The Best "Based On A True Story" Movies From Lifetime
Lifetime has a built a brand out of ripped-from-the-headlines, made-for-TV drama - but it’s not just for middle-aged, bored divorcees like the stereotype. The network is absolutely loaded with action-packed retellings of true crime that deal with hyper-gritty subjects. In fact, the list of Lifetime originals based on true stories might even be more impressive than every season of Law & Order: SVU combined.
It’s true that most of the Lifetime movies that really happened focus on mothers, daughters and the struggles they’ve overcome, but sometimes it’s straight-up serial killers like The Happy Face Killer and Blue-Eyed Butcher. Other times, it’s a heartwarming coming-of-age triumph like the ultimate Lifetime classic Gracie’s Choice.
These Lifetime movies based on true events are the best of the best and the worst of the worst. Vote for your favorites to pick an ultimate, action-packed, drama-filled winner.
- 1
The Face on the Milk Carton
Jill Clayburgh, Sharon Lawrence, Kellie Martin- Released: 1995
A teenage girl (Kellie Martin) sees a photograph of herself one day in the school cafeteria - on a Missing Persons column on the side of a milk carton. But her beloved parents would never kidnap anyone and there's a deeper mystery ahead.
- 2
Cleveland Abduction
Taryn Manning, Raymond Cruz, Katie Sarife- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Alex Kalymnios
A single mother who becomes the first victim of kidnapper Ariel Castro (Raymond Cruz) finds herself trapped in his home for 11 years, where she eventually becomes a friend and sister to two other women who are taken captive by Castro.
3Mercedes Ruehl, Avan Jogia, Nolan Gerard Funk- 4Kristen Bell, Diane Ladd, Shedrack Anderson III
- 5Kirsten Dunst, Park Overall, David Andrews
- 6Tania Raymonde, David Zayas, Jesse Lee Soffer
Based on the disturbing trial that gripped the nation, this Lifetime Original Movie tells the story of a seductive, aspiring photographer found guilty of ending the life of her former lover.
