How often have you seen a movie and mocked how “unrealistic” the characters are? Well, think again because some of the most famous fictional characters are based on real-life people.
Yep, from serial killers to astronauts to even thieves, you will be surprised how frequently Hollywood is inspired by real life. But, while some of these might leave you pleasantly surprised, others will leave you confused and a bit scared.
Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line”
The 2005 biopic Walk the Line starred Joaquin Phoenix as the legendary crooner Johnny Cash. Based on Cash’s autobiography of the same name, the movie chronicles Cash’s rise from humble beginnings to rock legend.
Screenshot from “Walk the Line,” Image by ITV/Shutterstock (679332ba)
Though the movie was criticized for leaning too heavily on Cash’s self-flattering perspective, it still gained rave reviews for its production and performances. Phoenix and Witherspoon sang all the songs for the soundtrack, impressing viewers and critics alike with their musical talents.
Colin Firth as King George VI in “The King’s Speech”
Colin Firth starred in this 2010 blockbuster focusing on the life and times of the legendary King George VI of England. King George famously suffered from a terrible stutter and struggled with his public appointments and speeches after becoming king.
Screenshot from “The King’s Speech,” Image via Wikipedia
This powerful movie showed how he slowly overcame his speech impediment with the help of unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue, played by Geoffrey Rush. The film was a hit, earning over $400 at the box office and being nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning four.
Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in “My Week With Marilyn”
Stepping into the shoes of iconic movie stars and pin-up Marilyn Monroe is a pretty daunting task for any actress. Still, acclaimed Oscar-nominated star Michelle Williams was more than up to the challenge.
Screenshot from “My Week With Marilyn,” Image by Snap/Shutterstock (390878ep)
The movie focuses on a few critical days of the Hollywood icon’s life, showing a more human side to the legendary superstar celeb with whom we are all familiar. Williams gained massive recognition for her role as Monroe and won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance.
Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in “Ray”
This 2004 biopic focused on the life of legendary jazz and blues singer Ray Charles. Charles lost his sight at the age of seven but still went on to become one of the most successful performers of modern times.
Screenshot from “Ray,” Image via William Morris Agency / Wikipedia
Ray chronicled his incredible journey, starring Jamie Foxx in the title role. Foxx won widespread critical acclaim for his performance, winning him the Academy Award for Best Actor and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln in “Lincoln”
Daniel Day-Lewis starred in this 2012 blockbuster following the life and times of U.S. president Abraham Lincoln, who led the Union during the Civil War. The screenplay was based on the historical book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Screenshot from “Lincoln,” Image via Alexander Gardner / Wikipedia
Day-Lewis is renowned for his “method acting” approach, meaning he immerses himself in his character, and his portrayal of Lincoln was incredibly intense and powerful. The movie was a massive success, making over $275 million at the box office and winning widespread critical acclaim.
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote in “Capote”
This 2005 biopic starred legendary actor Philip Seymour Hoffman as equally legendary author Truman Capote. The movie follows Capote’s journey and resulting inner turmoil as he wrote the classic true-crime novel In Cold Blood and depicts the intense struggle of the author to separate fact from fiction.
Screenshot from “Capote,” Image via Anefo / Wikipedia
Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance, and the movie received widespread critical acclaim from critics worldwide, as well as making a whopping $50 million at the box office.
Amy Adams as Margaret Keane in “Big Eyes”
The movie Big Eyes is named after the characteristic features of the lead character, Margaret Keane’s iconic and now famous paintings. The real-life Margaret Keane overcame years of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, who falsely claimed that he was the creator of her paintings.
Screenshot from “Big Eyes,” Image via Margaret Keane / Facebook
Amy Adam’s stunning turn portraying the artist in the 2014 movie depicted Keane as she pursued a successful artistic career despite her husband’s attempts at sabotage. Big Eyes grossed almost $30 million at the box office and won Adams a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance.
Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in “Goodfellas”
One of the classic mafia movies of all time, Goodfellas starred Hollywood heavyweights Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, and Joe Pesci as members of a mafioso crime gang. Liotta starred as real-life infamous crime leader Henry Hill, immortalized in the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, on which the movie is based.
Screenshot from “Goodfellas,” Image via Wikipedia
The movie was widely praised by critics and was a massive box office success, and has become one of the most influential films in the movie industry history and overall pop culture.
Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey in “Gorillas in the Mist”
The 1988 movie Gorillas in the Midst was based on the book of the same name by Dian Fossey, a renowned primatologist and conservationist, who chronicled her excellent work studying gorillas at the Karisoke Research Center, and the discoveries she made there alongside legendary ape expert Jane Goodall.
Screenshot from “Gorillas in the Mist,” Image via Wikipedia
The movie starred Sigourney Weaver and was a surprise smash hit—science and conservation themes don’t always end up as massive blockbusters—making over $60 million at the box office and garnering high praise and critical acclaim for Weaver.
Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There”
Cate Blanchett was only one of several actors who portrayed legendary singer Bob Dylan in this unconventional movie. Different actors played him at other times in his career, including massive stars such as Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw, and Marcus Carl Franklin.
Screenshot from “I’m Not There,” Image by Shutterstock (14265a)
Blanchett portrayed him in his post-electric phase and received widespread critical acclaim for her performance. The movie also gained the seal of approval from Dylan himself, with him saying to Rolling Stone, “those actors were incredible.”
Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos in “Monster”
The 2003 drama Monster chronicles the true-life story of one of America’s most infamous serial killers, Aileen Wuornos. It follows Wuornos from her childhood to the point of her first conviction for murder.
Screenshot from “Monster,” Image via Wikipedia
Charlize Theron wowed audiences with her portrayal of Wuornos—not just because of her incredible acting performance, but because of the intense physical transformation. Her hard work paid off, winning her the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs in “Jobs”
Hollywood heartthrob Ashton Kutcher was a surprise choice to star in this 2013 biopic, chronicling the life of Apple C.E.O. Steve Jobs and his staggering rise to success. The movie followed Jobs from his university days at Reed College in 1974 until he released the first Apple iPod in 2001.
Screenshot from “Jobs,” Image via Wikipedia
The movie, directed by Joshua Michael Stern, made a whopping $421 million at the box office. It was also widely praised by critics and chosen to close out the prestigious 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Sean Penn as Harvey Milk in “Milk”
This incredibly moving 2008 film starred Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, one of the first politicians in America to come out as openly gay. The movie follows Milk through his younger life and later taking office, depicting the sixties counterculture that was a backdrop for his journey towards politics and activism.
Screenshot from “Milk,” Image via Wikipedia
Directed by esteemed filmmaker Gus Van Sant, the movie made over $54 million at the box office and is credited with bringing more comprehensive awareness of LGBTQ+ issues to the audience of the time.
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house once the final credits rolled on this epic 2018 movie. Even for non-Queen fans, Rami Malek’s portrayal of the legendary Freddie Mercury as he rose to fame.
Screenshot from “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Image by Alan Davidson/Shutterstock (7531429a)
And Then, later, the struggles and successes he went through at the top were exquisitely pulled off and gained him a place in Hollywood royalty. The movie made an incredible $903 million at the box office, and Malek won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.
Jessie Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network”
Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, this 2010 movie chronicles the life of tech giant and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, from his humble beginnings as a nerdy student and along his journey to becoming one of the wealthiest men in the world.
Screenshot from “The Social Network,” Image via Mark Zuckerberg /Facebook
Also starring Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, the movie received rave reviews, with the critical response aggregator Rotten Tomatoes saying, “Impeccably scripted, beautifully directed, and filled with fine performances, The Social Network is a riveting, ambitious example of modern filmmaking at its finest.”
Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything”
2014’s The Theory of Everything was a moving look at the life and journey of renowned scientist and genius Stephen Hawking, from his early beginnings to establishing himself as a giant of physics and the ups and downs of his personal life along the way.
Screenshot from “The Theory of Everything,” Image via NASA / Wikipedia
Redmayne gave a stunning performance, sensitively studying and depicting Hawking’s symptoms as his battle with A.L.S. progressed before eventually claiming his life. The movie made an impressive $123.7 million at the box office, and Redmayne’s performance won him the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe for Best Actor—Motion Picture Drama.
Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich in “Erin Brockovich”
Julia Roberts starred in this 2000 movie about a law clerk who takes on corporate giants in a battle to stop them from polluting the water of her hometown with poisonous chemicals. The real-life Erin Brockovich had noticed that the people of Hinkley were all suffering from similar diseases, which all stemmed from this toxic substance in their water.
Screenshot from “Erin Brockovich,” Image via Erin Brockovich / Facebook
Roberts’ performance as Brockovich showed her tremendous strength and resilience to fight against the powers to get justice for the people. Her portrayal won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress, Bafta Award for Best Actress, and a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in “The Doors”
In 1991, the swoonsome Val Kilmer amazed audiences worldwide with his stunning turn as a legendary rocker and musician Jim Morrison in The Doors. The film made $34 million at the box office and has since achieved cult status.
Screenshot from “The Doors,” Image via Wikipedia
The movie chronicles the life and times of Morrison, his rise to fame, and the ups and downs of his personal life along his journey—as well as showcasing the heady times of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy in “The Blind Side”
The 2009 epic sports drama The Blind Side starred Sandra Bullock as Lee Ann Tuohy, a wealthy woman who adopted working-class student Michael Oher, played by Quinton Aaron, and helped him get the opportunities and exposure he needed day become one of the biggest stars in the N.F.L.
Screenshot from “The Blind Side,” Image via @leighannetuohy / I.G.
The movie was based on the biography The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis and gained widespread praise for its accuracy. Bullock also won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress for the role.
Will Smith as Muhammad Ali in “Ali”
Much loved actor Will Smith has come a long way from his comedic hip-hip beginnings on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Smith stunned audiences worldwide with his incredible performance as legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Screenshot from “Ali,” Image via Ira Rosenberg / Wikipedia
Known primarily for his comedy styling, with this role, Smith proved himself as a severe character actor, beefing himself up and taking extensive study in boxing and Islam. Smith’s efforts paid off, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort in “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Fan-favourite Leonardo DiCaprio is famed for his varied and challenging film roles, and his turn in The Wolf of Wall Street was no different. Also starring Margot Robbie and Jonah Hill, the movie remains one of the most popular productions of all time.
Screenshot from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Image via @wolfofwallst / IG
Martin Scorsese’s 2013 epic followed the autobiography of Jordan Belfort, a determined and charismatic con man who charms much of America’s wealth and earns himself a small fortune. DiCaprio was also nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor and won the Golden Globe for the same category.
Tom Hanks as Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger in “Sully”
Audiences were glued to their seats throughout the entirety of Clint Eastwood’s 2016 movie Sully, starring Tom Hanks in the title role as the real-life pilot Chesley Sullenberger. The movie chronicled Sullenberger’s incredible quick thinking and life-saving actions when he was forced to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York City.
Screenshot from “Sully,” Image via NASA / Wikipedia
The film also focuses on the aftermath of the miracle and the surprising backlash Sullenberger received from aviation authorities. Any Tom Hanks movie is a guaranteed classic, but Sully is a bona fide blockbuster, making over $240 million at the box office.
Clare Danes as Temple Grandin in “Temple Grandin”
Much loved actress Clare Danes gave a star turn in this 2010 biopic of a renowned animal behaviorist and autism expert, Temple Grandin. Grandin, who herself has autism, has become a well-known figure worldwide.
Screenshot from “Temple Grandin,” Image via Jonathunder / Wikipedia
Most thanks to her campaigns for the humane treatment of animals and her work as a spokesperson for those on the autistic spectrum. The movie won five Primetime Emmy Awards, and Danes received a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance.
Emma Watson as Alexis Neiers in “The Bling Ring”
Best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the iconic Harry Potter film franchise, Emma Watson took another starring turn in the real-life crime drama The Bling Ring in 2013. Though Watson’s character didn’t have the same name as Neiers, it was clear that she inspired the role.
Screenshot from “The Bling Ring,” Image via @itsalexishaines / IG
Watson’s character is involved in a burglary gang nicknamed the Bling Ring, just as Neiers was in real life. The Bling Ring targeted and robbed the homes of wealthy celebrities before Neiers was eventually caught and sent to prison.
Steve Carrell as John du Pont in “Foxcatcher”
Funnyman Steve Carrell made his name in hilarious roles such as Michael Scott in N.B.C.’s cringe comedy The Office, but once in a while, he surprises us with his powerful and severe skilled character acting.
Screenshot from “Foxcatcher,” Image via Wikipedia
In 2014 he starred in the true-crime sports drama Foxcatcher, where he played the wrestling coach turned murderer John du Pont. The movie follows du Pont as he recruits two Olympic wrestlers to coach his future team. Also starring Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo, the film was nominated for five Academy Awards.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube in “Straight Outta Compton”
Young actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. seemed like the perfect choice to play hip-hop legend Ice Cube, not just because of his considerable acting talents, but because he is his son! What better way to research the subject of your new role than by growing up and being raised by them?
Screenshot from “Straight Outta Compton”, Image via @icecube / I.G.
In this 2015 biographical drama, Jackson Jr. gave a stunning performance as the rapper, part of the legendary gangsta rap group N.W.A. The movie received rave reviews, and Jackson Jr. won an NAACP Image Award for his performance.
Corey Hawkins as Dr. Dre in “Straight Outta Compton”
The 2015 blockbuster hit Straight Outta Compton appears twice on our list because more than one legendary hip-hop figure was depicted in the story’s drama. Corey Hawkins appears as the iconic rapper and music producer Dr. Dre and received widespread critical acclaim for his performance.
Screenshot from “Straight Outta Compton,” Image via @drdre/I.G.
The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. In addition, the cast received a nod for the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Zac Efron as Ted Bundy in “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile”
Teen heartthrob Zac Efron departed from his usual squeaky-clean roles when he landed the part of an infamous sociopath and serial killer, Ted Bundy, in this chilling 2019 biopic.
Screenshot from “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile,” Image via Wikipedia
The movie tells the story of Bundy’s life and how he came to commit his crimes from the perspective of his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Kendall. The film received criticism for potentially glorifying Bundy’s crimes and charismatic character, but Efron’s performance was universally considered a great success.
Rachel McAdams as Sacha Pfeiffer in “Spotlight”
The 2015 autobiographical drama film Spotlight focuses on the real-life adventures of the newspaper The Boston Globe’s famous “Spotlight” team. This investigative unit delves into accusations of child abuse in the Catholic church.
Screenshot from “Spotlight”, Image via @SachaPfeiffer / Twitter
McAdams starred as journalist Sacha Pfeiffer, the investigative journalist, and radio host. The movie was a smash hit, grossing almost $100 million at the box office, being nominated for six Academy Award nominations and winning two.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes in “The Aviator”
Leonardo DiCaprio appears once again on our list, famous as he is for tackling challenging roles and bringing accurate depictions to real-life characters. In this 2004 epic biopic by Martin Scorsese, DiCaprio plays Howard Hughes, the famous aviation pioneer and film producer.
Screenshot from “The Aviator,” Image via Wikipedia
Based on the 1993 book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life by biographer Charles Higham, the movie received praise for its accuracy and was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning five.
Adrien Brody as Władysław Szpilman in “The Pianist”
Already a well-respected actor, Adrien Brody gave a career-defining turn in what many consider still the most outstanding performance in his life in Roman Polanski’s 2002 war drama film The Pianist.
Screenshot from “The Pianist,” Image via Wikipedia
Set against the backdrop of the horrors of the Holocaust, Brody starred as Władysław Szpilman, a classical pianist and composer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, The Pianist was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one—including the Best Actor accolade for Brody.