Over the years there have been several films based on articles from famous newspapers and magazines. Even TV series, like the latest from Netflix Invent Anna, find inspiration in the news. Either way, these stories have resonated with mainstream audiences due to their thought-provoking stories. At the same time, they are intriguing because they are based on true stories. These items create the perfect blueprint for a good drama. We’ve seen in movies like the Best Picture Oscar Projector how a newspaper article can literally change the world by highlighting injustice.
Journalism is a complicated and difficult profession, but it has helped shape the history of the world.
It is very common for movies to be adapted from books and stories. Although it seems less common for a movie to be adapted from a news article, many of them have been downright fantastic. They give you a great insight into the story and, as we saw in almost known, it can give you insight into the past of famous directors or other personalities. Although news can sometimes be distorted or biased, a good news story or magazine article will provide important information. After a few rough cuts, let’s dive into the greatest movies based on news or magazine articles, ranked.
9 Hustlers
This film tells the story of a group of New York City strippers who hatch a plan to rob stockbrokers and CEOs in order to steal money from their credit cards. The story was based on the article “The Hustlers at Scores”, written by Jessica Pressler. It’s a compelling story of empowered women who decide to turn things around financially. Hustlers features several great performances from Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu and many more.
8 Handsome boy
Handsome 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 her son Nic through Nic’s drug addiction. Timothée Chalamet plays Nic Sheff and gives a brutal performance depicting the realities and torments of addiction. Through it all, David Sheff loved his son and desperately tried to help him. Fortunately, Nic Sheff managed to overcome his addiction.
7 A beautiful day in the neighborhood
This wonderful Fred Rogers movie is based on “Can You Say…Hero?” by Tom Junod and appeared in Squire in 1998. A beautiful day in the neighborhood chronicles the relationship between Rogers (Tom Hanks) and a journalist (Matthew Rhys) and shows you the optimistic and loving man that Rogers was. The film is a fantastic portrayal of Rogers, but also shows you the positive relationship that can exist between a reporter and their subject.
6 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas gives you an in-depth look into the personality and life of famed writer Hunter S. Thompson. The film was based on Thompson rolling stone article, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Wild Journey to the Heart of the American Dream.” The film chronicles the drug-fueled adventure of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo (Benico del Toro) through Las Vegas. The film is filled with incredible visuals, memorable lines, and stays true to Thompson’s article.
5 The Killing Fields
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 cover the events of a civil war in Cambodia. It is a heartbreaking story that depicts the violence and chaos that occurs in times of war. The film stays true to the original article and features several beautiful set designs that make you feel like you’re really there.
4 almost known
A lot of people don’t know almost known comes from Cameron Crowe’s real-life experiences traveling with rock bands. The film was based on Crowe rolling stone article, “The Story of the Allman Brothers.” Although the film’s band was changed, it depicts Crowe’s adventures as a young journalist and the rock star lifestyle he witnessed. The film captures the culture of the 1970s music scene and features several memorable performances.
3 dog afternoon
dog afternoon was based on a stunning true story as well as LIFE magazine article, “The Boys in the Bank”, by PF Kluge and Thomas Moore. The story chronicles a bank robbery in Brooklyn, New York, which leads to a senseless hostage-taking. Al Pacino and John Cazale play bank robbers, and both give legendary performances. Although the situation did not favor the bank robbers, we ended up with a very stimulating true story.
2 Projector
The Boston Globe Spotlight team shed light on years of child abuse in the Catholic Church. The series of reports began with a boston globe article titled “Church has allowed abuse by priests for years”. It’s a fascinating, but extremely disturbing story, which also explains how the scandal was hidden for years. The film depicts the hard work and determination of the journalists who broke the story. Projector won an Oscar for Best Picture.
1 All the President’s Men
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All the President’s Men depicts one of the most important investigations in political history. The movie is based on The Washington Post article, “GOP security aide among five arrested in eavesdropping case.” The film follows the investigation of two journalists played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford who uncover important details about the Watergate scandal. It’s a thought-provoking story that shows you the importance of journalism and how it can sometimes be the last resort for uncovering the truth.
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