5 Narratively Epics That Are Summer Blockbusters-in-Waiting

From the pilot who chartered the Rolling Stones while smuggling Pablo Escobar’s drugs to the hopeless romantic who landed in a real-life survivalist thriller, these tales require a side of popcorn.

Photos courtesy Washington Post and FBI archives

You’ve hopefully noticed by now: Over here at Narratively, we looooove us a big, cinematic true story. Unusual characters, complicated relationships, heightened tension, unforeseen twists and edge-of-your-upholstered-seat cliffhangers — more, please! It’s no surprise, then, that Hollywood has taken notice, and for the past several years we’ve been fortunate to work with leading partners from TV and film to adapt our most compelling stories for the screen. (Stay tuned for a piece by our founder and CEO, Noah Rosenberg, later this week that takes you behind the scenes in Hollywood and shows you how Narratively’s storytelling is inspiring some incredibly exciting projects. Make sure you’re a subscriber to read that full piece — now’s a good time to snag your free trial!)

Whether you prefer your summer blockbusters sizzling with A-bombs and intrigue or sparkling in hot pink feminism, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ve selected five Narratively stories that are undoubtedly epic in their written form, and have huge potential to take on a new life in a theater (or Roku!) near you. Our writer Jeff Maysh, whose story you’ll read immediately below, calls these types of pieces “bangers,” and when he says that word in his British accent it makes us smile, and it makes us really want to read work like his. So, grab some Raisinets and Sour Patch Kids (we don’t want your popcorn to be lonely), kick up your feet and enjoy the show!

1. The Man Who Got America High

He chartered the Rolling Stones while smuggling Pablo Escobar’s drugs on the side. After disappearing for decades, Alfred Dellentash finally shares his unbelievable life story.

2. How I Wrote Myself into a Real-life Romantic Comedy — That Turned into a Survivalist Thriller

As a filmmaker, one woman thought she could write the screenplay for her own love life. When she got lost in a hailstorm at 12,000 feet, searching for her ex, she realized she desperately needed a new ending.

3. The (Literally) Unbelievable Story of the Original Fake News Network

Once upon a time in Guatemala, the CIA hired a cocky American actor and two radio DJs to launch a revolution and oust a president. Their playbook is being used against the U.S. right now.