Films based on actual events have a unique appeal, engaging the audience with authentic stories of victory, tragedy, and adventure. Hulu’s enormous library, especially, boasts an excellent range of truth-based films, each initiating its share of comedy, action, and

animation. Ranging from comedy-based adaptations to thrilling adventures, these accounts not only entertain but more often than not, educate us about past happenings and legendary figures that have contributed to our world. As we dive into the best true story movies on Hulu, we are reminded of that old saying: sometimes reality really is stranger and more wondrous than fiction.

10. Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story (2025)

One of Lifetime’s ‘Ripped From the Headlines’ series, ‘Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story’ is inspired by the real-life story of Marcela Borges, whose apartment was broken into by masked intruders armed with guns on November 15, 2009. The film presents a tense and truth-based depiction of the gruesome events, such as the gang demanding ransom for their release. Marcela, being unaware of how she can obtain that kind of money, makes some risky choices to keep her husband and 5-year-old son safe. Starring Dascha Polanco, Johnathan Sousa, Nisa Gunduz, Alessio Andrada, and Ivan Lopez, this movie is directed by Felipe Rodriguez. You can stream it here.

9. The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story (2023)

Directed by Simone Stock, ‘The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story’ presents the real-life account of 15-year-old Kara Robinson, who was abducted by a man on June 24, 2002, from her friend’s residence in West Columbia, S.C. He took her to his residence and raped her for up to 18 hours. Yet this didn’t divert Kara’s attention from remembering as many facts as she could and running away at the opportune time. She then took the police to the location, and the clues led to the serial killer, Richard Evonitz, a 38-year-old man. He already had three girls. While Evonitz fled after discovering that Robinson had run away, he was stopped by the police in Sarasota, Florida, on June 27, 2002, but killed himself. You can see the film here.

8. Suncoast (2024)

Directed by Laura Chinn, ‘Suncoast’ is a semi-autobiographical drama and is set in the early 2000s based on Chinn’s own life and experiences. The movie tracks teenager Doris and her life through her relationship with her stubborn mother, Kristine, and her terminally ill brother, Max. As Doris goes through such an overwhelming time in her life, she meets activist Paul Warren who is organizing a protest to express his support for a historic medical case. How ‘Suncoast’ addresses themes of family, friendship, happiness, loss, and discovery makes it a must-see coming-of-age drama. The movie features Nico Parker, Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, Daniella Taylor, and Ella Anderson. You may view it here.

7. Miranda’s Victim (2023)

It seems that all of us have heard lawyers inform prisoners and felons they have the right to remain silent and an attorney in films, television shows, and in real life. Ever wonder where they got this phrase from? Michelle Danner’s ‘Miranda’s Victim’ is about the crime and the subsequent court case that gave rise to this right for prisoners. Patricia “Trish” Weir was 18 when she has kidnapped and raped at knifepoint in a car by Ernesto Miranda in Phoenix in 1963. In Miranda vs. Arizona, the conviction was overruled in 1966 because the suspect didn’t know his rights. Although Miranda served time in prison, the American Legal System also revolutionized with a transformation that changed the country. Abigail Breslin stars as Patricia Weir, and Sebastian Quinn stars as Ernesto Miranda. To know how Weir struggled for justice and how the Miranda warnings became effective, you can watch ‘Miranda’s Victim’ here.

6. Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018)

‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ is a gritty crime drama by Jim Donovan. The film shines the light on the gruesome real events that took place in 1984 when Lisa McVey was kidnapped and kept captive by the serial killer Bobby Joe Long. The film narrates over a harrowing 26 hours, where Lisa employs her wit and bravery to drop hints regarding her abductor and later escape.

The movie includes outstanding performances by Katie Douglas (Lisa McVey), Rossif Sutherland (Bobby Joe Long), David James Elliott (Detective Larry Pinkerton), and Bruno Verdoni (Morris Elwood), among many others. Not only does the film detail the traumatic ordeal of Lisa, but it highlights the incredible resilience and courage of a young woman against her abuser. Earning its place on this list, the film is a testament to the human condition and strength and provides a strong message on survival and hope in the worst of situations. You can watch ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ here.

5. Breaking (2022)

Abi Damaris Corbin’s ‘Breaking’ is the real life story of 33-year-old Brian Brown-Easley, a marine veteran who went into Wells Fargo bank in Marietta, Georgia, on July 7, 2017, informing them that he had explosives in his bag. He threatened to blow up the bank if he did not get his monthly Veterans Affairs (VA) check. The movie depicts why he did this, as well as his mental health struggle and homelessness. How Brian met his tragic end and how the police treated him is depicted in an interesting way in the drama. John Boyega portrays Brian Brown-Easley to the T, depicting the helplessness, hurt, and rage that drove him. The movie is a poignant reminder of how crucial it is to listen to a person who wishes to be heard. ‘Breaking’ can be watched here.

4. The 24th (2020)

The historical drama ‘The 24th’ depicts the Houston riot of 1917 where over 150 members of the 24th Infantry Regiment (all-black) walked to Houston and fired. This was the response to the Houston Police Department (all-white) racist hostility every day against the black community of Houston and the soldiers at Camp Logan, Texas. This ill-treatment, scorn, and discrimination suffered by the regiment and their families are highlighted in a poignant and gripping way that paved the way for the next morning’s reckoning. Starring Trai Byers, Bashir Salahuddin, Mo McRae, Mykelti Williamson, and Aja Naomi King, ‘The 24th’ is directed by Kevin Willmott. You may view it here.

3. Boston Strangler (2023)

The Matt Ruskin-directed film is founded on the Boston Strangler case, a nickname for the serial killer(s) of 13 women in the Greater Boston area between 1962 and 1964. Although Albert DeSalvo, a man, was convicted of having committed the crimes from his confession and DNA left on the last victim, several entities subscribe to the belief that two or more individuals were responsible for the killings.

The film sheds light on the case through the perspective of Loretta McLaughlin, who was the initial reporter from the newspaper Boston Record American to report on the murders that pushed the Boston police to investigate the case that it had been neglecting and instead was engaging in raiding gay clubs (a flashback to the 1969 Stonewall riots) and repressing minorities. It features Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin, Carrie Coon as Loretta’s colleague reporter Jean Cole, and David Dastmalchian as Albert DeSalvo, among others. You can stream the movie here.

2. Harriet (2019)

‘Harriet’ recounts the real-life story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who liberated up to 70 enslaved individuals from 1851 to 1862. The movie documents Tubman’s courage, depicting how she escaped enslavement herself and employed the Underground Railroad to liberate numerous others, defying brutal adversity with high-stakes means. Cynthia Erivo does a lovely job depicting Harriet Tubman, wisely walking the line between the warmth and the courage in an impressive way. Starring alongside Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Clarke Peters, and Vondie Curtis-Hall, ‘Harriet’ is directed by Kasi Lemmons. You are able to view the movie here.

1. Prayers for Bobby (2009)+

Directed by Russell Mulcahy, ‘Prayers for Bobby’ is about Mary Griffith. Her gay son Bobby’s suicide turned her into an LGBT rights activist. Bobby committed suicide in 1983 at the age of 20 after Mary attempted to “cure” him by sending him to a conversion therapist. Sigourney Weaver was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her portrayal of Mary Griffith. Bobby is portrayed by Ryan Kelley. The movie itself won numerous awards and nominations and is a powerful critique of why the discrimination against members of the LGBT community must be confronted and brought to an end. ‘Prayers for Bobby’ is an adaptation of the same-named non-fiction novel by Leroy F. Aarons. You can view it here.