10 Movies and Shows Similar to The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)

Description: This classic shares with 'The People vs. Larry Flynt' a focus on the intersection of media, politics, and justice. Both films are based on true stories that had significant impacts on American society, featuring journalists or public figures challenging powerful institutions.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman starred as the investigative reporters. It won four Academy Awards.

Description: Both 'The Insider' and 'The People vs. Larry Flynt' are based on true stories of individuals who take on powerful institutions. They explore themes of whistleblowing, corporate corruption, and the role of media in shaping public opinion, with intense courtroom and boardroom dramas.

Fact: The film is based on a true story featured in a '60 Minutes' episode. Russell Crowe gained weight and wore a prosthetic nose for his role. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Description: This film shares with 'The People vs. Larry Flynt' a focus on a controversial, larger-than-life figure whose actions challenge societal norms and legal boundaries. Both movies explore themes of excess, corruption, and the American Dream, with a satirical tone that critiques the systems enabling their protagonists' rise and fall.

Fact: Martin Scorsese directed the film, marking his fifth collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio. The real Jordan Belfort makes a cameo in the film. It holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film.

Description: Like 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', 'The Social Network' explores themes of ambition, controversy, and the legal battles surrounding a controversial figure. Both films delve into the complexities of American values, freedom of speech, and the impact of media on public perception. The storytelling style is fast-paced and dialogue-driven, focusing on the protagonist's rise and the societal implications of their actions.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp, rapid-fire dialogue. Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film won three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Both 'The Big Short' and 'The People vs. Larry Flynt' critique American institutions and challenge the audience to question societal norms. They use innovative storytelling techniques to explain complex subjects (finance in 'The Big Short', legal battles in 'Larry Flynt') and feature ensemble casts portraying real-life figures.

Fact: Director Adam McKay used celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts. The film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It was based on Michael Lewis's book of the same name.

Description: Similar to 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', 'American Hustle' is a biographical drama that blends humor with serious themes of corruption and morality. Both films feature charismatic, flawed protagonists navigating legal and ethical dilemmas, with a strong emphasis on character development and period detail.

Fact: The film was inspired by the FBI's ABSCAM operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Christian Bale gained 43 pounds for his role. The film received 10 Academy Award nominations.

Description: Like 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', 'Spotlight' deals with themes of institutional corruption and the power of journalism to effect change. Both films are based on true stories and emphasize the importance of investigative reporting in holding powerful entities accountable.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The real-life 'Spotlight' team consulted on the film. It was shot in the actual locations where the events occurred.

Description: This film shares with 'The People vs. Larry Flynt' a focus on a brilliant but flawed innovator whose personal and professional lives are fraught with controversy. Both movies use a non-linear narrative structure to explore their subjects' complexities and impacts on society.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, who also wrote 'The Social Network'. The film is structured in three acts, each taking place before a product launch. Michael Fassbender trained for months to mimic Jobs's mannerisms.

Description: Like 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', 'The Founder' tells the story of a controversial American entrepreneur whose ambition leads to legal and ethical conflicts. Both films explore themes of capitalism, innovation, and the darker side of the American Dream.

Fact: Michael Keaton stars as Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald's into a global franchise. The film was directed by John Lee Hancock, known for 'The Blind Side'. It explores the concept of 'theft of an idea' similar to themes in 'The Social Network'.

Description: Similar to 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', 'The Post' explores themes of freedom of the press and the fight against governmental suppression. Both films highlight pivotal moments in American history where individuals stood up for First Amendment rights.

Fact: The film stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. It was directed by Steven Spielberg. The events depicted in the film led to the Pentagon Papers case.