Movies Based on True Stories

Last updated: June 29, 2026

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.

October 24, 1997 1997 PG (99 minutes)

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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.

March 2, 1965 1965 G (174 minutes)

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Dolphin Tale Poster Image

MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

September 23, 2011 2011 PG (113 minutes)

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The Rookie Poster Image

MOVIE

The Rookie

age 7+

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

March 29, 2002 2002 G (128 minutes)

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The Faith of Angels movie poster: Boy in a cave flanked by two men

MOVIE

Faith of Angels

age 8+

Real-life rescue drama focuses on keeping the faith.

September 13, 2024 2024 PG (100 minutes)

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Fly Away Home Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

May 1, 1998 1998 PG (107 minutes)

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Miracle movie poster: A hockey player in USA jersey celebrates with his arms outstretched

MOVIE

Miracle

age 8+

Moving story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team.

February 6, 2004 2004 PG (130 minutes)

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Rally Caps movie poster: Family with caps on inside out.

MOVIE

Rally Caps

age 8+

Baseball-themed family tale with bullying, potty humor.

September 10, 2024 2024 NR (96 minutes)

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Rescued by Ruby Movie Poster

MOVIE

Rescued by Ruby

age 8+

Heartwarming true story has peril, positive messages.

March 17, 2022 2022 NR (93 minutes)

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Searching for Bobby Fischer Poster Image

MOVIE

Searching for Bobby Fischer

age 8+

Young chess prodigy learns about sportsmanship.

June 24, 2002 2002 PG (111 minutes)

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The Great Escape Poster Image

MOVIE

The Great Escape

age 8+

An exceptional story about teamwork.

July 4, 1963 1963 NR (172 minutes)

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Hidden Figures movie poster: Dorothy, Katherine, and Mary in 1950s clothing strut confidently

MOVIE

Hidden Figures

age 10+

Inspiring true story of African American women at NASA.

December 25, 2016 2016 PG (126 minutes)

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Hoosiers movie poster: Close-up on a basketball

MOVIE

Hoosiers

age 10+

Tale of sportsmanship dented by racist rewrite of history.

November 14, 1986 1986 PG (114 minutes)

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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.

July 29, 1994 1994 PG (97 minutes)

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Lost on a Mountain in Maine movie poster: A 12-year-old boy walks in a vast forest and looks over his shoulder

MOVIE

Lost on a Mountain in Maine

age 10+

Fact-based survival drama encourages perseverance; peril.

November 1, 2024 2024 PG (98 minutes)

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McFarland, USA Poster Image

MOVIE

McFarland, USA

age 10+

Poignant story about Latino runners a winner for families.

February 20, 2015 2015 PG (128 minutes)

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Mr. Holland's Opus Poster Image

MOVIE

Mr. Holland's Opus

age 10+

'90s drama about inspiring teacher has some cursing.

January 17, 1997 1997 PG (143 minutes)

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Nonnas movie poster: Vince Vaughn and the grandma-chefs.

MOVIE

Nonnas

age 10+

Mild language, drinking in family tale based on true story.

May 9, 2025 2025 PG (114 minutes)

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October Sky Poster Image

MOVIE

October Sky

age 10+

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

February 21, 1999 1999 PG (108 minutes)

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Queen of Katwe Poster Image

MOVIE

Queen of Katwe

age 10+

Inspiring true tale of girl Ugandan chess champ.

September 23, 2016 2016 PG (124 minutes)

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