13 Based on Real Events Films That Are Truly Authentic

      These films based on true stories closely adhere to the actual events, taking minimal creative liberties.

      Although most of these movies are several years old, many have relevant connections today.

      Here’s our list.

      Dunkirk (2017)

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Dunkirk stands out as one of our favorite uplifting films due to its faithful representation of real events. Directed by Christopher Nolan, it also creatively manipulates time, making the historical epic feel fast-paced.

      The World War II masterpiece portrays how British and Allied troops persevered against a seemingly unstoppable evil. While not explicitly stated, a failure in this endeavor could have allowed the Nazis to win the war.

      The Dunkirk evacuation showcased the courage and sacrifice of not only the fighting forces on air, land, and sea but also the remarkable bravery of ordinary civilians who rose to the occasion with unwavering resolve.

      Glory (1989)

      Credit: Tri-Star Pictures

      Another one of our all-time favorite films, this story of an all-black Union Army regiment during the Civil War is perhaps best recognized for Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning performance. However, it is also a rare sweeping historical film that dedicates time to genuinely touching, intimate moments among the men.

      Since as early as 1990, critics like Roger Ebert noted that the story is told from a white perspective—specifically that of Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick). Nevertheless, we might not have Glory without screenwriter Kevin Jarre’s heavy reliance on Gould’s authentic letters to his mother, which frame and personalize the narrative. James Horner’s score for Glory is possibly the best in any film.

      While Glory uses some composite characters, it is indeed based on a true story and closely follows key events. It is a profoundly inspiring film about incredible bravery.

      All the President’s Men (1976)

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      There was indeed a time when meticulously reported information had the power to change the world.

      Screenwriter William Goldman, who may be the greatest screenwriter of all time, presents the tale of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as a gritty, unsentimental procedural. It pits truth-seekers against purveyors of deception.

      All the President’s Men is definitively based on real events, as anyone who experienced the Nixon Administration can confirm. However, Goldman did fabricate a few memorable details—such as the iconic phrase, “Follow the money.”

      Malcolm X (1992)

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      The second of three Denzel Washington films on this list, Malcolm X focuses on personal growth.

      Spike Lee’s epic illustrates the transformation of Malcolm Little into Malcolm X and ultimately El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, a figure who fuses his righteous calls for justice with a sincere commitment to unity.

      Yet, Malcolm X does not shy away from the pain and struggle experienced along the way, nor does it provide easy comfort to those who maintain the injustices that Malcolm X sought to dismantle. It remains one of the most inspiring films due to its universal themes, while being unyielding in its portrayal. The climactic “I am Malcolm X!” moment is truly powerful.

      It is, of course, heavily based on a true story and closely follows The Autobiography of Malcolm X, by Malcolm X and Alex Haley. Although it features some composite characters, it remains faithful to the facts.

      For those interested in the latest collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, check out the newly released Highest 2 Lowest, now available on Apple TV+.

      Chariots of Fire (1981)

      Credit: C/O

      The Vangelis theme can make you want to dash down a beach, and the true story behind this uplifting film is just as inspiring: Chariots of Fire, set a century ago, is the factual account of two runners—Scottish Christian Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), who runs to honor God, and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an English Jew who runs to overcome antisemitism.

      Screenwriter Collin Welland went to great lengths to ensure authenticity, interviewing as many surviving individuals portrayed in the film as possible and even placing ads in London newspapers seeking memories of the 1924 Olympics.

      The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture, for Welland’s screenplay, for Vangelis’ score, and for best costume design. It's an especially enjoyable watch during the Olympics.

      Erin Brockovich (2000)

      Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O

      The real Erin Brockovich stated that this 2000 Steven Soderbergh film— which earned Julia Roberts an Oscar for best actress—was “probably 98% accurate,” adding, “They took very few creative liberties.”

      The movie depicts how Brockovich, a jobless single mother of three, secured a position at a law firm and helped build a class action lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric, which was accused of polluting the drinking water in the small desert town of Hinkley, California