10 Movies Based on True Stories! Hollywood has a knack for taking real-life stories and turning them into box office hits. Sometimes, these movies are so incredible, so outlandish, that it’s hard to believe they’re based on actual events. From tales of survival to unbelievable heists, here are 10 movies that will leave you stunned by their real-life inspirations.
1. Catch Me If You Can
Plot: This thrilling film follows the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a master of deception who successfully impersonated an airline pilot, a doctor, and a legal prosecutor, all before his 19th birthday.
Reality Check: Yes, Frank Abagnale Jr. was a real person who conned millions of dollars’ worth of checks and lived an extraordinary life on the run from the FBI. His story is just as unbelievable as depicted in the movie, if not more so.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness
Plot: This heartwarming story follows Chris Gardner, a struggling single father who overcomes homelessness to become a successful stockbroker.
Reality Check: Chris Gardner’s rise from poverty to success is a true testament to perseverance and hard work. The film stays true to his journey of determination and his unwavering love for his son.
3. The Revenant
Plot: This gripping tale of survival follows frontiersman Hugh Glass, who is left for dead after being mauled by a bear. He battles the elements and treacherous terrain to seek revenge.
Reality Check: Hugh Glass was indeed a real frontiersman who survived a brutal bear attack and trekked over 200 miles to find those who abandoned him. His story of endurance and resilience is legendary.
4. Argo
Plot: This intense thriller chronicles the CIA’s daring mission to rescue six American diplomats from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis by posing as a Canadian film crew.
Reality Check: The “Canadian Caper” was a real CIA operation masterminded by Tony Mendez, who used the cover of a fake movie production to extract the diplomats. The operation’s success is a remarkable feat of ingenuity and bravery.
5. A Beautiful Mind
Plot: The film tells the story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to game theory.
Reality Check: John Nash was indeed a mathematical genius whose work earned him a Nobel Prize in Economics. His battle with mental illness and his eventual triumph are depicted with great sensitivity in the film.
6. Schindler’s List
Plot: This powerful drama recounts the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
Reality Check: Oskar Schindler was a real person whose heroic actions during World War II saved many lives. His story is a poignant reminder of the impact one person can have in the face of evil.
7. Goodfellas
Plot: This iconic gangster film follows the rise and fall of Henry Hill, a mob associate who becomes an FBI informant.
Reality Check: Henry Hill was a real-life mobster whose accounts of life in the Mafia and subsequent decision to turn informant were captured in the book “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi, which the film is based on.
8. Erin Brockovich
Plot: The film tells the story of Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who uncovers a massive case of water contamination in a small California town, leading to a landmark legal settlement.
Reality Check: Erin Brockovich is a real environmental activist who played a crucial role in winning a $333 million settlement against Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Her tenacity and determination are accurately portrayed in the movie.
9. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Plot: This chilling horror film explores the trial of a priest accused of negligent homicide after a girl dies during an exorcism.
Reality Check: The movie is based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent a series of exorcisms in the 1970s. Her death and the subsequent trial of the priests involved drew significant attention and controversy.
10. The Wolf of Wall Street
Plot: This outrageous film follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street.
Reality Check: Jordan Belfort was a real stockbroker whose memoirs inspired the film. His wild antics, financial crimes, and eventual downfall are depicted with startling accuracy, capturing the excesses of his life.
Conclusion
It’s fascinating to see how filmmakers adapt real-life stories into compelling movies that captivate audiences. These ten films are just a few examples of how the truth can be stranger than fiction. Next time you watch one of these movies, remember that the incredible events on screen are rooted in reality.
FAQs
1. Are all the events in these movies 100% accurate? Movies often take creative liberties for dramatic effect, but the core events and characters are based on true stories.
2. How do filmmakers get the rights to tell these true stories? Filmmakers typically acquire the rights to books, memoirs, or life rights from the individuals involved or their estates.
3. Are real-life people involved in the making of these movies? Sometimes, real-life individuals consult the films, while other times the movies are based on documented accounts and research.
4. Can movies based on true stories inspire change? Yes, movies like “Erin Brockovich” and “Schindler’s List” have raised awareness and inspired action on important social issues.
5. What should I do if I want to learn more about the true stories behind these films? Reading the books or memoirs these movies are based on, or researching historical accounts, can provide deeper insights into the real events.
