With our carefully curated selection of the top true-story films available on Amazon Prime, explore the fascinating world of real-life narratives. Discover the incredible stories that, while available on one of the most well-liked streaming platforms, have moved, inspired, and astounded audiences all over the world. These movies give audiences a front-row seat to some of history’s most remarkable episodes, from compelling biopics to touching tales of human resiliency.
Come explore with us the cinematic power of truth while honoring the unwavering spirit of people and the moments that molded our planet. On Amazon Prime, take a cinematic adventure that will delight and educate you as reality collides with the big screen.
1. Nomadland (2020)
It’s difficult to even begin to sort through Chloe Zhao’s Oscar-winning drama because it so perfectly mingled fact and fantasy. However, attempting to unravel it might be entirely missing the mark. Frances McDormand portrays Fern, a recently bereaved and jobless individual who chooses to sell most of her possessions and live in a van while exploring the nation seeking employment opportunities.
Nomadland, which takes its cues from Jessica Bruder’s eponymous nonfiction book, wanders as its protagonists do, but what makes it so captivating is how it slowly and subtly draws you in.
2. The Woman King (2022)
Viola Davis may have been excused for penciling in a Best Actress candidacy for Gina Prince-Bythewood’s epic, which is set in West Africa in the early 1800s, despite it being strangely snubbed at the Oscars. As the commander of the Agojie, a formidable troop of female warriors in the Dahomey kingdom, General Nanisca, is played by the outstanding actress. Once they free their countrywomen from slave traders, they incur the wrath of the Oyo Empire, their neighbors in The Woman King.
3. Raging Bull (1980)
The 1970 autobiography “Raging Bull: My Story” by former American boxing champion Jake LaMotta served as the inspiration for “Raging Bull,” the fourth film that director Martin Scorsese and actor Robert De Niro collaborated on. The film portrays the dual lives of LaMotta (De Niro) and illustrates how his professional success was fueled by his fury and ferocity, which also caused turmoil in his personal life, particularly in his marriage to Vickie.
Eight Oscars were nominated for the movie; two were won (Best Actor (De Niro) and Best Film Editing). Numerous other honors and nominations were also given to it, including ones from the Golden Globes and BAFTAs.
4. Honey Boy (2019)
Alma Har’el’s film “Honey Boy,” which is based on a true story, is a potent drama. The movie delves into the turbulent life of actor Shia LaBeouf, who also created the screenplay, and his experiences growing up in the spotlight in Hollywood. Alongside Lucas Hedges and Noah Jupe as a younger version of themselves, LaBeouf portrays a figure that was inspired by his father.
An honest examination of family dynamics, addiction, and the challenges experienced by a young actor is provided in this moving and autobiographical movie. “Honey Boy” is a visceral and intensely emotional cinematic experience because it offers an unvarnished and intimate look into LaBeouf’s life. The movie can be viewed here.
5. One Night in Miami (2020)
Based on a true story, “One Night in Miami” is an engaging drama. A dramatized encounter with renowned characters Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) is depicted in the 1964 film. The four buddies get together in a hotel room following Ali’s unexpected victory over Sonny Liston to spend a heated evening debating their respective contributions to the civil rights struggle and their obligations as powerful Black men.
Under Regina King’s direction, a critical juncture in history is captured as it tackles issues of racism, identity, and activism. “One Night in Miami,” which highlights the social and political issues of the day, vividly depicts this extraordinary encounter with a cast that gives great performances.
6. By the Grace of God (2019)
Melvil Poupaud, Denis Ménochet, and Swann Arlaud are among the ensemble cast members of the moving French-Belgian drama “By the Grace of God,” which is directed by François Ozon. As they band together to expose the covert misconduct occurring within the Catholic Church, the film chronicles the terrifying journey of three survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. This gripping story, which draws inspiration from actual events, powerfully explores resilience and the search for justice while exposing the terrible realities and unwavering courage of individuals impacted by the abuse.
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7. The Big Sick
Michael Showalter’s romantic comedy “The Big Sick” is a touching portrayal of the real-life romance between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his current spouse, Emily V. Gordon, who also contributed to the writing. While falling in love with Emily, played by Zoe Kazan, Kumail, who plays himself, struggles with his Pakistani-American heritage.
As Emily becomes very ill and is put into a medically induced coma, Kumail deals with his own cultural and personal issues and unexpectedly bonds with Emily’s parents, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. This heartwarming and humorous movie skillfully conveys the highs and lows of their unusual real-life romance as well as the strength of family and love.
8. Beautiful Boy (2018)
Timothée Chalamet gives a standout performance in Felix Van Groeningen’s film “Beautiful Boy.” Chalamet’s methamphetamine addiction is portrayed in the film as the terrifying struggle of a father (Steve Carell) trying to overcome it. Based on the true stories of father and son David and Nic Sheff, this drama is intensely moving.
Critical praise is bestowed on Timothée Chalamet for her honest and captivating depiction of Nic’s battle with addiction. The film beautifully explores the intricacies of addiction and the unwavering love between a father and son. The compelling true story of the Sheffs is adapted here.
9. American Animals (2018)
The riveting robbery thriller “American Animals,” helmed by Bart Layton, bends the boundaries between narrative and documentary filmmaking. The film, which stars Blake Jenner, Jared Abrahamson, Evan Peters, and Barry Keoghan, is based on the true story of a group of college students who plot a daring library robbery. Its distinctive fusion of real-life interviews with the genuine people involved in the theft and cinematic storytelling is what makes it stand out.
“American Animals” is a very captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience because of the way it deftly combines their opinions with the on-screen drama to create a gripping investigation of reality, fabrication, and the repercussions of reckless ambition.
10. The Burial (2023)
The director Maggie Betts‘ film is partially based on a case for breach of contract that funeral home owner Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe brought against Raymond Loewen of the Loewen Funeral Group in 1995. By striking a partnership with O’Keefe, Raymond Loewen hoped to prevent him from entering the funeral business. Loewen was declared responsible. This would ultimately result in the Loewen Funeral Group’s demise, as they declared bankruptcy in 1999. In the movie, Bill Camp portrays Raymond Loewen, Jamie Foxx plays O’Keefe’s attorney Willie E. Gary, and Tommy Lee Jones plays Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe.