Throughout the years, there have been several films based on famous newspaper and magazine articles. Even TV series find inspiration in the news. Whatever the case, these stories have resonated with mass audiences due to their thought-provoking stories. At the same time, they are intriguing because they are based on true stories. These articles create the perfect blueprint for a good, dramatic film. We saw in films like Best Picture Oscar-winner Spotlight how a newspaper article can change the world by bringing injustice to light.
Journalism is a complicated and difficult profession, but it has helped shape the history of the world. It is very common for films to be adapted from books and stories. Although it seems to be less common for a film to be adapted from a news article, many of the ones out there have been utterly fantastic. They give you a good look into history and, as we saw in Almost Famous, they can give you a look into the past of famous directors or other personalities. Although sometimes the news can be twisted or biased, a good news or magazine article will provide important information. After some tough cuts, let's dive into the greatest films based on news or magazine articles.
Updated on September 2nd, 2023, by Patricia Scheer-Erb: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
14 Hustlers (2019)
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This film tells the story of a group of New York City strippers who devise a plan to drug stockbrokers and CEOs to steal money from their credit cards. The story was based on the article, "The Hustlers at Scores," written by Jessica Pressler.
It is a fascinating story of empowered women who decide to turn the tables on their financial situations. Hustlers features several great performances from Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, and many more.
13 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
To anyone who has seen Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street, its spot in this list might cause some terror. Understandably so, considering that it is one of the scariest and most iconic horror movies of the 80s. Nancy Chapman, her family, and her friends become the target of a serial killer, but instead of hunting them in real life, the brutal spirit of Freddy Krueger tries to murder them in their dreams.
While, in general, a nightmare is considered simply a nightmare, their death inside their dream also means their death in real life. It sounds unbelievable, but the story of A Nightmare on Elm Street is based on an article, that was released in the Los Angeles Times in 1987, and talks about the tragic death of a Cambodian boy, who had numerous nightmares about being killed, and eventually died in his sleep.
12 Beautiful Boy (2018)
Beautiful Boy was based on "My Addicted Son" by David Sheff, who was played by Steve Carell in the film. The article debuted in The New York Times in 2005, and it chronicles the relationship between Sheff and his son Nic through Nic's drug addiction.
Timothée Chalamet plays Nic Sheff and gives a brutal performance depicting the realities and torment of addiction. Through it all, David Sheff loved his son and desperately tried to help him. Fortunately, Nic Sheff was able to overcome his addiction.
11 Four Good Days (2020)
The movie Four Good Days, which was directed by Rodrigo García and released in 2020, tells the story of a woman, who suffers from an ongoing drug addiction. When Molly has one last chance to put an end to her heroin addiction, she finds herself back at her mother's house, asking for her help to stay clean.
The movie tackles the painful topics of severe addiction and concomitant relationship issues, which are hard to watch. What adds to the weight of the movie is that it is based on a real article in the Washington Post called "How's Amanda? A Story of Truth, Lies and an American Addiction", which was written by Eli Saslow. The people behind the storyline of the movie are Amanda and her mother Libby, who experienced these struggles in real life.
10 A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (2019)
This wonderful film about Fred Rogers is based on "Can You Say…Hero?" by Tom Junod and appeared in Esquire in 1998. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood chronicles the relationship between Rogers (Tom Hanks) and a reporter (Matthew Rhys).
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood shows you the optimistic and loving man that Rogers was. The movie is a fantastic portrayal of Rogers but also shows you the positive relationship that can happen between a reporter and his subject.
9 Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (1998)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas gives you an in-depth look into the persona and life of acclaimed writer Hunter S. Thompson. The film was based on Thompson's Rolling Stone article, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream."
The film chronicles Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo's (Benicio del Toro) drug-fueled adventure through Las Vegas. The film is filled with amazing visuals and memorable lines and stays true to Thompson's article.
8 Shattered Glass (2003)
In the drama movie Shattered Glass, journalist Stephen Glass has to face serious consequences, after falsifying multiple articles during his time as a writer at The New Republic. To gain praise and recognition, Glass made up information and completely took advantage of his position, crossing numerous lines along the way.
The movie is based on the real-life article "Shattered Glass", which was written by Buzz Bisinger and published in Vanity Fair in 2007. It reveals the truth behind Stephen Glass' schemes and lays the foundation for Billy Ray's movie.
7 The Killing Fields (1984)
The Killing Fields was based on The New York Times Magazine article, "The Death and Life of Dith Pran." The story follows two journalists, played by Sam Waterston and Haing S. Ngor, who are covering the events of a civil war in Cambodia.
It is a heartbreaking story that portrays the violence and chaos that comes about during times of war. The film stays true to the original article and features several magnificent set designs that make you feel as if you are there.
6 The Butler (2013)
The main character in Lee Daniels' drama The Butler is Cecil Gaines, who had to experience life as a servant to white families from a young age on. Later in life, after gaining experience as well as impressing with his skills during his job in a hotel, Cecil is chosen to work as a butler in the president's home, the White House.
There he spends years right next to the source, while Civil Rights movements get increasing attention. Serving as a foundation for this movie is Wil Haygood's article "A Butler Well Served by this Election", which was published in The Washington Post at the end of 2008.
5 Almost Famous (2000)
Many people don't know that Almost Famous comes from Cameron Crowe's actual experiences traveling around with rock groups. The film was based on Crowe's Rolling Stone article, "The Allman Brothers Story."
Although the band in the film was changed, it does portray Crowe's adventures as a young journalist and the rock star lifestyle that he witnessed. The film captures the culture of the 1970s music scene and features several memorable performances.
4 Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Dog Day Afternoon was based on a stunning true story as well as the LIFE Magazine article, "The Boys in the Bank," by P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore. The story chronicles a bank robbery in Brooklyn, New York, which leads to an insane hostage situation.
Al Pacino and John Cazale play the bank robbers, and the two of them give legendary performances. Although the situation didn't play out in the bank robbers' favor, we were left with a very thought-provoking, true story.
3 Spotlight (2015)
The Boston Globe Spotlight team brought to light years of child abuse in the Catholic Church. The series of reports started with a Boston Globe article entitled, "Church Allowed Abuse by Priests for Years."
It is a riveting, yet extremely disturbing story, that also discusses how the scandal was hidden for years. The film depicts the hard work and determination carried out by the reporters who broke the story. Spotlight went on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.
2 Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild sheds light on the spectacular journey of Chris McCandless, who completely abandons anything that ties him to civilization to hike to Alaska and entirely focus on his life in the wilderness.
The story of this outstanding movie is based on Jon Krakauer's article, "Death of an Innocent", which was published in a magazine called Outside in 1993, and addresses the life of the American adventurer.
1 All The President's Men (1976)
All The President's Men portrays one of the most significant investigations in political history. The film is based on The Washington Post article, "GOP Security Aide Among Five Arrested in Bugging Affair."
The film follows the investigation of two journalists played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford who uncover significant details about the Watergate Scandal. It is a thought-provoking story that shows you the importance of journalism and how it can sometimes be the last resort to uncover the truth.