Typically the description “Based on a true story” is used loosely. More often than not, the film that uses this description is not historically accurate. Making a historical event into a film requires the addition of dramatic details to engage the audience and keep them entertained. Through this process, the real facts are often lost. However, there are instances in which the real story is already filled with an intriguing and dramatic plot. In these situations, there is no need for a creative edge. Although these films cannot be considered 100% accurate, they do offer more historical accounts than most. These are the best examples of films that recreated historical events.
The Most Accurate But Entertaining Historical Films
12 Years A Slave
Creating a film that depicts a real account of slavery is a new phenomenon. Slavery films have been around for a while, but that doesn’t mean they were necessarily made well. That was until 12 Years A Slave was made, as a rendition of the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northup. This is the story of a free black man by the name of Northup, who was living in Upstate New York when he was kidnapped into slavery in 1841. His story follows his in-depth experiences as a slave for 12 years before regaining his freedom. The director Steve McQueen explicitly demonstrates the brutality of Solomon’s life as a slave, as well as the experiences of the other people he meets along the way. McQueen depicts this film to the core and portrays the harsh and unjust realities of being bought and sold into slavery.
12 Years A Slave
A Night To Remember
Since the horrific sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, many films have been created as an attempt to remember this tragedy. Both critically acclaimed films James Cameron’s Titanic and Roy Ward Baker’s A Night to Remember won audiences over, but how historically accurate are they? While Cameron’s film illustrates all the events, the main plot focuses on a love story between Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s characters. Roy Ward Baker’s A Night to Remember gives an account of characters from each class and their struggle during the sinking, without the budget and technology of the Titanic. Regardless, it is remembered and acknowledged for its ability to stay true to the events that occurred.
A Night To Remember
Apollo 13
The Apollo 13 mission has been adapted into a film too many times to count. However, 25 years after the moon exploration occurred, this 1955 film directed by Ron Howard finally made a credible film. It accounted for all of the smallest of details and waited for technology to advance to do so. All in all, Howard did an outstanding job and accomplished what other directors failed to do in their renditions.
Apollo 13
Black Robe
Creating a film about another culture is difficult because you want to portray the people respectably. In these types of films, historical accuracy is an essential attribute. Thus, Black Robe focuses on indigenous people and their culture. It has been acknowledged for its accurate representation of their way of life and includes aspects of Cree, Mohawk, and Algonquin languages. Bruce Beresford brought Brian Moore’s original novel to life in his 1985 adaptation.
Black Robe
Come And See
War is a period of blood and brutality, lives are lost, people are injured, and tears are shed. Director Elem Klimov created a film, Come and See that captures all the realities of war through his accounts of World War II from the Russian perspective. It received some criticism from Russians saying that it was far off, but it is praised by historians for its realistic depiction of death camps and victims.
Come And See
Das Boot
The 1980s was a popular time for submarine movies to be made. Unfortunately, it was rare that they were good. Das Boot, however, managed to do one thing that no other submarine film did, and that was to show how infuriating fighting in a war while being in a submarine can be. Director Wolfgang Peterson brings to the big screen a story filled with real emotion. He successfully portrays the intense battle, while also highlighting the unique submarine warfare.
Das Boot
Gettysburg
If you’re looking for an in-depth account of the Battle of Gettysburg, then this nearly 5-hour long film surely does it justice. It does an accurate account of the battle of the Civil War and allows its viewers to understand the perspective of both sides. Gettysburg includes all the necessary details, an area lacking in other war films. It was even praised by audiences for how historically accurate it managed to be.
Gettysburg
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Hollywood Western films have one thing in common, they all include an attractive young male cowboy. However, accuracy is something they seem to lack. While most fans are eager to see these films for the handsome lead, or action scenes, the film The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, includes these characteristics but manages to be accurate as well. The story centers on Jesse James, but more so young Robert Ford and his fascination with James. It highlights James at his highest point but also illustrates Ford’s own story. It was well acclaimed by audiences because of its real account of the characters and period.
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Lincoln
Speilberg does the unthinkable is his capturing of Abraham Lincoln as a true leader, powerful speaker, and a man who fights for what he believes in. This rendition highlight Lincoln’s quiet upbringing before he became the legend that we remember him as. He also shows a different perspective and portrays Lincoln as more relatable to the common man, against the intense political period.
Lincoln
Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan was applauded by audiences and film critics overall for its accurate portrayal of history. The film will always be remembered for its impeccable capture of the famous war scene of the Omaha Beach Landing. This intense 27- minute scene catches viewers in the first minutes and sets the tone for the next three hours. The film creates an emotional impact that is lacking in other movie attempts.
Saving Private Ryan
Stalingrad
When making a film about the Battle Of Stalingrad, it must stay true to the historical context of the time. This battle is one of the most profound moments in World War II and is forever studied. To this day, this film is remembered because it included all the violence and bloody chaos that occurred in this battle. It accurately retells history and also shows the perspective of the Germans.
Stalingrad
The Last Emperor
Historians still debate the rise and fall of China’s most recent emperor and are trying to piece together what exactly occurred. Bernardo Bertolucci and writer Mark Peploe did their best to illustrate what they know, but since details are lacking it may not all be perfectly accurate. They do, however, manage to capture the political disorder while also creating remarkable imagery of ancient China.
The Last Emperor
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Tora! Tora! Tora! is more historically correct, compared to Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor, also because this rendition focuses on both sides rather than one perspective. This way, the directors were able to get into the deep roots of why Pearl Harbor occurred. Another feature that makes the film seem so precise, is the addition of a real-life-aircraft carrier known as the Yorktown.
Tora! Tora! Tora!
The Lion In Winter
While many directors have attempted and failed, to create medieval films, The Lion In Winter stands out because of its true depiction of the political intensity at the time. The film offers romance, action, drama, and comedy, just like other Medieval films, but it also manages to show the struggle King Henry II’s faces throughout his life.
The Lion In Winter
Fruitvale Station
Unjust deaths are a phenomenon too popular in our world, but also the film industry. Most of these cinema attempts fail in creating a quality and captivating picture. However, Michael B, Jordan creates an overwhelming and satisfying performance in Fruitvale Station. The adaptation stays genuine to Oscar Grant III’s life and his final moments before his troubling death. It was even filmed in the exact place he was killed.
Fruitvale Station
All the President’s Men
All the President’s Men is based on the novel written by Bob Woodard and Carl Bernstein, who were responsible for shedding light on the scandal that brought down President Richard M. Nixon. This film gives a detailed account of the break-in at the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate complex and the subsequent political turmoil. The film manages to be so exact, not only because of the directors and actors but even the production crew, who went to great lengths to provide real desks used in the newsroom. This film has made the list of National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
All The President’s Men
Zodiac
This film had every opportunity to be dramatized but director David Fincher refused to do so. Instead, he stayed true to the story, even if the unresolved ending disappointed audiences. The filmmakers even spent 18 months trying to find their insight into the killings, which they then used to make the film as incredible as it stands.
Zodiac
Flags Of Our Fathers
This 2006 war film is based on the New York Times best-selling non-fiction book surrounding the story of five Marines and one Navy corpsman, who is credited with raising the American Flag on Iowa Jima. Although the film didn’t make a dent in the box office, it is still commended for its genuine capture of history.
Flags Of Our Fathers
The Pianist
The Pianist was applauded by all audiences for an impeccable and emotional depiction of this Holocaust survivor, played by Adrien Brody. There was quite a bit of controversy surrounding the director Roman Polansky, but he was adamant about creating the film due to his escape from the Krakow Ghetto in World War II. After his mother’s death, he spent his life in a farmer’s barn until the end of the war.
The Pianist
Moneyball
Moneyball, a 2011 sports drama with leading actors Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, follows the amazing story of the 2002 Oakland baseball team. Although the director shied away from the order of certain events, it is still viewed as historically accurate. To be noted, the real team manager Art Howe thinks the film did not portray him correctly.
Moneyball
The Wolf Of Wall Street
Based on the real story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, The Wolf Of Wall Street follows the story of an eager young man who builds his way up Wall Street to then fall in serious fraud and corruption. Although some details in the film are debated today, the movie is more or less true to Belfort’s memoir.
The Wolf Of Wall Street
Spotlight
Spotlight is the oldest running newspaper investigating journalist team in the US. This film highlights the team’s investigation into the Roman Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal. The website called, Information is Beautiful, rates Spotlight 76.2 percent accurate.
Spotlight
City Of God
After being released in 2003, City Of God received critical acclaim. The cinema feature is based on real events that followed the increase in organized crime in the “Cidade de Deus” (City of God) suburb of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It takes place during the late 1960s to the early 1980s and highlights the climactic battle between drug dealer Li’l Zé and criminal Ned.
City Of God
Miracle
If you’re a fan of sports films then this feature is a must-see for you. It follows the story of the United States men’s hockey team during the 1980 Winter Olympics and their defeat of the Soviet Union, known as the pivotal match “Miracle on Ice.” This sports film stands out for its inclusion of real game footage, as well as the director Gavin O’Connor’s precise attention to detail,
Miracle
84C MoPic
Military Veterans claim this film as one of the best renditions of what it was really like in the Vietnam War. It is possible that you are not well versed in this film, but it is said to be almost identical to the actual experience, something that a war film struggles to do. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival; Best First Feature and Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards.
84C MoPic
127 Hours
Aron Ralston tells the story of his struggle for survival while being blocked by a boulder in a canyon in Utah. He is known for his brave escape that included cutting off his arm. He wrote a novel about his experience, that was made into a film. The cinema feature is almost completely accurate, except one scene, says Ralston. As for the rest, he says it is as close as it can be to the documentary while keeping the drama.
127 Hours
Schindlers List
Oscar Schindler is a successful businessman who takes advantage of the situation during World War II. After witnessing the treatment of the Jews, his whole world is transformed. Steven Speilberg stays true to the story and does not sugar coat the massacres of the Holocaust in his film Schindler’s List. He manages to depict the brutality, fear, and helpless during this terrible time.
Schindler’s List
Goodfellas
Crime reporter Pileggi and film director Martin Scorsese teamed up to create a film based on Pileggi’s book Wiseguy. The story follows a mafia-mobster- turned-informant Henry Hill, and the film closely resembles the original book. Some parts are taken out, but more or less only the narrative structure was changed. Goodfellas is based on all of Pillegi’s reportings.
Goodfellas
The Martian
Although this hasn’t actually happened, the fictional story follows an astronaut who is left behind on Mars and must learn to survive until the next mission to Mars. Although this story is fake, it is still historically accurate because of the science that is used. It is mostly from NASA engineers and experts, demonstrating how NASA would deal with this situation if it were to occur. The script received immense help from NASA staff members to make it as real as possible. It received critical acclaim and successfully brought Sc-Fi films to real life.
The Martian
Sophie’s Choice
Sophie’s Choice starring Meryl Streep tells the story of a fictional Holocaust Survivor trying to move forward with her life after facing the most scarring decision a mother could encounter; choosing which of her children would live or die in the Nazi concentrations camps in Auschwitz. Although the story itself is fictional, it is recognized for being overall historically accurate. The conditions portrayed are very similar to that of Nazi Germany including the many prisoners who were crammed together and left to die.
Sophie’s Choice
Joyeux Noel
This film illustrates the French, British and German soldier’s perspectives of the World War I Christmas ceasefire. On Christmas day, both sides gathered on the Western Front and put their differences aside for one peaceful day in the midst of a chaotic war. The film is commended for its panoramic illustration of the soldiers from each of the participating countries. Director Christan Carion admits that he used fictitious characters to tell the story of real events in an accurate way. Based on records, he seems to have done a very successful job!
Joyeux Noel
The Messenger
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a 199 French historical drama film directed by Luc Besson that tells the story of Joan of Arc during her childhood to her war experiences and finally her death in 1431. Some scenes are completely fictional, however, Besson is acknowledged for his successful account of the relationship between the Burgundians and English. While many have attempted to capture this collaboration, this film does so more accurately. Also, certain lines are taken directly from Joan’s real transcript.
The Messanger
Bonnie And Clyde
This film, which was created in 1967 takes place in the 1930s and follows the lives of the iconic gangsters Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Set during the Great Depression, this due travels the United States and engages in criminal acts such as stealing and murderous acts. Finally, when they were captured their lives ended in a battle with the police. The film was not made as a documentary and instead and entertainment piece, thus it may dramatize the events more than it actually occurred.
Bonnie And Clyde
Frida
In 2002 this biographical film was directed, Julie Taymor. It brings to life the obstacles and successful endeavors of the infamous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The movie is based on Hayden Herrera’s 1983 biography Frida. It is credited for its actors that actually resemble their real-life counterparts. Although Taymor creates her own Frida imagery, she manages to make a truly historic and inspiring film.
Frida
Glory
Glory is a 1989 film that depicts the 54th Massachusettes Infantry Regiment, orchestrated by the Northern States during the American Civil War. It follows the organization of the leader of the unit, a white male named Robert Gould Shaw. It also illustrates the many successful moments that occurred. The film has substantial critics, but still was nominated and won many awards in 1989-90. Many say its incredibly accurate and definitely a film
Glory
Gangs Of New York
Gangs Of New York follows Amsterdam Vallon, the fictional son to the fictional Priest Vallon, the head of the real Irish Catholic gang, “Dead Rabbits.” The film follows his mission to seek revenge for his father’s murder. The historical accuracy is praised in the film and in an interview for the History News Network, a professor of George Washington University even spoke about this.
Gangs Of New York
The Great Debaters
This film follows the infamous debate led by Melvin B. Tolson. This 1930’s debate made history when the all-Black Wiley College challenged and defeated the largest, most known White college debate teams. The film also challenges the social constructs in Texas during the great depression. It should be noted that The Great Debaters never rewrites history like other accounts do. However, one critique of the film is that it is too one-sided, where blacks are portrayed as more intelligent and academic while whites are arrogant and racist
The Great Debaters
Gladiator
This 2000 epic historical drama was inspired b Daniel P. Mannix’s 1958 Book. While it follows the story of a fictional character Roman general Maximum Decimus Meridius, it still has historical content. Meridius is enslaved and sent to fight as a gladiator because of the horrific rule of the real Roman emperor Commodus. Meridius is forced to work his way up the gladiator ladder to take his revenge on the emperor. While the narrative is fictional, it is based on real events that happened in the Roman Empire in the second half of the 2nd century A.D. Director Ridley Scott’s mission was to create a film that was more accurate than any other before.
Gladiator
Elizabeth
Set in the beginning years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, this film shows the monarch’s rise to power simultaneously while she tries to protect her country from foreign and domestic threats. Director Shekhar Kapur recreates many historical events, however, he timeline may be less accurate. It was well-liked by critics and it is said that it is not just another historical drama but instead rich in plot, facts, and outstanding performance.
Elizabeth
Amistad
Back in 1839, a group of African slaves carried out a rebellion on a transport ship called La Amistad. The film centers on the aftermath of such an event, which includes a court case. The film omits certain historical facts and events, but overall tend to be more realistic than most films that try to recreate history. What’s more, it presents a history to people who would not otherwise care to listen.
Amistad
Gandhi
The 1982 film is based on the real-life events of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and his difficulties with the British colonial rule of his homeland, India. We see the entire journey he goes through from his ejection from an all-white South African moving train to his assassination years later. The film was enjoyed overall by audiences in both India and International countries. Overall the film stays true to the factors, with certain exceptions for entertainment purposes.
Gandhi
Ben Hur
While this film isn’t exactly a true story it is definitely inspired by true events. Created in 1959, the classic film follows the story of fictional Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who goes on to be a chariot racer after being enslaved by the Romas. This film about betrayal, conviction, and redemption is created hand in hand with the tale of Jesus. Both Ben-Hur and Jesus even meet in the film. The film is based on a series of eight novels, where the author did extensive research on the Middle East that related to the time period covered in his novel, to ensure historical accuracy.
Ben Hur
Patton
In 1970 this epic biographical war film was created that follows the story of U.S General George S. Patton, who made history with his prominent authority during World War II. The main focus is on Patton’s career from 1942-1945 and illustrates his strengths and failures that make him the successful and intelligent man that he is. The director accurately captures the essence of Patton as an outstanding soldier and we also witness his bravery throughout the film. In this case, there was no attempt to destroy Patton’s story despite subtle inaccuracies. Most of the details stay true to their origin, however, there are some omissions and exaggerations like any film based on history.
Patton
Suffragette
The film Suffragette was successful for many reasons, but specifically because of its addition of both fictional characters as well as creative renditions of real individuals. It shows the obstacles that courageous activists went through when trying to win women the right to vote during the 1910s. The film tries to stay historically accurate and details about the lead Mulligan Maud are based on real accounts of seamstress and suffragette Hannah Mitchell. The filmmakers incorporated material from original testimonies that were opened in 2002-2003.
Suffragette
Black Hawk Down
Black Hawk Down has received considerable respect for its historically accurate account and rightfully so. Minus some minor exceptions, it manages to stay true to the events of the 1933 raid in Mogadishu, Somalia. An event where the U.S. Military tried to capture the armed militia faction leader Mohamed Farrah. The film does include certain material that was not yet invented, it is overall resembles the actual event almost to the core.
Black Hawk Down
Born On The Fourth Of July
This film follows the real story of Ron Kovick, a soldier who served during the Vietnam War. It is a story about his wartime experiences, as well as his return to normal life in American society. It received several awards and is known for its many historical accuracies such as timeline, chronology, locations, war depiction, and many more. Overall, fans and historians were impressed with Oliver Stones’ portrayal of the Vietnam War.
Born On The Fourth Of July
Hotel Rwanda
The film is based on real events at the hotel during the genocide of Tutsky in 1994. It tells the story of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina of the Belgian owned luxury hotel, who was credited for her hiding and rescuing 1,268 Hutu and Tusi refugees. His real-life experiences led to the production of the film by Terry George. It received overall positive reviews and was nominated for numerous awards.
Hotel Rwanda
Lawrence Of Arabia
T.E Lawrence is a British military officer and diplomat who served across the Middle East in Egypt, Syria, and Iraq at the time of World War. This film tells this classic history of the officer, and follows his journey as he aided in the establishment of the Arab National Council. An organization that is made up of many Arab tribes together who tries to revolt against the Ottoman Empire who was in power for over 400 years.
Lawrence Of Arabia
Letters From Iwo Jima
This film combines Japanese and American culture and demonstrates the conflict of Iwo Jima, through the eyes of the Imperial Japanese Army when they fought the American military during WWII. This film goes hand in hand with another film, Flags of Our Fathers, which shows the battle through the lens of the Americans.
Letters From Iwo Jiima
Milk
Harvey Milk is portrayed in the film Milk, as the politician who went on to be the first openly gay elected authority figure in the history of California. The film centers on his life and his legendary role in the LGBT movement when he was elected to the board of San Francisco supervisors.
Milk
Jackie
The film Jackie takes us back to the aftermath of the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. The film portrays former first lady Jackie’s ability to pick herself up and move on days after such a horrific event. The film is infamous for its white house tour the couldn’t be more accurate. Instead of using actual footage, the director and Natalie Portman worked together to replicate a black and white tour to the core.
Jackie
Mississippi Burning
In 1964 Neshoba County Mississippi, Civil Rights Activists, Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner were terribly murdered. This film makes create an adaptation to the FBI’s thorough investigation of these murders. The police face anger and backlash from the local people, police, and the Klu Klax Klan during their search for the truth. Although their investigation is mostly fiction, it is based on historical events.
Mississippi Burning
Munich
This film tells the heroic story of the Israeli government’s secret mission to avenge the Palestinian terrorist groups who launched an attack in 1972. This attack killed 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympics in Germany. The film itself is a mere fiction, but it touches on several real events and figures from the early 1970s.
Munich
Spartacus
A Thracian gladiator by the name of Spartacus was named the leader of the escaped slaves who wished to rebel against their authoritative figures during the Third Servile War. This war was the final one in a long series of slave rebellions around Ancient Rome. The film was made in 1960 and was based on the 1951 novel by the same title.
Sapartacus
Kingdom Of Heaven
Although its a fictionalized version, this film follows the life of Ballan of Ibelin an aristocrat from the Western-occupied Crusader nation, the kingdom of Jerusalem. During the crusades of the 12th century, a french village blacksmith comes to help his beloved kingdom against the Ayyubid Muslim Sultan, Saladin. The characters are real people and the scenes have historical accuracy, although its difficult to do the events justice.
Kingdom Of Heaven
The King’s Speech
In 1936 after his inauguration, King George VI worked tirelessly with a speech therapist to fix his stutter. After his brother gave up the throne to marry a divorced woman, it was King George VI who had to take on the responsibility. The film follows his process to deliver radio addresses during WWII, which were revealed a few years after his coronation.
The King’s Speech
The Iron Lady
The 2011 biographical drama is based on the daily life and career of Margaret Thatcher, a British politician who was named the first female and longest-ruling Prime Minister of The UK during the 20th century. Directed by Phylicia Loyd, she creates a determined illustration of Thatcher’s rise to power and difficulties that went along with that power.
The Iron Lady
The Patriot
This film occurs simultaneously with the events of the southern theater of the American Revolutionary War. The fictitious character Benjamin Martin is depicted as the leader of the Colonial Militia after a British officer murders his son. The film highlights his wartime career and his significant role in the defeat of the Battle of Cowpens. During the creation and production of the film, director Emmerich and his crew corresponded with experts at the Smithsonian Institution regarding sets, props, and costumes. Although the story itself was fictional, they intended to keep the background factual.
The Patriot
Cold Mountain
Cold Mountain takes place at the end of the Confederate Army and shares the story of the fictional W.P Inman, who wanders for months to return to North Carolina to reunite with his true love. All of which he does while being injured from war. The romance was exaggerated for the film purposes, however, there was an injured soldier by the name of William P. Inman.
Cold Mountain
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
While this movie is almost completely fictional, the reason it’s on this list is because of its production value. This movie was the first to portray such accurate costumes and ships on screen. The sound of the naval battles matches their description in the novels of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin, which the movie is based on. It will make you feel like you’re truly in the 1800s.
Master And Commander The Far Side Of The World
Downfall
Telling the story of Adolf Hitler’s last days as the leader of the Nazi party, this movie partially succeeds to make one of the most hated men in history almost somewhat relatable. This movie caused quite a stir since many people felt that Hitler shouldn’t be humanized. While there isn’t much information about what took place in the bunker in the last days of the man’s life, the director tried to be as accurate as possible.
Downfall
Selma
This historical drama is based on Dr. Martin Luther King’s march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to secure equal voting rights. While the movie is criticized for the depiction of the relationship between King and President Johnson, the rest of the movie got it right. Important historical scenes were recreated, so despite the controversy, this movie got good reviews and was nominated for an Oscar.
Selma
Green Book
This movie tells the story of “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, who becomes unlikely friends with an African American classical pianist in the South during the 1960s. The movie is considered to be accurate by many since Vallelonga’s son, Nick is one of the screenwriters. The movie won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.
Green Book
Captain Phillips
Directed by Paul Greengrass, this biographical thriller is based on Richard Philips’s own account as documented in his book: A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea. The movie stays true to the book and it got six Oscar nominations.
Captain Phillips
Rush
This movie does its best to show the rivalry between the Formula One racers, James Hunt and Niki Lauda in the 1970s. Most of the events that happen in the movie are pretty accurate. The only thing that wasn’t completely true was the relationship between Hunt and Lauda, who were rivals in the movie while they’re friends in real life.
Rush
Bridge of Spies
Another movie by Steven Spielberg, Bridge of Spies tells the story of a lawyer who’s charged with negotiating hostage exchanges during the Cold War. While the movie doesn’t always portray events accurately, critics have forgiven this and applauded the film for maintaining the spirit of the events.
Bridge Of Spies
The Imitation Game
Like other movies on this list, this movie also deals with an event from World War II. This one tells the story of Alan Turing. Historically speaking, the events in this movie are true. When it comes to the main character, however, there are some inaccuracies.
The Imitation Game
Frost/Nixon
This biopic was adapted from a play of the same name. The movie is pretty much a retelling of the interviews that talk show host David Frost had with President Nixon. Both the movie and the play lean on the interviews as a backbone to the stories. At the end of the day, the movie was nominated for dozens of awards.
Frost Nixon
Raging Bull
Robert De Niro plays the lead in this cinematic masterpiece. The movie tells Jake LaMotta’s life story. He was a legendary boxer who had a temper that got him into plenty of trouble. This film was adapted from the boxer’s autobiography titled: Raging Bull: My Story. In fact, the real LaMotta met De Niro and boxed with him to prepare him for the role.
Raging Bull
The Passion of Joan of Arc
A silent film, this movie brings the final house of the life of Joan of Arc to the screen. How historically accurate can a 1928 movie be when portraying things that happened in 1431? As it turns out, pretty accurate. Joan’s life was very documented for her time. There were records from the trial and the appeal of her case.
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc
Bohemian Rhapsody
One of the biggest musical movies of the last few years, this biographical drama follows the life of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. It begins in the 1970s and ends with the iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. This performance, in particular, was recreated to near perfection.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Rocketman
It’s safe to assume that people didn’t randomly burst into song during Elton John’s life. However, that didn’t stop this musical movie from happening. The movie follows the eccentric singer’s life through his formative years of childhood all the way to his global rise to fame.
Rocketman
I, Tonya
I, Tonya follows former figure skater, Tonya Harding’s life. This includes her involvement in the attack on a rival skater, Nancy Kerrigan, in 1994. To prepare for the role, the actors met up with the people they would be playing to get advice and keep things as accurate as possible.
I, Tonya
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
This movie is definitely not for the faint of heart. It deals with the life and trial of a real-life serial killer, Ted Bundy. He had brutally murdered dozens of young women. Unlike other documentaries and movies, this movie is seen through the eyes of Elizabeth Kendall who was his girlfriend at the time of the trial. This movie is based on Kendall’s memoir, The Phantom Prince: My Life With Ted Bundy.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile
Ford v Ferrari
Based on the events leading up to the 1966 Le Mans race in France, the famous 24-hour long race. The main characters, played by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, are tasked with the mission to build a Ford to win the race against the Ferrari team.
Ford V Ferrari
Saving Mr. Banks
Walt Disney was rumored to have a bad temper in real life, but this movie decided to portray him as a lovely man. However, that isn’t the reason this movie is on our list. A lot of the dialogue scenes in the movie are actually based on real telegrams, letters, and phone calls between the two main characters.
Saving Mr. Banks
BlacKkKlansman
A black police officer infiltrating the KKK sounds like something that’s too dangerous to be true, but that’s what really happened to Ron Stallworth. He was the first black cop in Colorado, and with the help of a white narcotics officer, he infiltrated a KKK chapter and brought it down from the inside. Most of the events in the movie are pretty accurate.
BlacKkKlansman
The Blind Side
Who doesn’t love Cinderella stories? It gives people so much hope. Michael Oher’s story is just that. The man is now known as a big football star, but he had a rough childhood that included extreme poverty and multiple foster homes. This movie brings the true story to life beautifully.
The Blind Side
Ali
Playing Muhammad Ali, Will Smith is the lead in this 2001 biopic. The movie covers a decade of Ali’s life as it focuses on key points in the boxer’s career while also talking about time-relevant issues in America. Before the movie was made, the writers of the movie researched Ali’s life when he was a child.
Ali
The Return of Martin Guerre
This movie documents what might be one of the earliest cases of identity theft. The story takes place in 16th century France. In fact, this movie is based on transcripts of Martin Guerre’s trials that were published in a book.
The Return Of Martin Guerre
300
Whoever’s a fan of Greek history most-likely has heard about the Battle of Thermopylae. According to an ancient Greek historian, the line said by Leonides “come and get them” was historically accurate.
300
Braveheart
This movie tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders in the Wars of Scottish Independence. While the movie has been criticized for historical inaccuracies, it does have plenty of factual elements.
Braveheart
JFK
This movie shows the story of Jim Garrison, a real New Orleans district attorney who filed charges saying that Clay Shaw was behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Through the court case, the movie goes more into depth on the mysteries surrounding the famous assassination.
JFK
Amadeus
Adapted from a famous play, Amadeus is a movie about the rivalry between the Italian composer, Antonio Salieri and his younger nemesis, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As far as historical movies go, this one is pretty accurate.
Amadeus