Get ready for a movie marathon that will captivate and inspire you! We’ve curated a list of 15 must-watch films that are based on true stories, guaranteed to keep you glued to your screen. From con artists and serial killers to heroic figures and unforgettable tales of survival, these movies offer a glimpse into the remarkable lives of real people.

Join Leonardo DiCaprio as he mesmerizes us in “Catch Me If You Can,” witness Matthew McConaughey’s powerful performance in “Dallas Buyers Club,” and be moved by Julia Roberts’ award-winning portrayal in “Erin Brockovich.” Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as we delve into stories of triumph, tragedy, and everything in between. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let’s dive into these incredible cinematic journeys inspired by real events!

15 Must-Watch Movies That Are Based on a True Story:

15Catch Me If You Can

Photo: Catch Me If You Can (2002) – Directed by Steven Spielberg and also Starring Leonardo DiCaprio,Tom Hanks,Christopher Walken /Dreamworks Pictures – Filmdb.co.uk

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale Jr., a real-life con artist who successfully posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer while eluding the FBI.

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14Dallas Buyers Club

Photo: Dallas Buyers Club (2013) – Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and also Starring Matthew McConaughey,Jennifer Garner,Jared Leto/Truth Entertainment – Filmdb.co.uk

Matthew McConaughey stars as Ron Woodroof, a man diagnosed with HIV/AIDS who smuggles and distributes unapproved treatments to fellow patients.

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13Erin Brockovich

Photo: Erin Brockovich (2000) – Directed by Steven Soderbergh and also Starring Julia Roberts,Albert Finney,David Brisbin/Universal Pictures – Filmdb.co.uk

Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich, a real-life legal clerk who fought against a power company accused of polluting a small town’s water supply.

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12The Social Network

Photo: The Social Network (2010) – Directed by David Fincher and also Starring Jesse Eisenberg,Andrew Garfield,Justin Timberlake/Columbia Pictures – Filmdb.co.uk

This film tells the story of the founding of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg and the legal battles that ensued, based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich.

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11Zodiac

Photo: Zodiac (2007) – Directed by David Fincher and also Starring Jake Gyllenhaal,Robert Downey Jr.,Mark Ruffalo/Paramount Pictures – Filmdb.co.uk

Based on the true story of the unsolved Zodiac Killer case in San Francisco during the late 1960s and ’70s, this thriller follows the investigators and journalists obsessed with catching the killer.

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10Boston Strangler

Photo: Boston Strangler (2023) – Directed by Matt Ruskin and also Starring Keira Knightley,Carrie Coon,Chris Cooper/20th Century Studios – Filmdb.co.uk

Although there are multiple films about the Boston Strangler case, this one stars Keira Knightley as a reporter who breaks the story on the notorious serial killer.

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9Badlands

Photo: Badlands (1973) – Directed by Matt Ruskin and also Starring Martin Sheen,Sissy Spacek,Warren Oates/Warner Bros. – Filmdb.co.uk

Inspired by the real-life killing spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate in the 1950s, this film explores their twisted relationship and crime spree.

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8Raging Bull

Photo: Raging Bull (1980) – Directed by Martin Scorsese and also Starring Robert De Niro,Cathy Moriarty,Joe Pesci/Chartoff-Winkler Productions – Filmdb.co.uk

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this biographical sports drama portrays the turbulent life of boxer Jake LaMotta, based on LaMotta’s memoir.

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7Schindler’s List

Photo: Schindler’s List (1993) – Directed by Steven Spielberg and also starring Liam Neeson,Ben Kingsley,Ralph Fiennes/Universal Pictures – Filmdb.co.uk

Steven Spielberg’s iconic film tells the extraordinary true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

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6The Passion of Joan of Arc

Photo: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) – Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer and also Starring Maria Falconetti,Eugène Silvain,André Berley/Société générale des films – Filmdb.co.uk

A silent film masterpiece that chronicles the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, based on historical records.

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5GoodFellas

Photo: Goodfellas (1990) – Directed by and also Starring Robert De Niro,Ray Liotta,Joe Pesci/Filmdb.co.uk

Based on the book “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi, this Martin Scorsese film depicts the rise and fall of real-life mobster Henry Hill.

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4The Pursuit of Happyness

Photo: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Directed by Gabriele Muccino and also Starring Will Smith,Jaden Smith,Thandiwe Newton/Columbia Pictures – Filmdb.co.uk

Will Smith stars in this inspiring true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son but eventually rises to success.

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3Temple Grandin

Photo: Temple Grandin (2010) – Directed by Mick Jackson and also Starring Claire Danesm,Julia Ormondm,David Strathairn/HBO Films – Filmdb.co.uk

Based on the life of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who revolutionized the cattle industry and became a renowned advocate for animal welfare.

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2Black Book (2006)

Photo: Black Book (2006) – Directed by Paul Verhoeven and also Starring Carice van Houten,Sebastian Koch,Thom Hoffman/Fu Works – Filmdb.co.uk

Set during World War II, this Dutch film follows a Jewish singer who becomes involved in the Resistance after escaping from the Nazis.

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1The Pianist

Photo: The Pianist (2002) – Directed by Roman Polanski and also Starring Adrien Brody,Thomas Kretschmann,Frank Finlay/Heritage Films – Filmdb.co.uk

This highly acclaimed film tells the true story of Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman’s struggle for survival during World War II.

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Conclusion

These 15 movies based on true stories offer a captivating glimpse into real-life events and individuals. From the thrilling escapades of a con artist in Catch Me If You Can to the inspiring perseverance of Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness, these films remind us that truth is often stranger than fiction. They shed light on significant historical events, showcase incredible acts of bravery and resilience, and capture the essence of human emotions. Whether you are looking for drama, action, or inspiration, these must-watch movies will not disappoint.

So grab some popcorn and dive into these fascinating true tales brought to life on the big screen.