With the buzz around the new movie Elvis, viewers want to know the ins and outs of people that have always been in the spotlight. Similarly, even true crime stories have managed to become interesting, especially when it comes to Lifetime movies. The Lifetime Network has been notorious for making movies based on true and haunting stories that audiences have been sucked into.
These movies have focused on women and their sides to the story and also the hidden lives that no one talks about. Ranker has compiled a list of some of the best "based on a true story" stories that have actually been worth watching.
Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret (2013)
This film follows a young woman named Jodi Arias who was charged with killing her ex-boyfriend. The film centers around the actual court trial and the events that took place before and after the crime.
The film is a similar tone to the infamous Fatal Attraction, and it does a great job at handling the scenes with the unfortunate murder that happened to Travis Alexander who kept Jodi Arias a secret because of his religious beliefs that drew her into paranoia. Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret portrays how complicated the relationship seemed and explored just how obsessive and deceitful couples can be without anyone knowing. It's haunting and devastating but worth the watch.
Blue-Eyed Butcher (2012)
Blue-Eyed Butcher follows the true story of a young housewife named Susan Wright that kills her abusive husband, Jeff Wright. The film follows the trial after the police find his body in their backyard.
Blue-Eyed Butcher is an underrated true crime film that follows the events that involved Susan Wright murdering her husband and the aftermath. It's another devastating ending to an unfortunate marriage that audiences will be intrigued by. The film also highlights the fact that Susan was unassuming and innocent-looking, so it was hard for some to believe she could commit the crime. However, the amount of times Jeff was stabbed lets the viewers know just how violent she was.
A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (2006)
A Girl Like Me follows the true story of a young trans woman named Gwen Araujo and her journey to find her true self, and the devastating events that led to her murder.
This moving film brought a new perspective on the trans community to some viewers and showcased what some members of the trans community go through in order to be their true selves. It explored the right amount of vulnerability and the performances were powerful for each actor. The film follows Gwen's journey from the time she was a child and her journey of being a young trans person to her untimely death.
The Pregnancy Pact (2010)
After an increase in teenage pregnancy at her old high school, a journalist comes back to investigate why and reveals that there is a group of teenage girls that agreed to get pregnant at the same time.
There are some moments in The Pregnancy Pact that may resonate with audiences, which is why it's a well-known Lifetime movie. However, the film takes the viewer on a journey of the carelessness of the teenage girls and how controversial their pact to get pregnant so young was. Because of the unexpected events, the town grows and begins to have more media attention. There are a few twists and turns and heartfelt moments that fans will enjoy about this film.
Cleveland Abduction (2015)
This chilling horror movie about abduction follows a single mother who is kidnapped for 11 years and becomes the only light of hope when her kidnapper abducts two more young women.
Cleveland Abduction tells the haunting tale of the friendship that blooms between these three women in their unfortunate circumstances. It's also eerie from start to finish since the viewer can only imagine what really happened. These women were shunned from the world for over ten years and robbed of their young lives. However, Taryn Manning provides an inspiring performance as Michelle Knight who remained positive and comforting to the other victims.
The Face On The Milk Carton (1995)
The Face On The Milk Carton is a film based on the books by Caroline B. Cooney that tells the story of a teenage girl named Janie that discovers her face on a missing child poster on the back of a milk carton. She has to adapt to the changes her life goes through when she is reunited with her birth parents.
The movie is intruiging because it gives time to the perspectives of several people involved in Janie's life. The emotions were very genuine in how Janie/Jennifer handled where she belonged and who she was. It's interesting to be able to think about the main character and how her life could have been different or how anyone's life could be different by the story.
I Am Elizabeth Smart (2017)
14-year-old Elizabeth Smart is kidnapped in her hometown of Salt Lake City by an overly religious man named Brian David Mitchell. She endures nine months of violence and torture until she plans her own escape.
I Am Elizabeth Smart is interesting because Elizabeth herself narrates her experience all the way through and talks about the harsh treatment she went through. The viewer is able to understand her point of view since she was the one talking through her own experience. It's heartbreaking and inspiring to understand how strong Elizabeth had to be to escape.
Gracie's Choice (2004)
Some fans may not know that Kristen Bell has been in a lifetime movie. She plays a teenager named Gracie who attempts to raise her siblings after her mother goes to prison.
Gracie's Choice is filled with heartbreaking moments and drama-filled scenes that will touch the hearts of viewers. It's one of the best movies because of the performances each actor puts on throughout the entirety of the film. Gracie does everything she can to be a normal teenager and survive while also trying to keep her family intact. The most dramatic scenes are times when she fights with her mother and audiences can sympathize with her circumstances.
Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal (2008)
A new cheerleading coach at Mckinney North High School tries to take down a group of cheerleaders that harass and bully the people around them. Many people may not know that Ashley Benson starred in a Lifetime movie. She plays the main ring leader.
There is drama between these five cheerleaders and the many people involved with the school board because they think they can get away with anything and everything. However, the film provides a good amount of drama to a situation that's hard to believe could be true. The main coach in the film does everything she can to stop these girls from taking over. It highlights how favoritism can be a problem and how quickly these girls abused their power.
Abducted: The Carlina White Story (2012)
A woman kidnaps a baby and quickly raises her as her own. Eventually, the child learns she has been kidnapped and reunites with her birth family.
The story is emotional and dramatic from start to finish. Carlina struggles to accept who she is and where she belongs in this situation. She can't help but think about the woman who raised her despite what she's done. The film raises a lot of questions about where people truly belong and what it means to be a family. The performances are powerful and realistic, which grounded the story.