Unveiling the Truth: 10 True Story Movies That Stay True to the Facts

True Story Movies
True Story Movies

In the realm of cinema, true story movies hold a special place, offering audiences a glimpse into real-life events and experiences. However, not all films stay faithful to the facts. In this article, we uncover 10 true story movies that remain true to their real-life counterparts, providing an authentic and immersive viewing experience.

Titanic (1997)

“Titanic,” directed by James Cameron, remains one of the most iconic true story movies of all time. While the film weaves a fictional love story into the narrative, it stays remarkably true to the historical events surrounding the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912.

Titanic
Photo of Titanic
Director:James Cameron
Actors:
Rose Dewitt Bukater
Cal Hockley
Molly Brown
Ruth Dewitt Bukater
Brock Lovett
Captain Smith
Spicer Lovejoy
Thomas Andrews
Rating: vote average (1'267'226 votes)
Genres:Drama, Romance
Writer:
James Cameron
(written by)
Plots:
A seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.
84 years later, a 100 year-old woman named Rose DeWitt Bukater tells the story to her granddaughter Lizzy Calvert, Brock Lovett, Lewis Bodine, Bobby Buell and Anatoly Mikailavich on the Keldysh about her life set in April 10th 1912, on a ship called Titanic when young Rose boards the departing ship with the upper-class passengers and her mother, Ruth DeWitt Bukater, and her fiancé, Caledon Hockley. Meanwhile, a drifter and artist named Jack Dawson and his best friend Fabrizio De Rossi win third-class tickets to the ship in a game. And she explains the whole story from departure until the death of Titanic on its first and last voyage April 15th, 1912 at 2:20 in the morning.
Soundtracks: My heart will go on Music by James Horner Lyrics by Will Jennings Performed by Céline Dion Produced by James Horner and Simon Franglen Celine Dion performs courtesy of 550 Music/Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. , Valse septembre Written by Felix Godin Performed by Salonisti (as I Salonisti) Produced by John Altman , Wedding dance Written by Paul Lincke Performed by Salonisti (as I Salonisti) Produced by John Altman , Sphinx Written by Francis Popy Performed by Salonisti (as I Salonisti) Produced by John Altman , Vision of salome Written by Archibald Joyce Performed by Salonisti (as I Salonisti) Produced by John Altman
Trailers: Titanic, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1740686617/imdb/embed, Titanic, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi907189785/imdb/embed

Schindler’s List (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” is a powerful portrayal of the Holocaust and the remarkable efforts of Oskar Schindler to save the lives of over 1,200 Jews during World War II. The film is based on the true story of Schindler’s courageous actions and remains faithful to the historical record.

The Social Network (2010)

David Fincher’s “The Social Network” chronicles the rise of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued between its co-founders. While the film takes some creative liberties with the story, it largely remains true to the events and personalities involved in the creation of the social media giant.

The Social Network
Photo of The Social Network
Director:David Fincher
Actors:
Mark Zuckerberg
Erica Albright
Billy Olson
Phoenix Club President
Dustin Moskovitz
Chris Hughes
Eduardo Saverin
Phoenix Member Playing Facemash
Girl at Phoenix Club
Student Playing Facemash
Rating: vote average (751'190 votes)
Genres:Biography, Drama
Writers:
Aaron Sorkin
(screenplay)
Ben Mezrich
(book)
Plots:
As Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg creates the social networking site that would become known as Facebook, he is sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea and by the co-founder who was later squeezed out of the business.
On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications.
Soundtracks: Ball and biscuit Written by Jack White (as Jack White III) Performed by The White Stripes Courtesy of Third Man Records and Courtesy of XL Recordings Ltd. , Man fi cool Written by Roots Manuva (as Rodney Smith) Performed by Roots Manuva Courtesy of Big Dada Recordings By Arrangement with Third Side Music , Dreadlock holiday Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman Courtesy of Avid Ltd. , Dreadlock holiday Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman Courtesy of Licensemusic.com ApS By Arrangement with Nola Leone/Ace Music Services, LLC , So i wait Written by Thomas Brennan and Greg Paxton Performed by Three Hour Tour Courtesy of Thomas Brennan & Greg Paxton Productions
Trailers: The Social Network, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4152690201/imdb/embed, The Social Network, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3598714393/imdb/embed

Apollo 13 (1995)

Directed by Ron Howard, “Apollo 13” recounts the harrowing true story of the aborted Apollo 13 lunar mission and the heroic efforts to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. The film meticulously recreates the events of the mission and stays faithful to the details of the actual events.

Apollo 13
Photo of Apollo 13
Director:Ron Howard
Actors:
Jim Lovell
Fred Haise
Jack Swigert
Ken Mattingly
Gene Kranz
Marilyn Lovell
Susan Lovell
Jeffrey Lovell
Rating: vote average (312'466 votes)
Writers:
Jim Lovell
(book) &
Jeffrey Kluger
(book)
William Broyles Jr.
(screenplay) &
Al Reinert
(screenplay)
Plots:
NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.
This Hollywood drama is based on the events of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert find everything going according to plan after leaving Earth's orbit. However, when an oxygen tank explodes, the scheduled moon landing is called off. Subsequent tensions within the crew and numerous technical problems threaten both the astronauts' survival and their safe return to Earth.
Soundtracks: Waiting Written by Carlos Santana, David Brown, Gregg Rolie, Michael Shrieve (as Mike Shrieve), Jose Chepito Areas (as Jose Areas), and Mike Carabello Performed by Santana Courtesy of Columbia Records by arrangement with Sony Music Licensing , Night train Written by Jimmy Forrest, Lewis Simpkins (as Lewis C. Simpkins), and Oscar Washington Performed by James Brown Courtesy of Polydor Records by arrangement with Polygram Special Markets , Beyond the sea (La Mer) Music by Charles Trenet French lyrics by Charles Trenet English lyrics by Jack Lawrence Performed by Bobby Darin Courtesy of Atco Records by arrangement with Warner Special Products , Groovin' Written by Felix Cavaliere and Edward Brigati (as Eddie Brigati) Performed by The Rascals Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp. by arrangement with Warner Special Products , Somebody to love Written by Darby Slick Performed by Jefferson Airplane Courtesy of the RCA Records, Label of BMG Music
Trailers: Apollo 13, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1605828889/imdb/embed, Apollo 13, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1589051673/imdb/embed

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can” tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who successfully impersonated an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer, among other professions. The film closely follows Abagnale’s exploits and remains true to the events as recounted in his memoir.

Catch Me If You Can
Photo of Catch Me If You Can
Director:Steven Spielberg
Actors:
Frank Abagnale Jr.
Carl Hanratty
Frank Abagnale
Roger Strong
Paula Abagnale
Brenda Strong
Jack Barnes
Earl Amdursky
Paul Morgan
Rating: vote average (1'078'766 votes)
Genres:Biography, Crime, Drama
Writers:
Frank Abagnale Jr.
(based upon the book by) (as Frank W. Abagnale) &
Stan Redding
(based upon the book by)
Jeff Nathanson
(screenplay by)
Plots:
Barely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.
A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.
Soundtracks: To tell the truth Written by Paul Alter and Robert Israel , Embraceable you Music by George Gershwin Lyrics by Ira Gershwin Performed by Judy Garland Courtesy of MCA Records Under license from Universal Music Enterprises , Put your head on my shoulder Written by Paul Anka Performed by The Lettermen Courtesy of Capitol Records Under license from EMI Film & Television Music , Body and soul Music by Johnny Green Lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton Performed by Erroll Garner Courtesy of SLG, LLC , I've got the world on a string Written by Harold Arlen Lyrics by Ted Koehler Performed by Teddy Wilson, Milt Hinton and Oliver Jackson Courtesy of LRC Ltd.
Trailer: Catch Me If You Can, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1220346137/imdb/embed

Erin Brockovich (2000)

“Erin Brockovich,” directed by Steven Soderbergh, is based on the true story of a legal assistant who played a crucial role in a landmark environmental lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The film stays true to the details of Brockovich’s investigation and legal battle.

Erin Brockovich
Photo of Erin Brockovich
Actors:
Erin Brockovich
Dr. Jaffe
Los Angeles Judge
Defending Lawyer
Defendant
Mrs. Morales
Rating: vote average (217'726 votes)
Genres:Biography, Drama
Writer:
Susannah Grant
(written by)
Plots:
An unemployed single mother becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply.
Erin Brockovich-Ellis is an unemployed single mother, desperate to find a job, but is having no luck. This losing streak even extends to a failed lawsuit against a doctor in a car accident she was in. With no alternative, she successfully browbeats her lawyer to give her a job in compensation for the loss. While no one takes her seriously, with her trashy clothes and earthy manners, that soon changes when she begins to investigate a suspicious real estate case involving the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. What she discovers is that the company is trying quietly to buy land that was contaminated by hexavalent chromium, a deadly toxic waste that the company is improperly and illegally dumping and, in turn, poisoning the residents in the area. As she digs deeper, Erin finds herself leading point in a series of events that would involve her law firm in one of the biggest class action lawsuits in American history against a multi-billion dollar corporation.
Soundtracks: Redemption day Performed by Sheryl Crow Written by Sheryl Crow Courtesy of A&M Records Under license from Universal Music Enterprises , Bluegrass hoedown Written & Performed by Chris Horvath Courtesy of Del Rey Music, Inc. / Who Did That Music? Library , Honey bunch Written by Paul Kerr & Andy Dewar Courtesy of Opus 1 , Two shots of rye Written by Paul Kerr & Andy Dewar Courtesy of Opus 1 , Everyday is a winding road Performed by Sheryl Crow Written by Sheryl Crow, Brian MacLeod, Jeff Trott (as Jeff Trott) Courtesy of A&M Records Under license from Universal Music Enterprises
Trailer: Erin Brockovich, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi440712729/imdb/embed

The Blind Side (2009)

“The Blind Side” tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who was taken in by a wealthy family and went on to become a professional football player. The film accurately portrays Oher’s journey and the impact of his adoptive family on his life.

The Blind Side
Photo of The Blind Side
Director:John Lee Hancock
Actors:
Leigh Anne Tuohy
Sean Tuohy
Michael Oher
S.J. Tuohy
Collins Tuohy
Coach Cotton
Mrs. Boswell
Denise Oher
Miss Sue
Mrs. Smith
Rating: vote average (357'346 votes)
Genres:Biography, Drama, Sport
Writers:
John Lee Hancock
(written by)
Michael Lewis
(book)
Plots:
The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.
Based on the true story of Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael Oher. Michael has no idea who his father is and his mother is a drug addict. Michael has had little formal education and few skills to help him learn. Leigh Anne soon takes charge however, as is her nature, ensuring that the young man has every opportunity to succeed. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him, including giving the coach a few ideas on how best to use Michael's skills. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Michael Oher was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft.
Soundtracks: Unsquare dance Written by Dave Brubeck Performed by Dave Brubeck Quartet (as The Dave Brubeck Quartet) Courtesy of Derry Music Company , Cello song Written by Nick Drake Performed by The Books featuring José González Courtesy of The Red Hot Organization , Eric apologizes from the motion picture A Walk to Remember (2002) Composed by Mervyn Warren Courtesy of Sockeye Music Inc. , That thang Written by Mighty Wyte (as Matthew S. Feher) and Soulstice (as Ashley J. Llorens) Performed by Soulstice (as SoulStice) and Mighty Wyte Courtesy of Whizbang, Inc. , Dry no olives Written and Performed by Jon Gilutin Courtesy of Gilutone Records and Tapes & MusicSupervisor.com
Trailers: The Blind Side, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2724005145/imdb/embed, The Blind Side, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi402784793/imdb/embed

Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” is based on the true story of Henry Hill, a former mobster turned informant. The film closely follows Hill’s rise and fall in the New York City mafia and remains faithful to the events depicted in his memoir.

Goodfellas
Photo of Goodfellas
Director:Martin Scorsese
Actors:
James Conway
Henry Hill
Tommy DeVito
Paul Cicero
Frankie Carbone
Sonny Bunz
Frenchy
Billy Batts
Morris Kessler
Rating: vote average (1'242'429 votes)
Genres:Biography, Crime, Drama
Writers:
Nicholas Pileggi
(book)
Nicholas Pileggi
(screenplay) &
Martin Scorsese
(screenplay)
Plots:
The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.
Henry Hill might be a small time gangster, who may have taken part in a robbery with Jimmy Conway and Tommy De Vito, two other gangsters who might have set their sights a bit higher. His two partners could kill off everyone else involved in the robbery, and slowly start to think about climbing up through the hierarchy of the Mob. Henry, however, might be badly affected by his partners' success, but will he consider stooping low enough to bring about the downfall of Jimmy and Tommy?
Soundtracks: Rags to riches Written by Jerry Ross and Richard Adler Performed by Tony Bennett Courtesy of CBS Records, Music Licensing Department , Can't we be sweethearts Written by Morris Levy and Herbert Cox Performed by The Cleftones Courtesy of Rhino Records , Hearts of stone Written by Eddie Ray and Rudy Jackson Performed by Otis Williams and The Charms Courtesy of G.M.L. Inc. By arrangement with Celebrity Licensing Inc. , Sincerely Written by Harvey Fuqua and Alan Freed Performed by The Moonglows Courtesy of MCA Records , Firenze sogna Written by Cesare Cesarini (as Cesarini) Performed by Giuseppe Di Stefano Courtesy of London Records, a division of PolyGram Records, Inc.
Trailers: Goodfellas, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2673654553/imdb/embed, Goodfellas, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1034289433/imdb/embed

127 Hours (2010)

Directed by Danny Boyle, “127 Hours” recounts the true story of Aron Ralston, a mountain climber who became trapped in a remote canyon and was forced to amputate his own arm to survive. The film stays true to Ralston’s ordeal and the extraordinary lengths he went to for survival.

127 Hours
Photo of 127 Hours
Director:Danny Boyle
Actors:
Aron Ralston
Aron's Friend
Aron's Dad
Aron's Mom
Aron Age 15
Rating: vote average (397'907 votes)
Genres:Biography, Drama
Writers:
Danny Boyle
(screenplay) &
Simon Beaufoy
(screenplay)
Aron Ralston
(book)
Plots:
A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.
127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles before he can be rescued. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers, family, and the two hikers he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet?
Soundtracks: Never hear surf music again (John Pugh) Published by Rong Music (ASCAP) Performed by Free Blood Courtesy of Rong Music , Sleeping monkey (Trey Anastasio / Tom Marshall) Published by Who Is She? Music Inc. (BMI) , Scooby doo, where are you (Ben Raleigh / David Mook) Published by Mook Bros. West administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Wise Brothers Music LLC (ASCAP) Produced by Matt Fletcher , Lovely day (Bill Withers / Skip Scarborough) Published by Unichappell Music Inc (BMI)Golden Withers Music (ASCAP) Performed by Bill Withers Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. , Ça plane pour moi By Lou De Prijck and Yves Lacomblez (as Yves Maurice Lacomblez) Published by Universal Music Publishing MGB Ltd. (SABAM/SACEM) Performed by Plastic Bertrand (P) 1977 AMC Records SA-NV Courtesy of AMC Records SA-NV, by arrangement with The Licensing Partnership UK Ltd.
Trailers: 127 Hours, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi768149785/imdb/embed, 127 Hours, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi298255897/imdb/embed

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

“A Beautiful Mind” is a biographical drama based on the life of mathematician John Nash and his struggle with schizophrenia. The film stays true to Nash’s life story and his groundbreaking work in game theory, while also depicting his battle with mental illness.

A Beautiful Mind
Photo of A Beautiful Mind
Director:Ron Howard
Rating: vote average (978'499 votes)
Writers:
Akiva Goldsman
(written by)
Sylvia Nasar
(book)
Plots:
After John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish.
From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash, Jr. experienced it all. A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery. After many years of struggle, he eventually triumphed over his tragedy, and finally - late in life - received the Nobel Prize.
Soundtracks: All love can be Music by James Horner Lyric by Will Jennings Performed by Charlotte Church Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Limited , Columba aspexit Written by Hildegard von Bingen (as Hildegard of Bingen) Performed by Emma Kirkby and Gothic Voices Edited and Directed by Christopher Page Courtesy of Hyperion Records Limited, London, England , Piano sonata no. 11 in a major, k. 331 (uncredited) (First Movement - Andante grazioso) Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Unknown performer , A lonely tear (uncredited) Music by Roger Roger (as Eric Swann)
Trailer: A Beautiful Mind, https://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1801239321/imdb/embed

In conclusion, these 10 true story movies serve as shining examples of cinematic storytelling that remains true to the facts. By staying faithful to the real-life events and characters they portray, these films offer audiences an authentic and immersive viewing experience that is both educational and entertaining.

FAQs

  1. Do these movies take any creative liberties with the true stories?
    • While some films may take minor creative liberties for dramatic effect, they largely stay true to the facts.
  2. Are there any additional true story movies that you would recommend?
    • Yes, there are many other true story movies worth exploring, each offering unique insights into real-life events and experiences.
  3. How can I distinguish between fact and fiction in true story movies?
    • It’s important to conduct additional research if you’re curious about the accuracy of a particular film. Reading books or articles about the true events can provide valuable context.
  4. Why are true story movies so popular?
    • True story movies offer audiences a sense of authenticity and emotional resonance that fictional stories may lack. Audiences are often drawn to the real-life drama and human experiences depicted in these films.
  5. Are there any upcoming true story movies that we should look out for?
    • While specific details may vary, Hollywood frequently produces new true story movies based on real-life events and individuals. Keeping an eye on upcoming film releases can help you discover the latest additions to the genre.

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