There’s something about seeing the true-life story, or the semi-true-life story, of a legit badass like Hunter S. Thompson on the big screen that appeals to people. Unlike a fictional account, you can actually find something to aspire to, or at least have fantasies about a cool new drinking buddy.

With that in mind, here are seven badass biographical and semi-biographical films.

Der Baader Meinhof Komplex

What could be sexier than a bunch of German communist terrorists who dress like the Velvet Underground? This movie doesn’t white wash terrorism, but it sure does provide it with a glamorous edge during the first two acts. Watch as chic Germans smoke cigarettes, wear sunglasses, steal cars and blow up American army installations. You can get a history lesson while you watch this and it’s one action film your girl won’t mind watching with you in the least.

Boogie Nights

No, Dirk Diggler is not a real guy. He is, however, loosely based on John Holmes, AKA Johnny Wadd, with many scenes, such as the classic interaction with the Ric Springfield-loving crack dealer, lifted directly from his life. This film ages like a fine wine, with classic interactions and one-liners like “You know, people tell me I kind of look like Han Solo.” We were as surprised as anyone else when we found out Marky Mark could act.

Mr. Janus, Mr. T, and Mr. Kotter. Tonight’s TV preview is very polite when applying monikers.

CHECK OUT WHAT TO WATCH AFTER THE JUMP

NOTE: ALL TIMES EASTERN AND PACIFIC!!!

BIOGRAPHY: MR. T
Network: Biography
Time: 8 – 9PM

Reasons to watch: Once upon a time I met Mr. T and asked, "Hey Mr. T., how are you?" His natural response was: "I’m like Tony the Tiger! I’m GREEEEAAAATTTTTT!!!! All you other TV shows, you’d better eat your grubs and you’d better eat your protein cuz T is back on TV where he belongs!!! AYE-YAYE-YAYE-YAYE-YAYE!!!!"

No lie. Find out what makes this guy tick tonight at 8pm.

HELL’S KITCHEN
Network: FOX
Time: 8- 9PM

Reasons to watch: The winners of tonight’s contest receive volleyball tips from 2000 Olympian Annett Davis. Volleyball tips. Really? Is that a thing of value outside of homo-erotic ’80′s movies? "Excuse me, Waiter. The meal was excellent. Do you accept ‘volleyball tips’ as payment? NO?! What planet are you from?"

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE SITCOM SCANDALS
Network: Biography
Time: 9 – 10PM

Reasons to watch: Finally find out what really happened behind the scenes of Roseanne, Welcome Back Kotter, and The Facts Of Life. I bet that something went down with that Tootie. She always seemed like a shifty one.

SHAQ VS.
Network: ABC
Time: 9 – 10PM

Reasons to watch: To prove that he is the most dominant force in athletics, Shaquille O’Neal challenges a variety of players across the wide world of sports. In the series opener, Shaq takes on Steeler’s QB Ben Roethlisberger in a test of football skills. Can Roethlisberger survive a motorcycle accident AND a Shaq Attack?! We shall see…

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS
Network: ABC
Time: 10 – 11PM

Reasons to watch: Juju Chang interviews those who have had contact with extraterrestrials as well as skeptics. If I were to ever make first contact with an alien species I, like most Americans, would kick it between the legs. You know, just to say I did it.

WHO’S ON LATE

LETTERMAN
Diane Kruger; Donald Trump; Billy Currington

CONAN (repeat)
Bruno; Stephen Moyer; Cirque de Soleil; Zumanity

KIMMEL (repeat)
Ashton Kutcher

FERGUSON
Kevin Bacon; Michael Irving

FALLON (repeat)
John Krasinski; Stephen Moyer