The Best Films Based On True Stories

Our next entry is a drama and a gangster film, which makes it a perfect film for an action-packed movie night. Starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, American Gangster is inspired by a true story of Frank Lucas, a gangster from North Carolina who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War. When police officer Richie Roberts sets out to bring down Lucas's multimillion-dollar empire, it plunges both men into a legendary confrontation. The film is directed and produced by Riddley Scott who has a long list of successful titles before and after American Gangster.

Raging Bull is a sports drama directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted from Jake LaMotta's memoir Raging Bull: My Story. Robert De Niro stars as Jake LaMotta, an Italian American boxer, and gives an amazing portrayal from self-destructive and obsessive rage to animalistic appetite which destroyed LaMotta's relationship with his wife and family. Violent throughout, this film is a testament to Scorsese's and De Niro's skills, creating a thoroughly absorbing film about such an unlikable character. Now, it's considered one of the best works from Scorcese and De Niro, and even though many think it's too violent, it became a classic. Find out more about LaMotta watching DVD and Blu-ray special features including The Bronx Bull - Making Of Documentary.

Drama based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, twice-divorced single mother with no money, no job, and no prospects. Steven Soderbergh directed the film, and Julia Roberts stars in the titular role which led to an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Erin Brockovich is a woman who fought against the energy corporation Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) attempting to achieve the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit, and you should see the film to experience the pull it has on you as a viewer. Be sure to check it out on DVD or Blu-ray where you can find featurette Personality profile: the real Erin Brockovich.

Multi Academy Award winner, A Beautiful Mind is a film based on the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate and a brilliant but asocial mathematician who accepts secret work in cryptography. As the result of his work, Nash becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. The narrative of the film in some regards differs from Nash's life, but you won't be disappointed with the story and your viewing satisfaction. The film stars Russell Crowe in one of his most praised roles, and it's directed by Ron Howard. Additional all-star cast includes Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, and Christopher Plummer. Rent it now and get more of extra content such as Meeting John Nash and Inside A Beautiful Mind.

We're continuing the best films based on true stories with Remember the Titans, one of two films starring Denzel Washington on this list. Sports film directed by Boaz Yakin, focuses on the true story of African-American coach Herman Boone (Washington) and his attempt to integrate the T. C. Williams High School football team in Virginia, in 1971. Remember the Titans is a great film to see, not just because it's a well-done drama film, but it also explores civil topics, such as racism, discrimination, and athletics. This is, as many would say, a remarkable and triumphant story full of soul and spirit. See it on DVD and get an insight in the making of this story.

See the incredible true story of William Wilberforce, philanthropist and a leader of the movement to eradicate the slave trade. Amazing Grace is about his campaign against slave trade in the British Empire at a time when the slave trade was perceived as acceptable and a necessity for the economy. The film also recounts the tale of John Newton as a crewman on a slave ship and his religious conversion (inspired his writing the poem Amazing Grace later used in the hymn). The cast includes Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Rufus Sewell. Watch it on DVD and experience the film with the commentary by director Michael Apted and star Ioan Gruffudd.

Ray is the story of the life and career of the legendary musician Ray Charles, and is our next entry for the drama films list based on true stories. The film focuses on 30 years in the life of this rhythm and blues legend, played by Oscar winner Jamie Foxx. Young Ray Charles was raised on a sharecropping plantation in Northern Florida when he went blind at the age of seven. Charles was greatly inspired by his independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world. That's how this true musical genius found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. The film won two BAFTAs and two Academy Awards (out of six nominations), and it's a biographical film you need to see if you're even remotely interested in music and good drama.

Every second counts in the film 127 Hours, a film based on a true story of a mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco) attempting to save himself after a climbing accident where a falling boulder crashed on to his arm and trapped him. This survival drama is directed by Danny Boyle, a director that needs no special introduction. 127 Hours presents us with a remarkable story of not giving up, even when your resources are almost depleted. Maybe it's not for the squeamish, especially one scene more painful than many a horror film. But it also faces you with a dilemma, how far would you go to ensure your survival? Because Aron does everything he can to make it out alive.

Following the scandalous abdication of his brother King Edward VIII, Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of the United Kingdom. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) seeks out the help of eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).

Empowering female-driven drama, Hidden Figures is about three African-American NASA geniuses and stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Jonelle Monae. This historical drama is loosely based on the book of the same name about black female mathematicians who worked at the NASA during the Space Race, an incredible untold story and a stunning achievement.