10 Movies & Shows Similar to Based on a True Story (2023)

Description: Both 'Mare of Easttown' and 'Based on a True Story' are crime dramas that focus on small-town mysteries and the personal struggles of their protagonists. They share a gritty, realistic tone and explore themes of grief, family, and redemption.

Fact: 'Mare of Easttown' stars Kate Winslet, who also served as an executive producer. The series is set in a small Pennsylvania town, with its authentic setting adding to the show's realism. Winslet's performance earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

Description: Like 'Based on a True Story', 'Dirty John' is a psychological thriller based on true events, focusing on a manipulative and dangerous individual who enters the lives of unsuspecting victims. Both series highlight the themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of falling for a charming yet deceitful person.

Fact: 'Dirty John' is based on the popular podcast of the same name by Christopher Goffard. The series stars Connie Britton and Eric Bana, with Britton also serving as an executive producer. The real-life John Meehan, whom the series is based on, was a convicted felon and serial con artist.

Description: Both 'True Detective' and 'Based on a True Story' are crime dramas that blend elements of mystery and psychological thriller. They feature intricate storytelling, deep character studies, and a dark, atmospheric tone that keeps viewers engaged.

Fact: 'True Detective' is an anthology series, with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, with McConaughey's performance earning widespread acclaim. The show's title sequence and soundtrack have been praised for their moody and evocative style.

Description: Similar to 'Based on a True Story', 'The Night Of' is a crime drama that explores the complexities of the justice system and the psychological toll of being accused of a crime. Both shows are intense, character-driven narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Fact: 'The Night Of' is based on the British series 'Criminal Justice'. The series stars Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, with Ahmed earning an Emmy nomination for his performance. The show's realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system has been praised by critics and audiences alike.

Description: Both 'Sharp Objects' and 'Based on a True Story' are dark, psychological dramas that explore the intricacies of human behavior and the impact of past traumas. They share a similar tone of suspense and mystery, with strong female leads navigating complex emotional landscapes.

Fact: 'Sharp Objects' is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. The series was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, known for his work on 'Big Little Lies'. Amy Adams received critical acclaim for her role as Camille Preaker, a journalist investigating a murder in her hometown.

Description: Similar to 'Based on a True Story', 'Big Little Lies' combines elements of drama, mystery, and psychological thriller, with a focus on the lives of women entangled in a web of secrets and lies. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and explore themes of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of hidden truths.

Fact: 'Big Little Lies' is based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. The series stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley, with Kidman winning an Emmy for her performance. The show's soundtrack features a mix of indie and classic rock, adding to its atmospheric tone.

Description: Both 'The Undoing' and 'Based on a True Story' are psychological thrillers that revolve around the unraveling of seemingly perfect lives. They share themes of deception, suspicion, and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of affluent lifestyles.

Fact: 'The Undoing' stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, with Kidman also serving as an executive producer. The series is based on the novel 'You Should Have Known' by Jean Hanff Korelitz. The show was filmed in New York City, with its luxurious settings adding to the tension and drama.

Description: Like 'Based on a True Story', 'The Outsider' is a psychological thriller that blends crime drama with supernatural elements. Both shows explore the themes of doubt, fear, and the unknown, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

Fact: 'The Outsider' is based on the novel by Stephen King. The series stars Ben Mendelsohn and Jason Bateman, with Bateman also directing the first two episodes. The show's eerie atmosphere and slow-burning suspense have been compared to classic King adaptations.

Description: Similar to 'Based on a True Story' (2023), 'The Act' is a crime drama series that delves into the psychological complexities of its characters, based on real-life events. Both shows explore themes of deception, manipulation, and the dark side of human nature, with a strong focus on character-driven narratives.

Fact: 'The Act' is based on the real-life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee Blanchard, whose case gained national attention. The series stars Joey King and Patricia Arquette, with Arquette winning a Golden Globe for her performance. The show's title refers to the act Dee Dee put on to convince others that her daughter was seriously ill.

Description: Like 'Based on a True Story', 'The Sinner' is a crime drama that delves into the psychological motivations behind seemingly inexplicable crimes. Both shows focus on uncovering hidden truths and exploring the complexities of human behavior.

Fact: 'The Sinner' is based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr. The series stars Jessica Biel in its first season, who also served as an executive producer. Each season of the show follows a different case, with Bill Pullman's Detective Harry Ambrose as the connecting thread.