5 Amazing Netflix Originals That Are Based On True Stories

We all love a good ol’ Netflix & Chill session. But while there are plenty of exciting movies and TV shows for you to binge-watch, knowing that it’s based on a true story, adds another whole thrill to the experience. If you’re looking for juicy stories with con artists, serial killers and everything in between that has actually happened in real life…this list is for you! Enjoy these 5 amazing Netflix originals that are based on true stories during long holidays or weekends.

Inventing Anna

Inventing Anna is inspired by the true story of Anna Delvey aka Sorokin (played by Julia Garner), who conned her way into New York socialite as a Russian-born German heiress and defrauds hotels, banks and her wealthy friends – a financial fraud that’s worth millions! Following the article published in New York magazine titled, “How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Party People” by Jessica Pressler in 2018, this TV miniseries explores the rise and fall of Anna through the eyes of Vivian (played by Anna Chlumsky) along with perspectives from her ex-friend, Rachel DeLoache Williams (played by Katie Lowes) who claimed she was scammed out of thousands by Delvey.

Filled with gossip and scandals, you’ll never want to leave Anna Delvey’s world!

Details

Watch trailer Inventing Anna

When They See Us

Set in the late 80s, follow the true story of five Black-American teenagers from Harlem, who were wrongfully convicted for attempted murder and sexual assault! Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, and Raymond Santana were accused of beating and raping a young woman while out at Central Park and were bullied into false confessions and sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, for a crime they didn’t commit.

Compelling and full of hard-to-swallow-truths on racism and unconscious bias in the criminal justice system and journalism. Critically acclaimed, it received 11 nominations; actor Jerome won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie at 71st Primetime Emmy Awards and won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Limited Series too.

Details

Watch trailer When They See Us

Orange Is The New Black

Inspired and adapted from the best-selling novel, Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison tells the real-life story of Piper Kerman – named Piper Chapman (played by Taylor Schilling) in the series – who got mixed up with an international drug ring that caught up to her nearly a decade later! Her perfect life takes a turn for the worse when she was named as a member of a drug ring and smuggled money across international borders to which she was sentenced to 15 months in jail. Did we also mention that her drug-runner ex is also serving time in the same prison as her? YES, the same person who got her in the drug ring!

Expect plenty of plot twists, intense rivalries and controversial relationships, all centred on a variety of female characters that are played by an amazing cast ensemble.

Details

Watch trailer Orange Is The New Black

Alias Grace

Sixteen-year-old Grace Marks (played by Sarah Gadon), an Irish immigrant in Canada was convicted as an accessory to a murder in the year 1843! Working as a maid, she was found guilty of allegedly helping fellow servant James McDermott (played by Kerr Logan) to shoot their employer, Thomas Kinnear (played by Paul Gross) and strangling his housekeeper and mistress, Nancy Montgomery (played by Anna Paquin). Grace was then moved to an insane asylum where she tells the story of her life to a psychiatrist that hopes to prove her innocence.

It’s a gruesome double murder that’s deep and mysterious in its plot!

Details

Watch trailer Alias Grace

The Crown

If you’re into historical biography shows, you need to watch The Crown! It’s all about Elizabeth II reign from when she got married to Prince Phillip at the age of 21, to her being crowned Queen at the age of 25. Watch up all to season 4 to follow the story of Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales and her marriage to Prince Charles! With plenty of scandals, major political decisions and personal dramas, this period drama is based on the actual British monarchy and dramatizes completely factual events, hence receiving praise for its realistic and accurate story-telling of events.

Of course, it’s a must-watch for those of you who are intrigued and fascinated with the royal family, the longest-serving monarch in British history!

Details

Watch trailer The Crown

There you have it, 5 amazing Netflix Originals that are based on true stories for you to binge-watch every day! Get your popcorn, make yourself cosy and be ready for an eventful night of true dramas that’s sure to trigger your emotions!

Do be mindful that some of these Netflix Originals may contain inappropriate scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Be sure to check the parental guidance rating if you’re intending to watch with your family!