10 Movies Based On A True Story That Are Considered Masterpieces

Some of the most powerful films ever made have been inspired by real-life events, bringing true stories to the big screen in unforgettable ways. Whether they are trying to capture moments of triumph or tragedy, well-made movies based on a true story more often than not grip audiences, spark conversation, and have an everlasting impact.

While they may not always be the most historically accurate movies, these titles have a way of making real-life feel more vivid with their masterful storytelling, emotional depth, and cinematic brilliance. What ultimately makes a movie based on a true story great is it can properly capture the emotions behind the stories. Whether it’s the haunting journey depicted in 12 Years a Slave or the riveting rise-and-fall narrative of Goodfellas, some of them continue to be hailed as the best movies of all time, securing their place as timeless gems in the world of cinema.

10 A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring Russell Crowe, A Beautiful Mind follows the real-life story of John Nash, a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician who revolutionized economics and mathematics with his work in game theory. In both the movie and reality, Nash’s life takes a dramatic turn when he begins to experience symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia.

The 2001 dramatization delves into Nash's personal and professional journey, drawing inspiration from Sylvia Nasar's eponymous biography. The film received widespread acclaim, winning four Academy Awards. Although it did not win an Oscar, Crowe’s performance as Nash was highly praised for its emotional nuance. While A Beautiful Mind changed several things from real life, including the severity of Nash’s hallucinations, the screenplay brilliantly immersed viewers into the mathematician’s mind. Shedding light on the challenges of schizophrenia, the movie helped bring attention to the stigma of mental illness in general.

9 The Imitation Game (2014)

Directed by Morten Tyldum

Standing out as one of Benedict Cumberbatch’s best performances, The Imitation Game brought to life the extraordinary tale of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and cryptanalyst. Turing led a team of codebreakers during World War II to crack the Enigma code, the infamous system used by the Nazis to send secret military messages.

"The subject matter alone sets [The Imitation Game] apart as more interesting and insightful than the average movie memoir - and combined with the performances of Cumberbatch and Co., it's definitely a winner." - Screen Rant's The Imitation Game review

In real life, Turing’s work played a major role in the Allies' victory in WWII. Despite his immense contributions, his sexuality was discovered after the war, leading to his prosecution for being gay, which was illegal in the UK at the time. The Imitation Game won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for several others, including Best Picture. While some point out that the movie didn’t portray Turing’s life and work most accurately, it nonetheless continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the price of prejudice.

8 Apollo 13 (1995)

Directed by Ron Howard

For those looking for a larger-than-life movie based on a true story, Apollo 13 delivers just that. According to a real astronaut, this Tom Hanks movie from 1995 perfectly depicts the 1970 Apollo space incident. The plot follows NASA’s Apollo 13 mission, which was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded, stranding three astronauts in space. Back at headquarters, a team races to find a way to bring them home safely.

Other than its realistic portrayal of space travel, Apollo 13 was widely praised for its strong acting, particularly by Hanks (as Jim Lovell), Kevin Bacon (as Jack Swigert), and Bill Paxton (as Fred Haise). Interestingly, the movie popularized the iconic phrase “Houston, we have a problem,” which was slightly misquoted from the real-life version. Apollo 13's blend of technical brilliance and emotion resonates decades later, offering a powerful look at one of NASA’s most remarkable survival stories.

7 The Pianist (2003)

Directed by Roman Polanski

The Pianist stands out as one of the best and saddest war movies ever made, leaving a lasting impact as a powerful and unforgettable portrayal of the Holocaust. The film is based on Władysław Szpilman's memoir, which recounts his heartbreaking experience. As the Nazis invade and destroy Warsaw, Szpilman, who was a renowned pianist before World War II, faces unimaginable horrors, including losing his family, his home, and everything he knows.

Roman Polanski's parents were both sent to concentration camps during World War II. His father survived Austria's Mauthausen camp, while his mother died in Auschwitz.

Starring Adrien Brody and directed by Roman Polanski, who both won Oscars for their work, The Pianist is one of the most respected films about the Holocaust. It doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war and the horrors of the time, taking an unflinching look at the suffering Szpilman and those around him endure. The haunting imagery and brilliant performances make it a profound cinematic experience that continues to stand the test of time.

6 Goodfellas (1990)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Many may not know that Goodfellas, the mob masterpiece directed by Martin Scorsese, was based on a true story. The film follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a young man who becomes involved in the mafia, as he rises through the ranks of a powerful crime family. The screenplay was adapted from the non-fiction book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, which chronicles Hill’s life as he navigates organized crime in the real world.

The 1990 title earned several accolades and is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. Not only did Goodfellas change the mob movie genre, but it delivered a fast-paced narrative filled with unforgettable characters and iconic lines that have since become staples in pop culture, ultimately paving the way for masterpieces like Casino (1995), Donnie Brasco (1997), and The Sopranos (1999–2007).

5 12 Years A Slave (2014)

Directed by Steve McQueen

One of the most heartbreaking movies of the 21st century, 12 Years a Slave tells the true story of Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free Black man living in New York, who is abducted and sold into slavery. As the title suggests, he is forced to live twelve years of his life as a slave on a plantation in Louisiana. After his liberation, the real-life Northup wrote a memoir detailing his traumatic experience, which served as the basis for the 2014 hit.

12 Years a Slave was lauded for its realistic and harrowing portrayal of slavery, pulling no punches in showing its brutality and dehumanization. Violence is depicted in a raw, unrelenting manner that forces the viewer to confront the horror of America’s history, serving not only as a powerful piece of cinema but as an important educational tool. The movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

4 Spotlight (2015)

Directed by Tom McCarthy

A film that doesn’t just entertain, Spotlight is arguably one of the best movies about investigative journalism out there. Bringing to light a powerful, real-life story about the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal that shook the world, this Tom McCarthy title provokes, informs, and leaves a lasting impression.

Best Picture at the Oscars was just one of its many recognitions, and, while the focus is on the uncovering of this scandal, Spotlight doesn’t forget the survivors who suffered.

With a stellar cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and Michael Keaton, the plot centers around the Spotlight team, a special investigative unit at the Boston Globe, who stumble upon a twisted religious cover-up of master proportions. Best Picture at the Oscars was just one of its many recognitions, and, while the focus is on the uncovering of this scandal, Spotlight doesn’t forget the survivors who suffered. With an understated tone, the film allows the seriousness of the subject matter to take center stage, offering a powerful reminder of the grand responsibility held by those in power.

3 Argo (2012)

Directed by Ben Affleck

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Argo takes the viewer back to the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979, where six American diplomats were trapped in Tehran after the U.S. Embassy was stormed by Iranian protestors. The film follows a bold CIA mission to rescue them with an unconventional plan of pretending that the Americans are members of a Canadian film crew scouting locations for a sci-fi movie.

While Mark Lijek, one of the American six, praised Affleck’s dramatized depiction in a conversation with the BBC, Argo’s story is now considered wrong as the CIA declassified new information about the real mission. Still, despite not being entirely accurate, the movie received widespread acclaim for its blend of intense drama, clever humor, and brilliant direction. It went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars, although Affleck was not nominated for Best Director.

Directed by David Fincher

Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) is at the center of The Social Network’s story, which details his journey as he creates Facebook. However, what should have been a story of pure innovation quickly turns into one of betrayal and legal battles, as Zuckerberg’s rise to fame comes with devastating personal costs.

While being based on a true story, The Social Network got quite a few things wrong. Still, even though the narrative was obviously embellished for theatrical purposes, it only boosted the overall plot instead of making it feel unbelievable. Furthermore, David Fincher’s direction was a standout, as he managed to make the dialogue-driven movie tense enough to keep most viewers thoroughly engaged for two hours. More than a decade later, The Social Network continues to shine as a timeless tale of ambition that everyone should see at least once.

1 Schindler’s List (1993)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Many elements make Schindler’s List one of the best biopic movies ever made, but its historical importance is perhaps its most important factor. Serving as a visceral, cinematic testimony to the horrors of the Holocaust, it depicts the remarkable story of Oskar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.

Movies based on true stories	IMDb rating
A Beautiful Mind	8.2 / 10
The Imitation Game	8.0 / 10
Apollo 13	7.7 / 10
The Pianist	8.5 / 10
Goodfellas	8.7 / 10
12 Years a Slave	8.1 / 10
Spotlight	8.1 / 10
Argo	7.7 / 10
The Social Network	7.8 / 10
Schindler’s List	9.0 / 10

The iconic film was based on the historical novel “Schindler's Ark,” which was written by Thomas Keneally. Steven Spielberg’s immaculate use of black and white gave the film a raw, documentary feel, while the rare splash of color (famously the girl in the red coat) created some of the most iconic imagery in the history of cinema. As one of the greatest movies ever, it’s no surprise that Schindler’s List was universally acclaimed, scoring seven Oscars.

Sources: BBC

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