“Based on a true story.” When we see those five little words in the description or title sequence of a film, we’re instantly curious. There’s something so captivating about movies based on real life.
They connect us to historic events and real people; make us laugh, cry, and sometimes even reconsider what we once thought about a subject. From rises to fame to stories of heartbreak, these films bring real-life narratives to the big screen in the best way.
Of course, there are so many worthy titles – but here’s a list of 10 best buzz-worthy movies based on true stories, available to stream now in Australia.
“Rustin”
Watch on Netflix
When you search for “Rustin” on Netflix, former US President Barack Obama pops up with a piece to camera about the film’s – and the man who inspired it – significant impact on the world. The tribute is a telling sign that “Rustin” is more than entertainment, it’s an important historical retelling. The movie follows the story of Bayard Rustin, an openly gay black Civil Rights leader who dedicated his life to racial equality.
“The Social Network”
Watch on Stan
Addicted to your phone? This is where it all began. “The Social Network” takes us behind the creation of Facebook, showcasing the genius and controversy surrounding Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg. Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film is filled with sharp dialogue and intense performances. It’s a fascinating look at ambition, betrayal, and the rise of social media.
“The Imitation Game”
Watch on Amazon Prime
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game”. The film explores the life of the mathematician who cracked the German’s infamous Enigma code during World War II and is considered the founder of modern computer science. It tackles the complex historical retelling with a certain creative licence, while also highlighting Turing’s personal struggles he faced due to his sexuality.
“Schindler’s List”
Watch on Apple TV+
Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Schindler’s List” is another powerful and harrowing depiction of the Holocaust, telling the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jewish lives during World War II. With stunning performances by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, this film is a moving tribute to the resilience of humanity and the impact one person can make.
“The Wolf of Wall Street”
Watch on Netflix
The movie that saw Leonardo DiCaprio transform into the corrupt but charming stockbroker, Jordan Belfort, and introduced the world to Margot Robbie. The film takes Belfort’s wild life story to another level, tracking his immense wealth gained through corrupt dealings with penny stocks, the extravagant lifestyle that followed and his eventual downfall.
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
Watch on Amazon Prime
Curious about the life of rockstars? “Bohemian Rhapsody” is an awesome celebration of Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, played by Rami Malek in an Oscar-winning performance. The film follows the band’s meteoric rise, Mercury’s personal struggles, and their iconic performance at Live Aid. It’s a high-energy tribute to one of the greatest rock bands ever.
“Oppenheimer”
Watch on Netflix
Of course, we’ve all seen the buzz around “Oppenheimer.” Now, it’s finally out on Netflix so we can all dedicate a movie night to this biographical thriller drama directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie is set during World War II, when the real-life J. Robert Oppenheimer worked on the top-secret Manhattan Project that developed the first ever nuclear weapons.
“Into the Wild”
Watch on Stan
A (literally) wild story with an epic soundtrack by Eddie Vedder. “Into the Wild” is based on a novel of the same name that tells the true tale of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his possessions, gave away his savings, and set out on a journey into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a more profound connection with nature in the 1990s. The film is full of incredible landscapes and leaves you thinking about the concept of freedom, exploration and the meaning of life.
“I, Tonya”
Watch on Stan
Dark, sharp and brutally honest. “I, Tonya” offers an intimate look at the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, whose career was ruined by one of the most infamous scandals in sports history. Starring Margot Robbie as Tonya and Allison Janney as her harsh mother, the biographical drama earned both actors Oscar-nominations.
“Apollo 13”
Watch on Paramount+
Directed by Ron Howard, “Apollo 13” is based on the real life story of NASA’s 1970 mission that almost ended in absolute disaster. Starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, the 1995 film recounts the journey of the astronauts aboard Apollo 13 as they battle against the odds to return safely to Earth. If you love real-life thrillers, this one’s a must-watch.
Catch these titles and more on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Stan, Hayu, Britbox and Apple TV+ on Fetch from Telstra . Happy watching!