10 Movies Based On True Stories (That Were Total Lies)

1. Braveheart

Where to start? Mel Gibson's actually brilliant biopic of one William Wallace, a freedom fighter who rallied his people against the evil English in 13th century Scotland, Braveheart has about as much respect for history as you have for whatever Amanda Bynes is up to right now (let's face it: it's probably not very good, is it?).

Screenwriter Randall Wallace has admitted to a few creative flourishes with regards to his screenplay, but come on, Randall: you pretty much invented a fictional world on par with the likes of Middle-Earth with this one, didn't you? Come on, you did.

Which is to say, "based on a true story" is a real stretch, given that almost everything that might have happened in reality has been manipulated into something that definitely didn't. So whereas the general - and we do mean general - outline of the story, which has Wallace leading his people against the English - is accurate, there are hundreds of "uh, really?" moments scattered throughout, guaranteed to irk dedicated history buffs.

Primae noctis? Never existed. Kilts? Not worn in the 13th century. The Battle of Stirling? Actually took place on a tiny little bridge. And guess what? Isabelle of France never actually even met William Wallace in real life, let alone romanced him, and Robert the Bruce never betrayed him, either. We could go on but c'mon, you've got things to do today.

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