The Right Stuff is a true story.
The Right Stuff is based on a true story, most specifically the early days of the U.S. space program and the selection as well as the training of the first American astronauts, known as the Mercury Seven.
The Right Stuff Story is primarily drawn from Tom Wolfe's 1979 non fiction book of the same name.
Although the book and also it's film adaptation also called "The Right Stuff" are based on real events and real people, they do take some creative liberties for the dramatic and entertainment purposes.
The core narrative of the book as well as the film does follow the experiences of the Mercury Seven astronauts named Deke Slayton, Gordon Cooper, Wally Schirra, Scott Carpenter, Gus Grissom, Alan Shepard and John Glenn.
It also depicts their selection, training and their early missions, as well as their personal lives and the public's fascination with them as well.
Although the book and movie used fictionalized dialogue and situations in order to enhance the narrative and also create compelling characters.
And some of the events are altered or exaggerated for dramatic effect.
For example some of the scenes such as a specific test flight that involved Chuck Yeager, are based on real incidents, but are also presented with dramatic license.
The book also explores the concept of the right stuff which is a term that is used to describe the combination of skill, courage, and stoicism that is expected of test pilots and astronauts during that era.
The movie adaptation also highlights this idea through the characters actions and personalities.