Netflix has an awesome selection of original movies [1]. While some are based on books [2] and some aren't based on anything at all [3], 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!
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 [5].
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 [6].
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 [7].
The Dirt
Get the wild story of Mötley Crüe in this biopic of their years as rock stars.
Watch The Dirt on Netflix [8].
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 [9].
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 [10].
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile
Zac Efron [11] plays Ted Bundy in this fascinatingly horrible movie about the serial killer's life.
Watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile on Netflix [12].
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 [13].
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 [14].
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 [15].
The King
This historical film is based on real people and real events from William Shakespeare's time.
Watch The King on Netflix [16].
The Laundromat
Go along with Meryl Streep [17] in this film about the Panama Papers and all the drama that surrounded the scam.
Watch The Laundromat on Netflix [18].
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 [19].
The Ruthless
Follow along as a young Italian grows up to become a criminal and join the mafia.
Watch The Ruthless on Netflix [20].
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 [21].
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 [22].
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 [23].
Roxanne Roxanne
Find out the incredible true story of young 1980s rapper Roxanne Shanté.
Watch Roxanne Roxanne on Netflix [24].
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 [25].
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 [26].
War Machine
Brad Pitt [27] 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 [28].
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 [29].
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 [30].
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 [31].
Dovlatov
Sergei Dovlatov just wants to publish his writing under the Soviet regime in this story based on real events.
Watch Dovlatov on Netflix [32].