We all love a drama-filled series you can binge-watch in a day or a movie that really makes you “feel something.” Sometimes, these narratives can be based on true stories!

The best part about this is that when you finish the movie or series you can do your own research on the real-life situation. Whether it be watching court cases, interviews, or memoirs; there’s so much extra content!

With the summer approaching, we understand students have a bit more time on their hands, which means you can watch Netflix! Or any other streaming platform of your choosing. Here are shows and movies inspired by real-life to add to your summer watchlist.

Inventing Anna (2022)

This limited nine-part series will have you on the edge of your seat. Inventing Anna portrays the story of Anna Sorokin otherwise known as Anna Delvey. Throughout the series, you will see Anna as she pretends to be a wealthy heiress conning people from 2013 to 2017. Watch her experience a lavish life as she takes the phrase “fake it till you make it” quite literally.

Just Mercy (2019)

Just Mercy is a story that focuses on  Bryan Stevenson a recent Havard Law graduate that wants to help those wrongly convicted of crimes. Throughout the film, Steven works on the case of Walter McMillian and works on building sufficient evidence to free this wrongfully convicted man. This story portrays Stevensons’ strength to push through even when he encounters racism as well as legal and political issues.

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker (2020)

Self Made is a four-part series revealing the life of Madam C.J. Walker. Though of course, not everything portrayed in this show is accurate, Self Made tells an inspiring story of how C.J. Walker becomes the first African American self-made millionaire.

The Act (2019)

This series will have you truly questioning whether it’s real or not because the story itself is completely chilling. But we can assure you The Act is in fact based on true events. The series shows the unhealthy dynamic between Dee Dee (Patricia Arquette) and her daughter Gypsy Rose (Joey King). Dee Dee lies about Gypsy’s health conditions and goes as far as making Gypsy believe that she’s really sick (when she’s not).

When They See Us (2019)

This four-part mini-series is based on the infamous 1989 Central Park jogger murder case. Focused on the series is the “central park five” a group of teenagers that were wrongfully convicted of the crime for years. The series reveals themes of racism, family and justice.

Narcos (2015)

We know you’ve heard of this one and if you haven’t watched it yet, now is the time! Inspired by real-life drug crime, the series Narcos shows the U.S. and Colombian efforts to fight the Medellin cartel in the 1980s.

Lion (2016)

If you’re looking for a heartwarming movie Lion is the watch for you. The lead in the film, Saroo Brierley, played by Dev Patel, searches to reunite with his family from  Burhanpur after 25 years. And we promise, you’re going to need tissues for this one.

So, what are you waiting for? Start this watch list of shows and movies before school starts up again!

You still can’t find something to watch? Here are some more movies you can watch over the summer.

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