If you were captivated by the gripping true-story drama of 'Leave No Traces' (2021), you'll love these 10 similarly intense films and shows. This article explores titles that share its themes of justice, political intrigue, and personal resilience, offering a curated list for fans of powerful storytelling.

All the President's Men (1976)
Description: A classic investigative journalism film that meticulously follows reporters uncovering a political scandal, emphasizing the importance of persistence and truth.
Fact: The film is based on the Watergate scandal, which led to President Nixon's resignation. It is considered one of the greatest journalism films ever made.


Erin Brockovich (2000)
Description: An inspiring legal drama about an underdog fighting a corporate giant, highlighting environmental harm and the power of grassroots activism.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Erin Brockovich's lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric for contaminating drinking water. It won Julia Roberts an Academy Award for her performance.


The Whistleblower (2010)
Description: A harrowing thriller that exposes corruption and human trafficking, following a peacekeeper's dangerous quest for justice in a broken system.
Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of Kathryn Bolkovac, who uncovered a sex trafficking ring involving UN peacekeepers in Bosnia. It highlights the risks whistleblowers face.


Spotlight (2015)
Description: A gripping investigative drama that delves into systemic corruption and institutional cover-ups, focusing on a team of journalists uncovering uncomfortable truths.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life Boston Globe investigation that exposed widespread child abuse within the Catholic Church. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.


The Mauritanian (2021)
Description: A tense legal drama that explores themes of justice, human rights abuses, and the fight against a powerful system that seeks to silence the truth.
Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was detained without charge in Guantanamo Bay for 14 years. It highlights the complexities of post-9/11 legal battles.


Just Mercy (2019)
Description: An emotional legal drama that tackles systemic injustice, wrongful convictions, and the fight for redemption within a flawed judicial system.
Fact: The film is based on Bryan Stevenson's memoir about defending Walter McMillian, a wrongfully convicted man on death row. It underscores racial biases in the legal system.


Official Secrets (2019)
Description: A tense political drama about a whistleblower risking everything to expose government lies, focusing on the personal and professional consequences of truth-telling.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Katharine Gun, a British intelligence officer who leaked a memo about illegal NSA surveillance. It explores the ethics of whistleblowing.


The Post (2017)
Description: A historical drama that captures the tension between press freedom and government secrecy, centered around the publication of the Pentagon Papers.
Fact: The film dramatizes The Washington Post's decision to publish classified documents about the Vietnam War. It underscores the role of journalism in holding power accountable.


The Report (2019)
Description: A meticulous political drama that examines government secrecy, accountability, and the moral dilemmas faced by those uncovering harsh truths.
Fact: The film focuses on the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into the CIA's use of torture post-9/1It highlights the challenges of transparency in government.


Dark Waters (2019)
Description: A compelling legal thriller that uncovers corporate malfeasance and environmental crimes, following a tenacious lawyer's battle against a powerful corporation.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Robert Bilott's lawsuit against DuPont for contaminating water with toxic chemicals. It sheds light on the long-term effects of corporate negligence.
