10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Spotlight (2015)

Description: Similar to 'Spotlight' (2015), 'All the President's Men' is a gripping investigative journalism film that delves into uncovering a major scandal—the Watergate scandal in this case. Both films highlight the painstaking process of investigative reporting, the importance of journalistic integrity, and the impact of media on holding power to account. The meticulous attention to detail and the slow-burning tension as the reporters piece together the story are key similarities.

Fact: The film is based on the 1974 non-fiction book of the same name by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, the journalists who broke the Watergate scandal. Robert Redford, who played Bob Woodward, was instrumental in getting the film made and even interviewed the real Woodward to prepare for the role. The Washington Post newsroom set was meticulously recreated to match the actual Post newsroom, down to the placement of desks and typewriters.

Description: 'The Insider' parallels 'Spotlight' in its exploration of institutional corruption and the personal risks taken by those who expose it. Both films feature whistleblowers and journalists working against powerful entities—Big Tobacco in 'The Insider' and the Catholic Church in 'Spotlight'. The films share a tense, procedural approach to storytelling and a focus on ethical journalism.

Fact: Russell Crowe gained 35 pounds and wore a prosthetic nose to play whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand. The real Jeffrey Wigand served as a consultant on the film and approved of Crowe's portrayal. Director Michael Mann shot many scenes with multiple cameras to capture spontaneous reactions from the actors.

Description: 'Erin Brockovich' parallels 'Spotlight' in its portrayal of an underdog taking on a powerful corporation (PG&E) over its harmful actions. Both films highlight the importance of perseverance in uncovering truth and justice, with a focus on how systemic wrongdoing affects ordinary people. The films share an inspirational tone despite their serious subject matter.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her performance, one of the few Best Actress wins for a film not nominated for Best Picture. The real Erin Brockovich appears briefly in the film as a waitress named Julia. Director Steven Soderbergh shot the film in just 52 days, an unusually short schedule for a major studio film.

Description: Like 'Spotlight', 'Zodiac' is a methodical, detail-oriented film about an investigation—in this case, the hunt for the Zodiac Killer. Both films showcase the obsessive nature of uncovering the truth and the toll it takes on those involved. The narrative style, which prioritizes process over sensationalism, is a key similarity, as is the focus on real-life events.

Fact: Director David Fincher, who was a child in the Bay Area during the Zodiac Killer's reign, insisted on extreme accuracy, even using the same fonts as the original Zodiac letters. Robert Downey Jr. ad-libbed many of his lines, staying in character as journalist Paul Avery even between takes. The film's runtime is 157 minutes, making it one of the longest mainstream thriller films ever released.

Description: Similar to 'Spotlight', 'The Whistleblower' deals with the exposure of institutional cover-ups of abuse—in this case, UN peacekeepers involved in sex trafficking. Both films showcase the personal risks taken by those who expose corruption and the often inadequate responses from the institutions meant to address such crimes. The films share a gritty, realistic approach to their difficult subject matter.

Fact: The film is based on the experiences of Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska police officer who served as a UN peacekeeper in Bosnia. Rachel Weisz spent time with the real Bolkovac to prepare for her role and insisted on doing her own stunts. Much of the film was shot in Romania, which stood in for Bosnia, and used actual Bosnian refugees as extras.

Description: 'She Said' is a direct counterpart to 'Spotlight', as both films chronicle investigative journalism that exposes systemic sexual abuse—Harvey Weinstein's crimes in 'She Said' and the Catholic Church's cover-ups in 'Spotlight'. Both emphasize the importance of survivor testimonies and the challenges journalists face in getting powerful institutions to be held accountable.

Fact: The film is based on the 2019 book by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the New York Times reporters who broke the Weinstein story. Some scenes were filmed in the actual New York Times newsroom where the investigation took place. Actress Samantha Morton, who plays one of Weinstein's accusers, had her own negative experiences with Harvey Weinstein earlier in her career.

Description: Like 'Spotlight', 'The Mauritanian' deals with the exposure of institutional wrongdoing—in this case, the U.S. government's treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Both films showcase the importance of legal and journalistic efforts to uncover truth, and the personal costs borne by those who challenge powerful systems. The films share a commitment to factual storytelling about controversial real-world events.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir 'Guantánamo Diary' by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was detained without charge for 14 years. Jodie Foster learned Arabic for her role as defense attorney Nancy Hollander. Tahar Rahim, who plays Slahi, met with the real Slahi only after filming to avoid being overly influenced by his mannerisms.

Description: 'The Post' shares with 'Spotlight' a focus on the power of journalism to challenge authority and expose corruption. Both films are set in the world of newspapers and involve the uncovering of systemic cover-ups—the Pentagon Papers in 'The Post' and the Catholic Church abuse scandal in 'Spotlight'. The films also emphasize the ethical dilemmas and risks faced by journalists in their pursuit of truth.

Fact: 'The Post' marks the first time Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and director Steven Spielberg worked together on a film. The film was shot in just 9 months from start to finish, a remarkably short time for a major Hollywood production. The character of Ben Bradlee, played by Tom Hanks, was previously portrayed by Jason Robards in 'All the President's Men', for which Robards won an Oscar.

Description: Like 'Spotlight', 'The Report' follows a dogged investigator uncovering uncomfortable truths about powerful institutions—in this case, the CIA's use of torture after 9/11. Both films showcase the bureaucratic obstacles faced by truth-seekers and the moral imperative of exposing wrongdoing, regardless of the personal or professional cost.

Fact: Adam Driver prepared for his role as Senate staffer Daniel Jones by spending time with the real Jones and reading thousands of pages of the actual torture report. The film's writer-director Scott Z. Burns also wrote 'The Bourne Ultimatum' and 'Contagion'. Much of the film was shot in Washington D.C. to maintain authenticity, including in actual government buildings.

Description: 'Dark Waters' shares with 'Spotlight' a narrative about a relentless legal investigation into systemic corruption—chemical pollution by DuPont in this case. Both films highlight the David vs. Goliath nature of taking on powerful, entrenched institutions and the years-long commitment required to achieve justice. The understated, fact-based storytelling style is another similarity.

Fact: Mark Ruffalo, who stars as lawyer Robert Bilott, also produced the film after reading about the case in a 2016 New York Times Magazine article. The real Robert Bilott makes a cameo appearance in the film as a lawyer at a deposition. Director Todd Haynes is better known for art house films like 'Carol' and 'Far From Heaven', making this his most mainstream project to date.