- Do you think you know all the stories on this list?
There is nothing better than real-life stories made into a movie. What is your favorite from the list?
Catch Me If You Can (2002) — Catch Me If You Can
Frank Abagnale Jr. became famous for allegedly posing as an airline pilot, doctor, lawyer, and other professionals while traveling around the world and cashing fraudulent checks. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Abagnale, with Tom Hanks portraying the FBI agent pursuing him. Important caveat: some of Abagnale’s most famous claims have been challenged by later investigations, so the movie is better treated as a dramatization of a disputed story than a completely reliable biography.
Into the Wild (2007) — Into the Wild
Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions and traveled across America before heading into the Alaskan wilderness. His story became
famous because of his rejection of conventional life—and the tragic consequences of attempting to survive alone.
Society of the Snow (2023) — Society of the Snow
A Uruguayan rugby team’s plane crashed in the Andes in 1972, leaving survivors stranded in extreme conditions. They endured freezing temperatures, avalanches, starvation, and isolation for more than two months. Their eventual rescue remains one of the most extraordinary survival stories ever documented. Did you know this as one of the real-life stories?
The Impossible (2012) — The Impossible
This emotional film follows a family caught in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while vacationing in Thailand. The story is based on the real experiences of María Belón and her family, who were separated by the tsunami and desperately searched for one another afterward. Do you know this as one of the real-life stories made into a movie?
127 Hours (2010) — 127 Hours
Aron Ralston became trapped in a remote Utah canyon after a boulder pinned his arm. After being trapped for days with little water, he made an extraordinary decision to amputate his own arm in order to escape.
Everest (2015) — Everest
Based on the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest climbing season, the movie follows climbers caught in a sudden and deadly storm near the summit. Several experienced climbers died during the disaster. Do you know this as one of the real-life stories made into a movie?
The Pianist (2002) — The Pianist
Pianist W?adys?aw Szpilman survived the Holocaust while hiding in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. The film depicts his isolation, starvation, and desperate attempts to survive as the city around him was destroyed. Did you know this as one of the real-life stories?
Hotel Rwanda (2004) — Hotel Rwanda
During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina sheltered hundreds of people from violence. The film dramatizes his efforts to protect them while the country descended into mass killing. Did you know this as one of the real-life stories?
Schindler’s List (1993) — Schindler’s List
Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist and Nazi Party member, ultimately used his factories and influence to protect Jewish workers from deportation and death. His actions helped save more than a thousand Jewish people. Do you know this as one of the real-life stories made into a movie?
Hacksaw Ridge (2016) — Hacksaw Ridge
Desmond Doss refused to carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs but volunteered as a combat medic. During the Battle of Okinawa, he repeatedly entered dangerous areas to rescue wounded soldiers. He eventually received the Medal of Honor.
Are your favorite real-life stories on this list? Tell us what’s missing in the comments!