Inspired by True Stories
This playlist features a series of captivating short films inspired by real-life stories. Each film tells a unique tale of perseverance, forgiveness, and sometimes tragedy, inspired by true events that have left a lasting impact on the filmmakers or the people involved. From tales of survival in the face of adversity, to stories of courage, these films offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Get ready to be moved and inspired by stories that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Inspired by True Stories
Short films drawn from real events, the kind of stories no writer would dare invent.
This playlist features a series of captivating short films inspired by real-life stories. Each film tells a unique tale of perseverance, forgiveness, and sometimes tragedy, inspired by true events that have left a lasting impact on the filmmakers or the people involved. From tales of survival in the face of adversity, to stories of courage, these films offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Get ready to be moved and inspired by stories that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Watch the collection
- 1
Kompromat
A far-right politician under attack by mainstream media
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Sam Oates - 2
Zafar
An immigrant tries to help his family while a pandemic is breaking out
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Aqsa Altaf - 3
Only The Lonely
When an old lady loses her beloved husband, life becomes intolerable
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Clare Holman - 4
Hymn of Hate
Russell Tovey (Being Human) & Thomas Turgoose (This Is England) in a WW1 short
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Matt Kennard - 5
Tsunami
A young girl becomes witness to an unfolding school shooting
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Alissa Autschbach - 6
Portrait
A model meets an abusive predatory photographer
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Keir Siewert - 7
Appetite
A predatory dater always runs off when the bill comes
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Katrin Larissa Kasper - 8
Boy
Emilie is born as a girl but inside she has always been a boy
Find out more about the film ›Dir. Lucas Helth Postma
8 films · 1h 43m
- 1KompromatA far-right politician under attack by mainstream mediacrime · controversial · politicalFind out more about the film ›
- 2ZafarAn immigrant tries to help his family while a pandemic is breaking outdrama · atmospheric · emotionalFind out more about the film ›
- 3Only The LonelyWhen an old lady loses her beloved husband, life becomes intolerabledrama · emotional · heartwarmingFind out more about the film ›
- 4Hymn of HateRussell Tovey (Being Human) & Thomas Turgoose (This Is England) in a WW1 shortdrama · emotional · historicalFind out more about the film ›
- 5TsunamiA young girl becomes witness to an unfolding school shootingaction · emotional · intenseFind out more about the film ›
- 6PortraitA model meets an abusive predatory photographerdrama · controversial · intenseFind out more about the film ›
- 7AppetiteA predatory dater always runs off when the bill comescomedy · entertaining · quirkyFind out more about the film ›
- 8BoyEmilie is born as a girl but inside she has always been a boydrama · emotional · heartwarmingFind out more about the film ›
True stories, told in minutes.
Some of the most unforgettable short films are the ones that actually happened. Stripped to a single true moment, a short can land a real story harder than any feature, with no room to dramatise it into something safer. The films in this collection are hand-picked, complete, and free to watch.
Hymn of Hate puts Russell Tovey (Being Human) and Thomas Turgoose (This Is England) in the trenches of the First World War, and Kompromat drags a politician into the glare of a media takedown. Tsunami follows a young girl who becomes the witness to an unfolding school shooting, while Boy tells the quietly profound story of Emilie, born a girl but always, inside, a boy.
The best true-story short films trust the truth to be enough. Zafar watches an immigrant try to hold his family together as a pandemic breaks, and Only The Lonely sits with an older woman remaking a life after loss. Every film here was chosen by our editors and streams free in 190 countries, with no subscription. Press play, and remember it really happened.
Frequently asked
Are these stories really true?
Every film in this collection is based on or directly inspired by real events. Some faithful retellings, some starting from a single true moment.
How long is the collection?
Eight films, just over 100 minutes in total. The order is our suggestion, but every film stands alone. Jump in anywhere.
Are they documentaries?
No. These are fiction films built on true stories. For documentary work, see our Documentaries row on the films page.
Is it free to watch?
Yes. Every film on Klipist is free to watch, in full, on any device. No account needed, though signing up lets you keep a watchlist.
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