There’s nothing like a good movie, and even better when it’s based on a true story.
Movies based on true stories are a great way to enjoy a good film while learning from other people’s experiences. Reddit users shared their favorite true story movies, so check out their recommendations for some incredible stories!
1. The Conjuring Series (8,600 Upvotes)
The Conjuring series received 8,600 “upvotes,” as it was mentioned by the author of the discussion question.
It is based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Many of the movie’s most terrifying moments were inspired by the true events that occurred during their investigations, which have had a lasting impact on Lorraine.
Lorraine has referred to the events as “incredibly frightening” and insists that many of the movies’ events actually happened.
“I don’t believe that the movies are accurate portrayals of what really happened, but I think it’s cool that they are real people,” one user said.
2. Apollo 13 (5,200 Upvotes)
Apollo 13 received 5,200 upvotes, which suggested a strong approval rate. The movie is based on the real-life events of the Apollo 13 mission and its astronauts.
The film is a dramatic retelling of the events during the ill-fated mission, famously described as “Houston, we have a problem.” This iconic line was inspired by a real transmission from one of the astronauts during their attempt to return home.
“This is one of my top feel-good films. Disasters in space! Competent people problem-solving to save lives! Humans coming together to support one another!” one user known as bluesafre responded.
3. Cool Runnings (5,100 Upvotes)
Another fan favorite is Cool Runnings, which follows the true story of Jamaica’s first bobsled team.
“As a Canadian who grew up in the eighties, I remember hearing about this crazy bobsled team from Jamaica and the weird ski jumper from the UK,” one user known as tman37 commented. “Calgary in 88 was a weird Olympics.”
The movie was inspired by the team’s entrance into the 1988 Winter Olympics and was praised for its inspirational messages. Here’s one of its top-rated quotes, according to IMBD:
Yul Brenner: Look in the mirror, and tell me what you see!
Junior Bevill: I see Junior.
Yul Brenner: You see Junior? Well, let me tell you what I see. I see pride! I see power! I see a bad-ass mother who don’t take no crap off of nobody!
4. Goodfellas (3,400 Upvotes)
Goodfellas is an adaptation of the true story of mobster Henry Hill and his rise and fall in the world of organized crime.
During a question-and-answer interactive interview, a former mobster, Michael Franzese, caporegime for the Colombo crime family in the 1980s, gave his opinion about the movie. Someone asked if the movie is true to life or not.
“Very close,” he said. “However, Henry Hill never looked so good as he did in that movie. he was a low-level guy, an associate. Not nearly as close to Paul Vario as the movie depicted. Other than that, the Lufthansa robbery and all that followed were pretty accurate. ‘Do I amuse you?’ Funny how? He was terrific!”
5. Bernie (1,600 Upvotes)
Bernie was another movie that Reddit users could unanimously agree on.
This film explores the heartbreaking true story of Marjorie Nugent’s murder, an elderly millionaire, by her friend and companion, Bernie Tiede. The movie follows the true events that led to the murder and its aftermath.
“Jack Black’s performance surprisingly blew me away,” one person said.
“I’m in the deathcare industry, and Bernie is incredibly accurate regarding the funeral directing parts!” another person commented.
6. October Sky (1,100 Upvotes)
October Sky is based on the real-life story of Homer Hickam Jr., a young man who dreamed about becoming an engineer despite living in a coal mining town in West Virginia.
The movie follows Homer’s journey of self-discovery and how his dreams of building rockets eventually led him to NASA.
The film, October Sky, is an anagram for the award-winning memoir it was inspired by: ‘Rocket Boys.’
“Definitely worth the read,” one user commented.
7. The Big Short (2,500 Upvotes)
The Big Short is another movie based on true events. It explores the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, which devastated millions of Americans.
The movie does an excellent job of illustrating the events that occurred in a manageable way that leaves viewers feeling informed about the formation and abuse of mortgage bonds.
“This one made me understand what had actually happened and how more than anything else out there,” one user said.
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8. Catch me If You Can (5,400 Upvotes)
Catch Me If You Can is a suspense-packed film based on the true story of con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. played by Leonardo Di Caprio.
The film follows his journey as a young man who successfully passes himself off as an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer and dupes people worth millions of dollars
“As long as we are talking about “very loosely based and almost complete b—–t but a great movie anyways,” one user said.
“It’s actually fitting if the whole story turns out to be a con,” another said.
9. Moneyball (1,500 Upvotes)
Moneyball is the story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane and his attempt to build a successful team with limited resources. The movie follows Beane’s unorthodox approach to building the team.
“This movie is so good. I watch it anytime I see it listed on streaming. Plus, my wife‘s cousin is now the manager of the A’s and reports to Billy,” one user said.
10. Schindlers List (2,300 Upvotes)
Schindler’s List is the heartbreaking story of a German businessman who saved the lives of approximately 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. The movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, is based on a true story and depicts the atrocities during this dark period.
Commenters expressed their intense emotions of rage and agony as they watched this motion picture, yet still gave it a standing ovation for its compelling and heartfelt portrayal of the momentous event.
Other movies that deserve a mention: A League of Their Own, Zodiac and Walk The Line, which received 1,300, 1,500, and 738 upvotes, respectively.
This article 10 Best Movies Based on True Stories As Suggested By Reddit was produced and syndicated by TPR Teaching. Here is the Reddit source. Featured Image: lev radin// Shutterstock
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.