10 Best Movies Based On A True Story
88Based on Actual Events...
I'm not a film critic, I just play one on Hubpages. I like movies and I like lists so I decided to do one and will probably do a lot more. I've done a couple of movie lists before but I think this one is probably the best so enjoy it.
The movies on this hub were all based on actual events and are movies that I have seen. There are other movies that I wish I could include but I just cant because I haven't seen them as yet. Hopefully you like these and I'd really love to get your feedback, your choices and comments.
So to kick it off...
#10 - What's Love Got To Do With It
I actually couldn't watch Ike beat up Tina like that. It made me cringe and turn away. It made me angry but because of the realness of this movie based on Tina Turner's rise to fame and the abuse she suffered at the hands of Ike Turner, I had to rate this film.
During research for this hub, I found that Ike denied doing some of the stuff portrayed in the movie but just like a lot of the events in the other films on this list are heavily dramatised for entertainment purposes, I guess they did what they had to do to emphasize a point. Depending on how you look at it the director/cast did a good job because they really got me on this one. I could only watch this movie once and this is why I choose to include it on this list & put it at #10.
#9 - Enemy At The Gates
World War II era, the Battle of Stalingrad, two snipers who are trying to kill each other - sounds good right? Well, it is!
Jude Law and Joseph Fiennes reminded me of the Mad cartoon Spy vs Spy, only this was far from funny and was just so intriguing to watch. The best scene was the ending when... well if you haven't seen it I wouldn't spoil it for you but lets just say the part where one of the snipers is killed by the other. That made me jump up out of my seat...made me actually realize how much on the edge of the seat I was too.
#8 - Titanic
Don't tell my girlfriend but I think Titanic is a a good film and I like the story. Its based on actual events - everyone knows that but the reason why I liked this movie is because well, funny story.
I was watching it in the theatre with my girlfriend and she started crying and stuff at the really sad part. So I put my arm around her, you know and she's on my right. Now I could imagine all the girls in the movies were crying and stuff, this girl on my left who I don't even know leans on my shoulder sobbing...lol.
But I teased my girl after the movie how it was too long and predictable and stuff like that. But hey, it was a really good movie, I have to admit that. Cant say the same for that annoying Celine Dion track, though.
#7 - Ray
I like how Jamie Foxx puts everything into his characters. He literally transformed himself in to a blind, womanizing but talented Georgia born Ray Charles.
I actually rediscovered a lot of Ray's music from this film, some I've heard before as remakes and I learned about Ray's stuggles with drug addiction and a lot of other stuff I didn't know about the singer like his childhood. I didn't know he wasn't born blind so that was interesting to know.
Overall, Jamie Foxx's performance as Ray was amazing, you'd think Ray was playing himself...lol.
#6 - Raging Bull
Raging Bull is a beautiful but brutal movie based on the life of Italian American boxer Jake LaMotta. The scenes engage you emotionally buut what makes this movie so incredible is the classic Scorcese production, the music and acting from Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, Joe Pesci as his brother Joey and Cathy Moriarty as his wife.
The peak of this movie is the classic fight between LaMotta and world championship boxer Sugar Ray Robinson where LaMotta gets beaten bloody in the ring and Ray wins in a TKO. While Ray is celebrating the win, LaMotta walks over to him, gets his attention and says, "I never went down. You didn't get me down Ray." Woooooooh! Classic!
#5 - The Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness is a touching and inspiring film about Chris Gardner, a sales man of bone density scanners determined to become a stockbroker. The story follows him and his son as he chases his dream often sleeping in homeless shelters and even a public bathroom but never giving up for the sake of his son.
Its a very inspiring movie with Will Smith and his real life son playing the lead characters and at times I couldn't help looking at my own life where I could at times relate.
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#4 - GoodFellas
You don't want to mess with Joe Pesci in Goodfellas. Honestly, after seeing this movie I was convinced that if I ever saw Joe Pesci in real life I would have a heart attack. The movie starts off with a brutal scene where a member of the Gambino Crime family who insulted Joe Pesci's character, Tommy, is tied up in the trunk of a car. Tommy mercilessly stabs him with a knife before he is shot to death by Jimmy (played by usual mob flick suspect and Martin Scorcese mainstay, Robert De Niro).
One of my favorite movie quotes came from this movie also - "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster". The movie is based on the life of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta.
I love the ending where Lorraine Bracco flushes the drugs down the toilet in desperation to hide it from the DEA & FBI. Really exciting stuff...really exciting movie.
#3 - Catch Me If You Can
Based on the real life of conman, Frank Abagnale, Catch Me If You Can didn't look all that interesting to me but I ended up watching it because there was nothing else on. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable films I'd seen in a while.
I was intrigued by the cat and mouse story where Frank, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, outwits the FBI and Tom Hank's character.
The story of how Frank managed to counterfeit checks, qualify as a doctor as well as a lawyer and even impersonates a PanAm airline pilot. He does some incredibly unbelievable stuff which makes the movie even more entertaining.
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#2 - Black Hawk Down
I was very satisfied coming out of the theatre after watching Black Hawk Down when it was released. I remember saying, 'That is a damn good movie'.
But it was more than just a movie. The film depicted what was known as the Battle of Mogadishu - a situation where 2 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in Somalia while carrying out a rescue mission. The mission which was supposed to take like 1 hour ends up taking 15 hours as US military forces battled in the streets of Mogadishu with Somali militia.
Black Hawk Down is a very intense film. From the time the movie starts to the time it finishes you're just into the movie because even though its very dramatic the action just doesn't stop. What else would you expect from Jerry Bruckheimer and his team anyways.
#1 - Casino
Casino is my absolute favorite movie based on a true story. I love the brutalness of mobster films and Joe Pesci who's character, Nicky Santoro is based on the real life of Anthony "Tony the Ant" Spilotro really did a good job satisfying all the fans of the gangster genre.
One of my favorite actors, Robert De Niro stars as Sam Rothstein who is the owner of a Las Vegas casino. Sharon Stone also starred as Sam's wife Ginger who really got me into the story for her deceitful ways. I'd often get mad at Sam for being a punk when it came to Ginger.
The movie was really balanced...enough violence, drama, love and emotion to get you wrapped up into every minute of the 3 hour long movie.
Which of the above movies did you enjoy most? If other, leave a comment instead.
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Comments
Oh yeah I like Scorcese - one of the best film makers there is. Cant go wrong when you put him Robert De Niro & Joe Pesci together either. Thanks for stopping by.
Love this list. I love almost all of these movies. Tonight I watched another great movie based upon a true story -- We Are Marshall. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend!
Yeah I heard We Are Marshall is good. Haven't seen it as yet though but thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely check it out.
I like most of the World War II movies. Guess that was a big enough event to throw up many intriguing stories and some equally intriguing movies. Two of my faorites are Letters from Iwo Jima and The bridge on River Kwai
Bridge on the River Kwai is an awesome movie. Haven't seen the other one but I like the story of Iwo Jima. Thanks for the feedback.
The Pursuit of Happyness is very inspiring. Protect your dream.
Catch Me if you Can, Titanic and Pursuit of Happiness are my favorites. Anything Will Smith does is one of my favorite. You have excellent selections here Kpfingaz. good hub.
Tayler!
Of all of the movies that I have watched I will say that from your list I would pick the Pursuit of Happyness as first. It is such a compelling story. To watch a man live through all that he did. Running with his child to make the bus connections and get to the shelters. All the while he is working so hard for the two of them. It was such a great true story.
Ray was a very long movie but showed a side of him that many people were not aware of. He was a talented man but he got into the end of the spectrum as so many people do. It was the age of wonder and experience. It took its tole on him. Such a loss.
Thanks for the hub!
Great list...and so many fit this category! Embitca right, We Are Marshall very moving..and it's football, so guys should love! What's Love Got To Do With It made me admire Tina Turner soooo much more after seeing this movie...what she endured and rose above!
Glad to see you included Enemy at the Gates. This was one of those movies recommended to me that I didn't think I would enjoy - boy was wrong. Really well done.
Catch Me If You Can is somehow inspiring - I know that sounds pretty bad, but there 's something about the main characters tenacity that just got to me.
i agree with jillian snow - enemy at the gates was excellent, im glad it appears on your list!
I would put The Pursuit of Happyness at #1, its a great movie. Very inspiring!
I think its very inspiring too however Casino is my alltime favorite Hollywood movie so I put it at #1 instead.
I think the list must include "Blood Dimond "
I don't thin Blood Diamond is a true story. Its what you call 'historical fiction' meaning the story is built around certain facts. It was a good movie but didn't do anything for me.
most of them are great im going to watch pursuit hapie now tell uz when its finished
very good top ten; didn't black hawk down would make your top ten. that's a rough movie...
Nice list!, Im a huge fan of reality shows and films based on reality! I have seen all except the "Persuit of happiness" and Will Smith is a superb actor so its on my list (which is getting extreamly long!) of films to see!
Great list!
Thank you!
Good list! Seen 8 out of the 10 listed. Casino is one of my favorites and watching Goodfellas reminds me of home. DeNiro and Pesci, what a good combination. I wonder if DeNiro and Pacino can make another good movie out of their upcoming Rightous Kill.
Good list but I think it should include Erin Brockovich.
the pianist...
watch it
Call me a sap, but I have to agree with your pic #8... Titanic. Phenomenal mix between non-fiction and fiction. And even though you totally know the ending from the opening credits, the angst and hope that rush through your body throughout the movie are amazing.
I've always seen it as a guilty pleasure but the truth is that Titanic movie IS really an amazing movie.
Many grerat movies thanks.
I don't know about Titanic - every time I watch it they still can't miss the huge iceberg RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM!!!!!!! Yikes! (LOL!!!) I did like Enemy at the Gates and I also liked Open Range, which is not on your list but should be on a list somewhere - obviously not the movies based on real stories.
Cheers and keep playing the film critic! Maybe you can break these down into categories and rank your favs by genre.
Chef Jeff
Great List! These are some of my fave movies.
I think I own every movie you have on the list except Titanic although I have seen it a hundred times. Great list. Just wanted to say that I also was very touched by Shindler's List too. It's one of my top 10.
I think Titanic and Enemies at the Gates should have been left out since although they were based on actual historical events, the story of Jack and Rose and those played by Law and Fiennes are purely fictional unlike the characters in the other movies in your list. I think they use the term "inspired by" for that. But hey, I'm no studied film critic either! :D My favorites would be Gandhi and Amadeus!
titanic deserved to be #1 it is the best movie of all time!!
The movie that really gets people is MICHEL MYERS because he always sneak up somewhere and you know
KILLSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
u forgot blow & apollo 13
wow..casino and catch me if you can are 2 of my very favorite films.. I would also had Patton , and tombstone to the list! Thanks, great read!
Breach , The Last King of Scotland , and In too Deep have to certainly get some credit . If you guys havent seen these , make sure to get the popcorn ready and check them out !!!!!
hey actuelly ive never seen any of these movies!!!!!!!!!!!!
A must watch: Zodiac.
Gripping screenplay, which wouldn't let you off your seat.
saw most of the movies, good movies i tell u.
Not a good list, there more better true stories
Thanks for the list, Ill be watching a few of them tonight.
I found another movie based on a true event. The movie definately got the word through to me, and hope it will get through to other's as well. It is a true story of a man who fought impossible odds to save everyone he could and created a place where hope survived.When a country descended into madness and the world turned its back, one man had to make a choiceWhen the world closed its eyes, he opened his arms.HOTEL RWANDA - You need to watch this.
Hotel Rwanda is a great movie. Definitely.
well me and my sister love wathin titanic when we wacth it we cry toghter and we are holding hands when we cry is sad and loving really But we cant beleve wat happend to the ship
"catch me if you can" *sigh* *loves*
I just finished watching Erin Brokobich and I thought that was a great movie.
Changeling was an amazing movie. It's new but check it out when you can. It's an incredibly sad story.
Micheal Collins is another great True story movie. Hotel Rwanda is excellent also !
I still think Sybil ranks as one of the best and most heart-breaking true-to-life movies ever made. It stayed pretty true to the book as well. Great Hub - got me thinking!
Two of my all time favs are:
Cinderella Man
Remember the Titans
Hurricane
Casino made me sick to my stomach. Raging Bull is one I haven't seen, I love boxing and football movies. I usually get movies that have some history to them, true stories automatically have that.
Oh, Jezz, "Catch Me if You Can" is almost unbelievable, It boggles my mind and I love the movie.
Nice Hub
Good to see Titanic is the favourite so far in the poll. Although I voted for Enemy at the Gates.
Thank you guys for commenting and voting. Glad you liked the hub and excellent suggestions.
Titanic...I would go with Titanic. I love romantic movies over any other theme.
Really enjoyed "Walk the Line", the true story about Johnny Cash.
i think these are good films but was hoping to see 'Stand By Me' on the list....its based on a true story and is absolutely amazing. Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix are amazing actors and astounding in this film, based on Stephen King's true book, 'The Body'
The Pursuit of Happyness was my favourite. Great, uplifting story!
In Titanic, how come you dont see how the sharks had a field day eating all of those people and you know its some bullshyt about the band playing while the ship is sinking...absolutely the worst movie ever!!!!!!
These are some great flicks! I loved Enemy At The Gates especially.
i would rate titanic as top among them
my vote is for catch me if you can
great list. take off tina turner, and put donnie brasco or blow.
Thanks, John. I already explained why I included the Tina Turner movie. Your suggestions are great though.
great movies!!
it gives a encorgesement and sprit to struggle with patients
Titanic = historical fiction!
Awesome list but I think The Hurricane should get a mention! maybe Philadelphia too
Great list...........love all these movies.
But i think Brave heart ,Hotel Rwanda, Cannibal holocaust should have been in this list.....though all of them have an overdose of violence..:-)
great list of movies
hi..
i want to clear a little bullshit there..in BLACK HAWK DOWN..yes, the story is like that..true...BUT the ending when UN soldier wanna save them..IT NOT AMERICAN SOLDIER IT MALAYSIA SOLDIER UNDER UN..
thanks
You missed out The Rookie , The Greatest Game Played Ever , Seabiscuit , Remember the titans , Coach Carter , Beautiful Mind , The worlds Fastest Indian .....These are true story based movies that I feel are a must have collection ......watch them I guess you might re arrange your order....
A great list.
I think a beautiful mind is a good film.
Great list. Black Hawk down got my vote.
shindlers list is one of if not the single most powerful movies ever made. not because it was a good movie, but because it showed how one man can make a difference.
Are you kidding me? Titanic??? Far from the truth, the only factual thing is that the boat sank. The pursuit of Happyness? Read about how the man actually neglected his son for 4 months. And was involved with PCP and a mistress. The only movie i can agree with you on is Black Hawk Down. You missed Schindler's list, The Pianist, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Munich, there are so many others. If you haven't seen any of these, you must!
Okay, the hurricane and stand by me are full of crap when it comes to the truth. Schindlers list...man its good. WATCH IT!
TITANIC?? Really? Terrible movie. The only factual part is that the boat sank. Schindlers list, The Pianist, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13...all great movies
MUNICH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Sorry guys but pursuit of hapyness is far from the truth. The man neglected his son for four months, was with another woman at the time of his son's birth, was doing PCP, and never solved a rubiks cube
Wow, Rene I've never heard anyone say Titanic was a terrible movie... except for me! You just made my day!
Good idea for a list, but rather heavy handed in the Hollywood Blockbuster department.
theres a movie that came out in 2006 and also come out on tv in 2006 but im not sure it made it on to dvd but its a great movie and i been looking everywhere for it, im pretty sure it was called *torn* its about a family they go to the beach and someone takes her daughter and like 13ish years later she sees the daughter walking somewhere and keeps saying to people that she saw her and sees her again and goes up to her and went on about it and everyone thought she was crazy and it turns out it is her daughter and the daughter eventually moves in with her but still keeps incontact with the person who she thought was her mother that stole her from the beach ect and that the mother wasnt happy bout it and then there was arguments and the lady dies or commits suiside or something thats all i can really remember about the movie
and if anyone knows what movie im talking bout please post it on here iv been trying to find it since i saw it it is based on a true story
i would rate black hawk down #1 because i'm somali and i know what is like to fight and get that black hawk down... believe me its not easy loolz i'm just kidding but its a true story i think they should make another one about me called "Surviving in somalia":) with lots of action,Comedy and love=)) you should add "Blood Diamond" you know Africans always make good storys to talk about...:)mama Africa for life but its very good list thank you very much i think i'm going to watch "catch me if you can"
These are all good movies, but don't forget to look a little further back at movies like the Killing Filelds and Beyond Rangoon, two epic movies with incredible stories of the human spirit and the will to survive.
Beyond Rangoon was a nice movie. Loved that one too.
Personally I would dump Titanic & include Seabiscuit. Sorry, but Titanic just did not do it for me as the only real part was the sinking of the ship, the rest was just padded storyline with no fact to it. I have seemn many of the other movies on this list, & agree with you including Catch me if you can, and also Blackhawk down. I loved 'em both.
The Pursuit of Happyness it my best I love the movie chris gardener is a real inspiration and example to all fathers...his pursuit of happyness was for his son....it shows when you live for something bigger ..you can do amazing things....
anyway thank you for you top 10
Worth A Watch... they are based on true stories too...
The Great Debaters.
American Gangster.
i havent seen all of them ..but black hawk down surely deserved ...so does enemy at the gates ...wud really love to see pursuit of happines.it shud hav also hav included "october sky ",into the wild..
Too many to just list 10....Here are some honorable mentions.
1. Ghosts of Mississippi
2. Rudy
3. Resurrecting the Champ
4. Ali
5. Dead Man Walking
6. Brian's Song
7. Mantle (more like a documentary but WTF)
8. Cinderella Man
9. 8 Mile
10. A League of Their Own
11. Lean on Me
12. Walk the Line
13. Scarface (Not based on true story but awesome movie and depicts the Miami drug(cocaine) epidemic of the late 70's/early 80's).--had to put on because of this movies pure greatness
14. Changeling
Just a few of many many other good ones
Great list. I have watched all the movies on the list.
Cinderella Man, Pursuit of Happiness are very inspiring and are my personal favourites. Casino is great too.
catch me if u can is my all time favourite movie
Chantelle, here's the movie you were looking for: http://www.itv.com/torn/
this is the best one of all times...still there's a lot of
unsolved mystery in this one....need a good modern day remake...i remember when i was a kid...how the old folks used to whispering around the dinner table that Billy Joe Mcallister was actual a black kid in love with a white girl.
forgot to post the movie name....OLE TO BILLIE JOE
here is the link.
A good list except for titanic...never the less the other movies were a treat------
pursuit of happyness is the best one!
I love the review of all the movies on your list. I've view about three of them, the one on Tina Turner, Ray and the Pursuit of Happiness, what you wrote is dead on. Enjoy your posting. Keep up the good work!
Coal Miner's Daughter
What do we do after watching these true stories? Do we really CARE? Do wee really do something? I'm really NOT sure what people do! But I M definitely after the DEVIL (Hatred)!
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Rhythm City Prod. says:
18 months ago
Wars, Gangstas and strung out musicians. Very Scorsese heavy as well.