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15 Compelling Movies Based On True Stories That Will Keep You On The Edge Of Your Seat

Ravina Sachdev  |  Sep 21, 2021
movies based on true stories

While compelling storylines come in many forms, there’s something distinctly satisfying about a movie based on true story. TBH, there’s something powerful about watching a movie based on true story. Reality somehow can be more mind-boggling and compelling and movies based on true stories prove it. These movies inform us about the true events and don’t skimp out on entertainment value. Which is why we’ve rounded up the best movies based on true story. Go ahead, check it out, and thank us later! 

Best Hollywood Movies Based On True Stories

Check out our highly recommended list of best Hollywood movies based on true story RN! 

Zero Dark Thirty

Kathryn Bigelow’s 2012 masterwork is a gripping action film depicting the decade-long CIA manhunt for Osama Bin Laden following the 9/11 attacks. While Jessica Chastain’s character is a fictional CIA operative meant to be a composite of various agents who worked on the case, all the events in the movie are very much real. If you love crime and action movies, then this movie based on true story is definitely a must-watch. 

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On The Basis Of Sex

The drama hybrid On The Basis Of Sex sheds light on the early career of perhaps the most popular and culturally significant Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The movie does a fabulous job of depicting the story of the struggling attorney who faces adversity and numerous obstacles in her fights for equal rights throughout her career.

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Becoming Jane

We’ve grown up reading Jane Austen’s novels on romance and love but how much do we really know about the author herself? Becoming Jane sheds light on the rumoured romance the author had with a future judge and how it might have inspired her work. This is the movie that every Janeite will want to see!

The Social Network 

You’ve got to be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of this one. The Social Network is Facebook’s origin story. The story sheds light on how Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard University undergrad goes on to become the world’s youngest billionaire after founding the site that was originally only available to his fellow classmates. 

The Theory Of Everything 

If you’ve ever watch science-related shows, then you’d be aware of the notable physicist Stephan Hawking. The brilliant theoretical scientist passed away in 2018 and this movie does a splendid job of sharing his poignant story about his successful career. The film also sheds light on his diagnosis with a motor neuron disease at the age of 21 and how his marriage to Jane Wilde helped him make great discoveries in medicine and science. 10/10 for the movie based on true story. 

Best Bollywood Movies Based On True Stories

Looking for the best Bollywood movies based on true story? Look no further as we’ve got the best for you! Check it out! 

Gully Boy

Based on the lives of Naezy and Divine, Zoya Akhtar’s flick won our hearts with Gully Boy. Watching Ranveer Singh play the character of a young boy from Dharavi so effortlessly will always remain etched in our memories. 

Uri: The Surgical Strike 

Based on the surgical strikes conducted by India in Pakistan, the film remains one of the biggest blockbusters of 2019. Starring Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam, the movie scores high on the technical front, screenplay, and direction. Uri: The Surgical Strike is a fitting tribute to the Indian Army. 

No One Killed Jessica 

The movie explores the Jessica Lal murder case that happened in Delhi. Jessica, a model living in Delhi was killed by Manu Sharma, the son of a Congress nominated Member Of The Parliament, Vinod Sharma. Starring Rani Mukherji and Vidya Balan, the movie will have you hooked right from the first scene. 

Airlift 

Airlift is based on the biggest human evacuation in the history of humankind when thousands of Indians based in Kuwait were rescued by the Indian Government. This was after Saddam Hussain had invaded the country. Akshay Kumar delivers a subtle yet compelling performance as a Kuwait-based businessman and like always, never lets us down. Gripping, powerful, and oh so emotional! 

Neerja 

Neerja revolves around the highjacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan. The unfortunate incident took place on 5th November 1987 and resulted in the death of 20 passengers, which included air hostess Neerja Bhanot. The lady immediately notified the pilots and took it upon herself to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew on board. Sonam Kapoor, who plays the role of Neerja is a treat to watch on-screen. 

Mission Mangal 

Featuring a stellar cast including Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, Mission Mangal is based on the lives of scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation. These were the scientists who contributed to the Mars Orbiter Mission, making it India’s first interplanetary expedition. The film plays out a pleasant entertainer with a message. 

The Big Bull 

The film revolves around the life of Harshad Mehta who took the stock market by storm. It sheds light on his journey and his involvement in the financial scam of 1992.  It doesn’t matter if numbers interest you or not, but we can assure you this movie definitely will. This is hands down one of the best movies based on true stories ever! 

Dangal

There’s a reason why this film is one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. It explores the story of how Mahavir Singh Phogat, an amateur pehalwan trained his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to bring home the gold medal in wrestling. Featuring Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, this one’s a must-watch movie! 

Punjab 1984

The period drama, based on the 1984-86 Punjab insurgency, explores the impact of the historical event on people’s lives, but also comes across as a poignant mother-son tale. It sheds light on Operation Blue Star, held in Amritsar in Punjab, and talks about the plight of pilgrims at the time. It also shares the story of a widowed Satwant Kaur who is looking for her missing son. 

Mary Kom

Mary Kom is the inspiring tale of the boxer who struggled for national recognition in a cricket-crazy nation in spite of her unbelievable achievements in the ring. Starring Priyanka Chopra, the movie has a lot of things happening for you to be hooked with all your attention. 

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So fam, ready for a movie marathon? 

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