Upamanyu Biswas
While the 90s is primarily known for bookmarking the start of the internet age, it was also an era that sparked a wave of grounded films that dug into a variety of emotional narratives. A great many of these stories were brought to life through the made-for-television films on Lifetime. These movies examine complex tales of familial dynamics, intrigue, true crime, suspense, and romance, among other things, delving into numerous relatable premises that bring fans closer to the drama on screen. The diverse array of options can feel challenging to navigate, especially if you are uninitiated about what to expect from the individual storylines. As such, we have curated a list of the best 90s Lifetime movies, ranked according to their IMDb score, for your ease of viewing and enjoyment!
20. The Stranger Beside Me (1995, IMDb: 6.0)
Directed by Sandor Stern, ‘The Stranger Beside Me’ tells the chilling story of Jennifer Morgan, whose life is upended when she begins suspecting foul play within her home. After finding love with her dashing husband, Chris, Jennifer believes that her romantic life has been a resounding success. However, cracks start appearing when she discovers a hidden past behind her partner, which throws everything she knows about him into question. As the narrative progresses, Jennifer begins digging deeper into the mystery, uncovering a difficult truth that leaves her relationship with Chris in a dangerous position. The thriller movie tackles the chilling prospect of danger lurking within one’s home and the paranoia it breeds in individuals. You can watch Jennifer’s journey of survival here.
19. A Friend to Die For (1994, IMDb: 6.1)
‘A Friend to Die For,’ also known as ‘Death of a Cheerleader,’ is a psychological thriller inspired by the real-life 1984 murder of high school cheerleader Kirsten Costas, which was covered in a report by Randall Sullivan. Under the direction of William A. Graham, the movie follows a young transfer student named Angela Delvecchio, whose desire to fit in with the school’s popular clique is met with rejection and humiliation, specifically from high-profile cheerleader Stacy Lockwood.
Subsequently, Angela festers a deep resentment for Stacy, which boils into the territory of uncontrolled jealousy and insecurity. Ultimately, it ends with a massive tragedy as Stacy loses her life and Angela is the killer. The thriller narrative depicts the aftermath of Angela’s actions and how they lead to catastrophic outcomes for the entire community, Stacy, and herself. If you wish to see how Angela comes out of the situation, you can check the film here.
18. Love’s Deadly Triangle: The Texas Cadet Murder (1997, IMDb: 6.2)
With Richard A. Colla in the director’s chair, ‘Love’s Deadly Triangle: The Texas Cadet Murder,’ which is also titled ‘Swearing Allegiance,’ presents a dark, chilling tale of murder based on true events. The thriller movie revolves around David Graham and Diane Zamora, two best friends and eventual lovers who vow to stay together forever. However, a chink appears in their ideal relationship when Graham confesses his infidelity to Diane, shaking the foundations of their love. Subsequently, they plan to deal with their situation in a drastic manner that leads to the murder of the young girl Graham is supposed to have cheated with. The film draws inspiration from the real-life murder of Adrianne Jones in 1995 Texas by David Graham and Diane Zamora. If you wish to see how it all played out, you can watch the movie here.
17. If Someone Had Known (1995, IMDb: 6.2)
Based on a true story, ‘If Someone Had Known’ tells a harrowing story of domestic abuse through the eyes of Katie Liner, the daughter of a police officer, who falls in love with a charming man named Jimmy Pettit, who secretly harbors violent tendencies. When Katie is subjected to a whole host of beatings and bruises by her husband, she is forced to break the news to her family members while keeping it a secret from her law-abiding father. However, matters go from bad to worse when the abuse also extends to her son Jamie. Eventually, Katie takes the life of Jimmy after the never-ending cycle reaches a breaking point.
Subsequently, Katie has to fight to prove the legitimacy of her actions to an unconvinced and largely skeptical jury. However, it may not be as easy as she thinks, as conventional and orthodox thinking compels the majority to ignore her innocence in light of the public uproar. The Eric Laneuville directorial probes into a gripping tale about toxic relationships that end in disaster, layering it with intrigue, mystery, and a good dose of the unexpected. The film spotlights the complexities of relationships, domestic abuse, and the courage to act in the face of a frightening aggressor. You can see the verdict of Katie’s trial here.
16. The Killing Secret (1997, IMDb: 6.2)
‘The Killing Secret’ is a gripping thriller loosely inspired by the murder of Emily Garcia. It centers on high schoolers Greg and Nicole, whose ideal relationship is fractured after a dark incident rocks their community. The citizens are shocked upon hearing about the tragic murder of young girl Emily. Unbeknownst to Nicole, Greg was involved with Emily in a clandestine affair behind her back. As she begins investigating the case further, she starts realizing that her perfect boyfriend may have some skeletons in his closet and poses a dangerous threat to her. Under the direction of Noel Nosseck, the Lifetime movie crafts a tale rife with twists and turns that lead characters down winding avenues. However, it gives rise to an enthralling experience where deception and betrayal go hand in hand, which can be experienced here.
15. Unwed Father (1997, IMDb: 6.2)
‘Unwed Father’ is a coming-of-age tale told through the eyes of Jason Kempler, a free-spirited college student whose life is upended following a one-night affair with his ex-girlfriend, Melanie. Subsequently, Jason wakes up one day to discover their infant son left in his custody as Melanie decides to give up on motherhood, shirking the responsibilities of being a single parent. All of a sudden, Jason has to come to grips with his actions as he tries to be a father to his young son while growing up. In his journey, the young father is helped by numerous family members and friends, who help him step up to the plate and assume his responsibilities as a grown adult. The Michael Switzer directorial explores themes of fatherhood, overcoming one’s immaturity, and the transformative power of parenthood in one’s life.
14. A Child’s Cry for Help (1994, IMDb: 6.2)
Directed by Sandor Stern, ‘A Child’s Cry For Help’ uncovers the ethical lapses in a parent-child relationship as told through the eyes of a recently widowed doctor. Dr. Paula Spencer, a pediatrician, finds herself handling a complex case of child abuse after she discovers that a single mother named Veronica is showing signs of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP), as she frequently brings her son, Eric, for hospital visits on numerous occasions. Alarmed by his constant and regular illnesses, Paula begins wondering if Veronica is harming her own child to gain sympathy.
However, as she investigates the matter, she finds herself running foul of the legal boundaries of delving into a family matter as an outsider. While her colleagues and the authorities remain hugely skeptical of her claims, Paula forges on with determination to save Eric’s life, even if it puts her at odds with everyone else. The thriller narrative is based on themes of medical ethics, child abuse, a manipulating mother figure, and the conflict between personal responsibility and institutional liability. You can watch it here.
13. Moment of Truth: Stalking Back (1993, IMDb: 6.3)
Inspired by a true story, ‘Moment of Truth: Stalking Back’ explores a harrowing tale of raging against the system as young Laurisa Anello and her family deal with the repercussions of their young daughter being the subject of a relentless stalker. As the stalker’s attempts get more and more invasive, Laurisa’s mother, Linda, has to take matters into her own hands and ask for stronger measures to be put in by the government for her daughter’s safety. The film essays her struggles to implement the changes while her daughter is pursued by her stalker at every turn, eventually turning her into a recluse. It presents a harrowing tale of institutional limitations and the anxiety of being constantly watched by a dangerous individual. If you wish to see how the Anellos come out of the situation, you can check out the movie here.
12. A Secret Between Friends: A Moment of Truth Movie (1996, IMDb: 6.3)
‘A Secret Between Friends: A Moment of Truth Movie,’ originally titled ‘When Friendship Kills,’ is a drama film centered on Lexi Archer, a high school student whose life goes awry after she befriends a young girl named Jennifer Harns, who is struggling with body image issues. When Jennifer suggests the use of extreme dieting to maintain her figure and lose weight, Lexi finds herself following the same unhealthy behaviors, which soon lands her in a heap of trouble. As Lexi’s health begins rapidly deteriorating, her mother becomes concerned about the emotional and psychological toll on her daughter. The James A. Contner directorial tackles a host of relevant societal issues, including unrealistic body expectations, peer pressure, adolescence, toxic friendships, and the importance of parental involvement in a child’s affairs. You can watch it unfold here.
11. Friends’ Til the End (1997, IMDb: 6.3)
Helmed by Jack Bender, ‘Friends ‘Til the End’ captures a thrilling drama centered on a toxic rivalry between two high school friends and competitors, Heather and Suzanne. Scarred from a childhood of witnessing Heather win all the major events and competitions in their local community, Suzanne vows to destroy Heather completely by enrolling in the same university as her under a false identity – Zanne Armstrong. Subsequently, she befriends Heather while secretly sabotaging her childhood girlfriend’s life from the inside out, ruining her reputation while also stealing her boyfriend away. As such, Heather has to find a way to prove that Zanne is, in fact, her old friend Suzanne, who is out to destroy her in a quest for revenge. If you are intrigued to learn how it all ends, you can check out the film here.
10. Our Guys: Outrage in Glen Ridge (1999, IMDb: 6.3)
‘Our Guys: Outrage in Glen Ridge’ tells the shocking true story of a gang rape case in a picturesque suburban town as chronicled in the eponymous book by Bernard Lefkowitz. The film revolves around a group of popular high school athletes who sexually assault a young girl with intellectual challenges, leading to a public outcry through the media. The Guy Ferland directorial focuses on the entitlement culture within the town, which is especially evident in the star athletes, whose needs have been catered to for ages.
However, when it spirals into a brutal case of sexual violence, difficult questions are posed for the people within the town. The movie is told through the eyes of Detective Kelly Brooks, who attempts to piece together the puzzle while also trying to confront the systemic issues raging within the local community and society in general. If you are interested in the outcome of her battle, you can watch the film here.
9. Empty Cradle (1993, IMDb: 6.4)
Under the direction of Paul Schneider, ‘Empty Cradle’ centers on Jane Morgan, a soon-to-be-mother whose life is upended following the revelation that her baby died soon after its birth. Devastated at the loss, Jane begins to grieve her infant’s death. However, upon hearing the reports about her baby’s death, she becomes increasingly suspicious of the whole incident and investigates it further. Eventually, she makes the shocking discovery that her baby has been sold by a nurse into a black-market trafficking operation. Subsequently. she has to take on a perilous journey to find her infant at all costs and bring those responsible for her disappearance to light. The film is loosely inspired by a true story but is fictionalized in its premise to provide a more dramatic spin to the narrative. You can witness Jane’s efforts to retrieve her baby unfold here.
8. For the Love of Nancy (1994, IMDb: 6.5)
‘For the Love of Nancy’ is directed by Paul Schneider and spotlights a complex drama story about a young woman’s battle with body image issues as she struggles with anorexia nervosa. The film digs into her psychological issues, which become painfully evident the more Nancy pulls away from people, raising their concerns about her health. As the narrative progresses, the changes in her body and her rapidly deteriorating health become even more alarming as she struggles to keep her diagnosis from overwhelming her. However, with time and the concern from others, she manages to pare herself back and deal with her issues head-on. The Lifetime movie is based on actual events and serves as a prescient reminder of the complexities of mental health issues and the importance of sharing. You can stream it here.
7. She Fought Alone (1995, IMDb: 6.5)
In ‘She Fought Alone,’ which is based on actual events, a young high school girl named Jamie finds herself the subject of intense bullying by a group of popular girls at school who make her life miserable. With no help arriving from anywhere, Jamie has to face the bullying routine every day as her tormentors grow bolder and spiker with every interaction. Matters get particularly worse as Jamie’s isolation only further increases, forcing her to find an inner resolve she did not know existed within her. Subsequently, she takes a stand against those who consistently take pleasure in her misfortune, highlighting the courage it takes to face up to one’s insecurities. If you are interested in the Christopher Leitch directorial’s exploration of themes such as peer pressure, friendly support, and harmful cliques in school, you can stream it here.
6. Gone in the Night (1996, IMDb: 6.6)
Directed by Bill L. Norton, ‘Gone in the Night’ tells the real-life story of the Jaclyn Dowaliby murder case, which is covered in the eponymous book by David Protess and Rob Warden. The film follows the mysterious disappearance of Jaclyn, a young girl, from her home in the middle of the night. Subsequently, a police investigation is launched that eventually targets the parents as the main culprits in their daughter’s disappearance and eventual murder. The gripping tale concentrates on their efforts to clear their name while their daughter’s real kidnapper/murderer is still on the loose. The film examines themes of adversity, resilience, and parental responsibility amidst a mystery narrative graced with numerous twists and turns. If you want to unspool its complexities, you can watch it here.
5. The Face on the Milk Carton (1995, IMDb: 6.6)
‘The Face on the Milk Carton’ is a mystery narrative adapted from Caroline B. Cooney’s eponymous 1990 novel. The coming-of-age movie follows a young girl named Janie, who shockingly discovers her own face printed on the back of a milk carton. Subsequently, Janie embarks on a mission to find out the truth, only to realize that everything she knows about her parentage and her identity is false. The film showcases her struggles to piece herself back together as more and more family secrets emerge that leave behind even more doubts. You can watch if Janie succeeds or not in reconciling her identity through her quest here.
4. A Killer Among Friends (1992, IMDb: 6.6)
‘A Killer Among Friends’ is a thriller drama based on the real-life murder of Michele Avila. Helmed by Charles Robert Carner, the film revolves around two teenagers, Jenny Monroe and Ellen Holloway, who are childhood best friends. Their relationship becomes increasingly strained as insecurities flare within Ellen about her best friend’s popularity with the guys for her good looks. When Jenny is found dead a few days later, her mother, Jean, is devastated by the loss, and Ellen proves to be a comfort in her time of need. However, as time progresses and Jean investigates her daughter’s death, Ellen’s behavior becomes noticeably more suspicious. Soon, a case of friendship reveals itself to be something much darker, sinister, and tragic in nature. If you wish to know the outcome of the conflict, you can check out the film here.
3. No One Would Tell (1996, IMDb: 6.6)
With Noel Nosseck helming, ‘No One Would Tell’ chronicles the true story of 14-year-old Amy Carnevale, who was abused and murdered by Jamie Fuller in 1991 in Beverly, Massachusetts. The thriller film is told through the eyes of a high school girl, Stacy, and her boyfriend, Bobby. Their idyllic relationship is challenged after Bobby begins showing an aggressive side to his nature, which begins manifesting through more and more controlling and abusive behaviors. Tracy’s family tries to extricate her from the situation. However, the young girl remains wedded to her boyfriend, which eventually takes its toll. The Lifetime movie presents a harrowing tale of domestic violence and the consequences of not speaking out, which creates a frantic and tense atmosphere throughout. You can experience it firsthand here.
2. In the Best Interest of the Children (1992, IMDb: 6.9)
‘In the Best Interest of the Children’ is a fact-based drama centered on Callie Cain, a struggling mother of five, who is battling her own challenges with mental health. With her condition deteriorating with every passing day, it becomes clear that she cannot take care of her children on her own. As a result, they are placed into the foster care system under Patty and Harlan Pepper while Callie can concentrate on healing. However, soon after her recovery, she faces difficulties in regaining the custody of her children, which leads to an emotional legal battle where Callie has to reconcile her personal desires with the “best interest” of her children. The Michael Ray Rhodes directorial is a heart-wrenching examination of the foster care system and parental rights, showcasing the complexities of both in people’s lives. The movie is available for streaming here.
1. Bastard out of Carolina (1996, IMDb: 7.3)
Helmed by Anjelica Huston, ‘Bastard Out of Carolina’ is a poignant drama based on Dorothy Allison’s eponymous semi-autobiographical novel. It tells the story of a young woman named Bone and her life and experiences growing up in 1950s South Carolina. The film portrays her harrowing encounters with neglect and physical and sexual abuse at her stepfather Glen’s hands.
The Lifetime movie paints a compelling picture of the family dynamics, which are illustrated with subtlety through Bone’s own mother, who fails to protect her own daughter from Glen’s abuse while being torn between her loyalty and love for him. It is a heartfelt, somber story about confronting trauma, resilience, and the betrayal of family bonds. The film picked up four nominations at the 1997 Primetime Emmy Awards and was praised for its compelling character moments. If you wish to delve into something deeply human and tragic at the same time, you can watch the film here.
Read More: Is Lifetime’s The Lies We Bury Based on a True Story?
