If you’re in the mood for something real, compelling, and cinematic this weekend, true-story movies offer a blend of drama and inspiration that fictional films sometimes can't match.
Here’s your weekend selection from some of the most acclaimed true-story films.
The Pursuit of Happiness
The 2006 film tells the moving story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who ends up homeless with his young son but never gives up on his dream of becoming a stockbroker. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, it’s a heartfelt reminder of perseverance, parental love, and the belief that things can always get better with enough effort and faith.
Produced by Columbia Pictures, it stars Will Smith in one of his most powerful performances, alongside his real-life son Jaden Smith.
Catch Me If You Can
Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by DreamWorks Pictures, the 2002 movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenager who manages to con millions while pretending to be a pilot, doctor, and lawyer — all before his 21st birthday.
Tom Hanks plays the FBI agent hot on his trail, resulting in a dynamic and entertaining game of cat and mouse. What makes it even more thrilling is that the unbelievable story is actually true.
Hidden Figures
Next is 2016's powerful and uplifting film produced by 20th Century Fox. It tells the story of three brilliant African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who worked at NASA during the space race and played critical roles in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, and directed by Theodore Melfi, the film shines a light on the intersection of race, gender, and science in an era of deep segregation.
The Wolf of Wall Street
For those looking for something wild and provocative, this 2013 film delivers both laughs and jaw-dropping excess. Directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Paramount Pictures and Red Granite Pictures, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who built a fortune through fraud and manipulation.
It’s a cautionary tale of greed and corruption, filled with unforgettable performances and outrageous moments that reflect the dangerous high of unchecked ambition.
American Sniper
Another gripping pick is American Sniper (2014), a war biopic produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and directed by Clint Eastwood. Bradley Cooper portrays Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.
This film explores not just Kyle’s accomplishments on the battlefield, but also the emotional toll of war and the difficulties of returning to civilian life. It’s a tense and emotional ride that pays tribute to the complexity of modern soldiers’ experiences.
Dumb Money
If you’re interested in a more recent and relevant story, Dumb Money (2023) is a great choice. Produced by Columbia Pictures and directed by Craig Gillespie, the film brings to life the GameStop stock market saga of 2021.
Starring Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, and America Ferrera, it follows everyday investors who turned the financial world upside down by taking on hedge funds. The film balances humor and heart while diving into digital-era finance and the power of online communities.
The Imitation Game
Lastly, this 2014 movie was produced by The Weinstein Company, is a moving historical drama about Alan Turing, the British mathematician and codebreaker who cracked the Nazi Enigma code during World War II.
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a deeply affecting performance as Turing, whose genius helped end the war but whose life was later marred by persecution due to his sexuality. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the film is both a tribute to Turing’s legacy and a sobering reminder of injustice.