Top 10 True Story Movies to Watch

Top 10 True Story Movies

In Hollywood, when a movie says it’s "based on a true story," it often means the truth was stretched to make the story more entertaining. This isn't a problem, as these are films, not documentaries, and creative changes help the story work on screen.

However, some movies stick closely to the real events, like Oscar-winning dramas and true crime stories, which can be even more unbelievable than fiction. These films prove that reality can make for an amazing movie.

1. All the President's Men (1976)

"All the President's Men" is a 1976 movie about the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, the film is based on a book by journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who uncovered the scandal for The Washington Post. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman play the reporters. The film won several awards, including an Oscar for Jason Robards as Best Supporting Actor. In 2010, it was added to the U.S. National Film Registry for its importance to American culture and history.

2. In Cold Blood (1967)

"In Cold Blood" is a 1967 American crime film directed by Richard Brooks, based on Truman Capote's 1966 book. The movie tells the true story of Perry Smith (played by Robert Blake) and Dick Hickock (played by Scott Wilson), who brutally murdered a family of four in Holcomb, Kansas. While the film stays mostly true to the book, Brooks added a fictional character, "The Reporter," played by Paul Stewart. Filming took place at real locations, including the actual home where the murders happened. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and was added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2008.

3. Hustlers (2019)

"Hustlers" is a 2019 American crime comedy-drama directed by Lorene Scafaria, inspired by a 2015 New York magazine article. The film stars Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Lili Reinhart, Keke Palmer, Lizzo, and Cardi B.

It tells the story of New York City strippers who scam wealthy clients by drugging them and maxing out their credit cards. Jennifer Lopez also produced the film. After some changes in production companies, filming took place in New York from March to May 2019. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, "Hustlers" earned $157.6 million worldwide and received praise, especially for Lopez's performance.

4. Argo (2012)

"Argo" is a 2012 American historical drama directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The film is based on a true story about the "Canadian Caper," where CIA agent Tony Mendez (played by Affleck) helped rescue six U.S. diplomats from Iran during the 1979-1981 hostage crisis.

The plan involved posing as a film crew making a fake science-fiction movie. Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman also star in the film. "Argo" received critical acclaim, winning three Oscars, including Best Picture, and several other awards. However, some criticized the film for historical inaccuracies.

5. The Social Network (2010)

"The Social Network" is a 2010 film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich. It tells the story of Facebook's creation and the legal battles that followed. Jesse Eisenberg stars as Mark Zuckerberg, with Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin and Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker.

The film was shot in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and California, with a score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It was a critical and commercial hit, earning $224 million, and won several awards, including Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.

6. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

"Dog Day Afternoon" is a 1975 crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The film is based on the 1972 bank robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn, led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. Written by Frank Pierson, the script is adapted from a Life magazine article.

Filming occurred from September to November 1974 and finished early. Released on September 21, 1975, the film was a hit with critics and audiences, earning seven Golden Globe nominations and six Academy Award nominations, winning Best Original Screenplay. It was added to the National Film Registry in 2009 for its significance.

7. I, Tonya (2018)

"I, Tonya" is a 2017 film about American figure skater Tonya Harding, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Steven Rogers. The movie explores Harding's life and her connection to the 1994 attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan.

It uses a mockumentary style with dark comedy and unreliable narrators, including Harding and her ex-husband. Margot Robbie stars as Harding, with Sebastian Stan as her ex-husband and Allison Janney as her mother. The film was a success, earning $53 million worldwide. Janney won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and Robbie was nominated for Best Actress.

8. Dallas Buyers Club (2014)

"Dallas Buyers Club" (2013) is a biographical drama about Ron Woodroof, a cowboy diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, the film follows Woodroof as he smuggles unapproved drugs into Texas to help others with AIDS.

He establishes the "Dallas Buyers Club" to distribute these treatments while battling the FDA. Matthew McConaughey stars as Woodroof, and Jared Leto plays Rayon. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and grossed over $55 million. McConaughey and Leto won Oscars for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.

9. Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)

"Can You Ever Forgive Me?" (2018) is a biographical comedy-mystery film directed by Marielle Heller. Based on Lee Israel's memoir, the story stars Melissa McCarthy as Israel, who revives her writing career by forging letters from famous authors. Richard E. Grant plays her accomplice.

The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and was released in the U.S. in October 2018. It grossed $12 million and received praise for McCarthy and Grant's performances. McCarthy and Grant were nominated for Oscars, and the film won the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

10. Into the Wild (2007)

"Into the Wild" (2007) is a biographical adventure film directed by Sean Penn, based on Jon Krakauer's book. It stars Emile Hirsch as Christopher McCandless, who, under the name Alexander Supertramp, travels across North America and into the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s.

The film, also featuring Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt, premiered at the Rome Film Fest and was released in the U.S. in September 2007. It grossed $56 million and received critical acclaim. The film won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song ("Guaranteed" by Eddie Vedder) and was nominated for two Academy Awards.