When it comes to stories that are gripping, suspenseful, and brimming with intrigue, nothing beats real life. Why? Well, considering the many twists, turns, hurdles and plot twists life throws at us, we might as well use our experiences to create stellar content and make hay while the sun shines. While most of us get tangled up in our own realities, creative masterminds have gathered some of the best real-life stories from around the world and have transformed them into exceptional, award-winning motion pictures. Want to deep dive into these spellbinding stories? Here are 5 movies based on true stories that you can stream right away!
The Trial of the Chicago 7
IMDb: 7.9/10
This American historic legal drama movie is based on the infamous trial of 1969 wherein seven defendants were charged with conspiracy and accused of inciting a riot at the 1969 protests at the Democratic National Convention. This brilliant motion picture is directed by Aaron Sorkin who we already know as the genius having spearheaded films like Moneyball and The Social Network so rest assured, it’ll knock your socks off.
Stream on Netflix
First They Killed My Father
IMDb: 7.2/10
Directed by the dynamic dynamite Angelina Jolie, this movie is definitely not for the faint-hearted. First They Killed My Father is based on the gutting story of Loung Ung — a Cambodian-born human rights activist who narrates her story of being forced to train as a child soldier and her quest of finally escaping years later. We STAN a biographical historical thriller that will blow your mind and break your heart at the same time.
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Lost Girls
IMDb: 6.1/10
Lost Girls is a dramatized account of an unresolved true crime story based in Long Island, New York. It follows the quest of a mother leaving no stone unturned in her search for her missing daughter and several other women who are believed to be sex workers. Disheartened by the lack of support from officials, the families of the absent make it their life’s mission to solve this case themselves. The identity of the killer, by the way, remains a mystery to this day.
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The Irishman
IMDb: 7.9/10
Let us start off with the primary reason why you cannot miss this movie — Robert De Niro and Al Pacino! The movie follows a former truck driver’s past encounters of having served as a loyal member of the Bufalino crime family and his ascend to becoming a top hitman. One of the finest pieces of cinema and performances that this decade has seen, directed and produced by Martin Scorsese that will leave you fulfilled and yet wanting more.
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Lion
IMDb: 8/10
Have you ever heard one of those real-life stories that is just too darn unbelievable? Yeah, we have too, through this movie. Lion narrates the tale of five-year-old Saroo Brierly who accidentally lands up on a train that strays him over 900 miles away from home. Having been adopted, then, by an Australian couple, Saroo decides, one fateful day, twenty-five years later, that he wishes to find the family he once had. You may want to give Dev Patel a standing ovation in advance — don’t tell us later that you weren’t prepared.
Stream on Netflix