Netflix Original Movies Based on True Stories

25 Netflix Original Movies You May Not Have Realised Were True Stories

Netflix has an awesome selection of original movies. While some are based on books and some aren't based on anything at all, there are actually quite a few that are based on real life. Whether they follow a totally true story or are just based on real-life events, these films all either feature real people or real events. Some of them you may not have even realised were true. Scroll through to see all the incredible stories, from two Spanish women in love to the story of Jimmy Hoffa's murder. There's a little something for everyone to keep you busy, especially if you're stuck inside!

Image Source: Everett Collection

1. Barry

This film tells the story of young Barack Obama while he was a student in New York, long before he was the leader of the United States.

Watch Barry on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

2. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

This film follows the story of a Malawian boy who builds a wind turbine to save his village.

Watch The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

3. Brain on Fire

This is the incredible story of a young woman who has a mysterious brain disease that's almost too hard to believe.

Watch Brain on Fire on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

4. The Dirt

Get the wild story of Mötley Crüe in this biopic of their years as rock stars.

Watch The Dirt on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

5. Dolemite Is My Name

Follow Rudy Ray Moore — aka Dolemite — on his rise to comedy fame in this film about his life.

Watch Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

6. Elisa & Marcela

This incredible Spanish film follows a woman who pretends to be a man so she can marry the woman she loves.

Watch Elisa & Marcela on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

7. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile

Zac Efron plays Ted Bundy in this fascinatingly horrible movie about the serial killer's life.

Watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

8. First They Killed My Father

This movie follows a 5-year-old girl in Cambodia on her quest for survival.

Watch First They Killed My Father on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

9. The 4th Company

In this Mexican film, you meet a young man in prison who ends up on a football team that might not be exactly what you'd think.

Watch The 4th Company on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

10. The Highwaymen

Two men are tasked with taking down Bonnie and Clyde in this film based on the real story.

Watch The Highwaymen on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

11. The King

This historical film is based on real people and real events from William Shakespeare's time.

Watch The King on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

12. The Laundromat

Go along with Meryl Streep in this film about the Panama Papers and all the drama that surrounded the scam.

Watch The Laundromat on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

13. Lost Girls

This film is based on the true story of Mari Gilbert and her quest to find her missing daughter Shannan.

Watch Lost Girls on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

14. The Ruthless

Follow along as a young Italian grows up to become a criminal and join the mafia.

Watch The Ruthless on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

15. The Most Hated Woman in America

Find out just why controversial atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair was so hated in this film about her life.

Watch The Most Hated Woman in America on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

16. On My Skin

Find out how Stefano Cucchi spent a week in jail on drug charges, and why it changed him forever.

Watch On My Skin on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

17. The Polka King

This movie is a little bit of comedy, a little bit of scheming, and a whole lot of polka.

Watch The Polka King on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

18. Roxanne Roxanne

Find out the incredible true story of young 1980s rapper Roxanne Shanté.

Watch Roxanne Roxanne on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

19. Two Popes

This story of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis is based on true events of the two popes coming together.

Watch Two Popes on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

20. 22 July

See what it's like for the survivors of a terrorist attack in Norway to find peace again.

Watch 22 July on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

21. War Machine

Brad Pitt plays a military general tasked with winning a war that's been going on for eight years, in this film based on real-life events.

Watch War Machine on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

22. Walk. Ride. Rodeo.

Based on the true story of equestrian Amberley, who won't let her paralysis stop her from competing again.

Watch Walk. Ride. Rodeo. on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

23. A Futile and Stupid Gesture

Go through the rich history of comedy with National Lampoon cofounder Doug Kenney.

Watch A Futile and Stupid Gesture on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

24. The Irishman

A lot of this film about Jimmy Hoffa and Frank Sheeran is based on a book — which is widely based on true events.

Watch The Irishman on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

25. Dovlatov

Sergei Dovlatov just wants to publish his writing under the Soviet regime in this story based on real events.

Watch Dovlatov on Netflix.

Image Source: Everett Collection

Netflix True Crime Netflix Roundup True Stories Movies