The allure of true stories on screen is undeniable. There’s something captivating about seeing real-life events unfold, making us feel more connected to the narrative. Filmmakers and marketing teams often capitalize on this, blurring the lines between fact and fiction to draw in audiences. But sometimes, the “true story” label is more of a marketing ploy than a genuine representation of reality. Let’s dive into ten films that, despite claims, aren’t really based on true stories.
10 Fargo (1996)
Fargo, the Coen brothers’ dark comedy set in Minnesota, famously opens with a title card proclaiming, “THIS IS A TRUE STORY.” But don’t be fooled; it’s entirely fictional.
The film follows Jerry Lundegaard, a car salesman who hires criminals to kidnap his wife for ransom money. As expected, everything goes awry, especially with a pregnant police chief on the case. The Coen brothers added the “true story” disclaimer simply to fit the genre’s aesthetic, proving you don’t need reality to create a convincing true story movie.
Fargo is more a collection of random, cleverly woven events than a retelling of actual happenings. This sly tactic of feigning truth has a long history in cinema. [1]
9 The Last House on the Left (1972)
Echoing Fargo, The Last House on the Left begins with the claim that the events are true and names have been changed. However, this is pure narrative trickery crafted by director Wes Craven to unsettle viewers.
The film is an exploitation thriller centered on the brutal rape and murder of a young woman and her friend, followed by her parents’ vengeful response. Craven employed documentary-style techniques like on-location sound and handheld cameras, owing to his background in documentary production. In reality, The Last House on the Left is a loose remake of Ingmar Bergman’s The Virgin Spring (1960). [2]
8 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Following the success of The Last House on the Left, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre adopted a similar opening with text and narration claiming it was based on a true tragedy. This promotional strategy paid off, solidifying the film’s cult status.
The film introduced Leatherface, a human skin-wearing villain, ensuring the story’s longevity through numerous sequels and reboots. However, the story originated from director Tobe Hooper’s frustration with crowded Christmas shopping in 1972. Envisioning cutting through the masses with a chainsaw, he quickly penned the story. [3]
7 Flight (2012)
Robert Zemeckis, known for films like Back to the Future, directed the harder-hitting drama-thriller Flight. Despite media portrayals, the story of alcoholic pilot Whip Whitaker, who miraculously lands a failing plane, is entirely fictional.
Zemeckis clarified that the film draws from various malfunctions and crashes from past decades, sensationalized for Hollywood. Despite this, Flight performed well at the box office and inspired Sully, a film about the real pilot who landed a plane on the Hudson River in 2009. [4]
6 The Strangers (2008)
The Strangers revitalized the home invasion horror genre, influencing hits like The Purge. Opening narration presented Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) as a real couple terrorized at their family’s summer home.
However, writer and director Bryan Bertino admitted the story was a fictionalized version inspired by the Manson family murders. Fascinated by the victims’ experiences, Bertino created a terrifying, albeit fictitious, scenario. [5]
5 Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Picnic at Hanging Rock, set in early 1900s Australia, tells of the disappearance of three girls and their teacher during a Valentine’s Day picnic. Despite claims of being a true story, both the film and the 1967 Joan Lindsay book are entirely fictional.
According to Lindsay’s housekeeper, the novel was based on a vivid dream centered on a picnic at the real Hanging Rock. The reality of the location has only deepened the mystery and folkloric ownership of the tale, keeping it alive and widely believed. [6]
4 The Amityville Horror (1979)
The Amityville Horror, a staple in contemporary Western folklore, is widely believed to be based on a true story. The film depicts George and Kathy Lutz and their children terrorized by supernatural forces in their new home.
However, the origin of the Amityville story lies with the Lutzes themselves. They conspired with the lawyer of serial killer Ronald DeFeo Jr., who previously resided in the house, to concoct the haunting story for profit. While the murders in the house were real, the paranormal elements are largely considered fictional. Despite this, the legend persists. [7]
3 Wolf Creek (2005)
Wolf Creek gained critical acclaim as one of the scariest movies of all time. The film, claiming to be “based on actual events,” follows three backpackers tortured and killed in Australia’s Wolf Creek National Park.
Though Ben escapes in the film, the title cards state Liz and Kristy were never found; this is technically true, as they never existed. Director Greg McLean admitted the villain was inspired by serial killers Bradley Murdoch and Ivan Milat, combined with Australian personas like Crocodile Dundee and Steve Irwin, creating a stereotypical Aussie killer. Crikey! [8]
2 The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project popularized the found-footage genre in horror cinema, telling the story of three student filmmakers searching for the legendary Blair Witch in Maryland’s Black Hills. The film presented itself as real footage, amplifying the “true story” marketing.
The viral marketing campaign caused widespread panic, but there is no real Blair Witch, no such legend, and the film wasn’t even shot in Burkittsville. Directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez created the idea in 1993, following the path of low-budget hits and grossing around $250 million against a budget of $600,000. [9]
1 The Fourth Kind (2009)
The Fourth Kind, a misguided alien abduction thriller, aimed to convince audiences of its authenticity. Milla Jovovich informed viewers that her character, Dr. Abigail Tyler, was real and archival footage would be shown alongside dramatic recreations.
In reality, the “archive footage” featured actress Charlotte Milchard, and the film’s alien abductions never happened. The film’s marketing went too far, including fake websites and stories attributed to real papers. The Alaskan press even brought a legal case against NCB Universal for creating fake stories and news websites to promote the film. A settlement was reached, preventing further fabricated stories. [10]
So, the next time you watch a film claiming to be based on a true story, take it with a grain of salt. The line between fact and fiction can be easily blurred for cinematic effect.
What are your thoughts on films falsely marketed as true stories? Leave your comment below!
