We often watch movies or shows based on actual events, such as the plot of The Godfather, where the mafia family gets involved in a war between rival families. While these stories are fictionalized, they can sometimes seem surprisingly close to reality because elements of the story happened in real life.

This week, we take a look at some films based on events that really happened, ranking them by the gross impact they has on those who watched them.

Scarface

This movie is based on the life of Al Capone. It was released in 1983 and won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1984. Although this film tells us about a man with a violent past, it also makes him sympathetic despite his actions. When he is asked why he becomes so violent and brutal, he replies, "It's not me-it's my environment."

Psycho

This horror classic from 1960 is an example of how popular culture influences our values. Director Alfred Hitchcock told the press, "I wanted to make audiences feel uncomfortable... I tried to create something very frightening without resorting to gore." He succeeded. In 2007, Time named it one of the 100 greatest novels, plays, poems, and movies of all time.

Braveheart

Scottish nobleman William Wallace leads a rebellion against English rule after being captured by King Edward I. A famous scene depicts his execution. Braveheart made Mel Gibson into a global star. By 2006, it had earned more than $200 million worldwide.

The Great Gatsby

Based on F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, this 1991 movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. Nick Carraway (DiCaprio) meets Jay Gatsby (Maguire), a wealthy young man living in poverty. Together they begin a relationship inspired by love but soon find themselves drawn towards power.

Goodfellas

Based on Henry Hill’s memoir written in 1990, Goodfellas tells the story of a mobster known as Frankie Yale, who recruits another criminal to help him rob casinos and steal money from the Mafia. The film won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture. At its release, it was the highest-grossing boxing movie ever!

Conclusion

These movies show us that no event is too big for Hollywood to handle. Some of them had such an impact that they are now used as crowd pullers in different industries, the likes of online casino themes, toy manufacturing and so on. Some are even based on real events, although they were embellished here and there. Take your seat and enjoy the ride.