10 true-story films that will break your heart like The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man is one of the most heart-touching plots of all time. One of the movies that fuels our emotions deeply. There are many movies that not only entertain us, but they break our hearts and show us real life, its hardships, and struggles. Released in 1980, The Elephant Man tells the heart-touching story of the life of a differently-abled man named John Merrick. If you want to watch more films similar to this, let's take a look at the list of 10 films based on true events below.

10 true-story films that will break your heart like The Elephant Man

1. The Pianist, 2002

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Roman Polanski's The Pianist is still a wonder. This Oscar-winning film shows that despite his musical talent, a Jewish pianist in Poland during World War II has to flee the Nazi occupiers, take refuge in the ruins of a destroyed house, and survive without food day after day.

The film beautifully portrays how hunger, fear, and existential crisis can destroy a creative person and how music becomes his only means of survival. This movie is based on a true story.

2. Hotel Rwanda, 2004

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Hotel Rwanda is based on a true event. The movie shows that hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina risks his life to save about 1,200 innocent people.

Don Cheadle portrays the emotion and sacrifice that this character has shown. International politics, the inaction of the United Nations, and an unprecedented example of people protecting each other emerge through this film. The film tells the story of how a person, not a politician, not a soldier, but just an ordinary person, was able to keep the light of humanity burning amidst inhumanity.

3. The Sky Is Pink, 2019

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

Aisha Chowdhury, a teenager from India, is afflicted with a rare disease and has accumulated countless experiences in a very short time in her life. This film is the story of her life.

This film is a reflection of the struggle of her family, especially her parents. Aisha knew that her time was very limited. However, she did not give up, but started writing in her own language, a book called My Little Epiphanies.

4. Foxcatcher, 2014

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

This film, based on true events like The Elephant Man, tells the story of two wrestling brothers named Mark Schulz and Dave Schulz, whose lives are turned upside down by a strange proposal from billionaire John du Pont.

Du Pont considered wrestling a national pride and built a training center called Foxcatcher. However, his mental instability and suspicious behavior eventually led to a terrible incident. Steve Carell is in a completely different role here; his cold, scary character is deeply embedded in the mind. In short, it is a psychological thriller

5. Breathe, 2017

Where to Watch: Apple TV

Breathe, a young British man's story. Who suddenly contracted polio and became completely paralyzed. Doctors declared that he would only live for a few months.

But with the love, dedication and compassion of his wife Diana, Robert started life anew. A mobile ventilator was built for him so that he could move around outside. This film is a unique example of courage, love, family ties, and finding possibilities amid limitations.

6. The Red Pill, 2016

The documentary film, The Red Pill, not only stirs emotions but also thoughts. Director Cassie Jensen begins the film as a feminist but gradually brings to the fore some of the realities of the men's rights movement throughout the film.

Although it is not heartbreaking in the traditional sense, for those who think about social justice and gender-based discussions, it is like a painful truth coming out.

7. Everest, 2015

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime

Nature often becomes cruel due to the constant oppression of nature. During the 1996 Everest expedition, a terrible storm took the lives of several experienced and novice explorers. This film shows how much adversity people face when they want to reach the mountain peak, and that desire sometimes becomes their final destination.

This film is made so realistically that when you watch it, you will feel like you are walking in the snow, unable to breathe, and facing death at every moment.

8. The Killing Fields, 1984

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The movie revolves around a complex yet heart-warming friendship between two journalists. The plot takes place amidst the Cambodian Civil War, where Sydney Schanberg is an American reporter who develops a deep bond with his assistant and translator, Dith Pran.

The movie reflects the absurdities and dark reality of civil war with a tragic ending. Schanberg is forced to evacuate Cambodia, leaving behind his loyal confidante.

9. Deepwater Horizon, 2016

Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime

Deepwater Horizon tells the story of one of the world's worst industrial disasters. In the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, this disaster took the breath out of 11 workers. Based on The New York Times article, the script of the movie was written.

The movie shows the accident that occurred after a terrible explosion on an oil rig owned by British Petroleum. Before May Day, just take a look at the film.

10. I Am Sam, 2001

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Although not entirely true, this film is still made with a touch of reality. Sam is a mentally disabled man who fights for custody of his daughter. In the eyes of society, he is "unworthy," but only people like Sam can prove what a father's love is like. Sean Penn's performance throughout the film will make you cry.

As he loves, he suffers, makes mistakes, and corrects himself. The film proves that society should be judged not only by reason but also by love.

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These 10 films, which we have discussed, needless to say, each of these films has a deep story of pain, hope, love, and sacrifice. They leave a lasting impression on our minds. So, if you loved The Elephant Man, you know what you need to add to the queue.