19 movies you didn't know were inspired by true events

By Debashri Roy

Modified Jan 13, 2025 00:37 ET

Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Russel Crowe, Zac Efron, and Leonardo DiCaprio (Clockwise from top left) — Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Russel Crowe, Zac Efron, and Leonardo DiCaprio | Image via Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Universal Pictures, A24, Paramount Pictures (Clockwise from top left)

5) Hidden Figures (2016)

Still from Hidden Figures| Image via 20th Century Studios

This inspiring film tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (played by Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae)—who worked at NASA. Their contributions were crucial to the success of early space missions, breaking barriers in both race and gender. The film is loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book of the same name.

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Connor’s plaid shirt jacket by Zara

Connor’s plaid shirt jacket by Zara

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Adam’s double breasted herringbone coat by Cardinal of Canada

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Audra’s blue ruched plunge neck dress by Susana Monaco

Audra’s blue ruched plunge neck dress by Susana Monaco

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Harrison’s fair isle print sweater by Janie & Jack

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Poppy’s suede jacket by T Tahari

Poppy’s suede jacket by T Tahari

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Taylor’s brown corduroy blazer by Veronia Beard

Taylor’s brown corduroy blazer by Veronia Beard

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Zende’s black embroidered jacket by Zara

Zende’s black embroidered jacket by Zara

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Luna’s denim hoodie by Good American

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Tracy’s black pinstriped shirt by Nordstrom

Credits: Peacock

Tracy’s black pinstriped shirt by Nordstrom

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Credits: Peacock

Trina’s pink active jacket by Hollister

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Lulu’s burgundy knit zip up cardigan by H&M

Credits: Peacock

Lulu’s burgundy knit zip up cardigan by H&M

As seen on Alexa Havins Bruening in GH

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Credits: Peacock

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Kate’s blue and brown velvet coat with fur cuffs by Cinq a Sept

Credits: Peacock

Kate’s blue and brown velvet coat with fur cuffs by Cinq a Sept

As seen on Lauren Koslow in DOOL

Traci’s black floral kimono cardigan by Citron

Traci’s black floral kimono cardigan by Citron

As seen on Beth Maitland in Y&R

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Faith’s green space-dye cardigan by Abound

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Tessa’s snakeskin coat by L'Academie

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Kyle’s beige checked coat by Reiss

Kyle’s beige checked coat by Reiss

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Taylor’s olive cardigan by L'Agence

As seen on Rebecca Budig in B&B

Sheila’s green snakeskin blouse by INC International Concepts

Sheila’s green snakeskin blouse by INC International Concepts

As seen on Kimberlin Brown in B&B

Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma