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Movies Based On True Events

Lord Byron said: Truth is stranger than fiction, innit. Movies based on true events pack an extra punch, especially if done right. Here’s the curated selection of those movies, including both the classics and hidden gems.

Borderland 2007 Movie Scene Cult leader standing on his throne half-naked and preparing for a ritual murder

Borderland [2007]

Horror
Brutal, visceral, and loosely based on real events, Borderland follows a group of friends on their doomed vacation in Mexico.
Drifter: Henry Lee Lucas 2009 Movie Scene Antonio Sabato Jr. as Henry driving a car with Kostas Sommer as Ottis getting out

Drifter: Henry Lee Lucas [2009]

Thriller
Sticking to the real story about the infamous serial killer, Drifter: Henry Lee Lucas is a competent low-budget thriller worth checking out.
Shine 1996 Movie Scene Noah Taylor as David Helfgott having a mental breakdown while taking a bath

Shine [1996]

Drama
Based on a true story and exploring a plethora of issues, Shine is a cinematic masterpiece that will stay with you for a long time.
Hidalgo 2004 Movie Viggo Mortensen holding a gun with a horse in the background

Hidalgo [2004]

Action
As a perfect example of how an adventure movie should feel and look like, Hidalgo offers beautiful vistas, a vibrant atmosphere, and an epic, true story.
The Insider 1999 Movie Scene Russell Crowe as Jeffrey Wigand coming out of the car on the way to the courthouse

The Insider [1999]

Thriller
Based on actual events, The Insider is a slow-burning thriller featuring an intense atmosphere, a thought-provoking story, and a superb cast.
Bathory Countess Of Blood 2008 Movie Scene Anna Friel as Erzsébet Báthory wearing a red dress at the court party

Bathory [2008]

Drama
Visually impressive, Bathory is based on a true story of the first and most prolific serial killer, macabre and twisted Elisabeth Bathory.
Das Experiment 2001 Movie Scene Patients riding in an elevator wearing white gowns

Das Experiment [2001]

Thriller
Based on real events, brutal and thought-provoking Das Experiment is a 2001 German psychological thriller that hits hard and fast.
Blow 2001 Movie Scene Johnny Depp as George Jung and Cliff Curtis as Pablo Escobar talking about cocaine smuggling

Blow [2001]

Thriller
Adding an emotional and personal aspect to a fascinating true tale of a cocaine dealer just trying to get by, Blow is a masterpiece.