20 Best Lifetime Thriller Movies Worth Watching

Over the years, Lifetime’s thriller films have carved a reputation for blending everyday mundane topics with shocking events. These films generally take a grounded approach to their storytelling, illustrating the ins and outs of horrifying crimes, both fictional and non-fictional, digging into each character’s psychological and emotional underpinnings. As such, they are known for presenting intriguing and suspenseful stories that entertain and shock in equal measure, offering something for everyone to enjoy. However, it can be a chore to figure out where to start, given the boatload of options available. So, to make the process much easier, here is a list of the best Lifetime thrillers with their accompanying IMDb scores that you should check out.

20. Dying to Be You (2020, IMDb: 5.7)

Directed by Danny J. Boyle, ‘Dying to Be You,’ originally titled ‘Poison Pen Pal,’ tells the story of childhood friends Lily Anderson and Molly Cumberland. Despite never meeting one another, the duo keeps close contact through a pen pal relationship established in fourth grade. Their habits stay alive even through their college years, with both promising to visit one another someday. The wish finally comes true on Lily’s 25th birthday when she discovers Molly waiting on her doorstep. Subsequently, Lily’s life is upended as she realizes that her old friend has no intention of leaving and harbors dark, obsessive motivations revolving around her life. She must fight to protect herself before Molly destroys everything. You can check out the film here if you wish to know how their toxic friendship unfolds.

19. Stalked by My Doctor: The Return (2016, IMDb: 5.7)

‘Stalked by My Doctor: The Return’ is the second film in the ‘Stalked by My Doctor’ TV movie franchise. It chronicles the exploits of Dr. Albert Beck, who assumes a low-profile role in Mexico following his stalking/kidnapping shenanigans in 2015’s ‘Stalked by My Doctor.’ After escaping the authorities, Beck’s crimes take on a new life after he saves a young teenager named Amy from drowning. Subsequently, he gets involved with her and her mom, Linda, using his charms to weave his way into their lives. Soon, a catalog of terrible events begins happening in Amy’s life, and she can only turn to Beck for comfort, which he utilizes for his nefarious purposes. The Lifetime sequel is helmed by Doug Campbell and stars Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts as the slippery Dr. Beck, whose stellar performance as the evil doctor can be seen here.

18. Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story (2022, IMDb: 5.8)

With Nicole L. Thompson in the director’s chair, ‘Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story’ tells the shocking true story of a marriage gone wrong. The thriller film follows Melanie McGuire, a fertility nurse married to William McGuire. After Melanie falls for a doctor at her clinic, she makes plans to forge ahead with her clandestine affair by taking her husband out of the picture. She kills William, dismembering his body and disposing it in suitcases, which earns her the moniker of the Suitcase Murderer. The movie focuses on the aftermath of William’s murder, the investigation into the case, and the shocking revelations that come out of it. You should check out the film here if you are intrigued by true crime thrillers that blend domestic themes with suspense-driven narratives.

17. A Wife’s Nightmare (2014, IMDb: 5.8)

‘A Wife’s Nightmare’ revolves around Liz Michaels, an architect who suffers a mental breakdown at her job and returns to her family. With her husband, Gabe, currently out of work, the responsibility of breadwinner falls squarely on Liz’s shoulders. However, her life is turned upside down when a mysterious young girl shows up at the family home, claiming to be Gabe’s daughter. Liz has to welcome the relative stranger into her home, which throws her own place within the family into question. As time passes, the girl’s true motivations begin to show signs of foul play as Liz’s suspicions ramp up. Directed by Vic Sarin and Vijay Sarin, the Lifetime movie draws from a true story to craft a paranoia thriller that becomes increasingly sinister as Liz questions the sanctity of her home with every step. You can watch the drama unfold here.

16. Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy (2011, IMDb: 5.8)

Based on the real-life murder of Meredith Kercher, ‘Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy’ tells the story of college student Amanda Knox, who stands trial in Italy after being accused of the murder of her roommate. Under the direction of Robert Dornhelm, the true crime thriller highlights the complexities of the case through the investigation process and public trial of the three primary suspects – Guede, Knox, and Sollecito. As the prosecution continues, numerous twists and turns come into play as revelations are made about the fateful murder. It tackles relevant societal issues like the dangers of studying abroad, dealing with an unfamiliar and foreign judicial system, and the harrowing reality of losing a young, precious life. You can witness the resolution of the conflict here.

15. Death Saved My Life (2021, IMDb: 5.9)

‘Death Saved My Life’ presents a terrifying tale of secrets festering underneath a seemingly ideal relationship. The film revolves around Jade Thompson, a successful career woman at a marketing firm who has an idyllic marriage with her heart surgeon husband, Ed. However, away from prying eyes, the Thompsons have a different relationship within the confines of their home. Afraid that Ed’s physical and emotional abuse will eventually lead to her death, Jade flees from home but finds herself targeted by a hitman hired by her husband. Subsequently, she must fake her own death to escape his clutches and bring his actions to light.

The shocking tale of domestic abuse is based on the true story of Noela Rukundo, who escaped the clutches of her abusive husband and his plans to have her killed using the services of a hitman. It offers a truly extraordinary account of unchecked jealousy and toxic relationship dynamics that cross the threshold of expectation. However, under the expert direction of Seth Jarrett, the thriller drama captures the paranoia and fear of being hunted by one’s own family member, offering a dark and cautious tale grounded in reality. If you are intrigued by Jade’s survival journey, you can stream it here.

14. Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer (2020, IMDb: 5.9)

Helmed by Michael Nankin, ‘Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer’ chronicles the true story of the Watts family murders as told through the eyes of husband, father, and killer, Chris Watts. Following the disappearance of his wife and children, Chris pleads in front of television cameras for the safe return of his family. However, underneath the message lies a sinister set of truths with Chris at its center. The thriller drama painstakingly recreates the murder of the family, the subsequent investigation into the affair, and Chris’s confessions regarding his extramarital affair. It explores the inner dynamics of the Watts family, painting a horrifying picture of a father turning from a protector into an aggressor within the household. You can watch its complex narrative unfold here.

13. The Bad Seed (2018, IMDb: 5.9)

‘The Bad Seed’ is a sinister thriller drama centered on a young girl named Emma, whose charming exterior hides a dark nature underneath. After a tragedy takes place in her school, Emma’s father, David, begins to suspect that his daughter may not be as innocent as she seems on the surface. Subsequently, he must confront the moral dilemma of either protecting Emma from the law or exposing her chilling behavior for everyone to see. The Rob Lowe directorial tackles themes of parental responsibility, morality, and balancing one’s duties with personal desires. It is based on the eponymous 1954 novel by William March, the eponymous 1954 play, and also the 1956 psychological thriller movie. You can stream the horror thriller here.

12. You Can’t Take My Daughter (2020, IMDb: 6.0)

‘You Can’t Take My Daughter’ presents a harrowing tale of rape and parental custody inspired by true events. The Tori Garrett directorial follows Amy, a young, vibrant law student who goes out for celebratory drinks with her friends after the completion of her law school training. During the night out, she makes acquaintance with Demetri, a CrossFit trainer, who takes an interest in her. Later, Amy’s life is upended as Demetri breaks into her home and rapes her. Despite stringent opposition from her mother, Amy decides to keep the baby from the rape, naming her Maddie. However, years later, when Demetri finds out about the young girl’s existence, he goes to extreme lengths to become her legal guardian. Amy must fight with everything she has to ensure that her child does not end up in the hands of her rapist. You can watch the film here to see if she succeeds.

11. Death of a Cheerleader (1994, IMDb: 6.0)

Originally titled ‘A Friend to Die For,’ ‘Death of a Cheerleader’ is based on the real-life murder of Kirsten Costas, a high school cheerleader. The case was chronicled in the eponymous report by Randall Sullivan and is the source material for the William A. Graham directorial. The film is told through the eyes of a young misfit student named Angela Delvecchio, who finds herself humiliated at the hands of popular cheerleader Stacy Lockwood after transferring to a new school.

With time, Angela begins to harbor dark, jealous thoughts toward Stacy, prompting an obsession with the beautiful cheerleader. As her resentment grows, a fateful tragedy unravels as Angela kills Stacy. Subsequently, an investigation pokes its head into the case, determined to find the truth behind the murder and what led Angela down the dark path. If you are intrigued by grounded thriller dramas that expose the shortcomings of high school clique culture, you should watch the film here.

10. Sleeping with Danger (2020, IMDb: 6.1)

‘Sleeping With Danger’ tells the story of Grace Tanner, a flight attendant who falls in love with a dashing man named Paul Carter. The two begin an ideal relationship, with Grace finally finding success in her romantic life. However, soon, the signs of a perfect future for their relationship are splintered to pieces as Grace discovers a different side to Paul, one that is possessive and toxic. As the relationship spirals into chaos and Grace endures many bouts of controlling and manipulative behavior from Paul, including physical violence, she realizes that she has to leave him or suffer a much darker fate. Her decision proves to be difficult to pull off as Paul is unwilling to let her slide away just yet. The David Weaver directorial is based on the real-life case of Kathy Ann Jewell, an Oregon flight attendant who managed to flee her abuser. You can dive into the disturbing tale here.

9. Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret (2013, IMDb: 6.2)

‘Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret’ is a true crime thriller inspired by the murder of Travis Alexander, who was killed by his ex-girlfriend, Jodi Ann Arias. With Jace Alexander at the helm, the Lifetime movie probes into a complicated relationship marred with manipulation, jealousy, seduction, and passion. After Travis breaks up with Jodi, the young woman only becomes increasingly obsessed with him as he dates other women, leaving her out of the loop. The growing turbulence between the pair eventually results in Travis’ murder at Jodi’s hand and the ensuing trial that becomes a media sensation for several days. The film tackles themes of unchecked jealousy, betrayal, obsession, and toxic relationships. If you want a blend between romantic drama and dark thriller narration, then check it out here.

8. Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story (2021, IMDb: 6.2)

‘Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story’ revolves around the true story of Ashley Reeves, a 17-year-old girl who survived a harrowing attack in 2006 and was left for dead for 30 hours in the cold, harsh outdoors. In the Gloria Kim directorial, Ashley is rescued by authorities and has to nurse herself back to health while trying to figure out who damaged her to the point of relearning how to walk and talk. The film chronicles her miraculous survival in the woods and her determination to figure out the identity of her attacker despite having fragmented memories of the incident. As such, it paves the way for a well-crafted mystery that leaves fans teetering on the brink of their seats as Ashley fights her way to justice. The extraordinary tale of survival is available for viewing here.

7. The Assault (2014, IMDb: 6.2)

Directed by Jason Winn, ‘The Assault’ follows Sam Gleason, a high school cheerleader, who finds herself the subject of scrutiny in her local community after accusing the football team star, Christopher Burch, of raping her. The accusation is batted away by others as they start ostracizing her for making a big deal out of nothing. Meanwhile, Sam’s ex-boyfriend, Reed, tries to help her find the truth, which she has a hazy memory of. The thriller film follows her desperate attempts to seek justice while the rest of the town propagates a culture of victim blaming. The Lifetime movie is based on a true story and tackles themes of betrayal, sexual assault, inadequate support from authoritative figures, and communal accountability. If you wish to learn how Sam fares at the end of her journey, check out the movie here.

6. Kept Woman (2015, IMDb: 6.3)

Inspired by actual events, ‘Kept Woman’ tells the story of Jessica and Evan, a young couple, who move to a suburban residence following a burglary at their NY apartment. Soon after arriving, Jessica befriends Simon, their mysterious neighbor down the road who seems suspicious to her. After being unable to ignore his odd behavior, Jessica begins to investigate his shady presence, only to unravel a trap awaiting her. She is lured into Simon’s home and is imprisoned in his secret bunker, where she discovers an off-kilter 1950s aesthetic adorning the interiors.

Under Simon’s captivity, Jessica meets another woman trapped like her, Robin, who has been brainwashed for years into living as her kidnapper’s partner. Now, Jessica must avoid the same fate happening to her as she tries to break out of Simon’s prison. The Michel Poulette directorial presents a dark tale of captivity which alights upon the dangers lurking close to home and how seemingly innocent people can turn out to be monsters hiding in plain sight. You can watch the suspense-driven drama unfold here.

5. Girl in the Basement (2021, IMDb: 6.3)

‘Girl in the Basement’ is a chilling tale of survival told through the eyes of Sara, a vibrant and beautiful teenage girl whose life is shattered into pieces following her 18th birthday. After making plans to move away from her home and her controlling father, Don, Sara wakes up to a harsh reality as he has her imprisoned in the family’s basement. Over the next two decades, Sara lives through horrific treatment at the hands of Don, who regularly abuses her physically and sexually while keeping it a secret from his wife upstairs.

Directed by Elisabeth Röhm, the Lifetime movie presents a host of compelling performances, particularly by Judd Nelson as Don, the controlling father, who turns out to be a monstrous figure for whom nothing is off-limits when it comes to taking advantage of his daughter. The film is inspired by the harrowing real-life accounts of the Fritzl case, which involved 24 years of captivity of Elisabeth Fritzl by her father, Josef Fritzl. If you wish to delve deeper into the chilling semi-fictional recreation, you should check out the film here.

4. No One Would Tell (2018, IMDb: 6.4)

Lifetime’s ‘No One Would Tell’ is a remake of the eponymous 1996 film directed by Noel Nosseck, which is based on the real-life murder of Amy Carnevale by her teenage boyfriend Jamie Fuller in August 1993. Under the direction of Gail Harvey, the thriller follows high school student Sarah Collins, who falls in love with popular boy Rob Tennison, known for his charisma and good looks. The two begin dating promptly.

Soon, Sarah discovers that Rob is hiding a possessive streak that he hides from everyone else. As his obsession with controlling her actions keeps growing, Sarah fears for her safety, informing her mother, Laura, and best friend, Nikki, about the alarming developments. Now, she has to find a way to extricate herself from the toxic bond before something truly heinous takes place. You can pick up the film here to see if she manages to navigate the hurdles ahead.

3. A Killer Among Friends (1992, IMDb: 6.6)

Helmed by Charles Robert Carner, ‘A Killer Among Friends’ follows childhood best friends Jenny Monroe and Ellen Holloway, whose relationship becomes increasingly fractured as the latter is plagued with insecurities about Jenny’s all-around success in every department. As she grows increasingly jealous of her best friend’s popularity with the boys, Ellen begins hatching a nefarious plan that will alter everything moving forward. Shortly after, Jenny is found dead, and her mother, Jean, is shattered by the loss.

Ellen creeps into Jean’s life, offering moral and emotional support to her as a confidante. However, it becomes clear that Ellen is hiding something, which compels Jean to take a long, hard look at her daughter’s friend from a more objective angle. Subsequently, she discovers some game-changing truths that shed more light on her daughter’s murder and Ellen’s involvement in the whole affair. The film is based on true events, specifically the murder of Michele Avila, who was killed by her former best friends/rivals, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle. You can watch the sinister drama unfold here.

2. Cleveland Abduction (2015, IMDb: 6.6)

‘Cleveland’ Abduction’ is a chilling crime drama based on the infamous Ariel Castro kidnappings. Under the direction of Alex Kalymnios, the film chronicles the harrowing struggles of three kidnapped victims, who are subjected to horrific treatment by Castro. The film focuses on their sisterhood in the face of stark adversity and how they manage to keep their faith in dire circumstances. It showcases their human spirit and their resilience in living through despicable acts committed against them by Castro and having their lives stolen away from them. While it may be difficult to watch at some points, the thriller shines a spotlight on the bravery exhibited by these women as they stick together as a group to help each other survive. If you are interested in a deeply human tale of overcoming extraordinary circumstances, you should check out the film here.

1. Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018, IMDb: 7.2)

Directed by Jim Donovan, ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ tells the extraordinary true story of Lisa McVey, a 17-year-old girl who miraculously escaped the clutches of a serial killer named Bobby Joe Long. The film follows Lisa as she is abducted by Joe Long and made to endure horrifying treatment by her captor. However, the plucky protagonist manages to wriggle her way to freedom by using reverse psychology. Subsequently, Lisa works with the police, helping them further their investigation into Joe Long. The film is an intimate exploration of resilience, overcoming adversity, and perseverance against all odds. If you want a glimpse into Lisa’s incredible journey through bleak events, you should watch the movie here.

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