I was just thinking, you know… How many fictional stories have we already watched? All these blockbusters where a superhero saves the world, and then does it again, and then again… Honestly, sometimes you just want something real, something that takes your breath away. When you realize it’s not just a director’s fantasy, but someone’s actual fate. Come on, isn’t that where the magic is? When you see that life, man, it’s so much more interesting than any script. Especially when it comes to Netflix movies based on true stories. By the way, this streaming giant has recently burst into this niche and is releasing some truly incredible films. Well, I’ve watched a lot and decided to share what really got to me.
This isn’t just a collection. It’s, if you will, my personal viewing diary. I chose films that left a mark, made me think, empathize, and even, here and there, shed a tear. There will be stories about sports, the fight for rights, and war… Everything that makes us, humans, who we are. Let’s go, it’s going to be interesting, I promise!
Why Are True Story Movies on Netflix a Top Choice?
For instance, you’re sitting at home in the evening, and it’s raining outside. Your mood is so-so. And you want a movie that doesn’t just entertain, but… well, I don’t know… gives you some hope. Or, on the contrary, makes you look at your own life in a new way. In Ukraine, unfortunately, many people are now looking for exactly these kinds of stories—about resilience, about struggle, about how people survive in inhuman conditions. And Netflix understands this. They don’t just film them; they invest money in very high-quality, deep stories, often with top-notch actors and directors. These Netflix movies based on true events are essentially a ticket to another life, where you can sit in the front row and see how other people overcame their, often unbelievable, challenges. So, what did I watch?
The Swimmers (2022)
I had heard about this film for a long time but kept putting it off, thinking, “Oh, another sports drama.” How wrong I was, because it turned out to be so much more. It’s not just a story about swimming; it’s, damn, a story about war, about refugees, about the strength of sisters, about believing in a dream, even when everything is falling apart. I watched it and couldn’t tear my eyes away. Director Sally El Hosaini did an incredible job, showing the horrors of war without unnecessary drama.
- Director: Sally El Hosaini
- Starring: Nathalie Issa, Manal Issa, Ahmed Malek
- Genre: Biographical Drama, Sport
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 9/10 (it was very personal)
Brief summary: The film tells the true story of two Syrian swimmer sisters, Yusra and Sara Mardini. They dreamed of the Olympics, but the war forced them to leave their homeland. To reach a safe place, they had to swim alongside a sinking boat with other refugees. After that, their journey to the Olympic dream only begins.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
The scene where they swim next to a sinking boat. It’s, for crying out loud, not a movie. It’s a reality that not everyone can imagine. The cold, the fear, the fatigue, and at the same time, an incredible will to live. I sat there with bated breath. This isn’t just a scene; it’s a metaphor for the whole film. It truly gives you goosebumps. The thought crossed my mind that for some people, even a simple thing like swimming becomes an act of survival.
Author’s Commentary
Why should you watch it? Well, first, it’s about how a dream can save you. How it gives you strength when you feel like you have none. Second, it’s a reminder that refugees are not just “flows of people,” but specific individuals with their own stories, pain, and hopes. Personally, after this film, I walked around for several days thinking about their strength of spirit. In my opinion, it is one of the most powerful biographical dramas to come out on Netflix in recent years. I even thought a bit about how we, Ukrainians, are going through something similar, but in our own way. This is a movie that makes you feel, not just watch.
The Mauritanian (2021)
Oh, I watched this movie because Benedict Cumberbatch, my favorite “Sherlock,” is in it. But, as it turned out, the film isn’t really about him, although he played his part brilliantly. It’s a… legal drama, but so emotional, it’s just wow. It’s a true story, and it’s shocking. Honestly, I didn’t know about this case until I saw the film.
- Director: Kevin Macdonald
- Starring: Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley
- Genre: Biographical Drama, Legal Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10
Brief summary: The film is based on the memoirs of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was detained in Mauritania after the 9/11 attacks and spent 14 years in Guantanamo Bay prison without any charges. The film tells the story of his fight for freedom and the lawyer Nancy Hollander, who took on his case despite all obstacles.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
Here, it’s probably not one scene, but a whole block of them. All the scenes showing Mohamedou’s torture and interrogations are done so realistically that I felt like I was sitting there myself. The camera work, the sound, the actor’s performance—everything merges into one horrifying stream. I genuinely felt his pain and hopelessness. It’s not just a striking scene; it’s a painful immersion into the dark corners of the system.
Author’s Commentary
This film is not about politics, but about a human being. About how even in the darkest place, you can maintain your dignity. Tahar Rahim, who played the main role, is a genius. His performance is so precise, so emotional, that it’s impossible not to believe him. And it’s also about how sometimes the fight for truth can last for decades, and even then, victory isn’t guaranteed. You know, it’s one of those movies that makes you want to Google the real story and read it to the end. In Ukraine, by the way, there is also a lot of injustice, so this film can resonate with many hearts. Just watch it, and you’ll understand why. It’s an honest, painful, and extremely important story.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Aaron Sorkin… Well, that name alone is a mark of quality. I adore him because he knows how to write dialogues as if you are sitting in a courtroom, not watching a movie. It’s essentially a courtroom drama, but so dynamic and lively that I lost track of time. A story that proves that you have to fight for freedom of speech.
- Director: Aaron Sorkin
- Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Genre: Historical Drama, Legal Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Author’s Rating: 9/10
Brief summary: The film tells the true events of 1968, when a group of activists protesting the Vietnam War were accused of conspiracy and inciting a riot. The trial lasted for almost a year and became a symbol of the absurdity and injustice of the American legal system.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
When one of the accused, Bobby Seale, starts to protest in court, and they tie him up and gag his mouth. It’s just… I don’t know how to describe it. It’s such a powerful moment, both visually and emotionally, that I felt a lump in my throat. It shows all the cynicism of a system that supposedly protects rights, but in reality, destroys them. After this scene, I was convinced that everything happening there was a terrible injustice.
Author’s Commentary
Sorkin, as always, is a master. He made not just a film about history, but a real manifesto. I’m especially impressed by how he intertwines humor and tragedy, intellect and emotion. The actors are simply on fire. Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman is something incredible. He showed that behind the mask of a joker hides a deep and serious person. This movie makes you wonder if we truly live in a democratic society, or if we just allow ourselves to think so. And whether we should always blindly trust the system. This is an important film, especially today.
The Irishman (2019)
Martin Scorsese. De Niro. Pacino. Pesci. What more can I add? When I found out they had made a film together again, I was just jumping for joy. This movie isn’t just a gangster drama; it’s, damn, an epic. Three and a half hours that flew by in an instant. It’s a slow, deep, melancholic story about old age, betrayal, and loneliness. This movie is like a good wine. You have to savor it.
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
- Genre: Biographical Crime Epic
- Runtime: 3h 29m
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.5/10
Brief summary: The film tells the true story of Frank Sheeran, known as “The Irishman,” who was a hitman working for the mafia. The film shows his connection to crime boss Russell Bufalino and union leader Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared without a trace in 1975.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
The scene where old Frank is sitting in a wheelchair in a nursing home, and a young girl comes to interview him. He doesn’t remember most of the details she names, but his eyes… those eyes are full of such loneliness, such sadness, that it just breaks your heart. This is not a scene; it’s a whole conclusion. This is what happens when you don’t live the life you wanted. Everything you did has no meaning. This scene just crushed me. I sat there thinking about how many people live their lives only to realize it was empty.
Author’s Commentary
Scorsese didn’t just make a movie about the mafia. He made a movie about a life that was lived wrong. About betrayal that gives you no peace, and about how old age is not only wisdom but also loneliness. The actors… well, what can I say. They are legends. I was especially impressed by Joe Pesci. He is so restrained, so quiet here, but his gaze can kill. He showed that to frighten someone, you don’t have to shout. Just look into his eyes. It’s brilliant. Such films remind us that even in the most terrifying stories, there is a place for human emotions.
When They See Us (2019)
This is not a movie; it’s a miniseries. But I couldn’t not include it. It’s probably the most powerful thing I’ve watched in recent years. I don’t even know if you should watch it if you have a weak constitution. After watching it, I couldn’t sleep for a long time. It’s a story that shatters your heart into a million pieces.
- Director: Ava DuVernay
- Starring: Jharrel Jerome, Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Runtime: 4 episodes of ~1 hour each
- IMDb: 8.9/10
- Author’s Rating: 10/10 (it’s still hard for me to talk about it)
Brief summary: The series is based on the true events of 1989, known as the “Central Park jogger case.” Five teenagers from Harlem were wrongly accused and convicted of a crime they didn’t commit. The series tells their story from the moment of their arrest to their exoneration many years later.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
There are many. But perhaps the most powerful is the scene where Korey Wise (one of the five) is in prison and has an emotional breakdown. Jharrel Jerome, who played him, simply transformed into this person. His scream… His pain… This isn’t acting; it’s genuine grief that he poured onto the screen. I cried, honestly. And, you know, in Ukraine, we also have such stories, when people were imprisoned for political reasons, and this pain, this injustice—it feels very close.
Author’s Commentary
This is not entertainment. It’s a painful history lesson. It’s a reminder that the system can make mistakes, and the price of that mistake can be a life. I don’t know if I should recommend it to everyone, but if you want to understand what injustice is and what true strength of spirit is, you need to watch it. After it, I couldn’t recover for several days. I kept thinking about how these boys were able to endure all of this and not break. If you are interested in important and truthful stories that touch the soul, then this series is a must-see.
Worth (2020)
I must admit, it took me a long time to remember the title of this film. Sometimes I call it “Cost,” sometimes “The Price of a Life.” Well, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that this movie makes you think. About what? Well, at a minimum, about what a “fair price” for a human life is. It’s a very specific drama, and it may not be as dynamic as others, but it is incredibly emotional and important.
- Director: Sara Colangelo
- Starring: Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Amy Ryan
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Author’s Rating: 8/10
Brief summary: The film tells the story of lawyer Kenneth Feinberg, who was appointed to lead the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. He had to determine how much money each family that lost a loved one would receive. A task, you’ll agree, that’s not easy.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
The scene where Feinberg meets with the victims’ relatives, and one of them, played by Stanley Tucci, begins to speak. He doesn’t scream or get hysterical. He just calmly, but with such pain, talks about his wife. And he’s not asking for money. He’s asking for justice, for human consideration, for his story to be heard. This scene is simply the quintessential moment of the entire film. It made my heart ache.
Author’s Commentary
The film, in my opinion, is about a moral choice. About how not to lose your humanity in a world of numbers and bureaucracy. Michael Keaton’s performance is brilliant; he doesn’t just show, he feels his character. And what’s interesting is that the film shows that sometimes it’s not only important to receive compensation but also to be heard. To have your story heard. In Ukraine, we understand this like no one else. After watching it, I thought for a long time about what I would do in his place. And if I could even decide anything. So, if you love deep, thoughtful stories that make you think, this movie is for you. It’s not about special effects, but about emotions.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Spike Lee is already a legend. And this film… It’s such a painful but very important story. About the Vietnam War, about what it did to people, and about how the past never lets go. In my opinion, it’s one of the best war films of recent years because it’s not about heroism, but about the trauma that remains for life.
- Director: Spike Lee
- Starring: Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters
- Genre: War Drama
- Runtime: 2h 34m
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Author’s Rating: 8/10
Brief summary: The film tells the story of four Vietnam War veterans who return to the country to find the remains of their squad leader and a treasure they had buried there. The search becomes not only a physical journey but also an immersion into their own memories and traumas.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
The scene where Delroy Lindo’s character, Paul, is sitting in the jungle and delivers a monologue. It’s… it’s simply incredible. His eyes, his words, his pain… He screams to the whole world that he will never be free. That he will never be free from this war. It was so powerful that I just froze. It’s not just a monologue; it’s a cry from the soul. I felt him experiencing every bit of his pain.
Author’s Commentary
Spike Lee made a film that makes you think about the consequences of war. Not about heroic victories, but about what happens to people who return home. This film resonated with me a lot because we, Ukrainians, now understand what war is and how it changes people forever. This film is not about what was, but about what is now in the souls of veterans. And, frankly, it’s very scary. But you need to know about it. Watch it if you want to understand that war is not just a picture in the news.
Rustin (2023)
Oh, this is a recent find. A film I watched on a friend’s recommendation. And, damn, I don’t regret it. It’s a story about Bayard Rustin, whom, unfortunately, many people don’t know, even though he was one of the most important leaders of the civil rights movement in the US. So why have so few people heard of him? Because he was a Black gay man. The film talks about this.
- Director: George C. Wolfe
- Starring: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Audra McDonald
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- IMDb: 6.8/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10
Brief summary: The film tells the story of Bayard Rustin’s life, one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington. He was very talented and charismatic, but due to his sexual orientation, he constantly faced prejudice and was forced to stay in the shadows while others reaped the fruits of his labor.
A Scene That Blew My Mind
The scene where Rustin meets with Martin Luther King Jr., and they discuss that Rustin must stay out of the public eye. This scene shows how even within the rights movement itself, there were prejudices and how some people were forced to sacrifice their own recognition for the sake of the “common good.” Colman Domingo, who played Rustin, is simply incredible. He showed all his energy, charisma, and at the same time, his inner struggle.
Author’s Commentary
I believe this film is very important. It restores historical justice and shows that history is not only made by those who stand on a pedestal but also by those who remain in the shadows. Bayard Rustin is a true hero who sacrificed many things to change the world. It reminds us that behind every great event are specific people who often remain unknown. And this movie is a tribute to him. I highly recommend watching it, especially if you want to learn something new about history and about how difficult it sometimes is to be who you truly are.
Q&A
Which Netflix true story movies are a must-watch?
My personal favorites from this collection are The Irishman and the series When They See Us. The Irishman is an epic that shows life in all its complexity, and When They See Us is an incredibly powerful and honest story about injustice. If you have time, watch both of them.
Are all Netflix movies based on true stories really true?
You should always remember that film is an art form. Even Netflix movies based on true events may have artistic deviations for greater drama or plot coherence. Directors may change the sequence of events, add fictional characters, or dialogues. But the main essence, as a rule, remains unchanged. You can always Google and check the facts.
Which film from the collection is the longest?
Without a doubt, it’s Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, which runs for 3 hours and 29 minutes. But believe me, the time will fly by unnoticed. This film is worth it.
Summary
All these films I’ve told you about today have one thing in common: they make you feel. They don’t just show a story; they allow you to live it with the characters. This is cinema that leaves an aftertaste. And you know, I’m very glad that Netflix is now paying attention to these kinds of stories. In a world where everything changes so quickly, it’s important not to forget what was and how it affected our lives.
I hope you find something new to watch from this collection. And maybe it will make you think about something important. If you’ve watched anything from this list, let me know what you think; maybe you found your own favorite. After all, I’m a blogger, I’m interested in your opinion.
Finally, I really like a quote from a book by John Grisham that I once read: “The truth is a strange thing. Sometimes it seems more amazing than fiction.” And, you know, after watching these films, I’m completely convinced of it. Life really writes the best scripts.
Did you like the collection? Share it with your friends!
Author – ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.
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