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)

13) Boys Don't Cry (1999)

Hilary Swank in Boys Don't Cry| Image via Searchlight Pictures

Boys Don't Cry is a biographical movie directed by Kimberly Pierce. The film is based on the life of Brandon Teena (portrayed by Hilary Swank), an American transgender man who faced tragic violence in rural Nebraska. It highlights the struggles and prejudice he endured, leading to a heartbreaking climax that brought attention to issues of gender identity and hate crimes. For her role as Brandon Teena, Hilary Swank won an Academy Award for Best Actress category.

Shop the Looks of Your Favorite Stars Shop All

Esther’s beige floral blouse by Vince Camuto

Esther’s beige floral blouse by Vince Camuto

As seen on Kate Linder in Y&R

Tessa’s snake print dress by Mango

Tessa’s snake print dress by Mango

As seen on Cait Fairbanks in Y&R

$59.99 at Mango

Claire’s red lace button front dress by Self Portrait

Claire’s red lace button front dress by Self Portrait

As seen on Hayley Erin in Y&R

$293 at Farfetch

Diane’s navy gathered front dress by Simkhai

Diane’s navy gathered front dress by Simkhai

As seen on Susan Walters in Y&R

$845 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Claire’s red leather coat by Bardot

Claire’s red leather coat by Bardot

As seen on Hayley Erin in Y&R

$229 at Revolve

Brooke’s black lace button front dress by L'Agence

Brooke’s black lace button front dress by L'Agence

As seen on Katherine Kelly Lang in B&B

Hope’s blue draped dress by Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon

Hope’s blue draped dress by Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon

As seen on Annika Noelle in B&B

$610 at Neiman Marcus

Sasha’s black floral blouse by Ted Baker

Credits: Peacock

Sasha’s black floral blouse by Ted Baker

As seen on Sofia Mattsson in GH

$195 at Bloomingdales

Lucy’s black floral dress by Connected

Credits: Peacock

Lucy’s black floral dress by Connected

As seen on Lynn Herring in GH

$49.99 at Macys

Amy’s blue velvet dress by Black Halo

Credits: Peacock

Amy’s blue velvet dress by Black Halo

As seen on Shi Ne Nielson in DOOL

$92.99 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Julie’s pink floral robe by Kim + Ono

Credits: Peacock

Julie’s pink floral robe by Kim + Ono

As seen on Susan Seaforth Hayes in DOOL

$150 at Kim and Ono

Marlena’s black check open jacket by Kasper

Credits: Peacock

Marlena’s black check open jacket by Kasper

As seen on Deidre Hall in DOOL

Cat’s knit sweater dress by Loewe

Credits: Peacock

Cat’s knit sweater dress by Loewe

As seen on AnnaLynne McCord in DOOL

Julie’s floral print velvet trim robe by Kim + Ono

Credits: Peacock

Julie’s floral print velvet trim robe by Kim + Ono

As seen on Susan Seaforth Hayes in DOOL

$170 at Kim and Ono

Sarah’s black check knit vest by BDG

Credits: Peacock

Sarah’s black check knit vest by BDG

As seen on Linsey Godfrey in DOOL

Nick’s brown jacket by Theory

Nick’s brown jacket by Theory

As seen on Joshua Morrow in Y&R

$695 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Leo’s navy and green striped sweater by Trina Turk

Credits: Peacock

Leo’s navy and green striped sweater by Trina Turk

As seen on Greg Rikaart in DOOL

$249 at Trina Turk

Audra’s light peach trench coat by Significant Other

Audra’s light peach trench coat by Significant Other

As seen on Zuleyka Silver in Y&R

Chelsea’s Cotton Blend Tote Bag by H&M

Chelsea’s Cotton Blend Tote Bag by H&M

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

Chelsea’s cream checked coat by DKNY

Chelsea’s cream checked coat by DKNY

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

$209.99 at Macys

Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma