65 of the Best Movies Based on True Stories—Must-Watch Movies From History

There are some stories in books, TV shows and movies that seem so astonishing, unbelievable, and/or inspiring, that it can be shocking to find out they are based on real-life experiences and events. Many of the films we watch provide opportunities for learning something new and growing in empathy, and so much more so when those movies are based on true stories.

These movies inform us about history and don't skimp on entertainment value. We've rounded up 65 of the best movies based on true stories and real-life events. For this list, all narrative features are based on true stories. This list does not include documentaries. We highly recommend these compelling, must-watch films based in history.

Here are 65 can't-miss movies based on true events. All titles are available to rent and purchase across major digital platforms. Enjoy picking out your next go-to for movie night!

65 Movies Based on True Stories

1. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

The most electrifying, fully realized cinematic take on an August Wilson play to date, George C. Wolfe‘s 1927 Chicago-set drama depicts a fateful recording session of the “Mother of Blues” and her band. The powerhouse performances from Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman make the picture’s fleeting stagey limitations mostly go unnoticed. The incomparable actors drive home Wilson’s enduring themes of race, religion, exploitation and the reality of the American Dream. As ambitious, haunted trumpeter Levee, Boseman's work here has the weight of nothing less than great tragedy.

2. Schindler’s List (1993) 

At once one of the most harrowing movies you’ll ever see—and one of the most inspiring. Steven Spielberg’s period piece stars Liam Neeson as the titular real-life merchant-turned-wartime-hero. Schindler‘s List is an unflinching account of the horrors of the Holocaust, and a testament to the power of an individual to make positive change. The American Film Institute ranked Schindler’s List the third most inspiring picture ever, behind only It’s a Wonderful Life and To Kill a Mockingbird.

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3. Just Mercy (2019) 

Michael B. Jordan stars opposite Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson in Destin Daniel Cretton's biographical legal drama about Harvard Law graduate Bryan Stevenson and the trial of wrongfully accused Walter McMillian. Cretton's follow-up? Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

4. Bonnie & Clyde (1967)

1967 was a landmark year for Hollywood, when age of innocence ended. No movie embodies this watershed moment better than Arthur Penn‘s graphically violent, potently sexy biographical crime film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as infamous bank robbers. Conventions were shattered in a moment; this is the first film of the New Hollywood era.

5. The Rider (2018)

Chloé Zhao's The Rider is a vividly cinematic study of characters too often overlooked by Hollywood.

While making her first feature in South Dakota, Zhao met Brady Jandreau, a gifted horse trainer and rodeo star who suffered a near-fatal head injury, ending his competition days forever. The Rider weaves fact and fiction into an unforgettable statement about worth and purpose, dreams and reality. It’s a bottomless trove of emotional riches—it could even change the way you look at the world.

The Rider is deeply and honorably rooted in contemporary Americana, yet timeless and universal.

6. Judy (2019) 

Renée Zellweger's note-perfect, incredibly moving embodiment of Judy Garland in the twilight of her life has been rightfully hailed as a masterclass. Based on Peter Quilter's book End of the Rainbow, Rupert Goold's biopic is, if anything, a bit underrated. A focused, punchy melodrama that serves as a showbiz cautionary tale and more, Judy benefits greatly from a subplot between Garland and two of her most dedicated gay fans. It should come off as cheesy and forced, but it doesn’t. It’s an insightful, touching look at why gay men adore their divas. Beyond that, the plot thread reflects how the world has changed in the last half-century, and how it hasn’t.

7. On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Director Mimi Leder's biopic/courtroom drama hybrid On the Basis of Sex sheds light on the early career of perhaps the most popular and culturally significant Supreme Court justice of our time. Rogue One's Felicity Jones stars as Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a picture that’s likable and likely to crowd-please, even as it plays it safer than it could have.

8. The Queen (2006)

A spellbinding portrait of public figures’ private struggles, Stephen Frears‘ critically praised drama depicts the British Royal Family’s response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Helen Mirren won an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. To enhance the contrast of their different worlds, Frears shot most scenes of Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) on 16mm film and those of the Queen on superior 35mm.

Screenwriter Peter Morgan adapted his script for the stage under a new title, The Audience. The play premiered in London’s West End in 2013, with Mirren reprising the role. She won a Tony for the Broadway run in 2015.

Related: 100 Movie Trivia Questions (With Answers) 

9. 1917 (2019)

Sam Mendes' astonishing simulated one-take World War I picture was favored to clean house at the 2020 Oscars, ultimately losing top prizes to surprise sensation Parasite. It won three awards though, including an easy-to-predict victory for Roger Deakins' jaw-dropping cinematography.

10. Braveheart (1995) 

Controversies surrounding accuracy aside, Mel Gibson's historical epic about Scotland's "free-dom!" is rousing, old-fashioned, extremely gory entertainment. Winner of five Oscars including Best Picture.

11. Erin Brockovich (2000) 

Julia Roberts won an Oscar for a titanic, sexy, often hilarious turn in Steven Soderbergh's triumphant feel-good dramedy about the real-life single mom-turned legal clerk who brought corrupt mega-corporation PG&E to its knees. The Oscar-nominated script is quotably funny, with plenty of heart-tugging emotional moments. Two decades later this is still a hell of a good watch.

12. GoodFellas (1990)

An account of the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) is such a masterpiece that upon its release, Roger Ebert christened it the finest organized crime movie of all time, ahead of even The Godfather. Say no more. A key work of our finest living director, Goodfellas lost the Oscar for Best Picture to Dances With Wolves in an upset for the ages.

13. Frida (2002)

Salma Hayek garnered a Best Actress Oscar nod for her turn as iconic artist Frida Kahlo in Julie Taymor's fittingly eye-catching biopic. From six nominations, Frida won two Oscars, for Best Makeup and Best Original Score.