The allure of cinema has long embraced the power of true stories, offering audience insights into real events and witnessing their transformation into immersive visual experiences. The movies based on true story in 2024 elevated the genre by delivering films that don’t just depict historical or personal events but bring the viewers directly to the minds of the people who lived them. Whether capturing daring historical moments or intimate personal battles, this year’s lineup breathes new life into familiar tales, delivering transformative experiences on screen.
From inventive docu-thrillers that blur the line between fact and fiction to unexpected origin stories like the Pop-Tart, 2024’s true-story films have breathed fresh life into well-known tales. Moreover, these films have taken on various genres, from courtroom dramas to survival epics to darkly humorous explorations of cultural phenomena, each story resonates deeply with their artistic storytelling, delivering a deeply emotional tale while staying true to their source material. The result is an unforgettable collection of movies that linger in our minds long after the credits roll, providing viewers with historical insight and emotional engagement.
For those seeking stories with real complexity, these top ten true-story films of 2024 offer something unique. They invite viewers to reflect, empathize, and, ultimately, experience the impact of these tales as if they were part of them. Here’s a look at the films that promise to stay with you long after the screen fades to black.
1 Saturday Night (IMDb 7.4/10)
Directed by Jason Reitman, Saturday Night delivers a blended theme of chaos, tension, and creativity, capturing the grit of the 1970s New York that launched Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975. This 90-minute biographical comedy-drama immerses viewers in the intense, behind-the-scenes struggle that brought one of the most disruptive shows to life.
The plot unfolds with the show’s first live airing where creator Lorne Michaels faces overwhelming challenges from jaded studio executives. This rising clash between generations and visions for television is showcased among SNL’s legendary cast including John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Dan Aykroyd. Saturday Night continues to build the mounting pressure with long and unbroken tales, keeping the viewers hooked till the end. Moreover, Reitman’s direction to bring television’s most iconic moments moving at a breathless pace makes it a true watch. Anchoring the story are iconic moments like Andry Kaufman’s Mighty Mouse skit and the powerful performance by the cast to the resounding line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
The ensemble cast brings the characters to life with a vivid authenticity, capturing both the exhaustion and exhilaration of making live television. With a 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 84% on Popcornmeter, Saturday Night delivers an entertaining and insightful look at the moment that changed television forever.
You can watch Saturday Night on Disney+.
2 Ordinary Angels (IMDb 7.4/10)
For those looking for a heartfelt drama, Ordinary Angels will surely melt your heart as it explores the power of compassion, community, and unlikely heroism. Directed by Jon Gunn, Ordinary Angels is inspired by the true events that transpired during the 1994 North American cold wave.
Set against a backdrop of rural America, the movie focuses on a small-town hairdresser, Sharon Stevens, who becomes a beacon of hope for a struggling family. After she meets Ed Schmitt, a widowed father burdened by medical bills for his young daughter Michelle, who urgently needs a liver transplant, Stevens goes to great lengths to support them. To make a difference, Stevens mobilized her small town, rallying support, organizing fundraisers, and even battling her personal struggles with alcohol to help the Schmitts. Things turn around when severe winter storms threaten to block Michelle’s only chance for surgery, but Stevens’ relentless compassion ensures that the girl reaches the hospital on time.
Starring a star-studded cast including Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Drew Powell, and Tamala Jones, Ordinary Angels has grossed $20.5 million against a production budget of $12-13 million at the box office, backed by an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
You can watch Ordinary Angels on Netflix.
3 The Apprentice (IMDb 7.3/10)
Directed by Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice is a biographical drama exploring the previous world of former president Donald Trump as a real estate mogul. The film centers on Trump’s relationship with a fiercely controversial attorney, Roy Cohn, who teaches him the darker side of media manipulation, self-promotion, and legal brinkmanship. Scripted by Gabriel Sherman, the film stars Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, with Jeremy Strong portraying Roy Cohn, Martin Donovan as Trump’s father Fred, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump, his first wife.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s and 80s New York City, The Apprentice follows Trump’s rise under Cohn’s influence. Beginning with Cohn’s intervention in a discrimination case against the Trump family’s real estate business, their relationship deepens as the former mentors him in manipulation and media tactics. As Trump develops major projects like Trump Tower, tensions begin to rise with his father and first wife, Ivana.
Despite the strong reviews, The Apprentice struggled commercially, grossing only $9.9 million on a production budget of $16 million. The film received 81% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes with critics commending Stand’s portrayal as both a mimicry and a deep character study and Strong’s nuanced interpretation of Cohn. Moreover, the movie was lauded by publications like The Hollywood Reporter and The Guardian backed by a Cannes Film Festival nomination.
The Apprentice is available to watch on Amazon Prime on rent.
4 Maria (IMDb 6.8/10)
Based on the renowned opera singer, Maria Callas, Maria is a biographical psychological drama directed by Pablo Larraín. Set in the 1970s during Callas’ final year in Paris, the movie follows her tumultuous personal and professional life. Maria explores her relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and the challenges she faced as a woman in the male-dominated world of opera.
In the titular role, Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the character was lauded as she took seven months of opera training. Moreover, the film effectively blends with the historical context, using 90 to 95 percent of Callas’ original recordings, with Jolie lip-synching along to the songs. On Rotten Tomatoes, Maria received 77% positive reviews backed by an eight-minute standing ovation at the Sala Grande Theatre during its world premiere. Maria’s accolades include wins from the Middleburg Film Festival, Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television, and Savannah Film Festival.
The movie will be available to watch on Netflix on December 11, 2024.
5 The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (IMDb 6.8/10)
Based on Damien Lewis’ book, Churchill’s Secret Warriors, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is an action-packed thriller set against the backdrop of World War II. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the movie boasts an impressive lineup of A-list stars including Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Alan Ritchson.
The movie follows Brigadier General Colin Gubbins as he assembles an unconventional team for a covert mission to disrupt Nazi supply lines on the Spanish-controlled island of Fernando Po. The group is led by Gus March-Phillips and SOE agents Marjorie Stewart and Richard Heron and the team uses stealth to dismantle the Nazi resupply organization. The group faces numerous obstacles and deadly opposition from Nazi forces while navigating the threat of internal betrayal and the complexities of an off-the-books mission that puts their courage and loyalty to the ultimate test.
This fast-paced historical drama is bombarded with thrilling espionage and tension as Marjorie Stewart maneuvers through high-stakes deception to gather intelligence while Gus and his team work against the clock to ensure the mission’s success. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare combines classic spy tactics with modern action sequences. Though it received a mix of reviews, with a 69% positive response on Rotten Tomatoes, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare managed to captivate audiences drawn to World War II thrillers. However, it grossed $27.3 million at the box office on a production budget of $60 million.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
6 The Firing Squad (IMDb 6.7/10)
Directed by Timothy A. Chey, The Firing Squad explores a gripping adventure drama inspired by the real-life stories of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran of the Bali Nine. The movie centers around three Christian prisoners awaiting execution as they find solace and transformation through faith in Jesus.
Starring Kevin Sorbo as Paster Lynbrook and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Samuel Wilson, their journey to redemption brings them to confront their pasts, seek forgiveness, and ultimately inspire others through newfound hope. The Firing Squad received a 76% score on Popcornmeter.
The movie is available to stream on Amazon Prime on rent.
7 Scoop (IMDb 6.5/10)
A gripping British biographical drama, Scoop, directed by Philip Martin follows the behind-the-scenes story of the 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. The movie stars Gillian Anderson as journalist Emily Maitlis, Billie Piper as BBC producer Sam McAlister, Keeley Hawes as Prince Andrew’s former private secretary Amanda Thirsk, and Rufus Sewell as the prince.
The plot explores an ambitious producer, McAlister, who locates an opportunity for a rare royal interview after a photo surfaced of Andrew with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The journalist eventually negotiates with Thirsk and Andrew for an interview despite the resistance. As the interview unfolds on screen, Andrew’s baffling answers spark public outrage, leading to his fall from grace. Scoop not only captures the determination of journalists, rather it also points out the diplomacy of royal insiders. This Netflix release exposes shocking details of Andrew’s connection to Epstein, including Prince’s alleged sexual misconduct.
While Peter Moffat has sharply captured the essence of showcasing the explosive clash between the royals and the media, it also portrays the persistence and power of investigative journalism. With a 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Scoop remains an arguably superior watch.
Scoop is available to stream on Netflix.
8 Shirley (IMDb 6.2/10)
Directed and written by John Ridley, Shirley is a powerful American biographical drama that revisits Shirley Chisholm’s historic 1972 presidential run. Chisholm is known for breaking boundaries and became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and later sought the Democratic Party’s nomination for the US presidency.
Shirley stars Regina King in the titular role alongside an ensemble cast including Terrence Howard, Lance Reddick, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lucas Hedges, André Holland, Christina Jackson, and Michael Cherrie. The plot follows Chisholm’s campaign trial which dives deep into her resolve to change the face of American politics and inspire future generations. The movie focuses on her battles, both overt and covert, within her own party, including the challenges she faced not only as a Black candidate but as a woman in a male-dominated political world.
King’s performance was highly lauded for her ability to imbue Chisholm and to bring emotional depth to the portrayal of a pivotal figure in American history. Shirley received a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes backed by Metacritic assigning the film a score of 57 out of 100 based on 20 critics.
Shirley is available to stream on Netflix.
9 Reagan (IMDb 6.2/10)
Based on Paul Kengor’s book, The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism, Reagan is a biographical drama that follows Reagan’s journey from his early days in Illinois to his rise to the US presidency and his role in the Cold War. Directed by Sean McNamara and written by Howard Klausner, Reagan’s cast includes Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan, Mena Suvari as Jane Wyman, and Jon Voight as a former KGB agent, Viktor Petrovich.
The movie follows Reagan’s early influence, including his Christian upbringing and budding career in Hollywood. Moreover, his role as a president of the Screen Actors Guild and his collaboration with the FBI during the Hollywood blacklist era showcases his transformation from actor to politician. As the name suggests, the film highlights his complex personal life which also includes his relationship with Wyman and Nancy Davis.
Reagan also explores Reagan’s confrontations with the Soviet Union, particularly branding them as an “evil empire” upon becoming president. The film showcases historic events including the Geneva Summit with Mikhail Gorbachev, the Iran-Contra scandal, and of course, his iconic “tear down this wall” speech at the Brandenburg Gate. With Reagan’s term drawing to a close, Reagan highlights his later years when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to his ultimate death in 2004.
Despite its political portrayal, the film faced a polarized reception grossing only $30.1 million at the box office on a production budget of $25 million. It has an 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, who label the movie as an overly sentimental and one-dimensional portrayal despite the 98% audience score.
Reagan is available to stream on Apple TV on rent.
10 Unfrosted (IMDb 5.5/10)
Directed by the very beloved iconic star from Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted is an American comedy film that is loosely inspired by the origin of Pop-Tarts. With a screenplay written by Spike Feresten, Barry Marder, and Andy Robin, the movie features an ensemble cast including Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Hugh Grant, Jim Gaffigan, and Amy Schumer.
Unfrosted takes the viewers to the 1960s era exploring the cereal industry rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post. The story follows Bob Cabana, a product developer at Kellogg’s who discovers that Post is creating a new fruit-filled breakfast pastry with addictive qualities. To give a cut-throat competition, Kellogg’s scrambles to create its own version leading to a high-stakes corporate battle involving taste testers, mobsters, and a secret sugar deal. Eventually, Bob’s team developed the iconic toaster pastry after facing a strike from cereal mascots, international diplomacy with the USSR, and pressure from the dairy industry.
The movie captures a retro aesthetic, especially with its fast-paced humor and unique design. It was commended by publications like The New York Times and Variety for its vaudeville style. Moreover, Unfrosted sparked comparisons with other food and beverage biopics like Flamin’ Hot and Air backed by an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie and a 42% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
You can watch Unfrosted on Netflix.
