Watching a film based on a true story is the epitome of entertainment multitasking. Not only are you being entertained, possibly by some of your fave actors, but you are also learning. Right? It definitely counts, because even if you think you know all about the historical events or personal tales these films spotlight, you’re bound to be shocked by a novel detail or feel the power of the stories in a way that reading about them simply can’t produce. From war heroes to tragic love stories to the making of legends, the true-story movies coming out in 2020 are *truly* some of the best.
The Last Full Measure
The Last Full Measure focuses on Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger, a U.S. Air Force pararescue medic who personally saved more than 60 men and lost his own life in the process. The film chronicles the decades-long conspiracy behind why he was denied a Medal of Honor. The all-star cast includes William Hurt, Sebastian Stan, Peter Fonda (in one of his last roles), Samuel L. Jackson, and more.
Burden
Burden premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and finally hit theaters this year. It tells the story of an orphan raised by the Ku Klux Klan, who wants out after his girlfriend shows him the error of his ways. A welcoming reverend of a black congregation helps him, his girlfriend, and her son as the Klan seeks revenge.
I Still Believe
Riverdale’s KJ Apa stars as Christian singer Jeremy Camp in this biopic about the musician’s journey when the love of his life is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It’s a story of love, loss, and the never-ending fight to find meaning in suffering. Have tissues at the ready, because it’s bound to make you cry.
Military Wives
In Military Wives, a group of women in England whose partners are serving in Afghanistan come together to form a choir. It’s a feel-good comedy featuring Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan.
Resistance
Before he was the world’s most famous mime, Marcel Marceau was pursuing an acting career as Jewish-born Marcel Mangel. Resistance, starring Jesse Eisenberg, tells the story of how he joined the French Resistance to help save orphaned Jewish children during WWII.
Sergio
Narcos star Wagner Moura plays Brazilian-born UN diplomat Sérgio Vieira de Mello in this biographical drama. Set in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, it follows the efforts to save Vieira de Mello when he’s trapped under rubble after his Baghdad headquarters is attacked by a suicide bomber. Yes, there’s also a love story in there.
Stardust
Instead of grasping the entirety of another music legend’s origin story (see: Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody), this film zeroes in on one part of David Bowie’s—specifically, his first trip to America in 1971, when he created his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona. British actor Johnny Flynn stars as Bowie in this controversial film that’s being made without the support of Bowie’s son or his original music.
The One And Only Ivan
This may seem like a children’s fantasy movie, but it’s technically inspired by the true tale of a gorilla named Ivan, who shared a communal habitat in a suburban mall for 27 years before he was adopted by a zoo. In the movie, Ivan tries to escape from his caged mall life with the help of his friends—an elephant named Stella and a dog named Bob. Angelina Jolie, Danny DeVito, and Helen Mirren voice some of the characters.
The Trial Of Chicago 7
Following countercultural protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, seven people were charged by the federal government with conspiracy and more. This film tackles the infamous 1969 trial of those seven, with an ensemble cast—Eddie Redmayne and Michael Keaton included.
Respect
Jennifer Hudson plays Aretha Franklin in this highly anticipated biopic about the singer’s career, from when she sang in a church choir to her status as the international queen of soul.
King Richard
Despite hardship and having no tennis background, Richard Williams coached some of the greatest tennis players of all time: his daughters Serena and Venus Williams. Will Smith stars as Richard in this look at how he did it.
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
