The aim of the thesis is a comparison between ''historical reality'' and ''historical fiction'', based on the example of GDR (German Democratic Republic), through contemporary german films, such as Sonnenallee, The Legend of Rita, Good Bye Lenin!, The Lives of Others and Barbara, and through relatively modern german TV series Germany 83. This thesis will define and elucidate terms such as film and TV series, the relation between ''historical reality'' and ''historical fiction'' through historical movies, and will provide an explanation of how to use and study historical films and TV series as historical sources. What follows is a brief overview of the development of contemporary German cinema from 1990s to today which achieved so many great and wonderful accomplishments, both in Germany and in the rest of the world, and it will emphasize and indicate classic, important and cult german films. The thesis then focuses on the portrayal and comparison of ''historical reality'' and ''historical fiction'' through aforementioned contemporary german films, primarily on the depiction of East German intelligence and the secret police agency Stasi, their role, their methods and means of surveillance and repression over the population of the GDR, East German espionage in West Germany, and also the connection between Stasi and the radical terrorist organization Red Army Faction (RAF). Furthermore, this thesis will also deal with the filmic historical depiction of the inner German border, including the Berlin Wall, and the various methods and means of escaping the GDR towards the West. Finally, since these films are also the products of Ostalgia, the thesis will concentrate on painting a vivid picture of daily life, housing, consumerism, entertainment and music in GDR.