Here are some examples of engaging dramatic movies that are based on real life events. These movies may help you better understand the diverse levels of evil behavior in our world. In many cases, these movies feature the people who have tenaciously worked to identify the problems and help prevent further pain and suffering. These movies cover a range of topics, from environmental pollution to corporate malfeasance and institutional abuse. Each film provides a compelling narrative that sheds light on real-world issues.

The Mauritanian (2021)

• Highlight: Tells the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. government at Guantanamo Bay for years.
• Website: The Mauritanian

Dark Waters (2019)

• Highlight: Based on a true story, a corporate attorney takes on a chemical company accused of polluting a town’s water supply.
• Website: Dark Waters – IMDb

The Report (2019)

• Highlight: This film follows Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones and his investigation into the CIA’s use of torture post-9/11, revealing brutal practices and cover-ups.
• Website: The Report

The Post (2017)

• Highlight: Tells the story of journalists from The Washington Post and their attempts to publish the Pentagon Papers, exposing a massive government cover-up about the Vietnam War.
• Website: The Post

Detroit (2017)

• Highlight: Focuses on the Algiers Motel incident during Detroit’s 1967 12th Street Riot, involving the death of three black men and the brutal beatings of others by the police.
• Website: Detroit

Spotlight (2015)

• Highlight: Follows The Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team as they investigate allegations of child abuse within the Catholic Church.
• Website: Spotlight – IMDb

The Big Short (2015)

• Highlight: Follows the lives of several financial professionals who predicted the 2008 financial crisis and took on the big banks’ fraudulent activities.
• Website: The Big Short

12 Years a Slave (2013)

• Highlight: Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who is abducted and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States.
• Website: 12 Years a Slave

The Social Network (2010)

• Highlight: Chronicles the founding of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles and ethical dilemmas faced by its creator, Mark Zuckerberg.
• Website: The Social Network – IMDb

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

• Highlight: Depicts the story of Paul Rusesabagina, who sheltered over a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
• Website: Hotel Rwanda

The Corporation (2003)

• Highlight: Documentary that examines the concept of corporations as legal persons and their impact on society and the environment.
• Website: The Corporation – IMDb

Erin Brockovich (2000)

• Highlight: Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich fights against a California power company accused of polluting a city’s water supply.
• Website: Erin Brockovich – IMDb

The Insider (1999)

• Highlight: Investigates the tobacco industry’s practices, particularly its knowledge of the health risks associated with smoking.
• Website: The Insider – IMDb

The China Syndrome (1979)

• Highlight: Explores the dangers of nuclear power and corporate cover-ups after a reporter uncovers safety violations at a nuclear plant.
• Website: The China Syndrome – IMDb

TAKE ACTION:

After watching one or more of these dramatic movies based on real life, we encourage you to click here to “Take Action”. You have more power than you may think to impact positive change for yourself and the community.