The Best Movies Based on Real Events or People

This Oscar-winning classic dramatizes the founding of Facebook and legal battles that ensued. Follow Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) as he turns anti-social grudges into social networking gold. The film is based on a non-fiction book by Ben Mezrich.

Director Sam Mendes drew partial inspiration from stories his grandfather told him when crafting this WWI drama. Presented as a single take (though there are cuts), it sends two soldiers across enemy lines on a deadly mission. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography for industry legend Roger Deakins.

The story of Captain Richard Phillips (played here by Tom Hanks) inspired this gripping depiction of a high seas hostage crisis. Director Paul Greengrass employs handheld camera shots to ratchet up the look of authenticity and the tension alike. (It’s somewhat ironic that the real-life Captain Phillips was reportedly far more arrogant and inept than Hanks’ heroic portrayal would suggest.)

This taut thriller, which takes place during WWII, centers on a Germany-bound train full of stolen artwork. It’s based on the autobiography of art historian Rose Valland, who risked her life by keeping meticulous records of valuable artwork as it was being stolen by the Nazis. Thanks to her efforts, the French Resistance was able to retrieve a fortune in stolen art.

Emily V. Gordon and husband Kumail Nanjiani drew upon their real-life experiences when co-writing this romantic comedy. Nanjiani stars as his thinly veiled alter-ego, who goes against family tradition by dating Emily (played by Zoe Kazan). Their blossoming relationship takes on an even greater challenge when Emily falls victim to a life-threatening medical condition.