Life. It’s an incredible thing, and something that should be celebrated. That’s why so many amazing stories have been made into feature length films. From individuals who have overcome adversity, to achieve amazing things to those who have gone through shocking experiences. These extraordinary real life events are now told in unique and exciting ways.
- Champions (1984)
Starring the acting legend that is John Hurt, Champions is a biopic film that details the life of Bob Champion, a British jockey from the 1970s. At the height of his career, Champion was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer and took a short break from horse racing in order to battle it.
Miraculously, Champion managed to fight it off, and came out on the other side as the 1981 Grand National champion on the now famous Aldaniti. This is a film about overcoming obstacles in life, and to keep on believing no matter what.
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
This astounding film details how a woman, with no formal law training, manages to put together a case to expose a cover up involving contaminated water in a local community. One, which is shockingly causing terrible illnesses for many of its residents.
The film stars Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich. She manages to single-handedly bring down a California power company who is accused of contaminating the water supply. This incredible story shows how you can defy all the odds set against you to make a difference in the world.
- Monster (2003)
One of the most famous female serial killers of our time, Aileen Wuornos is a complex and terrifying individual who murdered seven men between 1989 and 1990, whilst working as a prostitute in Florida. No wonder then that many films and documentaries have been made about her life, including this Hollywood version that features an unrecognisable Charlize Theron in the titular role.
Wuornos’ first kill has been reported as self-defense, as a vicious client tries to take control of her. However, despite this, she continued to work as a prostitute, and killed many of the men who frequented her spot. In the end, she tried to convince people that all of the seven killings were indeed self-defense, but with her temper and lack of self control, this is unlikely.
- Milk (2008)
A must watch movie, Milk is a film that showcases the awe-inspiring and noteworthy life and achievements of Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn), a gay activist and politician who became the US’ first openly gay man elected to public office, by winning a seat on the Board of Supervisors.
Milk also helps to make San Francisco, specifically in the Castro district, a great place for the LGBTQ community today.
The film follows Milk as he journeys towards this moment, and the unfortunate moments where Dan White, his political opposition, tragically kills him. It’s a stunning look at how gay rights have progressed in the past forty years since his untimely death.
- Frost/Nixon (2008)
Another politically driven film, this time directed by Ron Howard, it recounts the iconic interviews given by Richard Nixon, when he was interviewed by David Frost, a British TV journalist. The reason these interviews were so important, was because Nixon had declined to take any interviews in the three years since being forced from office, and this was the only interview he decided to sit down for to address the controversy since the Watergate scandal that ended his career.
The film details the battle of two people who are both determined to build or rebuild their careers, and how they clash against each other in the process, creating fascinating television that hasn’t been surpassed since.
All of these true story movies are simply incredible, and need to be seen to be believed. There are many more fantastic films based on astoundingly true experiences available, and many more being created that are just waiting to be discovered.
If you’ve not watched many true story movies, the five films above are a great place to start, and will have you itching for more.