20 Best Hollywood Movies Based On True Stories

127 Hours (2010)

This survival movie takes inspiration from the memoir Between a Rock and a Hard Place. It tells how the author, Aron Ralston (James Franco), survived while trapped in a remote canyon in Utah.

In April 2003, Ralston, a real-life canyoneer, packed his gear and hiked Canyonlands National Park. He didn’t tell anyone about his trip.

Disaster struck when he slipped through a slot and knocked a boulder that trapped his wrist and hand against the wall. He braved hunger, thirst, hypothermia, paranoia, and resisted the call of death through his sheer will to live.

He got himself out of the tight situation through any means necessary. Ralston defied the odds and climbed back up to tell the story of his survival.

Despite his harrowing experience, he continues his passion to this day even with one-hand less to carry his weight.  He now also leaves a note saying where he’s going.

This movie might not even qualify as entertaining for some. After all, watching someone slowly succumb to his possible demise is not enjoyable. Yet, as the story unfolds, you become invested in the protagonist’s plight to live.

At some point, you even wish you were there to help. However, you can only watch as the time ticks idly by and cross your fingers that rescue arrives or that he doesn’t die.

Director: Danny Boyle – Screenplay: Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy – Cast: James Franco, Kate Mara, Lizzy Caplan, Clémence Poésy, Amber Tamblyn, Bailee Michelle Johnson- Run Time: 94m