a young man named Nitram, essentially a fictional representation of Martin Bryant. This chilling story tracks the events that culminated in the heart-wrenching 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where Bryant murdered 35 people. The film successfully premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, where Caleb Landry Jones bagged the Best Actor award. Nitram has also earned eight awards at the 11th AACTA Awards, covering Best Film, Best Direction, and a range of acting accolades.
The ensemble cast comprises Caleb Landry Jones in the titular role, with Judy Davis, Essie Davis, Anthony LaPaglia, Sean Keenan, and Rick James providing potent supporting performances. This movie is not merely a retelling of a tragedy but a deep dive into societal negligence, mental health, and the horrifying consequences. It’s an essential film for viewers keen on understanding the complexities leading up to a real-life tragedy, making ‘Nitram’ deserving of its spot on this list. You may watch it here.
6. The Death of Stalin (2017)
‘The Death of Stalin’ is a black comedy film crafted masterfully by director Armando Iannucci. This political satire film finds its roots in the French graphic novel, ‘La Mort de Staline,’ created by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin. Depicting the chaotic aftermath of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s demise in 1953, the movie dives deep into the political power plays among the Council of Ministers. Much of the story revolves around Stalin’s sudden illness, the subsequent power vacuum, and the scramble among the Soviet elite to seize power.
Prominent members of its ensemble cast include Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Rupert Friend, Jason Isaacs, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, and Jeffrey Tambor. This film’s sharp wit and chilling portrayal of political maneuvering earned it wide acclaim. With a blend of humor and historical events, ‘The Death of Stalin’ not only educates but entertains. Its satirical approach to a significant historical event is why it has rightfully earned a place on this list. The movie does more than just recount history; it provides insight into the human condition during trying times. You can watch ‘The Death of Stalin’ here.
5. My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Based on Derf Backderf’s eponymous graphic novel/memoir, ‘My Friend Dahmer’ tells the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer before he became one. Backderf was Dahmer’s high school friend, and this Marc Meyers directorial borrows from the novel to give us a glimpse of Dahmer’s life. We see his psychopathic behavioral patterns and hobbies and his perpetual isolation from those around him, both of which eventually came together and took the shape of obsession and eroticism with death (murder). Ross Lynch plays the role of Jeffrey Dahmer, and Alex Wolff plays Derf Backderf. You can watch the film here.
4. Fair Game (2010)
Directed by Doug Liman, ‘Fair Game’ is based on not one but two memoirs, Valerie Plame’s ‘ Fair Game,’ and Joseph C. Wilson’s ‘ The Politics of Truth.’ It centers on the married couple, Plame and Wilson, and their connections with the CIA before and after the U.S.’s Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Plame was employed overseas by the CIA, while Wilson, a diplomat, recently served as the U.S. ambassador to Gabon (Central Africa). After he refutes President George Bush’s reports of Iraq’s possession of uranium in the aftermath of the invasion, Plame’s status is leaked to the media, ultimately leading to a rift in their marriage amid death threats and public criticism. How they come out of this situation is what follows. The film offers impactful performances by Naomi Watts as Valerie Plame and Sean Penn as Joseph Wilson. You can watch it here.
3. House of Gucci (2021)
Ridley Scott’s ‘House of Gucci’ is based on the 2001 book ‘The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed’ by Sara Gay Forden. It tells the story of the powerful family behind Gucci, one of the world’s most posh and luxurious fashion brands. The viewers are exposed to the turbulent relationship and marriage between Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) and Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), his first wife, underscored by glamor and politics. The film is a crime drama, as there is murder involved alongside money, family, power, sex, and betrayal. ‘House of Gucci’ co-stars Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, and Salma Hayek. You can watch it here.
2. Spencer (2021)
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this film explores the mental state of Princess Diana as she tries to balance two lives: her personal life, wherein she has just found out about her husband Charles III’s affair with Camilla, and her cultural life that is under almost constant surveillance by the world media. Set in Christmas 1991, ‘Spencer’ puts forth the princess’s troubled and trapped state in a powerful and thought-provoking manner. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Diana and Jack Farthing as Charles III. You can stream it here.
1. Official Secrets (2019)
This Gavin Hood directorial revolves around analyst Katharine Gun, who worked at the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) under the government of the United Kingdom. She is the whistleblower responsible for leaking classified intel to the press concerning the involvement of America and England in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Starring Keira Knightley as Gun along with Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Matthew Goode, ‘Official Secrets’ is a must-watch historical drama with convincing character portrayals propelled by brilliant storytelling. You can stream it here.
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