Movies Based on True Stories

From historical epics to horror tales and inspirational dramas, true stories have served as the basis for some of the most memorable movies out there. Many of the selections on this list, like Apollo 13 and The Social Network, are based on well-known true stories. But others may surprise you. Some are unflinching portraits of unimaginable challenges, while others have hilarious moments that will have you rolling with laughter. And many have a bit of both! Come to this list to find your next family movie night pick, and stay for the after-movie conversation—just be sure to read our full reviews beforehand to find out what levels of intensity to expect. Looking for more true stories? Check out Biopic Movies and True Crime TV for Teens.

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Fairy Tale: A True Story Poster Image
MOVIE

Fairy Tale: A True Story

age 6+

Two girls convince a nation that fairies are real.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
The Sound of Music Movie Poster: Maria stands in a meadow, her arms outstretched, and the children behind her
MOVIE

The Sound of Music

age 6+

Outstanding family classic has glorious music.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1965)
Dolphin Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
The Rookie Poster Image
MOVIE

The Rookie

age 7+

Sweet, engaging true story more appealing to tweens and up.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Fly Away Home Poster Image
MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
The Great Escape Poster Image
MOVIE

The Great Escape

age 8+

An exceptional story about teamwork.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1963)
Miracle Poster Image
MOVIE

Miracle

age 8+

Moving story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
Rescued by Ruby Movie Poster
MOVIE

Rescued by Ruby

age 8+

Heartwarming true story has peril, positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Searching for Bobby Fischer Poster Image
MOVIE

Searching for Bobby Fischer

age 8+

Young chess prodigy learns about sportsmanship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Hoosiers Poster Image
MOVIE

Hoosiers

age 9+

Stirring tale of heroic sportsmanship will inspire families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
It Could Happen to You Movie Poster: Nicolas Cage, dressed as a police officer, holds up a lottery ticket to Bridget Fonda, dressed as a waitress
MOVIE

It Could Happen to You

age 10+

Charming 1990s romcom has language, a little violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)
The Long Game Movie Poster: Collage of Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid, and golfers
MOVIE

The Long Game

age 10+

Inspiring real-life story has racial slurs, mild violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
Unsinkable Movie Poster: Cotter Smith is pictured with the Titanic
MOVIE

Unsinkable

age 10+

Intriguing Titanic drama aims to inspire; mild content.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
Gran Turismo Movie Poster: David Harbour, Archie Madekwe, and Orlando Bloom stand around a race car
MOVIE

Gran Turismo

age 11+

Intense crashes in exhilarating game-based racing flick.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Hidden Figures Poster Image
MOVIE

Hidden Figures

age 10+

Inspiring true story of African American women at NASA.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
McFarland, USA Poster Image
MOVIE

McFarland, USA

age 10+

Poignant story about Latino runners a winner for families.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Mr. Holland's Opus Poster Image
MOVIE

Mr. Holland's Opus

age 10+

'90s drama about inspiring teacher has some cursing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
October Sky Poster Image
MOVIE

October Sky

age 10+

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Queen of Katwe Poster Image
MOVIE

Queen of Katwe

age 10+

Inspiring true tale of girl Ugandan chess champ.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Rabbit-Proof Fence Poster Image
MOVIE

Rabbit-Proof Fence

age 10+

Powerful historical drama has smoking and kids in peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)