12 Best TV Shows Based on True Stories, Ranked According to IMDb

When one thinks about visual media based on true stories, chances are that movies are the first thing that comes to mind. However, over the course of television's history, it has proved to be every bit as strong a means to tell dramatized versions of true events, with different and powerful ways of conveying interesting themes and stories.

Whether it's a slightly fictionalized account of true events like in the case of Dopesick, or a more true-to-life adaptation like Chernobyl, TV shows based on true stories are all the rage on IMDb, where users praise them for their riveting narratives and compelling commentary on their subject. After all, what better way to depict a complex real-life story than through a medium capable of spanning across years of content?

12 'Feud' (2017 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Feud is an FX anthology drama series focusing on famous rivalries. Though it has been running since 2017, it currently only has two seasons. The first one focuses on the rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, two of the most famous actresses in Hollywood history. The second season is about Truman Capote and his fallout with "The Swans," a group of New York socialites whose lives he slightly fictionalized when writing his unfinished novel Answered Prayers.

There are plenty of great historical films about infamous feuds, but not nearly enough shows dealing with the same subject. Feud is here to fill that void. On IMDb, users love both seasons of the show. They love how the first avoids feeling like a tabloid-like gossip piece, instead diving deep into the human aspects that make the Davis-Crawford rivalry so interesting. As for the second, while universally agreed to be far weaker, it's celebrated for its incisive look at Capote's fascinating life and work.

Feud

Watch on Hulu

11 'American Crime Story' (2016 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

There's a fair number of anthology series based on true stories, but they rarely get any better than the highly-acclaimed American Crime Story, which has so far put out three outstanding seasons. The first, a scathing look at the O.J. Simpson trial. The second, a complex examination of the assassination of Gianni Versace. The third, a biting dissection of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.

Though the show's first season is by far its best, the following two are also phenomenal pieces of television from one of history's best true crime shows. Sporting incredible performances (sometimes anchored by stunning makeup metamorphoses, such as Clive Owen's transformation into Bill Clinton), superb writing, and really strong direction, American Crime Story proves that historical anthology series can be as worthy of praise as any other.

American Crime Story

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

10 'Dopesick' (2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Although the characters of the Hulu miniseries Dopesick are somewhat fictionalized, the story is virtually entirely true. Taking viewers to the epicenter of the U.S.'s struggle with opioid addiction, it's a gut-wrenching display of how individuals and families are affected by it. It's not a breezy watch by any stretch, but its depiction of how one company caused such a catastrophic drug epidemic is nothing if not provocative.

There's a clear dedication to the source material in Dopesick, which is wonderfully crafted with great writing, focused directing, and potent performances from actors like Michael Keaton and Peter Sarsgaard. Its depiction of the dangers of opioid addiction and the context that surrounds it is both sensitive and harrowing, making it impossible not to be moved by the narrative's hard-hitting execution.

Dopesick

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Not available

9 'The Offer' (2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

If there's anything that could ever hope to be as entertaining as The Godfather, lauded by many as the single greatest film ever made, that would be the story of how it came into being. That's exactly what's explored in The Offer, a darkly comedic depiction of the story behind this landmark of Hollywood cinema. More particularly, the show focuses on Canadian producer Albert S. Ruddy and his experience of getting The Godfather made.

One of the best miniseries of the 2020s thus far, The Offer is endlessly charming and engaging even for those who haven't seen The Godfather. On IMDb, reviewers commend how the show condensed so much interesting material into a consistently fascinating and entertaining experience. Critics may not have liked The Offer, but audiences responded to it magnificently.

The Offer

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

8 'Mindhunter' (2017 - 2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Created by Joe Penhall and run by legendary movie director David Fincher, Mindhunter is a masterful psychological thriller series about two FBI agents investigating the psychology behind murder during the 1970s to broaden the realm of criminal science. With its terrifying depiction of real-life monsters, the series takes a fascinating premise, making it enthralling, insightful, and horrifying.

The show seemed to be going great, with a satisfying critical reception and a loyal fanbase. As such, its untimely cancelation was a huge shock for fans, seeing as for the two seasons that it ran, it was one of the most interesting and finely crafted crime shows on streaming. Even in spite of the tragedy, however — and regardless of whether it's ever resurrected —, Mindhunter will forever be remembered as an icon of its genre.

Mindhunter

Watch on Netflix

7 'The Crown' (2016 - 2023)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

For fans of royal TV drama series, The Crown is pretty much unparalleled. The show follows the personal dimension and political rivalries of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, paralleled with the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. It's a fascinating and insightful journey through not just the intimate history of British Royalty, but through the entirety of modern history.

Elegant, majestic in its attention to detail, and visually gorgeous, the show truly is worthy of its larger-than-life subjects. Always compelling in its depiction of real-life world-changing events and masterful in its execution of essential jumps in history, it's a period drama much more addictive than one might initially assume. The Crown is a must-see for all those who enjoy TV shows in this genre, whether they're interested in the trials and tribulations of the Royal Family or not.

The Crown

Watch on Netflix

6 'I, Claudius' (1976)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

This old BBC classic period miniseries often gets lost among the rest of IMDb's 250 highest-rated TV shows, but it stands proud and demands more attention in the top 100. Regarded by many as the network's best-ever historical drama, the show lavishly and accurately covers the history of the early Roman Empire through the eyes of the elderly Emperor Claudius.

Starring actors of the magnitude of Derek Jacobi and John Hurt at the top of their games, I, Claudiusis a brilliant interpretation of history full of riveting melodrama, tragedy, wit, and twists. It's marvelously crafted, but its main power comes from the pristine performances and the engaging story. Those who think that ancient history is boring needn't look any further than this show to realize just how wrong they are.

Watch on Hoopla

5 'When They See Us' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Exceptionally moving and often absolutely gut-wrenching, When They See Us is a drama about five Harlem teens who get caught in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. The true story behind the show is horrifying enough, but creator Ava DuVernay dramatizes it in such a painfully accurate and deeply compelling way that it's made to feel all the more heartbreaking.

It's the fact that this truly happened that makes this miniseries such a tough yet necessary watch. Drawing parallelisms to modern times and diving deep into the lives and personalities of the Harlem Five, the show is impeccably made on a technical level and absolutely flooring in every other sense. Outstanding performances, phenomenal writing, and beautiful directing all help make this one of the best crime miniseries of all time.

When They See Us

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Not available

4 'Narcos' (2015 - 2017)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Narcos has one of the best pilot episodes in crime television history, and it only gets better from there. It's a chronicle of the criminal exploits of Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar and the other criminals who plagued the country through the years. Far from a sensationalist exploitation of a country's anguish, it's instead a gritty and realistic depiction of how far crime and corruption have gotten some of history's most noteworthy figures.

Praised as yet another triumph by Netflix as soon as it hit screens, Narcos is suspenseful edge-of-your-seat entertainment. It shows the topic of the war on drugs in a dark, thoroughly compelling way, which is accentuated by the complex multi-layered writing and the outstanding performances by the cast. On IMDb, users commend it for its original approach to the subject matter and impressive production qualities.

Narcos

Watch on Netflix

3 'Rocket Boys' (2022 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

Rocket Boys is a Hindi-language historical drama about Independent India's formative years in the field of science, told through the perspective of two extraordinary physicists who broke new ground and made history while building their country's future. It's an ambitious project for sure, but handled with such passion that the result is a thoroughly entertaining depiction of how science can make a country soar.

Viewers don't need to be fans of Hindi shows to enjoy Rocket Boys. Large in scope and rich in details that show the writers sure did their research, it's an excellently crafted drama showing the stories of the kinds of people that don't typically get series made about them. The performances are fantastic, and the historical details are handled in such a way that any viewer can enjoy them, no matter their nationality.

Rocket Boys is currently not available to stream, rent, or purchase in the U.S.

2 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' (2020)

IMDb Rating: 9.2/10

Another exceptional Hindi series, this one among the highest-rated crime shows on IMDb, Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story shows the rise and fall of infamous stockbroker Harshad Mehta and his connection to the 1992 Indian stock market scam. For those who enjoy movies like Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street, Scam 1992 should be quite an intriguing watch.

When it comes to riveting crime thrillers with a morally dubious character at their core, TV shows rarely get any more entertaining than this. Scam 1992 is a masterfully written drama with some really intriguing characters, thought-provoking themes, and a riveting depiction of the subject matter, anchored by a terrific Pratik Gandhi in the title role.

Scam 1992 is currently not available to stream, rent, or purchase in the U.S.

1 'Chernobyl' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

HBO's Chernobyl has received constant praise as one of the greatest miniseries of all time since the moment it came out, and it isn't hard to see why. It tells the story of the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986, which became one of history's worst environmental catastrophes. Far from just a history lesson, though, it's a gripping story that begs to be watched all in one sitting.

Wonderfully paced, brilliantly written and directed, and powerfully acted, Chernobyl is the best possible way to learn about the horrific events at the center of the narrative. One definitely needs to have the stomach for such a devastating series, but it's an absolute must-watch. Emotionally resonant and entirely unforgettable, it's a masterclass in how to make a great miniseries based on a true story.

Chernobyl

Watch on Max

NEXT:The Highest-Rated Seasons of Television on IMDb

ncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kr6a%2F02arr2Wjnby4v4ytqa6dXajBsL7InqpmqpGjuKawjKKknZpf