Unveil Life’s Dramas With These Lifetime Movies Based on True Stories

1996 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Noel Nosseck Starring
 
Candace Cameron Bure, Fred Savage, Gregory Alan Williams
 
When the school hottie starts dating her, a teenager assumes all of her dreams have come true. However, there's more to it than meets the eye. It doesn't take long for the darker side of the teen boy's nature to show itself. This film is based on the true story of Jamie Fuller, a 16-year-old high school senior who murdered his 14-year-old girlfriend, Amy Carnevale, in 1991. All young women should watch this movie as it sends an important message. The film portrays how ignoring or denying the abuse only makes it worse. The victim is often abandoned by her pals and left all alone. If you are someone who has always wondered why people don't get out of abusive relationships, this movie perfectly depicts the other point of view.

1992 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Charles Robert Carner
 
Starring Patty Duke, Tiffani Thiessen, Margaret Welsh
 
One day, Jenny (Tiffani Thiessen) leaves the house to go to the park with her friends but never returns home. A few days later, Jenny is discovered lifeless in a lake. Jenny's mother (Patty Duke) sets out to find the ruthless killer of her daughter. When Jenny's real murderer is revealed, you won't be as surprised by their identity as by how the crime was carried out. The very title of the film creeps one out. And the more terrifying fact is that this movie is based on the real-life murder of Michele Avila, which happened in 1985. It's a terrific film that convinces one that some explicitly made-for-TV movies are significantly more gripping and skillfully done than many overrated films playing in theaters.

1995 | 1 hour 27 minutes | Directed by Christopher Leitch
 
Starring Tiffani Thiessen, Brian Austin Green, Isabella Hofmann
 
The film's plot is about a girl (Tiffani Thiessen) who is humiliated in her small rural village after being raped by a football player. Although her boyfriend (Brian Austin Green), mother, and attorney do their utmost to defend her, her high school peers are not so supportive. This is the kind of movie (P.S. also based on a real-life story) that never received the publicity it deserved. One thing is sure, though: this movie and its overall message are incredibly distressing. It makes you pause before deciding who is right and who is wrong. This film, especially for a movie made for TV, exhibits a level of realism that is quite rare in today's cinema. Excellent and brilliant - far too good to be solely a TV movie.

1994 | 1 hour 31 minutes | Directed by William A. Graham
 
Starring Kellie Martin, Tori Spelling, James Avery
 
A Friend to Die For, also known as Death of A Cheerleader, is another real-life case adapted into a film. Based on the 1984 murder of Kirsten Costas, the film's brief plot is about the encounter of two teenage girls from different backgrounds, leading to tragic results. Angela Delvecchio (Kellie Martin) is a quiet high school sophomore who strives to be perfect in every way - popular, attractive, and successful. Everything that Stacy Lockwood (Tori Spelling) was. When Angela meets Stacy, she feels threatened and inadequate because she's everything Angela wanted to be. Jealousy toward a classmate is fueled by Angela's ambition to be the most popular, which eventually results in tragedy. The most impressive aspect of this movie is that it shows how far someone will go to gain acceptance. Although this was created in 1994, its message is still very much relevant today. An absolute must-watch, especially for young teenage girls.

1998 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Sam Pillsbury
 
Starring Kirsten Dunst, Park Overall, Julia Whelan
 
In this film, Kirsten Dunst plays Tina, a 15-year-old girl who believes her life is pretty much perfect as it is. There are parents she occasionally gets along with, lots of friends she can hang out with, and a boyfriend she adores. Then the unexpected happens. After having unprotected sex, Tina gets pregnant. And this "accident" changes her life forever. Teenagers who believe they are ready for a child should watch this movie since it is relatively realistic. It's also very likely that they would change their minds if they knew what comes with having a baby. And perhaps decide to wait a little longer before committing to becoming a parent. Overall, this film will make you laugh, cry, and possibly get angry all at once. It's well-acted and speaks volumes about personal responsibility.

1996 | 1 hour 28 minutes | Directed by Alan Metzger
 
Starring Gary Cole, Nicholle Tom, Mac Davis
 
The movie's plot is about a well-known and respected football coach and biology teacher in Tate, Oklahoma, named Pete Nash, who is accused of sexually abusing one of his students, a 14-year-old named Amy. However, everyone seems to blame the young girl and defend the influential teacher. This film is surprisingly well-crafted and has quite a bit of an edge to it - more so than one might anticipate from a TV movie. This movie could also have an educational effect on teenagers and teach them what they should and shouldn't do and what warning signs to look for when older people abuse their powers. This is a relatively difficult topic to discuss in real life and especially to depict in film. Hence, the filmmakers deserve kudos on this one for making the movie very thought-provoking without being overly sexually explicit.

1997 | 1 hour 26 minutes | Directed by Noel Nosseck
 
Starring Ari Meyers, Soleil Moon Frye, Mark Kassen
 
You've perhaps already caught what many of these movies have in common, haven’t you? And the name says it all. Once again, inspired by a real-life event, the film's plot follows the search for the murderer of a pregnant young woman. A high school cheerleader (Ari Meyers) suspects her boyfriend (Mark Kassen) is to blame. With the help of the deceased girl's mother, she works to bring the killer to justice. You are on the edge of your seat watching this Lifetime movie until the very last moment. You genuinely have no idea where it will end up. Because it is based on a true story, it is all the more tragic and compelling. This is for you if you enjoy thought-provoking factual stories that leave you feeling frustrated and inspired to root for the good fellas and boo the bad ones. Overall, it's a fascinating true story about the pressures teenagers face and the choices they have to make. And it's not always the best choice that they make.

1998 | 1 hour 38 minutes | Directed by Anjelica Huston
 
Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ron Eldard, Glenne Headly
 
A single mother, Anney (Jennifer Jason Leigh), struggles to raise her little daughter, Bone (Jena Malone), until she weds Lyle (Dermot Mulroney), a gentle guy who loves Bone like his own child. But after Lyle perishes in a car accident, Anney remarries Glen (Ron Eldard), who starts abusing Bone physically and sexually and ruins the once tight-knit family. Bastard Out of Carolina is among the most disturbing yet finest films ever made in history. Based on the 1992 novel by Dorothy Allison, in this film, Jena Malone stars in her debut as a poor, physically abused, and sexually assaulted girl. There's not a single superfluous scene or line. It's a potent 1996 film featuring outstanding performances that tackles the incredibly sensitive subject of child abuse. This is one of those uncommonly powerful and moving movies that one will never forget seeing.

2003 | 2 hours | Directed by Paul Shapiro

Starring Billy Campbell, Barbara Hershey, and Kevin Dunne

This film is based on a 1980s autobiographical and biographical book written by Ann Rule, who personally knew the serial killer Ted Bundy. She met him in 1971 as a Psychology student at the University of Washington. It covers those events and is a movie that will leave you in shock.

1995 | 1 hour 27 minutes | Directed by Waris Hussein

Starring Kellie Martin, Edward Herrmann, and Caroline Perreyclear 

This Lifetime true story movie is based on Caroline B. Cooney’s 1990 novel bearing the same name. It is about a character called Jennifer who sees her face on the back of a milk carton about kidnapping. She eventually discovers more about her abduction. The story is based on an actual kidnapping that took place.

1996 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by James A. Contner

Starring Lynda Carter, Katie Wright, and Marley Shelton

This Lifetime original movie recounts the story of two friends whose goal to lose weight has disastrous consequences. Lexi Archer has to lose weight to play volleyball. She befriends Jennifer, who has bulimia, and the two make a pact to help each other. It is based on a true story and showcases the power that eating disorders can have on people.

1995 | 1 hour 20 minutes | Directed by Eric Laneuville

Starring Kellie Martin, Kevin Dobson, and Ivan Sergei

There are a few horrifying Lifetime movies based on true stories about abuse, and this is one of them. The true crime story is about Katie Liner, who marries Jimmy Pettit. Only after her marriage is his true nature revealed, and Katie bears the brunt of his aggression. The film is derived from the story of 14-year-old Amy Carnevale, who was abused and murdered by her 16-year-old boyfriend, Jamie Fuller, on August 23, 1991.

1997 | 2 hours 25 minutes | Directed by Richard A. Colla

Starring Cassidy Rae, David Lipper, and Holly Marie Combs

This movie is about the real-life murder of Adrianne Jones by Diane Zamora in Texas. In this film, characters Diane and David are high school sweethearts sent to different army academies. They swear to remain faithful, but things turn sinister when David has an affair. This original movie is more terrifying than a horror film because it shows how simple actions can lead to disastrous consequences. 

1996 | 3 hours 10 minutes | Directed by Bill L. Norton

Starring Shannen Doherty, Kevin Dillon, and Brett Murray

This movie is based on a true story of the abduction and murder of 7-year-old Jaclyn Dowaliby in 1988. It follows the arrest of her parents and their release due to insufficient evidence. This Lifetime Network film explores the shady side of law enforcement and the problems that cropped up with the investigation.

1993 | 1 hour 32 minutes | Directed by Michael Switzer

Starring Brooke Shields and Richard Thomas

There are many new Lifetime movies based on true stories, but very few can beat the mystery and intrigue of these classic movies. This film is based on the stalking of Laura Black, the murder of seven people, and the injury of four by Richard Farley in 1988. His obsession and crimes led to the first anti-stalking laws to be enacted in the United States. The movie is about how Laura interns at Kensitron Electronics only to meet her colleague Richard, who ends up being a nightmare in human form.

1997 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Christopher Leitch

Starring Yasmine Bleeth, Cassidy Rae, and George Eads

The movie follows Danielle Stevens, a beautiful young woman living in Northern California. Her drive and ambition to win a pageant cause her to make deathly choices. She eventually finds herself trapped by her lofty dreams. This film is based on true events wherein the real Danielle Stevens murdered her pageant rival. She is now serving a sentence in prison.

1999 | 1 hour 30 minutes | Directed by Guy Ferland

Starring Heather Matarazzo, Eric Stoltz, and Scott Vickaryous

The movie is about the alleged rape of a girl with special needs by a high school football player. Detective Kelly Brooks has to deal with the hostility and outrage of the townspeople, as well as the rapists who think they can get away with anything. It is about the actual rape case involving Christopher Archer and the Scherzer twins, who were sentenced to a juvenile detention facility.

1993 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by John Herzfeld

Starring Alyssa Milano, Jack Scalia, and Phyllis Lyons

It is about the true story of Amy Fisher and Joey Buttafuoco. Amy, who is infatuated with Joey, goes to any length to try and have him, even to the extent of murdering his wife. The movie shows the events leading up to the infatuation and how deadly things can get.

1992 | 1 hour 33 minutes | Directed by Joyce Chopra

Starring Veronica Hamel, Nancy McKeon, David Duchovny, and Michael Madsen

The true crime movie is about a woman whose daughter goes missing. She frantically tries to find her daughter, but as the case proceeds, she realizes that the police suspect her. It is about the true story of Rachael Ann White, who was kidnapped in 1988 in Colorado. The kidnapper was 38-year-old Marirza Rentz.

1989 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Robert Markowitz

Starring Nancy McKeon, Dale Midkiff, and Yvette Heyden

This film is based on the story of Tracey Thurman, who is trying to escape an abusive marriage to Buck. Even though she obtains a restraining order from him, he continues to follow her and eventually stabs her multiple times. She survives and decides to sue the police department for not protecting her well, which leads to the 1985 ruling of Thurman v. City of Torrington.

1997 | 2 hours 7 minutes | Directed by Gregory Nava

Starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos 

This is a biographical musical drama about the Mexican singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. She had a promising career and family life, but Yolanda Saldívar murdered her at the age of 23. You can find this full Lifetime movie based on a true story on many streaming sites. But be prepared for some heavy moments during it!

1992 | 2 hours | Directed by David Greene

Starring Lesley Ann Warren and Tess Harper

This story is about Wanda Holloway from Texas, who was found guilty of conspiring to kill the mother of her daughter’s cheerleading competitor. She was driven by jealousy and came up with this murder plan to secure her daughter a spot as a cheerleader on the squad. Even though it sounds made-up, this is an unbelievable true story.

1993 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Paul Schneider

Starring Kate Jackson

This Lifetime movie is based on the creepy true story of an evil woman who can't have a child. She fakes a pregnancy to make her boyfriend stay. To turn this fiction into a reality, she surgically removes a pregnant woman’s baby by cesarean and abducts it. This story is detailed in the book “Masking Evil” by Carol Anne Davis. It was about Norma Jean, who drugged Mary Childs and cut her baby out, claiming that it was her own.

1993 | 1 hour 30 minutes | Directed by Tom McLoughlin

Starring Stephen Caffrey and Valerie Bertinelli

The story follows the life of Laura Wade, whose whole life gets turned upside down due to her psychotic behavior. She occasionally has a mental breakdown and engages in murderous behavior. She eventually discovers what is happening, but it is too late. This is based on the true story of Laurie Dann, who killed one boy and wounded two girls in an elementary school in 1988.

1991 | 4 hours | Directed by Robert Markowitz

Starring Clancy Brown, Sheryl Lee, and Moira Kelly

This Lifetime true story movie is about Cinnamon Brown, who kills her stepmother by shooting her. Even though she confessed to the crime, the police weren’t able to find enough evidence to support the motive. They delved deeper and found that there was more than met the eye. This miniseries is based on the murder of Linda Bailey Brown in 1985. 

1994 | 1 hour 40 minutes | Directed by Paul Schneider

Starring Tracey Gold, Jill Clayburgh, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar

This Lifetime movie is based on the chilling true story of Nancy Walsh, who is anxious about her future after graduating. She hides the dirty little secret about her anorexia, but eventually, her parents confront her about her condition. The story centers around their battle to protect her from herself.

1990 | 1 hour 33 minutes | Directed by Robert Markowitz

Starring Juliette Lewis, Brad Pitt, and Dean Abston

This true crime story follows Amanda Bradley, who is a 15-year-old homeless prostitute. She comes in contact with Billy Canton, who is a comfort but also uses her. Eventually, Amanda kills a man while on drugs and lands in jail. She becomes one of the youngest people ever to get sentenced to death. The movie is loosely based on Attina Marie Cannaday, who killed Ronald Wojcik with a knife in 1982.

1994 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Gabrielle Beaumont

Starring Danica McKellar, Dee Wallace, and Carmen Argenziano

This is one of the most terrifying movies based on true stories about a missing child. It is the scary true crime story of a young woman under much pressure from her parents. She finds support from a man named Kenny, who has secret plans to impregnate her and sell her baby for money.

1997 | 1 hour 27 minutes | Directed by Bethany Rooney

Starring Keri Russell and Jill Clayburgh

This Lifetime original movie is based on the real story of Jennifer Ireland, who had her daughter Maranda at 16. It centers around the character Erica French, who keeps the baby she conceived in high school. She ends up in a long-drawn custody battle with the child’s father, Scott. Scott eventually realizes that something is wrong and that the child has mysterious injuries and bruises, leading to a startling discovery.

1993 | 1 hour 36 minutes | Directed by Corey Allen

Starring Shanna Reed, Paul Rudd, and LuAnne Ponce

This movie from Lifetime follows a woman who tries to protect her daughter from a deranged admirer. When the law lets her down, she has to take matters into her own hands. It is based on the story of 14-year-old Laurisa Annello, stalked by her Little League Umpire, Bruce Raines.

1999 | 1 hour 40 minutes | Directed by Richard A. Colla

Starring Yasmine Bleeth and Richard Grieco

This movie recounts the story of Bobby Woodkin, a con artist who had a vasectomy and couldn’t have children. He killed a young mother and stole her 3-month-old baby to please his wife, Terry. This Lifetime movie is based on the true story of Woodkin, who is serving a life sentence in prison. The film is a dramatization of the case that took place in 1991 in Denver and Topeka.