In this post, we look at 15 new movies based on true stories. Each of these new movies has been adapted to film from nonfiction books. We’ll cover the big box office true story movies like Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon plus some lesser-known movies all based on true stories and all released in 2023. We’ve embedded the trailers for each movie we discuss to aid you in choosing your next movie to watch, and we’ll answer the question should you watch the movie or read the book? So it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a new movie based on a nonfiction book or a true story that has been turned into a movie you’re in the right place.
This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using links on this page, we may earn a commission.
American Prometheus / Oppenheimer
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, By Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
About the Book
Published in 2005 by Vintage Books.
American Prometheus is the first full-scale biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, “father of the atomic bomb,” the brilliant, charismatic physicist who led the effort to capture the awesome fire of the sun for his country in times of war. Immediately after Hiroshima, he became the most famous scientist of his generation, one of the iconic figures of the twentieth century, the embodiment of modern man confronting the consequences of scientific progress.
Oppenheimer, Directed by Christopher Nolan
About the Movie
Released July 21, 2023
Oppenheimer is a 2023 epic biographical thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film follows Oppenheimer’s journey from brilliant physicist to the head of the Manhattan Project, exploring his complex personality, his moral struggles with the creation of such a devastating weapon, and the lasting impact of his work on the world.
Where to Watch Oppenheimer
Watch the Trailer for Oppenheimer
Should you Read the Book or Watch the Movie?
My recommendation would be to watch the movie first and if you find yourself wanting more, there is much more information in the book, with a more detailed exploration of Oppenheimer’s life, personality, and motivations and more detail about the Manhattan Project and the political machinations involved.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann
About the Book
Published in 2017 by Doubleday
Killers of the Flower Moon throws you into a 1920s Oklahoma stained by oil money and bloodshed. Osage riches lure murderous shadows, stalking Mollie Burkhart and her family. Grann weaves a chilling true-crime narrative, threading Mollie’s plight with the fledgling FBI’s battle against a web of corruption, greed, and racial hate. This isn’t just a gripping page-turner, it’s a searing indictment of injustice, a testament to resilience, and a haunting echo of a dark chapter in American history.
Killers of the Flower Moon, Directed by Martin Scorsese
About the Movie
Released October 20, 2023
Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon draws inspiration from David Grann’s book of the same name but zooms in on Mollie Burkhart’s story for a more personal glimpse into the Osage murders.
Where to Watch Killers of the Flower Moon
Watch the Trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon
Should you read or watch it?
Read the book if you want a deep dive into the historical context and Grann’s insightful analysis.
The movie is the way to go if you prefer a more immediate and emotional experience with stunning visuals and captivating performances.
Dog Gone
Dog Gone: A Lost Pet’s Extraordinary Journey and the Family Who Brought Him Home, by Pauls Toutonghi
About the Book
Published June 14, 2016 by Knopf
In Dog Gone, a beloved golden named Gonker vanishes on a hike, launching the Marshalls into a 23-day frenzy across the Appalachian wilderness. Facing danger and despair, they chase a lifeline of hope, rediscovering family connections and witnessing Gonker’s improbable journey. This true story of love, resilience, and a canine’s miraculous return will tug at your heartstrings and leave you cheering for their reunion.
Dog Gone, Directed by Stephen Herek
About the movie
Released January 13, 2023
Netflix’s Dog Gone brings Gonker’s epic journey and the Marshalls’ desperate search from book to screen. Rob Lowe and breathtaking Appalachian visuals capture the urgency and love fueling their quest, while humor peeks through to light the way. This isn’t just about finding a dog; it’s about mending family ties, celebrating human-animal bonds, and reminding us that hope sometimes leads to miraculous reunions. Dog Gone is an emotional rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.
Where to Watch Dog Gone
Watch the Trailer for Dog Gone
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Watch the movie for stunning visuals and emotional performances, perfect for a quick, feel-good journey.
Read the book for a deeper dive, exploring the characters’ minds and Gonker’s perspective, ideal for savoring the story.
Why not experience both? Each will leave you cheering for their reunion!
How to Blow Up a Pipeline
How to Blow Up a Pipeline, by Andreas Malm
About the Book
Published January 5, 2021 by Verso Books
How to Blow Up a Pipeline ignites controversy with its call for climate activism beyond peaceful means. Malm argues sabotage against fossil fuel infrastructure could be a necessary weapon, drawing parallels to historic struggles and defying environmental orthodoxy. Critics question the ethics and effectiveness, but this firebrand book forces us to reckon with the gravity of the climate crisis and how far we might go to stop it.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Directed by Daniel Goldhaber
About the Movie
Released April 7, 2023
How to Blow Up a Pipeline the movie takes Malm’s ideas on eco-activism, weaves them into a suspenseful tale of young rebels, and leaves audiences debating the ethics of radical action in the face of climate crisis.
Where to Watch How to Blow Up a Pipeline
Watch the Trailer for How to Blow Up a Pipeline
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Both How to Blow Up a Pipeline by Andreas Malm and the film adaptation offer unique perspectives on the controversial topic of climate activism and the potential role of sabotage.
Reading the book will give you a deeper dive into Malm’s arguments around climate activism, property destruction, and social change. You’ll encounter Malm’s engaging writing style, and experience his passionate arguments and critical analysis firsthand.
Watching the film will give you an emotional impact using visuals and storytelling to amplify the urgency and intensity of the climate crisis and the potential consequences of inaction.
Fruitland / Dreamin’ Wild
Fruitland, by Steven Kurutz
About the Article
Fruitland is a creative nonfiction article by Steven Kurutz, it tells the story of Donnie and Joe Emerson, two brothers from Fruitland, WA, an isolated community outside of Spokane, who as teenagers in the late 1970s self-recorded an album in a log cabin studio their father built for them on the family farm.
Dreamin’ Wild, Directed by Bill Pohlad
About the Movie
Released August 4, 2023
Dreamin’ Wild takes you on a bittersweet journey with brothers Donnie and Joe Emerson, chasing musical dreams in 1970s America. From their teenage bedroom recordings in a log-cabin studio to the complexities of adult fame, the film explores ambition, family ties, the seductive allure (and potential downfall) of success, and the bittersweet chance at redemption. Prepare for heartfelt performances, a nostalgic vibe, and a story that delves deeper than your typical music biopic.
Where to Watch Dreamin’ Wild
Watch the Trailer for Dreamin’ Wild
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
The article, Fruitland, by Steven Kurutz is about 30 minutes and free to read. I’d suggest reading it first and if the story resonates with you watch the movie for the full experience.
The Burial
The Burial, by Jonathan Harr
About the Book
Jonathan Harr’s The Burial, published in the New Yorker in 1999, is a gripping true-crime account of a David-and-Goliath courtroom battle in the American South. It tells the story of Willie E. Gary, a young Black lawyer, taking on the powerful Loewen Group, a behemoth in the funeral industry, on behalf of his client, Jeremiah O’Keefe, a small-town Mississippi funeral home owner.
The Burial, Directed by Maggie Betts
About the movie
Released October 6, 2023
This movie isn’t a straight copy of a New Yorker article, but a captivating reimagining. Inspired by the true story of a tenacious lawyer taking on a corporate behemoth in a funeral industry scandal, the film fleshes out the original account with fictional elements to create a powerful cinematic journey exploring race, justice, and the fight against corporate giants.
Where to Watch The Burial
Watch the Trailer for The Burial
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Reviews are in and they are positive for this movie based on a true story. Watching the movie is the recommended course of action for The Burial.
The Great Beanie Baby Bubble / The Beanie Bubble
The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute, by Zac Bissonnette
About the Book
Published March 3, 2015 by Portfolio
The Great Beanie Baby Bubble by Zac Bissonnette, explores the rise and fall of the Beanie Baby craze in the 1990s. The book analyzes the psychological and economic factors that contributed to the phenomenon, emphasizing how limited production, strategic marketing, and the perception of scarcity led to a mass delusion. Bissonnette discusses the social dynamics and group psychology behind the Beanie Baby craze, highlighting the speculative buying and trading that eventually led to a market crash.
The Beanie Bubble, Directed by Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash Jr.
About the movie
Released July 21, 2023
While The Beanie Bubble draws its premise from Zac Bissonnette’s non-fiction book The Great Beanie Baby Bubble, it’s not a straight adaptation. The film focuses on a fictionalized version of Ty Warner’s story, featuring three invented women who represent the crucial female influence behind his success. Expect comedy, satire aimed at consumerism and media hype, and touching moments exploring mass obsession, all wrapped in the fluffy nostalgia of Beanie Babies.
Where to Watch The Beanie Bubble
Watch the Trailer for The Beanie Bubble
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Read the book for comprehensive, factual details about the craze, exploring economic factors, marketing strategies, and societal impact.
Watch the movie for a character-driven, entertaining experience. It focuses on fictionalized characters and storylines, offering humor, satire, and the personal journeys of key figures.
Flamin’ Hot
Flamin’ Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man’s Rise from Janitor to Top Executive, by Richard Montañez
About the Book
Published June 15, 2021 by Portfolio
Flamin’ Hot is a captivating memoir by Richard Montañez. It chronicles the remarkable journey of a janitor who defied the odds and transformed his life. Montañez invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, a spicy snack that revolutionized the food industry. Despite having no formal education beyond the sixth grade, he became the first Latino frontline worker to be promoted to an executive position within Frito-Lay. His story serves as an empowerment manual for anyone stuck in a dead-end job or facing a system stacked against them. Montañez’s science of walking through closed doors inspires others to break free from career ruts and shape their own futures. The memoir has been adapted into a Hulu feature film, directed by Eva Longoria, further amplifying Montañez’s remarkable journey and the impact of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos .
Flamin’ Hot, Directed by Eva Longoria
About the movie
Released June 9, 2023
Flamin’ Hot is the movie based on the true story of Richard Montañez. Jesse Garcia portrays the Frito-Lay janitor Montañez, who was initially unemployed and selling drugs and eventually found work at Frito-Lay. Inspired by the lack of spicy snacks, he invented the iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheetos flavor in a secret test kitchen. Despite facing skepticism and lacking marketing experience, Montañez rose through the corporate ranks, becoming the first Latino frontline worker promoted to an executive position within the company. The film, directed by Eva Longoria, captures the remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and determination that led to the creation of this beloved snack.
Where to Watch Flamin’ Hot
Watch the Trailer for Flamin’ Hot
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Both the movie and the book offer unique experiences.
Watch the movie if you enjoy visual storytelling, dynamic performances, and want a condensed version of Richard Montañez’s inspiring journey. The movie captures the essence of his rise from janitor to executive, emphasizing pivotal moments and emotional arcs.
Read the book if you prefer in-depth exploration, personal insights, and a comprehensive understanding of Montañez’s life. Richard Montañez’s memoir delves into nuances, challenges, and the mindset behind his achievements.
Reaching for the Stars / A Million Miles Away
Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut, by José M. Hernández
About the Book
Published September 4, 2012 by Center Street
Reaching for the Stars chronicles Hernández’s remarkable journey from his humble beginnings as a migrant worker in California to his eventual triumph as a NASA astronaut. It delves into the challenges he faced along the way, including poverty, discrimination, and language barriers, as well as the unwavering support of his family and his own unwavering determination.
A Million Miles Away, Directed by Alejandra Marquez Abella
About the movie
Released September 15, 2023
A Million Miles Away condenses the emotional depth and detailed journey of Hernández’s autobiography Reaching for the Stars into a cinematic experience, sacrificing nuance for visual impact and emotional resonance. While the film captures the key events and inspiring message, it skims over personal struggles and cultural context.
Where to Watch a Million Miles Away
Watch the Trailer for A Million Miles Away
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Read the book if you want a deeper dive into José Hernandez’s life and his thoughts and feelings, you enjoy engaging with detailed personal narratives and the author’s voice, you’re interested in the historical context and specific challenges faced by migrant workers in California, and you prefer a slower, contemplative experience where you can pace yourself and revisit passages.
Watch the movie if you prefer a visual and emotional storytelling format with strong performances, appreciate shorter, condensed narratives with a focus on key events and themes and you want quicker access to the main aspects of Hernandez’s journey.
The Antisocial Network / Dumb Money
The Antisocial Network: The GameStop Short Squeeze and the Ragtag Group of Amateur Traders That Brought Wall Street to Its Knees, by Ben Mezrich
About the Book
Published September 7, 2021 by Grand Central Publishing
Ben Mezrich’s The Antisocial Network chronicles the electrifying 2021 GameStop short squeeze, where online retail traders on r/WallStreetBets ignited a financial rebellion, sending a struggling video game retailer’s stock soaring and inflicting massive losses on hedge funds who bet against it. This captivating David-vs-Goliath saga explores the power of social media, democratization of finance, and the volatile world of speculation, leaving readers enthralled by the daring moves and potential consequences of amateur investors challenging Wall Street’s giants.
Dumb Money, Directed by Craig Gillespie
About the Movie
Released September 15, 2023
Dumb Money, inspired by the GameStop saga and Ben Mezrich’s “The Antisocial Network,” takes you on a thrilling ride through the eyes of two brothers caught in the Reddit-fueled frenzy. With condensed drama and humanized perspectives, the film captures the excitement, chaos, and ethical gray areas of amateur traders taking on Wall Street, leaving you both entertained and pondering the future of finance.
Where to Watch Dumb Money
Watch the Trailer for Dumb Money
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Both the movie Dumb Money and the book The Antisocial Network offer intriguing looks at the GameStop short squeeze, but cater to different tastes.
If you prefer fast-paced entertainment and emotional engagement watch Dumb Money. It’s a thrilling movie with condensed drama and relatable characters, capturing the chaotic excitement of the events.
For a deeper understanding of the historical context and broader implications read The Antisocial Network. It provides a thorough and well-researched account of the squeeze, exploring the motivations of key players and the complex factors at play.
Elvis and Me / Priscilla
Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Between Priscilla Presley and the King of Rock N’ Roll, by Priscilla Presley, and Sandra Harmon
About the Book
Published August 1, 2023 by Berkley
Elvis and Me is a memoir by Priscilla Presley, chronicling her life with the King of Rock and Roll from their teenage meet-cute in Germany to their tumultuous marriage, the birth of their daughter Lisa Marie, and their eventual divorce in 1973. The memoir offers a raw and unfiltered look at their love story, delving into the joys of Elvis’s charisma and talent, as well as the dark underbelly of fame, addiction, and infidelity that ultimately tore them apart. It’s a must-read for any Elvis fan seeking to understand the man behind the legend and a captivating glimpse into the whirlwind world of celebrity.
Priscilla, Directed by Sofia Coppola
About the Movie
Released
This Sofia Coppola-directed film takes a more artistic and nuanced approach to Priscilla’s story. While still based on the memoir Elvis and Me, it focuses more on Priscilla’s perspective and journey, exploring her growth and self-discovery within the whirlwind of her marriage to Elvis. The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis, and has received positive reviews for its performances, visuals, and Coppola’s unique take on the material.
Where to Watch Priscilla
Watch the Trailer for Priscilla
Should you Read the Book or Watch the Movie?
For the full, detailed story read the book. Elvis and Me is a comprehensive memoir that delves into every aspect of Priscilla and Elvis’s relationship, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.
For a more focused and emotional perspective watch the movie. Priscilla takes a more artistic and introspective approach, focusing on Priscilla’s emotional journey and self-discovery within the marriage.
Enzo Ferrari / Ferrari
Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine, by Brock Yates
About the Book
Published May 1, 1991 by Doubleday
Enzo Ferrari by Brock Yates is a renowned and acclaimed biography that explores the life and legacy of the iconic figure behind the Ferrari brand. It’s a fascinating study of a complex and often contradictory man who revolutionized the world of racing and automotive design.
Ferrari, Directed by Michael Mann
About the Movie
Released December 25, 2023
Ferrari is not a direct adaptation of Brock Yates’ biography Enzo Ferrari However, it takes heavy inspiration from the book and other sources to portray a specific period in Enzo Ferrari’s life, the summer of 1957, a pivotal year for Enzo Ferrari as his company faced financial difficulties and a crucial race, the Mille Miglia.
Where to Watch Ferrari
Watch the Trailer for Ferrari
Should you Read the Book or Watch the Movie?
The Book Enzo Ferrari by Brock Yates offers a deep dive into Enzo’s entire life and career, exploring his early years, personal struggles, and the evolution of the Ferrari brand.
The movie Ferrari Directed by Michael Mann delivers a condensed and focused story set in a specific period, perfect for a shorter commitment.
Find a Way / Nyad
Find a Way: The Inspiring Story of One Woman’s Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream, by Diana Nyad
About the Book
Published October 20, 2015
Find a Way chronicles Diana Nyad’s remarkable journey, culminating in her historic, cage-free swim from Cuba to Florida. A sports memoir; that’s a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the power of never giving up.
Nyad, Directed by Directed Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
About the Movie
Released October 20, 2023
The Netflix adaption Nyad follows Diana Nyad as she sets out at 60 to achieve a nearly impossible lifelong dream: to swim from Cuba to Florida across more than 100 miles of open ocean. It delves into her motivations, challenges, physical and mental struggles, and the unwavering support of her team
Where to Watch Nyad
Watch the Trailer for Nyad
Should You Read the Book or Watch the Movie
Watch the true story movie for visually stunning, fast-paced narrative, and strong performances, but a simplified story
Read the took for more detailed, deeper insights into this inspiring true story.
The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, by Daniel James Brown
About the Book
Published January 1, 2013 by Viking
The Boys in the Boat takes you through the epic journey of nine working-class American rowers, battling Depression woes and Olympic underdogs, as they fight their way to gold in Nazi-tainted Berlin. Brown blends thrilling sportsmanship, personal demons conquered, and a defiant stand against Hitler’s propaganda, crafting a tale of raw courage, unlikely triumph, and the human spirit’s power to overcome.
The Boys in the Boat, Directed by George Clooney
About the Movie
Released December 25, 2023
This cinematic tribute to Brown’s book throws you right into the crew’s journey, cheering for their triumphs, feeling their doubts, and ultimately celebrating the unyielding power of the human spirit to rise above any tide.
Where to Watch The Boys in the Boat
Watch the Trailer for The Boys in the Boat
Should you Read the Book or Watch the Movie?
Read the book if you want a deeper dive into the historical context, individual crew members’ stories, and Daniel James Brown’s rich writing style and you prefer a slower, more contemplative experience to fully digest the story’s layers.
Watch the movie if you want to feel the exhilaration of rowing right alongside the crew and prefer a faster-paced and condensed storytelling experience.
Caste / Origin
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson
About the Book
In Caste, Wilkerson throws a wrench in your understanding of inequality. Forget just race or class; America hums on a hidden caste system, echoing echoes of India and Nazi Germany. Through powerful stories and meticulous research, she reveals its eight pillars – stigma, bloodlines, and more – shaping everything from education to healthcare, leaving you both shaken and empowered to dismantle this unjust framework. Read it, and see America anew.
Origin, Directed by Ava DuVernay
About the Movie
Released December 8, 2023
Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay, isn’t a straight adaptation of Wilkerson’s Caste, but rather a cinematic interpretation inspired by its core themes. Instead of following the book’s broader historical scope, it dives deep into the personal story of Beaulah, a young Black woman navigating the complexities of American caste in the 1950s.
Where to Watch Origin
Watch the Trailer for Origin
Should you Read the Book or Watch the Movie?
Read Caste if you crave a comprehensive and deep dive into the history and mechanisms of caste systems and you want a broader perspective encompassing diverse experiences and historical comparisons.
Watch Origin if you prefer a visually powerful and emotionally engaging experience, and you want a focused story highlighting the personal impact of America’s caste system.
Both Caste and Origin offer valuable insights. Origin delivers a gut-wrenching cinematic experience, while Caste provides a comprehensive intellectual exploration. You can even enjoy both for a deeper understanding of America’s hidden caste system and its consequences.
As you can tell 2023 was a huge year for movies based on true stories and we’re sure you’ve found something here worth reading or watching.
If you’ve found this article helpful please consider sharing it with your friends. Until next time, happy reading and happy watching!
