“True Story” Netflix Movies that Are Not so True

Many Netflix movies claim to be based on true stories, drawing viewers in with the promise of real-life drama. However, some of these films stretch the truth, adding fictional elements for entertainment or to fit a narrative, leaving audiences questioning what’s real and what’s not.

This list explores Netflix movies labeled as “true stories” that take significant creative liberties. From exaggerated events to entirely made-up characters, these films blur the line between fact and fiction, often prioritizing drama over accuracy.

‘The Highwaymen’ (2019)

This film follows Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Manny Gault as they hunt down Bonnie and Clyde. It aims to correct the glamorous portrayal of the criminal couple in earlier movies by focusing on the lawmen’s perspective.

However, it plays fast and loose with history. The movie downplays Hamer’s reported sexism and simplifies the complex dynamics of the chase, creating a more heroic narrative than the messy reality of the manhunt.

‘The Irishman’ (2019)

Martin Scorsese’s epic tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a hitman who claims involvement in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. It’s based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses, which presents Sheeran’s confessions.

Many historians doubt Sheeran’s account, as key details lack corroboration. The film includes unverified events and dramatizes relationships, making it more a gripping tale than a factual recounting of Hoffa’s fate.

‘Mank’ (2020)

This David Fincher film dives into the life of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he writes Citizen Kane. It portrays him as the primary creative force behind the iconic movie.

In reality, the script was a collaboration with Orson Welles, and the film exaggerates Mankiewicz’s struggles and conflicts. It leans heavily into Hollywood drama, sidelining some historical nuances for a more compelling story.

‘The King’ (2019)

This historical drama follows King Henry V of England, focusing on his rise to power and the Battle of Agincourt. It draws from Shakespeare’s plays and historical accounts.

The film takes major liberties, altering timelines and character motivations. For example, it portrays Henry as a reluctant ruler, while historical evidence suggests he was ambitious and ruthless, crafting a more sympathetic figure for modern audiences.

‘Unfrosted’ (2024)

This comedic take on the creation of the Pop-Tart follows a fictionalized version of Kellogg’s employee William Post. It’s marketed as a quirky true story with a star-studded cast.

The movie wildly exaggerates the stakes, comparing a breakfast pastry rivalry to the Cold War. Real-life figures like John F. Kennedy appear in absurd, made-up scenarios, prioritizing humor over historical accuracy.

‘Public Enemies’ (2009)

This film tracks the life of bank robber John Dillinger, with Johnny Depp in the lead role. It focuses on his crime spree and the FBI’s pursuit during the Great Depression.

While the broad strokes are accurate, the movie adds fictional romantic subplots and condenses events for drama. Dillinger’s personality and relationships are glamorized, straying from the grittier reality of his life.

‘Lost Girls’ (2020)

This movie centers on Mari Gilbert’s search for her missing daughter, Shannan, tied to the Gilgo Beach murders. It’s framed as a true crime story with a mother as the driving force.

In truth, Mari’s role in the investigation was less central than depicted. The film amplifies her confrontations with police and adds dramatic flourishes, making it more about emotional impact than factual precision.

‘The Most Hated Woman in America’ (2017)

This biopic tells the story of Madalyn Murray O’Hair, an atheist activist who fought to remove prayer from public schools. It highlights her controversial life and eventual murder.

The film simplifies her complex personality and the legal battles she faced. It also adds fictionalized drama to her relationships and the events leading to her death, prioritizing shock value over nuance.

‘Pain Hustlers’ (2023)

This film follows Liza Drake, a single mom who gets caught up in a prescription drug scheme. It’s inspired by real events in the pharmaceutical industry during the opioid crisis.

However, the characters and specific events are largely fictionalized. The movie leans into a Wolf of Wall Street-style narrative, exaggerating the glitz and moral dilemmas for a more cinematic experience.

‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ (2019)

Zac Efron stars as Ted Bundy in this film, which focuses on his relationship with Liz Kendall while he’s investigated for his crimes. It’s based on Kendall’s memoir.

The movie avoids graphic violence to focus on Bundy’s charm, but it fabricates key interactions and downplays the brutality of his actions. This creates a more romanticized view than the grim reality.

‘Dolemite Is My Name’ (2019)

This biopic celebrates Rudy Ray Moore, a comedian who creates the blaxploitation character Dolemite. Eddie Murphy stars as the ambitious, larger-than-life entertainer.

While Moore’s journey is real, the film embellishes his struggles and successes for comedic effect. It streamlines his career and adds fictionalized moments, making it more a tribute than a precise biography.

‘The Good Nurse’ (2022)

This thriller follows nurse Amy Loughren as she uncovers the crimes of serial killer Charles Cullen. It’s based on the real case of a nurse who killed patients in hospitals.

The film takes liberties with Loughren’s role in catching Cullen, dramatizing her as a detective-like figure. Real events are condensed, and personal details are altered to heighten the suspense.

‘Woman of the Hour’ (2023)

Directed by Anna Kendrick, this film explores serial killer Rodney Alcala’s appearance on The Dating Game. It centers on contestant Sheryl Bradshaw’s unsettling encounter with him.

While the premise is true, the movie fabricates much of Bradshaw’s story and her interactions with Alcala. It weaves a thrilling narrative but strays from documented facts for dramatic tension.

‘Maestro’ (2023)

This biopic dives into the life of composer Leonard Bernstein, focusing on his career and marriage to Felicia Montealegre. Bradley Cooper stars and directs.

The film prioritizes emotional drama over historical accuracy, exaggerating conflicts in Bernstein’s personal life. Some events and relationships are altered or invented to create a more cinematic portrait.

‘Rustin’ (2023)

This film tells the story of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington. Colman Domingo delivers a powerful performance.

However, it simplifies Rustin’s complex relationships with other activists and exaggerates certain events for emotional impact. The film crafts a more streamlined, heroic narrative than the messy reality.

‘Molly’s Game’ (2017)

This movie follows Molly Bloom, a former skier who runs high-stakes poker games. It’s based on her memoir about her rise and fall in the gambling world.

The film amplifies the glamour and danger of Bloom’s life, adding fictionalized characters and events. It also softens some of her real-life legal troubles for a more sympathetic portrayal.

‘The Frozen Ground’ (2013)

This thriller tracks Alaska state trooper Jack Halcombe as he hunts serial killer Robert Hansen. Nicolas Cage and Vanessa Hudgens star in the gritty drama.

The movie condenses the timeline of Hansen’s crimes and invents key interactions, including Hudgens’ character. It prioritizes suspense over accuracy, creating a more straightforward narrative than the real case.

‘American Gangster’ (2007)

Denzel Washington stars as drug lord Frank Lucas in this crime drama about his rise in 1970s Harlem. It’s based on Lucas’ real-life empire.

The film exaggerates Lucas’ wealth and influence while simplifying his rivalry with law enforcement. Many details, like his relationship with detective Richie Roberts, are dramatized for cinematic flair.

’22 July’ (2018)

This Paul Greengrass film recounts the 2011 Norway attacks by Anders Behring Breivik, focusing on the aftermath and a survivor’s recovery. It’s a heavy, emotional story.

While the broad events are accurate, the film compresses timelines and adds fictionalized personal stories for emotional weight. It prioritizes drama over a fully factual retelling of the tragedy.

‘First They Killed My Father’ (2017)

Directed by Angelina Jolie, this film follows Loung Ung’s childhood during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. It’s based on her memoir of survival.

The movie stays close to Ung’s story but adds dramatic flourishes to heighten the emotional stakes. Some characters and events are altered or simplified to fit a cinematic narrative.

What’s your take on these Netflix movies that stretch the truth—any favorites or ones you think went too far? Share your thoughts in the comments!