13 Movies Based On A True Story (That Are Jam Packed With Lies)

'A Beautiful Mind' left out things like John Nash’s same-sex relationships (plural).

Ah, the movies. They can make us laugh, cry, and believe in the unbelievable. We can be taken to places we’ve never been, and experience stories we never thought possible. But what about when the stories are based on real events? How can we tell the truth from the fiction? How can we even assume, for that matter, that the story does have the vaguest resemblance to something that actually happened?

Well, here is a list of some of the most popular movies based on true stories, and the (extreme abundance of) facts that the filmmakers changed or left out. From Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Bloodsport to Tom Hanks and Paul Greengrass’ Maersk Alabama hijacking, these movies have captivated audiences with their tales of courage and adventure. But, as we will soon see, not everything is as it seems... by a very, very long shot. So strap in, grab your popcorn, and let’s dive into the world of extremely not-fact-checked fiction.

Based on a true story (sort of).

Buena Vista Pictures

CBR

Hollywoodized HIV story.

20th Century Studios

IndieWire

Fact-checked fiction.

Columbia Pictures

Slate

A Fact You Can Trust!

Buena Vista Pictures

Looper

The Sound of Music

20th Century Studios

Insider

A Beautiful Mind

Universal Pictures,
DreamWorks Pictures

Slate

Hidalgo

Buena Vista Pictures

Slate

Catch me if you believe me.

DreamWorks Pictures

Esquire

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