Hello fellow movie buffs! What difference do you think the human brain shows while watching a fictional movie versus a movie that’s based on a true story? Let me tell you how I feel about it. When a movie claims to be ‘based on a true story’, I naturally start treating the story differently – more like I’m witnessing a real-life event before my eyes.
Isn’t it true for you too that the moment you realize the story actually happened, your empathy accelerates rapidly? Your brains naturally process real events as more threatening or impactful than made-up ones.
You invest yourself emotionally.
Isn’t it true for you too that the moment you realize the story actually happened, your empathy accelerates rapidly? Your brains naturally process real events as more threatening or impactful than made-up ones.
You invest yourself emotionally.
1. Schindler's List (1993)
This one undoubtedly deserves to be part of this blog. This masterpiece is directed the person who I really admire for his ability to evoke deep emotions through storytelling – Steven Spielberg. Now, I want you to think of the brilliance of Spielberg’s storytelling when combines with a true story – it’s but obvious bound to do wonders.
Schlinder’s List is a true gem that records the incredible story of Oskar Schindler. Schindler was a German businessman during the World War II. This guy stepped up and saved over a thousand Polish Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Liam Neeson’s portrays Schindler’s character so naturally – so powerful and haunting at the same time. This is what makes this movie is a stirring recollection of humanity amidst unimaginable horror.
Schlinder’s List is a true gem that records the incredible story of Oskar Schindler. Schindler was a German businessman during the World War II. This guy stepped up and saved over a thousand Polish Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. Liam Neeson’s portrays Schindler’s character so naturally – so powerful and haunting at the same time. This is what makes this movie is a stirring recollection of humanity amidst unimaginable horror.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
If you’re going through a tough time and like nothing’s going your way, you’ve got to watch the motivating story of Chris Gardner. It is going to straight-up inspire you to keep pushing forward. Gardner is a struggling salesman dealing with homelessness, but he’s doing everything he can to raise his son right. Will Smith stars as Gardner, and his relentless determination and unwavering love for his child make this film a tearjerker with a triumphant ending.
All those who have already watched this beauty, tell me – did you not Google it once you’re through? It is because we instinctively want to separate fact from fiction. Once the credits roll, many of us immediately Google the real story, compare details, and dig deep for behind-the-scene truths.
All those who have already watched this beauty, tell me – did you not Google it once you’re through? It is because we instinctively want to separate fact from fiction. Once the credits roll, many of us immediately Google the real story, compare details, and dig deep for behind-the-scene truths.
3. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Steve McQueen has a rep for his raw and unflinching portrayals of social and historical realities, and 12 Years of Slave is a proof of that. This harrowing tale is based on the memoir of Solomon Northup. Solomon was a free African-American man who got kidnapped and was sold into slavery in the 1840s. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a gut-wrenching performance as Northup, and depicts the fight for survival and freedom exactly how Solomon experienced it himself. And yeah, like I said before, this film doesn’t hold back on the brutal realities of slavery, making it a must-watch.
4. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
A con artist successfully impersonates a pilot, doctor, and lawyer – all before his 21st birthday. And this mischievous character is played by Leonardo DiCaprio who brings to life the audacious exploits of Frank Abagnale Jr. Yes, Frank Abagnale Jr. is a notorious con artist we’re talking here who eluded the FBI for years. Tom Hanks co-stars as the dogged agent determined to catch him. It’s a cat-and-mouse chase that’s as entertaining as it is unbelievable.
5. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Steven Soderbergh is a master of versatility. He knows very well how to keep people engaged. In his thought-provoking real-story movie, Julia Roberts shines as Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and takes on a California power company. This company is accused of polluting a city’s water supply. But Erin’s tenacity and unyielding pursuit of justice, despite having no formal legal training, showcase the impact one determined individual can have.
I absolutely love watching movies like these. Because they set powerful examples showing how determination can shape a person’s true strength.
I absolutely love watching movies like these. Because they set powerful examples showing how determination can shape a person’s true strength.
6. The Social Network (2010)
This one is directed by a meticulous director. He has made a name for his gripping storytelling and dark, atmospheric style that keeps audiences hooked. One such movie is The Social Network. Do you know how Facebook came to be? This film delves into the tumultuous origins of Facebook (social media giant). It’s all about how Mark Zuckerberg built the platform and the legal chaos that came with it. Jesse Eisenberg brings Zuckerberg’s character to screen masterfully, offering a glimpse into the complexities of ambition, innovation, and friendship. You’ll find it exciting!
7. Hidden Figures (2016)
Reality-based movies leave a lasting impact. They hit different. So is the case with this inspiring film which highlights the crucial contributions of three African-American women mathematicians – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. They worked at NASA during the Space Race. To everybody’s surprise, their calculations were instrumental in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. They broke both racial and gender barriers. The movies like these portray resilience and hence, they motivate us.
8. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Leonardo DiCaprio makes another appearance on our list, this time as Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. It is a world of greed, excess, and ambition. Jordan is a stockbroker who engages in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street. Martin Scorsese sows the seed of cinematic brilliance here, nurturing the movie with razor-sharp dialogues and outrageous humor. And this is why such stories stay with us much longer than a purely fictional story would.
9. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
If a movie you’re watching is based on a true story, human psychology shifts in a fascinating way. Especially the stories like A Beautiful Mind when mingle with the sorcery of director’s work, leave you awestruck. This biographical drama tells the story of John Nash. What a brilliant mathematician! But unfortunately, he struggles with schizophrenia, and that brings the psychological twist in the movie. In his MasterClass, Ron Howard (the commendable director) shares how he adjusted the movie’s point of view at a key moment to underline the biggest truth to light. In fact, Ron has described the film as one of the most rewarding projects of his career.
10. Spotlight (2015)
This one is a different genre compared to the other Hollywood movies on our list in this blog. Spotlight is an awesome take on investigative journalism at its finest. This film records the dedication of The Boston Globe‘s “Spotlight” team that uncovered a huge child molestation scandal and the shocking cover-up by the local Catholic Archdiocese. Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and the rest of the cast make it all feel raw and real.
Go and Watch It!
There you have it – a line-up of films that will no doubt entertain you but they promise to enlighten you or aware you as well about real-life events and individuals. These stories remind us of the resilience, courage, and complexity inherent in the human experience. So, next time you’re in the mood for a movie night, consider going through into one of these true-story adaptations. Choose and go watch your favourite among them.
Happy watching!
Happy watching!
