71 Must-Watch Movies Based on True Stories

While compelling storylines come in many forms, there’s something distinctly satisfying about a movie based on a real life story. Not only can you continually remind yourself that what you’re watching on screen really did happen (even when the likes of Brad Pitt or Meryl Streep are the stars), you can also find joy in learning about a captivating tale based on true events. Netflix even has an entire category on its platform dedicated to movies based on true stories.

Whether you're looking for a biopic, a serial killer mystery, a feel good tale of finding oneself, or a classic underdog story, these films take all of the facts and spin them into a drama that will inspire, astound, and haunt long after you've finished watching—because the best kind of movie is the one that makes you want to learn everything you can about the real story. From The Woman in Gold to The Theory of Everything, here are some of the greatest films of all time based on true stories.