Best series based on real events

When you think of real stories adapted for audiovisual media, you usually think of movies, but series have also established themselves as effective resources for portraying cases in more detail. From lesser-known cases, such as those of On the Way to Heaven, Maid e Unbelievable, to historical events and periods, such as Chernobyl, The Borgias e The Crown, check out the complete list of the best series based on real events!

On the Way to Heaven (2021)

Original title: Move to Heaven

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the essay Things Left Behind, Kim Sae Byul, a real-life “trauma cleanser,” On the Way to Heaven follows Geu Ru (Tang Joon-Sang), a young man who, alongside his uncle Sang Gu (Je-Hoon Lee), works as a trauma cleaner, that is, his job is to organize the belongings of deceased people and discover the stories they left behind. As they deal with the emotional impact of the work, they unravel intimate secrets and connections to the lives they have left behind. 

The Ladder (2022) 

Original title: The Staircase

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Other content about the same case: documentary series Death on the Staircase (2018)

To Escada portrays the writer's story Michael Peterson (Colin Firth) with family in North Carolina and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson (Toni Collette). With a renowned cast, the plot works with scenes between past and present to try to decide the future of Michael. He makes an emergency call, desperate, reporting that his wife fell down the stairs of the family home. From that moment on, the writer becomes the suspect and now the family must choose which version to believe.

The Listen (2002-2008) 

Original title: The Wire

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 9,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Created by david simon and inspired by the experiences of Ed Burns, a former investigative police reporter, The Listening follows the work of the homicide detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), in Baltimore, which uses modern tactics to bring criminals to justice. By addressing the complexities of the police and criminal justice system, the series explores the failures and challenges faced by authorities in a city marked by violence and drug trafficking.

A Friend of the Family (2022) 

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Other content about the same case: documentary Kidnapped in Daylight (2017)

This is the harrowing true story of the family Broberg, whose daughter Jan (Mckenna Grace) was kidnapped several times in the 1970s by Robert Berchtold (Jake Lacy), a charismatic and obsessed “friend” of the family. This is the story of how their lives were permanently altered – and how they survived.

A Small Light (2023) 

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Other related content: 

Series

• Anne Frank, My Best Friend (2021)

Content

• Anne Frank's diary (1959)
• Anne Frank's diary (1980)
• Anne Frank's diary (2009)
• Anne Frank's diary (2016)

This is the inspiring true story of Miep Gies (Bel Powley), an ordinary woman who, alongside her husband Jan (Joe Cole), became a heroine by risking her own life to hide Anne Frank (Billie Boullet) and his family, as well as other Jews persecuted during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. 

A Very English Scandal (2018) 

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

A Very English Scandal portrays the royal scandal involving Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant), leader of the Liberal Party, who is desperately trying to hide his relationship with Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw), a man with whom she had an affair. Whereas Thorpe struggles to protect his political career and keep his secret, he finds himself increasingly threatened by the presence of Scott.

Alias ​​Grace (2017) 

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb 

Where to watch: Netflix

A série Alias ​​Grace is based on the real case of Grace Marks (Interpreted by Sarah Gordon in fiction), a Canadian maid accused and convicted of the murder of her employer, Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin), in 1843. However, the young woman has no clear memories of the crime, which ends up raising doubts about the accusation. Years later, the psychiatrist Dr. Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft) is summoned to evaluate her mental health and decide whether she can plead insanity. 

American Crime Story (2016-present) 

84% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Other content about the same cases: 

Content

• The Versace Brothers (2013)

Documentaries

• OJ: Made in America (2016)
• OJ Simpson: The Lost Confession? (2018)
• The Clinton Affair (2018) 
• Demanddthe – USA: OJ Simpson (2025)

American Crime Story is an anthology series that recreates real cases of crimes that marked the history of the United States. The first season, The People v. OJ Simpson, focuses on the judgment of O.J. Simpson (Cuba Gooding Jr.), accused of the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson (Kelly Dowdle) is your friend Ron Goldman (Jake Koeppl). Now the second season, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, depicts the murder of the fashion designer Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramírez) by Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss). Finally, the third season, Impeachment: American Crime Story, addresses the scandal of Bill Clinton (Clive Owen) e Monica Lewinsky (Beanie Feldstein), exploring the events that led to the impeachment of the President of the United States.

Arthur & George (2015) 

79% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Em Arthur & George, Arthur Conan Doyle (Martin Clunes), the creator of Sherlock Holmes, finds himself involved in a mission far beyond fiction. Devastated by the death of his wife, Arthur tries in every way to get back to writing. When he hears about the Great Wyrley crimes, he becomes interested in the case of George Edalji (Arsher Ali), a young man wrongly convicted of the killing and mutilation of cattle. Obsessed with the possibility of judicial negligence, Arthur decides to investigate, beginning a journey to free the man.

Baby Reindeer (2024) 

Original title: Baby reindeer

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the comedian's real experience Richard Gadd, the story goes on Richard, played by himself, as he narrates his story of persecution and sexual abuse suffered at the age of 20. With a unique approach, the production investigates the impact of trauma and the struggle for recovery, while using dark humor to address complex issues. 

Black Bird (2022) 

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Apple TV +

Em Black bird, Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton) begins serving a 10-year prison sentence and receives an incredible offer: if he can get a confession from the murder suspect Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser), will be released. With that, completing this mission becomes the challenge of a lifetime.

Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014) 

Original title: Boardwalk Empire

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Other related content:

Content

• Public Enemy (1931)
• The Untouchables (1987)
• the offenders (2012)

Documentary

• Prohibition (2011)

Em Boardwalk Empire: The Smuggling Empire, we follow the life of the gangster Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), during the “Prohibition” era in the United States, when the sale of alcoholic beverages was illegal. Set in Atlantic City, the production shows nucky becoming involved in the lucrative and dangerous bootlegging trade, while dealing with political intrigue and violent rivalries.

candy (2022) 

72% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Other content about the same case: series love and death (2023)

This is a thriller series inspired by the real case of Candy Montgomery (Jessica Biel), a housewife who, tired of the pressure and conformity in her life, seeks freedom in an extreme way. After a series of conflicts with her neighbor Betty Gore (Melanie Lynskey), Candy murders his wife with an axe. From there, the production explores the events that led to the murder, questioning issues of revenge, justice and the weight of social expectations.

Chernobyl (2019) 

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 9,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Other content about the same case: documentaries The Battle of Chernobyl (2006) e Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes (2018)

Chernobyl is a series about the true story of the disaster that occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The production shows the heroic efforts of men and women, such as the physicist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris), the engineer Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson) and the security officer Anatoly Dyatlov (Paul Ritter), to contain the disaster and minimize the catastrophic damage caused by the reactor explosion, as well as to expose the government failures and lies surrounding the accident.

Five Days at Memorial Hospital (2022) 

Original title: Five Days at Memorial

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Apple TV +

Other related content: documentary The Dikes Broke (2006)

the miniseries Five Days at Memorial Hospital chronicles the tense moments faced by doctors and nurses during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. As water levels rise, power is cut and temperatures soar, causing hospital health care workers, including the Dr. Anna Pou (Vera Farmiga), need to think of alternative ways to save lives amidst the chaos.

How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019-present) 

Original title: How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) accompanies Moritz Zimmermann (Maximilian Mundt), a 17-year-old nerdy teenager, who decides to sell ecstasy online to get his ex-girlfriend back, Lisa Novak (Lena Klenke). However, what begins as a simple attempt at reconquest soon turns into a large-scale illicit business, causing Moritz becomes one of Europe's biggest drug traffickers. As the young man delves deeper into the world of crime, he faces moral dilemmas and unexpected consequences, in a story full of humor, tension and twists. 

Des (2020) 

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Other content about the same case: documentary The Serial Killer Files (2021)

One of the best series based on real events portrays the story of the Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen (David Tennant) who, in 1983, was arrested after human remains were discovered blocking a drain near his London home. Nilsen orchestrated murders for five years without anyone suspecting.

Under the Bridge: The True Story of the Murder of Reena Virk (2024) 

Original title: Under the bridge 

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Based on the author's book Rebecca Godfrey, the series tells the true story of Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta), a fourteen-year-old girl who went to meet her friends at a party and never came home. Through the eyes of Godfrey (Riley Keough) quality Cam (Lily Gladstone), a local police officer, the production shows the hidden reality of the young women accused of murder, revealing surprising truths about the unlikely killer.

Dopesick (2021) 

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Other related content: series Painkiller (2023) and documentary Fatal Prescription (2020)

dopesick is a series inspired by the true story of the opioid crisis in the United States, focusing on the rise and spread of the painkiller OxyContin. In this story, we follow several characters, including Dr Samuel Finnix (Michael Keaton), a doctor who finds himself involved in prescribing the drug, and the DEA agent, Bridget Meyer (Rosario Dawson), which fights to expose the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, it is detailed how the Purdue pharma, leadered by Richard Sackler (Michael Stuhlbarg) aggressively promoted OxyContin, causing an epidemic of addiction and deaths.

Dr. Death (2021) 

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: balloon play e Prime Video

Based on the real case of Christopher Duntsch (played by Joshua Jackson), Dr. Death is about a sociopathic neurosurgeon who caused the death and mutilation of countless patients during his surgeries. The series follows two other doctors, Dr. Robert Henderson (Alec Baldwin) and Dr. Randall Kirby (Christian Slater), who try to stop Duntsch when they notice a pattern of fatal medical errors. Charismatic and intelligent, the neurosurgeon managed to deceive colleagues and patients, causing a trail of destruction while managing to stay in office. 

In the Name of Heaven (2022) 

Original title: Under the Banner of Heaven

87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

In Heaven's Name is a series based on the book of the same name, by Jon krakauer, which investigates the murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and his daughter in a Salt Lake Valley suburb. The detective Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) is assigned to the case and, as he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers disturbing truths about the origins of the Mormon religion and the violent consequences of an uncompromising faith. 

Escape at Dannemora (2018) 

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

In this series produced and directed by Ben Stiller, the small, quiet town of Dannemora has a maximum security prison. Two inmates, Richard Matt (Benicio del Toro) e David Sweat (Paul Dano), become romantically involved with Tilly Mitchell (Patricia Arquette), a prison officer who helps them escape.

Feud (2017) 

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Feud is a series that explores real and intense rivalries between famous figures from the world of entertainment and pop culture. The first season focuses on the historic dispute between the actresses Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) e Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon), which culminated in the filming of What Happened to Baby Jane?. The production reveals the behind-the-scenes of the toxic relationship between the two, marked by jealousy and manipulation, and how their rivalries affected their careers. The second season, titled Capote vs. The Swans, delves into the hostility between the writer Truman Capote (Corey Stoll) and New York socialites, highlighting the tensions that divided the high society circle.

Genius (2017-present) 

71% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Genius explores the lives of some of history's greatest innovators, beginning with the extraordinary journey of Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn and Geoffrey Rush). The first season, from 2017, is based on the biography Einstein: His Life, His Universe, Walter Isaacson, and follows Einstein from his childhood in Germany to the revolutionary development of the theory of relativity.

Gentleman Jack (2019) 

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Other content about the same case: film The Secret Diary of Miss Anne Lister (2011)

In this series inspired by the true story of Anne Lister (played by Suranne Jones), we follow the story of a charismatic landowner living in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in 1832. Determined to transform the fortunes of her ancestral home, Shibden Hall, Anne decides to reopen the coal mines and look for a good marriage that can guarantee his stability. 

Glow (2017-2019) 

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Other content about the same case: documentary GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (2012)

Glow is a series inspired by the real program Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), which was a hit between 1986 and 1990, featuring a cast of women that included actresses, dancers and stunt doubles who played professional fighters. In fiction, we follow Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work actress who joins a diverse group of women to form a wrestling league in Los Angeles. Throughout the series, they face challenges both inside and outside the ring, having to deal with ego clashes, rivalries and personal issues. 

Griselda (2024) 

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Other content about the same case: film Cocaine Godmother (2017)

Among the best series based on real events, it shows the rise of Griselda Blanco (Sofia Vergara), one of the most feared and influential figures in drug trafficking. Originally from Medellín, she built a drug trafficking empire in Miami, becoming the “Godmother” of the cocaine trade. In this production we can follow her journey from her humble beginnings to her ruthless rule over the cartel. 

I Am the Night (2019) 

73% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Related content: movie Black Dahlia (2006)

In one of the best series based on real events, Hodel Fauna (India Eisley), a young woman looking for her biological father and Jay Singletary (Chris Pine), a disgraced journalist, find themselves embroiled in a web of mysteries that intertwine with one of Los Angeles' most famous unsolved crimes: the murder of Black Dahlia. 

Unbelievable (2019) 

Original title: Unbelievable

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

This is the story of Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a young woman wrongly accused of making a false rape complaint. Years later, two investigators, Detectives Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) e Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), begin investigating similar cases and discover a pattern. As they uncover the truth, they come face to face with the complexities of trauma and injustice, revealing a flawed system that chooses to discredit victims. 

War Brothers (2001) 

Original title: Band of Brothers

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 9,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix e Max

War brothers is a miniseries based on the book of the same name that portrays the true story of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the United States Army during the Second World War. The story follows the soldiers from intensive training to the decisive battles in Europe, showing the determination, the bonds of brotherhood and the emotional challenges faced during the conflict. Among the main characters are Lieutenant Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) and the sergeant Carwood Lipton (Donnie Wahlberg), who become exemplary leaders in the midst of chaos.

It's a Sin (2021) 

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Max

Other related content: 

Series

• pose (2018-2021)

Content

• Philadelphia (1993)
• Dallas Shopping Club (2013)
• The normal heart (2014)

Documentary

• The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)

It's a Sin addresses the fight against stigma and premature death during the HIV/AIDS epidemic as the characters face the fear and prejudice of a time full of uncertainty. Based on this premise, we follow the lives of three young people,  Ritchie (Olly Alexander), Colin (Callum Scott Howells) e Roscoe (Omari Douglas), who leave their homes at the age of 18 to seek a new life in London in the 1980s. As they grow into adults and explore their identity, they find themselves challenged by the growing virus that most of the world has yet to recognize. 

maid (2021) 

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Inspired by the memoir of Stephanie land, Maid tells the story of her struggle to overcome an abusive relationship and seek a better life for her daughter. The plot of the series follows Alex Russell (Margaret Qualley), a young mother who, with financial and family problems, starts working as a cleaner to guarantee a future for herself and her daughter, Maddy (Rylea Nevaeh Whittet). While facing extreme difficulties and a precarious support system, the woman struggles to maintain her dignity and build a life free from violence. 

Mindhunter (2017-2019) 

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Other related content: 

Content

• Zodiac (2007)
• The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

Documentaries

• Making a Murderer (2015)
• Talking to a Serial Killer: Ted Bundy (2019)
• John Wayne Gacy – Killer Clown (2021)
• Talking to a Serial Killer: The Killer Clown (2022)

Mindhunter accompanies FBI agents, Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) e Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), Ea Dr. Wendy Carr (Anna Torv) as they create the behavioral science unit in the 1970s. Together, they interview notorious serial killers such as Edmund Kemper (Cameron Britton), Richard Speck (Jack Erdie) e Jerry Brudos (Happy Anderson), to understand the motivations and patterns behind their crimes and to be able to map other criminals.

Mrs America (2020) 

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Other related content: movie Rebel Angels (2004) and documentaries Feminists: What Were They Thinking? (2018) e Equal Means Equal (2016)

Mrs America is a series about the battle for women's rights in the United States in the 1970s, focusing on the fight for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The story follows important figures in the feminist movement, such as Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne) e Betty Friedan (Tracy Ullman), as they face unexpected opposition from Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett), a conservative who is leading a movement against the amendment.

Unorthodox (2020)  

Original title: unorthodox

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Nothing Orthodox is a miniseries based on the biography of the same name by Deborah Feldman, which chronicles his escape from a restrictive life within the ultra-Orthodox community. The plot follows Esther Shapiro (Shira Haas), a young Jewish woman who escapes an arranged marriage and moves to Berlin, where she tries to start her life over and join a band of musicians. However, leaving behind her old identity and oppressive family expectations proves to be a complex and painful challenge. 

Say Nothing (2024) 

https://youtu.be/FhxvEJV9xos?si=goQYpvG0XiXcojof

Original title: Say nothing

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Other content about the same case: documentary The Disappeared (2013)

Based on the book of Patrick Radden Keef, the series portrays the disappearance of Jean McConville (Judith Roddy), a single mother of ten children, kidnapped by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1972 during the conflict in Northern Ireland. Throughout the episodes, the series explores the emotional and psychological impact of the silence imposed by a radical code of honor, while also narrating the events that led to Jean's death due to extremism and political violence. 

Narcos (2015–2017) 

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Other related content: 

Series

• Narcos: Mexico (2018-2021)
• Pablo Escobar: The Traffic Lord (2012)

Movie

• Escobar: Paradise Lost (2014)

Documentary

• Killing Escobar (2021)

Narcos explores the history of drug trafficking in Colombia, focusing primarily on the rise of the infamous Medellín cartel, led by Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura). In the plot, we follow the relentless pursuit of DEA agents, Steve MurphyBoyd Holbrook e Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal), to capture Escobar and put an end to their criminal network. This is a production about the violence, corruption and devastating impact that cartels had on Colombian society and the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. 

The Act (2019) 

Original title: The Act

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Other content about the same case: documentaries Gypsy – A Life of Lies (2018),  Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017), The Confessions of Gypsy Rose (2023) e Gypsy Rose: Life in Freedom (2024)

The Act, one of best series based on true crime, explores the dark history of Gypsy Blanchard (Joey King), a young girl who lives under the psychological and physical control of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard (Patricia Arquette). Throughout the plot, Gypsy tries in various ways to escape the abusive and manipulative relationship imposed by her mother, who makes her believe that she is seriously ill, when, in fact, she has always been healthy. Such attempts culminated in a crime that became world famous.

The Spy (2019) 

Original title: The Spy

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

The Spy tells the true story of Eli Cohen (Sacha Baron Cohen), a humble store clerk who becomes one of the most notable spies in Israeli history. Recruited by the Mossad, Israel Institute of Intelligence and Special Operations, in the 1960s, Eli is sent to Syria, where he infiltrates the political and military elite, gaining the trust of key figures and gathering vital information about military plans against Israel. 

Eyes That Condemn (2019) 

Original title: When They See Us

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Other content about the same case: documentary The Central Park Five (2012)

Based on a true story, eyes that condemn tells the story of five Harlem teenagers – Kevin (Asante Blackk), Antron (Caleel Harris), Raymond (Marquis Rodriguez), Yusef (Ethan Herisse) e Korey (Jharrel Jerome) – who became victims of a flawed justice system after being wrongly accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. In a mix of racism and police manipulation, the young men are forced to make confessions, resulting in their convictions and the difficulty imposed on the fight for the truth.

Orange is the New Black (2013-2019) 

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

One of the best series based on real events and also one of the first successes of Netflix, is inspired by the book of the same name by Piper Kerman, which tells the story of her experience after being arrested for money laundering years ago. In the screen version, we follow Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), a middle-class woman in New York who is convicted of involvement in drug trafficking and sentenced to prison. In this, she has to deal with many issues, including the reunion with her ex-girlfriend, Alex Vause (Laura Prepon). In addition, the story explores the dynamics within the prison system, the friendships and conflicts that arise between inmates.

Seven Seconds (2018) 

78% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

seven seconds is a series inspired by real cases of police brutality and racism in the United States. In the story, after a black teenager is run over and seriously injured by a white police officer, the police try to cover up the crime. The mother, Latrice Butler (Regina King), next to the promoter KJ Harper (Clare-Hope Ashitey), fight tirelessly for justice, determined to challenge the system and confront prejudice and corruption.

Special (2019-2021) 

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

This is a series about the true story of Ryan O'Connell, inspired by his book entitled  Special (I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves). He is also the author of the production and protagonist of the plot available on Netflix. In it, we follow Ryan (O'Connell), a young gay man with cerebral palsy who decides to leave behind the isolation and comfortable life living with his mother to seek independence and the life he has always dreamed of. Throughout this journey, we follow his experiences as he deals with the challenges that disability brings, the exploration of sexual identity and his interpersonal relationships with great sensitivity and intelligent humor. 

The Borgias (2011-2013) 

85% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Play Market

Other related content: movie The Borgias' Favorite (1949) and series Borgia (2011-2014)

This is a series inspired by the true story of the Spanish noble Borgia family, one of the most controversial and, at the same time, powerful dynasties of the Renaissance period. Led by the patriarch Rodrigo Borgia (Jeremy Irons), which eventually becomes the Pope Alexander VI, the Borgias use manipulation, bribery and violence to gain control over Italy. From there, the narrative explores the complex family dynamics, with Rodrigo trying to balance his personal desires and his ambition for power, while his children, Cesare (Francois Arnaud) e Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger), are manipulated through arranged marriages with rival families. 

The Crown (2016-2023) 

81% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Other related content:

Films:

• The Queen (2006)

Series:

• Victoria (2016-2019)

Documentaries:

• Secrets of Royalty (2020)
• Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2016)
• The Queen's Green Planet (2017)
• The Royal House of Windsor (2017)

One of the best series based on real events portrays the life of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton), from his accession to the throne in the 1940s to the most recent events of the XNUMXst century. The story delves into the political intrigues, personal dilemmas and family relationships that marked his reign. Characters such as Prince Philip (Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies and Jonathan Pryce), Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby and Helena Bonham Carter) and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (John Lithgow) are also fundamental to illustrating the challenges the monarch faced over the decades. 

The Dropout (2022) 

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Other content about the same case: documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley (2019) 

One of the best series based on real events tells the true story of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried), an ambitious young woman who drops out of Stanford to found Theranos, a revolutionary startup that promises to improve blood testing with innovative technology. As she wins investors and builds her company, the pressure to deliver results drives her to make risky and questionable decisions that threaten her business.

The Girl from Plainville (2022) 

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Other content about the same case: film Conrad and Michelle: If Words Could Kill (2018) and documentary I Love You, Now Die – The Case of Michelle Carter (2019) 

The Girl from Plainville is a series about the tragic true story of Michelle Carter (Elle Fanning), a young woman from Plainville, Massachusetts, who convinced her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III (Colton Ryan), to take his own life through text messages. The narrative explores the complexity of their relationship, the emotional manipulations and the legal implications of this case of induced suicide.

The Good Lord Bird (2020) 

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Other content about the same case: documentary The Purge of the Earth (2017)

Based on the book by James McBride and inspired by real events, The Good Lord Bird tells the story of the abolitionist John Brown (Ethan Hawke) and his fight for freedom in the 1856th century. In XNUMX, Brown, accompanied by an enslaved man known as “Onion” (Joshua Caleb Johnson), leads a group of activists in the fight against slavery in the United States. 

This Is Going to Hurt (2022) 

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The British miniseries This Is Going to Hurt, based on the book of the same name by Adam kay, portrays his experience as a doctor in the UK public health system, the NHS (National Health Service). With acid humor and a sincere look at the reality of the health sector, the story follows the Dr. Adam Kay (Ben Whishaw), as he deals with the pressure, challenges and emotional difficulties of working as an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Do you know of any other series that are based on facts? Tell us in the comments!

Text proofread by: Thiago Almeida in 21 / 03 / 2025.

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Collider e Screen Rant

See also other features 

The 50 best movies based on true events

Best true crime movies, series and documentaries