Ridham Vashishth
Movies rooted in real-life events have a special resonance, captivating audiences with authentic tales of triumph, tragedy, and adventure. Hulu’s vast collection, in particular, offers a splendid variety of films grounded in truth, each bringing forth its blend of comedy, action, and animation. From humorous retellings to heart-pounding adventures, these stories not only entertain but often shed light on historical events and iconic personalities that shaped our world. As we delve into the best true story films available on Hulu, we are reminded of the age-old adage: sometimes, reality truly is stranger and more wonderful than fiction.
12. My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Based on cartoonist John “Derf” Backderf’s 2012 graphic novel of the same name, this film has been directed by Marc Meyers and showcases the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer as seen through the eyes of Backderf who was friends with Dahmer in high school during the 1970s right until the latter started killing people in 1978. The film shows Dahmer’s growing obsession with killing, which began with animals, and his growing distance from his parents and friends right to the point when he killed his first victim. Ross Lynch plays the role of Dahmer, and Alex Wolff plays the role of John “Derf” Backderf. You can watch the film here.
11. The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story (2023)
Directed by Simone Stock, ‘The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story’ tells the true story of 15-year-old Kara Robinson, who was kidnapped by a man on June 24, 2002, from her friend’s place in West Columbia, S.C. He took her to his house and assaulted her for as long as 18 hours. However, this didn’t shift Kara’s focus from keeping as many details as possible in mind and escaping at the right moment. She then led the police to the place, and the evidence pointed toward the serial killer, identified as 38-year-old Richard Evonitz. He already had three girls. Though Evonitz escaped after finding out that Robinson had fled, he was intercepted by the police in Sarasota, Florida, on June 27, 2002, but shot himself to death. Katie Douglas plays Kara Robinson, while Kristian Bruun plays Richard Evonitz. You can watch the film here.
10. Boston Strangler (2023)
The Matt Ruskin directorial is based on the case of the Boston Strangler, a name given to the murderer(s) of 13 women in Greater Boston between 1962 and 1964. While a guy named Albert DeSalvo was convicted of the crimes based on his confession and the DNA evidence recovered from the last victim, multiple parties believe that the murders were committed by more than one person.
The film throws light on the case from the POV of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter from the Boston Record American newspaper to break the news about the murders that compelled the Boston police to look into the case that it had been overlooking and instead was spending time raiding gay bars (a reminder of the 1969 Stonewall riots) and oppressing minorities. The cast includes Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin, Carrie Coon as Loretta’s fellow reporter Jean Cole, and David Dastmalchian as Albert DeSalvo, among others. You can watch the film here.
9. War Dogs (2016)
An entertaining film directed by Todd Phillips, the guy behind masterpieces like ‘Due Date,’ ‘The Hangover’ series, and ‘Joker,’ ‘War Dogs’ showcases the true story of business partners/childhood friends Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill) and David Packouz (Miles Teller) who start dealing in illegal arms and end up receiving a U.S. Army contract worth approximately $300 million to supply ammunitions for the Iraq War. Set in 2005, their misadventures and the situations they face during their tenure as businessmen from AEY Inc, a company that Efraim founded, until they get arrested by the FBI, is what the film entails.
The film is based on the book “Arms and the Dudes” which expanded the details from Guy Lawson’s 2011 Rolling Stone article and Efraim’s memoir “Once A Gun Runner,” although he did sue the producers of the film for using his story without his permission. You can watch the film here.
8. Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018)
‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ is a harrowing crime drama film directed by Jim Donovan. The movie brings to light the horrifying true events of 1984 when Lisa McVey was abducted and held captive by the serial killer Bobby Joe Long. The narrative unfolds over a terrifying 26-hour period, where Lisa uses her intelligence and courage to leave clues about her kidnapper and eventually escape.
The film features brilliant performances by Katie Douglas (Lisa McVey), Rossif Sutherland (Bobby Joe Long), David James Elliott (Detective Larry Pinkerton), and Bruno Verdoni (Morris Elwood), among others. Not only does the movie recount the traumatic experience of Lisa, but it emphasizes the remarkable resilience and bravery of a young woman against her tormentor. Earning a spot on this list, the film stands as a testament to the human spirit and resilience and offers a powerful message on survival and hope in the direst of circumstances. You may watch ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ here.
7. Nitram (2021)
‘Nitram’ is a biographical psychological drama film helmed by Justin Kurzel. The screenplay by Shaun Grant unfolds the troubled life of a young man named Nitram, which is essentially a fictional representation of Martin Bryant. This chilling story tracks the events that culminated in the heart-wrenching 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where Bryant murdered 35 people. The film successfully premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, where Caleb Landry Jones bagged the Best Actor award. Nitram has also earned eight awards at the 11th AACTA Awards, covering Best Film, Best Direction, and a range of acting accolades.
The ensemble cast comprises Caleb Landry Jones in the titular role, with Judy Davis, Essie Davis, Anthony LaPaglia, Sean Keenan, and Rick James providing potent supporting performances. This movie is not merely a retelling of a tragedy but a deep dive into societal negligence, mental health, and the horrifying consequences of both. It’s an essential film for viewers keen on understanding the complexities leading up to a real-life tragedy, making ‘Nitram’ deserving of its spot on this list. You may watch it here.
6. The Death of Stalin (2017)
‘The Death of Stalin’ is a black comedy film crafted masterfully by director Armando Iannucci. This political satire film finds its roots in the French graphic novel, ‘La Mort de Staline,’ created by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin. Depicting the chaotic aftermath of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s demise in 1953, the movie dives deep into the political power plays among the Council of Ministers. Much of the story revolves around Stalin’s sudden illness, the subsequent power vacuum, and the scramble among the Soviet elite to seize power.
Prominent members of its ensemble cast include Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Rupert Friend, Jason Isaacs, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, and Jeffrey Tambor. This film’s sharp wit and chilling portrayal of political maneuvering earned it wide acclaim. With a blend of humor and historical events, ‘The Death of Stalin’ not only educates but entertains. Its satirical approach to a significant historical event is why it has rightfully earned a place on this list. The movie does more than just recount history; it provides insight into the human condition during trying times. You can watch ‘The Death of Stalin’ here.
5. King Richard (2021)
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, ‘King Richard’ is based on the true story of Richard Williams, father of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, two of the greatest tennis players of all time. As we delve into the lives of the Williams, we get to see how Richard, supported by his wife, Brady, took on hardships and sacrifices with immense courage to ensure their daughters become the champions we know them as today. What’s surreal is that Richard had chalked out his plan even before the sisters were born. Nominated for many Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, with Will Smith winning the latter for his portrayal of Richard Williams, ‘King Richard’ is a compelling true-story-based drama. Alongside Smith, the cast includes Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams, Demi Singleton as Serena Williams, and Aunjanue Ellis as Brandy. You can watch the film here.
4. The Imitation Game (2014)
This is the true story of Alan Turing, a mathematician, computer scientist, philosopher, theoretical biologist, and many other things. Also known as the guy whose contributions to science eventually led to the birth of modern computers, Turing is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures of the modern age. However, in ‘Imitation Game,’ we see how he contributed to computers, albeit inadvertently. Turing was a member of a group that was brought together by the British government to break a potentially unbreakable code produced by the Enigma machine (a form of typewriter), which the Germans were using to communicate during World War II. How he and his team were able to pull off the feat is what we get to see in this film adaptation of Andrew Hodges’s 1983 biography ‘Alan Turing: The Enigma.’
We also find out about his sexuality, his feelings for his boarding school friend Christopher, and how he handled the loss (Christopher died of tuberculosis when they were studying). Turing’s stress and emotional trauma have been portrayed brilliantly by Benedict Cumberbatch. Alongside him, the cast also includes Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Mark Strong, and Charles Dance. You can watch ‘The Imitation Game’ here.
3. The Last Duel (2021)
From director Ridley Scott comes a historical drama starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck, and Jodie Comer. Based on Eric Jager’s 2004 book “The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France,” the film follows knight Jean de Carrouges (Damon) who challenges squire Jacques Le Gris (Driver) to a duel after the latter is accused of rape by the former’s wife Marguerite (Comer), an accusation that Jacques denies. Ben Affleck plays Count Pierre d’Alençon, to whom both the warriors have sworn allegiance and whom King Charles VI has declared Jean’s overlord. Set in 14th century France, ‘The Last Duel’ is a must-watch historical drama based on a true story. You can watch it here.
2. Spencer (2021)
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this film explores the mental state of Princess Diana as she tries to balance two lives: her personal life, wherein she has just found out about her husband Charles III’s affair with Camilla, and her cultural life that is under almost constant surveillance by the world media. Set in Christmas 1991, ‘Spencer’ puts forth the princess’s troubled and trapped state in a powerful and thought-provoking manner. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Diana and Jack Farthing as Charles III. You can stream it here.
1. Official Secrets (2019)
This Gavin Hood directorial is a drama based on real events. It revolves around analyst Katharine Gun, who worked at the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) under the government of the United Kingdom. She is the whistleblower responsible for leaking classified intel to the press concerning the involvement of America and England in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Starring Keira Knightley as Gun along with Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Matthew Goode, ‘Official Secrets’ is a must-watch historical drama with convincing character portrayals propelled by brilliant storytelling. You can stream it here.
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