13 Movies Based on True Stories That Are Quite Accurate

      These movies inspired by real events tend to remain quite faithful to the actual stories, taking only a minimal number of creative liberties.

      While many of these films are older, some still hold significant relevance today.

      Here’s our compilation.

      **Dunkirk (2017)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Dunkirk stands as one of our top uplifting films due to its accurate depiction of real events. Directed by Christopher Nolan, it also employs intriguing time manipulation techniques that make this historical epic feel brisk and engaging.

      This World War II masterpiece illustrates the resilience of British and Allied forces as they strive to survive against an overpowering enemy. While it isn’t explicitly stated, the failure of this mission could have led to a Nazi victory in World War II.

      The evacuation at Dunkirk demanded immense courage not only from the military personnel on land, air, and sea but also from everyday civilians who exhibited remarkable bravery.

      **Glory (1989)**

      Credit: Tri-Star Pictures

      Another one of our all-time favorites, this film tells the story of an all-black Union Army regiment during the Civil War, and is particularly renowned for Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning performance. It uniquely balances sweeping historical narratives with deeply moving, personal moments among the soldiers.

      Since as early as 1990, critics such as Roger Ebert have noted that the story is primarily told from a white perspective — that of Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick). Yet, we might not have this film without screenwriter Kevin Jarre’s use of Shaw’s real letters to his mother, which help frame the narrative. Also, James Horner’s score for Glory is arguably one of the best in cinema.

      Although Glory includes some composite characters, it is predominantly based on true events and adheres closely to key historical moments. It's an inspiring tale of remarkable bravery.

      **All the President’s Men (1976)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      There was indeed a time when diligent, fact-checked journalism could transform the world.

      Screenwriter William Goldman, arguably one of the finest, approaches the tale of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as a gritty, unembellished procedural narrative. It’s truth-seekers versus purveyors of falsehood.

      All the President’s Men is firmly rooted in reality, as anyone who experienced the Nixon Administration can confirm. However, Goldman did create a few memorable phrases — such as the iconic “Follow the money.”

      **Malcolm X (1992)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

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

      Directed by Spike Lee, this epic chronicles Malcolm Little’s transformation into Malcolm X and ultimately El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, a figure who combines his righteous calls for justice with a strong commitment to unity.

      The film does not shy away from depicting the pain and struggle along the way, nor does it offer easy resolutions for those complicit in the injustices Malcolm X sought to dismantle. It’s a powerful inspirational film because of its broad themes and unwavering truth. The ending, “I am Malcolm X!” is truly impactful.

      It is indeed based on true events, closely following The Autobiography of Malcolm X, authored by Malcolm X and Alex Haley. While there are some composite characters, it remains faithful to factual events.

      If you’re interested in the latest collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, check out the recent *Highest 2 Lowest*, now available on Apple TV+.

      **Chariots of Fire (1981)**

      Credit: C/O

      The iconic Vangelis theme will inspire you to sprint down a beach, but the true story behind this uplifting film is equally inspiring: Chariots of Fire tells the factual tale of two runners — Scottish Christian Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an English Jew running to combat antisemitism.

      Screenwriter Collin Welland went to great lengths to maintain authenticity, interviewing many surviving individuals depicted in the film and even placing ads in London newspapers to gather personal recollections of the 1924 Olympics.

      The film garnered four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay for Welland, Best Score for Vangelis, and Best Costume Design. It’s particularly poignant during Olympic seasons.

      **Erin Brockovich (2000)**

      Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O

      The real Erin Brockovich has stated that this 2000 Steven Soderbergh film, which earned Julia Roberts an Oscar for Best Actress, was “probably 98% accurate,” remarking that “very few creative licenses were taken.”

      The film narrates how Brockovich, an unemployed single mother of three, secured a job at a law firm and helped build a class action lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric, which was charged with polluting the drinking water in Hinkley, California. PG&E settled in 1996 for $333 million