It's hard not to get sucked into the drama of a Lifetime movie. Many of us have been tuning in to the made-for-TV dramas, romances, and thrillers since we were kids staying home from school sick. We can certainly vouch for how addictive the sometimes totally unbelievable — but often based-on-a-true story films — are. Watching one can turn into an all-day movie marathon, and we mean the kind that keeps us on the couch in our jammies surrounded by snacks and tissues to catch all the tears, and a blanket to hide behind when things get creepy.
Yes, it's that serious, but anyone who loves Lifetime movies already knows all of that. The problem is the network eventually switches over to a series, and that movie marathon unexpectedly comes to an abrupt halt.
… That is unless until Netflix gets queued up.
The streaming service's endless library of films includes tons of Lifetime-esque movies sure to please anyone with an urge to watch something that makes them feel a whole lot better about their own life. We're talking movies so full of crazy, out-there scenarios, down-right scary themes, and utterly awful outcomes. It's hard to understand why anyone wouldn't watch them, but Lifetime-style movies are like a train wreck — so horrifying, intense, and intriguing that it's hard to look away.
These 11 new movies (and some bonus honorable mentions) on Netflix certainly fit the bill.
'Fatal Affair'
Rated: TV-14
Things quickly turn frightening when successful lawyer Ellie (Nia Long) meets up with an old friend, David (Omar Epps), for a drink, and their rendezvous goes from innocent to adulterous. An obsession develops, and Ellie must go through great lengths to protect her family and friends from being casualties of David's plans to have her for his own no matter the cost.
'The Lost Husband'
Rated: PG-13
The Lost Husband is a tale of grief, redemption, and rugged romance — but not the scary kind. This film focuses more on strained family dynamics and survival after tragedy, making it a great watch for anyone looking for the drama, without the violence and fear.
'Dangerous Lies'
Rated: TV-14
When a caregiver's wealthy charge dies shortly after she starts the job, she's shocked to discover he's left her his entire fortune. She soon finds herself entangled in an unexpected web of deception and dangerous secrets, forcing her to fight for her own survival.
'The Night Clerk'
Rated: R
When a woman is murdered during an autistic hotel night clerk's shift, his voyeuristic tendencies are discovered, making him the prime suspect of the investigation. A chance meeting with a hotel guest results in an unexpected connection that prompts him to start looking for the real killer in order to protect her.
'The Crimes That Bind'
Rated: TV-14
When a man is accused of raping and trying to kill his ex-wife, his mother will stop at nothing to prove his innocence and protect him from a prison sentence. She uncovers far more than she expected to, and in the process alters the course of her own life forever.
'A Fall From Grace'
Rated: TV-MA
An older woman and upstanding member of her community, Grace is crushed when she learns her ex-husband is marrying the woman he had an affair with, but a new romance stems the pain. They eventually marry, but Grace's life is nearly ruined as her new man slowly destroys everything important to her. When he suddenly dies, Grace is arrested for his murder, and a hopeful young lawyer is determined to prove her innocence.
'The Occupant'
Rated: TV-MA
An unemployed advertising executive lost everything after he lost his job, including his beloved home. Unable to move on, he begins stalking the new occupants of his former home after he realizes that they never changed the locks. His obsession leads him to believe there's a chance at getting back what he's lost … if he can only get rid of the family that replaced his.
'Lost Girls'
Rated: R
Mari Gilbert's daughter has disappeared, and the lack of urgency on the case from local authorities prompts Mari to embark on her own investigation in the desperate hope of getting her child back. Her search for information leads her to a gated community in Long Island, where she uncovers the stories over a dozen murdered sex workers. This one's inspired by true events, so be prepared to go down the rabbit hole.
'Nobody Knows I'm Here'
Rated: TV-MA
Though not quite the typical Lifetime fodder, Nobody Knows I'm Here offers a fresh take on many of the themes we've come to expect from the network. In the film, a former child star has been traumatized by the experiences of his youth, and ends up a recluse living on a Chilean sheep farm with little to no contact with the outside world.
… That is until a woman comes into his life and begins to see him for who he really is.
'All Day and a Night'
Rated: R
All Day and a Night tells a story replete with crime, despair, and tragedy, but it's also a story of truth and hope. When a young man is arrested for murder, he ends up in prison with his father, who is serving a life sentence, and begins a journey to self-discovery in the hopes of breaking the cycle for his own infant son.
'Intuition'
Rated: TV-MA
A prequel to the previously released Perdida, Intuition is about a young police officer working her first big murder case, who begins simultaneously investigating her controversial mentor and boss when suspicions are raised that he may be a killer himself.
Honorable Mention: 'Extremely Wicked Shockingly Evil and Vile'
Rated: R
In Zac Efron's raw turn as infamous American serial killer Ted Bundy, Extremely Wicked Shockingly Evil and Vile, the killer's crimes are unfolded alongside the disturbing tale of his love life during and after the time he committed the murders — from his engagement to a single mom, to his marriage, to an obsessed ex during his trial.
Honorable Mention: 'Beneath the Leaves'
Rated: TV-MA
A serial kidnapper is arrested and spends 15 years in prison after the boys he stole escape. But James Whitley eventually seizes an opportunity that results in his own escape and is determined to resurrect his old ways. One of his former victims ends up on the case, but is swiftly removed due to the conflict of interest. His long-time lover is left as the lead on the case, but Detective Larson won't give up the hunt.
Honorable Mention: 'Awake'
Rated: TV-MA
When a man wakes up in a hospital room with amnesia — with absolutely no recollection of his own identity — he learns that he's now the prime suspect in a string of serial killings. His nurse helps him in a desperate attempt to flee the police, and their escape leads them to investigate the murders he's accused of. What they discover about his identity and about the killings themselves is shocking beyond belief.
Honorable Mention: 'Gerald's Game'
Rated: TV-MA
In Gerald's Game, a husband and wife retreat to a remote cabin in an effort to spice up their relationship (think handcuffs and sexy lingerie), but after the husband dies from a sudden heart attack, the wife is left alone and bound to the bed. As she realizes no one will ever arrive to help her, her imagination and past demons slowly drive her mad.
Honorable Mention: 'All is Well'
Rated: TV-MA
When Janne is raped by her new boss's brother-in-law, she decides not to report the assault and do everything she can to move on with her life as if nothing has happened. But eventually, the impact of the trauma she experienced catches up to her and begins to affect her mentally, physically, and socially.
