28 Must Watch Movies That Were Based on Real Events

From World war II to cold war, this world has seen many historic events. The best way to learn about these events is to read in the documents and books. Additionally, movies are also a great way to learn about such events. In this article, we have put together movies that were based on real events. Earlier we have also published an article about must-watch documentaries.

Real Event-Based Movies

Schindler’s List

A great gem from the gifted director-producer Steven Spielberg. Schindler’s List follows the true events holocaust and how a German (Oskar Schindler) managed to save a few hundred Jews from certain death. This movie is all black and white and would give you chills about the horrors of WW2. In the last scene of the movie, there is footage of all the actual Schindler’s Jews.

 

A Beautiful Mind

A beautiful story of American mathematician John Nash. One of the most inspiring movies you must watch.

 

12 Years a Slave

A free black man Solomon Northup was abducted and sold into slavery. He was later liberated after 12 years in harsh and demeaning conditions. This movie has won several Oscars. The portrayal of the currency is too real and it grasps its hands on you.

 

Gandhi

Following the life of Mahatma Gandhi from his advocate days in Africa to getting the freedom in India. The movie shows the struggle and events that went on during the fight of independence.

 

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Captain Philips

Captain Philips is the story of a hijacked cargo carrier ship and the US NAVY seal’s mission to free them. This film shows the harsh reality of a tough life in Somalia. How Richard Philips used his wits to save most of his crew.

 

 

127 Hours

A story of Aron Ralston who is an adventure junkie. When hiking through Utah he got stuck in a canyon. He takes desperate measure to free himself. This movie is a very real representation of the actual things faced by Aron.

 

 

The Pursuit of Happiness

It is one of the most inspiring films ever produced. If you are starting up your business and struggling with things. You must watch the pursuit of happiness. It is the story of Chris Gardner who becomes homeless after investing his life savings in a failed business. His wife leaves him and he is left with his son. He takes an internship in a brokerage firm.

 

American Sniper

A true story of an American War Hero and elite sniper Chris Kyle. He struggles with his demons from the wars and this affects his life. American sniper got good reviews from critic and audience alike. This movie will keep you glued to the seats.

 

The Imitation Game

British mathematician Alan Turing helps British army decode German codes. It is based on a true and sad story of Alan Turing. This movie also shed light on the very sensitive topic of homosexuality. The movie got a good review from the critics and audience. If you want to experience what is actually like in a war-torn country.

 

Catch me If you can

This is one of the best movies by Spielberg. Starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo Dicaprio. It is a story of Frank Abagnale Jr. who poses as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer and cashes checks worth millions. He was also being chased by FBI for his activities. He ends up working for the FBI in identifying check related and fraudulent document related.

 

 

Escape from Alcatraz

A prisoner is sent to Alcatraz one of harshest prison in the world. He decided to escape prison and succeeded. Clint Eastwood’s finest performance. You would love this movie for the sheer excitement and building tension along the way. One of the must watch if you like prison related movies.

 

Paan Singh Tomar

India often doesn’t do good biographies but Paan Singh Tomar is an exception. Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, this movie shows the life of Army retired Paan Singh Tomar, who has won many gold medals for India in the Olympics. When the conditions back home turn dire he has to take matters in his own hands. He becomes a bandit. The story is fascinating and is a must watch.

 

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The King’s Speech

King George VI has a stammering problem and can’t address the people. He hires a speech therapist to overcome his issue.

 

 

The Pianist

During world war II, polish musician Wladyslaw is separated from his family. He goes through many problems to finally get the chance to reunite with his family. This is on the IMDB top rated movie list.

 

 

Braveheart

William Wallace a Scottish rebel who goes out for battle against King Edward I. True representation of the 13th-century world where war and punishment was the only resort for vengeance.

 

 

The Wolf Of Wallstreet

This is the story of Jordan Belfort who makes a fortune by selling penny stocks. He was involved in shady business practices and eventually gets caught by the FBI. He later works out a deal to stay out and cut down his prison time. Now he works as a motivational speaker and teaches people how to sell. This movie is directed by Martin Scorsese. It is one of the most accurate and inspiring movies.

 

 

Hotel Rwanda

Based on true events, this is the story of Paul Rusesabagina, who is the hotel manager in Rwanda. One of the most amazing film you will ever see. Don’t miss it.

 

 

Patton

This movie highlights the life and story of an American General George S. Patton. You have to see the movie to know the rest but it got some great reviews.

 

 

The Social Network

The story of Facebook and how it all started. How Mark Zuckerberg stole the idea and made it into a billion dollar company. A movie is directed by David Fincher which is another reason to not miss it. It has portrayed all the scenario very accurately.

 

 

Hackshaw Ridge

This is the story of WW2 where a Pfc. Desmond T. Doss is enlisted as a paramedic and refuses to bear arms. He manages to save 75 men in the battle of Okinawa and received Medal of Honor for his service. This is one of the most inspiring movies you will come across.

 

 

Steve Jobs 2015

If you are a Steve Jobs fan like me you will love this movie. Though there was a movie starring Ashton Kutcher in 2013 which didn’t do anything well and was a box office flop. This movie does justice to the legendary visionary Steve Jobs was. The screenplay is awesome and all the stories are connected. Must watch for any Steve Jobs Fan.

 

Dallas Buyers Club

The story of Ron Woodroof who was diagnosed with AIDS. There was AIDS medicine which was not approved by the FDA but they do work without any major side effects. Ron brings medicines from across the border and helps fellow patients.

This movie won many Oscars and sheds the light on an important issue.

 

 

The theory of everything

This 2014 drama highlights the legacy and story of Stephen Hawking. Eddie Redmayne portrayed Stephen Hawking very beautifully and he won the academy award for this. If Stephen Hawking ever inspired you, you don’t want to miss this amazing masterpiece.

 

Amadeus

A story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart famous music composer. It is believed that Antonio Salieri who was his competitor and murdered him. This movie is very impactful and you would enjoy the movie.

 

The Iron Lady

Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the United Kingdom is struggling with the fact that her husband is dead. She also has an important job to do. Lead the country. Meryl Streep has portrayed the role of stunningly. If you are a fan of Meryl Streep’s work, you shouldn’t miss this movie.

 

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The Revenant

I am pretty sure you must have heard about or seen this movie. Infamous for Leonardo Dicaprio’s Oscar gem, He got the academy award for this movie. The Revenant is the story of Hugh Glass who was injured by the bear and was left to die by his own men.

 

Into the Wild

This is one of the most depressing stories I have seen in recent times. The story of Christopher McCandless who was a top athlete and bright student, he gives all his saving $24000 to charity and goes on to live in the wilderness in Alaska.

 

Ali

We all have heard about Mohammad Ali and what a legend he was. If you want to see how did he become the legend you should watch this 2001 masterpiece. Will Smith portrayed the role of Mohammad Ali and it is worth praising.