The Best Movies Based on Real Events or People

Daniel Day-Lewis re-teamed with Jim Sheridan, who directed him in “My Left Food,” for this biographical prison drama about Irishman Gerry Conlon. When both Conlon and his father (Pete Postlethwaite) are convicted for crimes they didn’t commit, a lawyer (Emma Thompson) fights for their freedom. In 1997, Day-Lewis and Sheridan reunited once again for the political drama “The Boxer.”

In the mold of “All the President’s Men” came this Oscar-winning newsroom drama, in which Boston Globe reporters uncover a child molestation scandal. Their investigation takes them to the doorstep of the local Catholic Archdiocese, a place of tremendous influence and power. Actors including Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo studied their real-life counterparts to prepare for their respective roles.

At the behest of the Ford Motor Company, two auto experts (Matt Damon and Christian Bale) must create a competition-worthy racecar in time for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Set in 1966, the action unfolds against a ticking clock and the bitter rivalry between Ford and Italian automaker Ferrari.

This WWII adventure draws on a novel of the same name, chronicling the daring escape from a German POW camp. Steve McQueen leads an ensemble cast of iconic movie men, whose characters hatch and execute an audacious plan. The film’s now-famous motorbike jump over barbed wire was not based on an actual event.

This highly fictionalized but nevertheless fascinating biopic recounts the life of Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) as seen by rival composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Jealous of Mozart’s natural talent, Salieri concocts a deadly murder scheme. It won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.