10 Movies & Shows Like The Fifth Estate

Description: A gripping investigative journalism drama that delves into political corruption and the power of the press to uncover truth, mirroring themes of uncovering hidden truths and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The Washington Post newsroom set was meticulously recreated to match the actual Post offices.

Description: A tense drama about corporate whistleblowing and the personal risks involved in exposing powerful institutions, showcasing the intersection of journalism, ethics, and personal sacrifice.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a tobacco industry whistleblower. It was initially titled 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' but was changed to avoid confusion with the Hitchcock film.

Description: A meticulous thriller about the hunt for a serial killer, focusing on the obsessive nature of investigation and the impact of unsolved mysteries on those who pursue them.

Fact: Director David Fincher used actual police reports and interviews to ensure accuracy. The film's runtime is longer than the combined screen time of all previous Zodiac killer movies.

Description: A political thriller that intertwines journalism, politics, and personal relationships, highlighting the investigative process and the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters.

Fact: The film is an adaptation of a British TV series of the same name. Russell Crowe gained weight and grew his hair out to play the role of a seasoned journalist.

Description: A harrowing drama based on true events, focusing on the courage of a woman who exposes human trafficking and corruption, underscoring the personal costs of standing up for justice.

Fact: The film is inspired by the experiences of Kathryn Bolkovac, a UN peacekeeper who uncovered a sex trafficking ring in Bosnia. Rachel Weisz spent months researching the role, including meeting Bolkovac.

Description: A fast-paced drama about the creation of a tech giant, focusing on themes of ambition, betrayal, and the ethical ambiguities of innovation and power in the digital age.

Fact: The film's screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, who completed the first draft in just two weeks. Mark Zuckerberg reportedly learned about the movie from a Facebook status update.

Description: This film explores the relentless pursuit of truth by journalists uncovering systemic abuse, highlighting the importance of investigative reporting and the moral responsibility of the media.

Fact: Spotlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture in

Description: A biographical thriller about a whistleblower who exposes global surveillance programs, exploring themes of privacy, government overreach, and the moral complexities of leaking classified information.

Fact: Joseph Gordon-Levitt spent time with Edward Snowden in Moscow to prepare for the role. The film's premiere was held in Hong Kong, where Snowden first revealed the NSA documents.

Description: A tense political thriller about a whistleblower who risks everything to expose government deceit, emphasizing the moral and legal challenges of revealing classified information.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Katharine Gun, a British intelligence specialist who leaked a memo about illegal NSA surveillance. Keira Knightley prepared for the role by studying Gun's mannerisms and speech patterns.

Description: A historical drama about the ethical challenges faced by journalists when handling classified information, emphasizing the tension between national security and the public's right to know.

Fact: The film is based on The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. It was the first collaboration between Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks.