Aren’t you tired of watching the same old rom-coms where the lovers always have a happy ending? Or action movies where the physics never make sense? Well, if you’re nodding your head right now, then I know what you’ll love to watch: movies based on real-life events!
No comical stories or fiction, just pure reality, and that is what I love about this genre. Plus, finding such movies is no big deal, since I’ve watched dozens of them on Netflix, and here, I’ll share the top five of them.
But before I start, do understand that streaming quality plays a key role in our viewing experience, and that’s why I’ve subscribed to Xfinity bundles. I have bundled my internet with TV, and that is how I stream movies on a high-speed connection without any buffering, and enjoy hundreds of TV channels at affordable rates.
Now, let’s get started on the list of movies to stream on Netflix:
The Trial of the Chicago 7
Directed By: Aaron Sorkin
Released In: 2020
Courtroom drama in movies never really fascinated me. In fact, I always found it dull. However, The Trial of the Chicago 7 changed my perception. The movie is based on the real-life events of a group of anti-Vietnam War activists.
It all happened in 1969 when a group of men was charged with inciting violence across state lines. The government saw its propaganda as a major threat to its war in Vietnam, and hence charged them and started their trial.
The real story starts inside the courtroom. As the movie progresses, you’ll be stunned by the dirty tactics employed by the prosecution against those men. You’ll see how the government at that time held all the cards and controlled everything from behind the curtains.
Additionally, the star-studded cast, including Sacha Baron Cohen and Michael Keaton, makes The Trial of the Chicago 7 a must-watch.
The Good Nurse
Directed By: Tobias Lindholm
Released In: 2022
This is one of those movies that always sends chills down my spine. The Good Nurse is based on the real-life story of a male nurse named Charles Cullen. Essentially, Charles iss a serial killer disguised as a competent nurse.
Amy, a fellow nurse who works at the same hospital, befriends Charles. However, Amy becomes suspicious of Charles’s involvement in a series of surprising deaths at the hospital. Looking for answers, Amy eventually finds Charles’s true intentions and helps authorities serve him justice.
Well, I’ve only told you the crux of this thrilling movie. But be assured that The Good Nurse has a lot of twists and turns. And, though I won’t tell you how Charles killed patients inside the hospital, you’ll be shocked to see how he did everything.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Directed By: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Released In: 2019
This movie is based on the true story of a boy from a small village in Malawi whose parents cannot afford to send him to school. Eventually, he gets expelled from the school and joins his father to farm the land.
However, the village faces nature’s wrath as the threat of drought and famine increases. But that same boy who couldn’t afford to go to school decides to create a windmill to fetch the underground water.
After borrowing resources from his former school’s library, he rolls up his sleeves and starts collecting resources to create the windmill. Seeing his determination, his friends hopped in to help, and together, they successfully saved their village from the life-threatening drought and famine.
The Swimmers
Directed By: Sally El Hosaini
Released In: 2022
It is an inspiring true story of two sisters, Sarah and Yusra, who find themselves in the middle of the Syrian war. Wanting to realize their dream of being top swimmers in the Olympics, both sisters migrate to Europe.
Though they successfully flee their home country and save their own lives, they aren’t anywhere near their goal. However, it takes a lot of perseverance and determination, but they finally make it to the greatest sporting event in the world, the Olympics.
I believe that The Swimmers is a must-watch for everyone who feels that their goals are too big to realize. It is not easy, but the story of Yusra and Sarah can teach you a lot about changing your fate with your hard work.
The Founder
Directed By: John Lee Hancock
Released In: 2016
This is the real story of a businessman, Ray Kroc, who takes over McDonald’s from its founders and brothers, Mac and Dick. The brothers come up with the idea of making speedy hamburgers, and Kroc love their concept.
Offering a partnership, Kroc promises the brothers to take their business to new heights. But soon, Kroc’s dynamic mindset to sell McDonald’s franchises clashes with the brothers’ ideas of expanding the business.
Eventually, it’s Ray Kroc who gets to keep McDonald’s and expand it to almost every corner of the Earth.
To wind up, these are my top five picks of movies based on real life. From drama to action, politics, and thrillers, you’ll find everything in these movies. Also, below are some more real-life movies that deserve a mention in this list too:
- Dumb Money (2023)
- The Irishman (2019)
- Lost Girls (2020)
- Maestro (2023)
- Rustin (2023)
- Scoop (2024)
