The Best Lifetime Movies So Far In 2023
Listen, we know we are barely into spring, but we are already looking forward to all of the cheesy Christmas movies that are going to drop this holiday season. Do we get excited every year to see all the new Lifetime movies that are coming our way? Yes. Do our parents record them for us so that we can watch them all when we go home for Christmas? Duh. Does a single teardrop go down our collective cheeks when the mean Wall Street guy who came to tear down the local family inn has a change of heart and comes back to win the girl? Absolutely. Lifetime Christmas movies have truly become a part of pop culture, and we are here for it.
But those weren't the original Lifetime movies, oh no, sirree. Those of us OG Lifetime movie fans remember that Lifetime is known for tragic biopics, chaotic plots, and unbelievable twists. Think "woman falls in love with the pool boy who happens to be her biological son that she gave up for adoption and is now back and seeking vengeance" type of plots. And, boy oh boy, they are just as, if not more riveting, than the cheesy Christmas movies that Lifetime has been known for as of late.
So to help educate those new to this type of film, and to help narrow down the choices for those who know and love these movies, here are the best Lifetime movies so far in 2023.
Reba McEntire's The Hammer
Starting off this list hot with a 7.1/10 IMDb rating is "Reba McEntire's The Hammer." This movie obviously stars Reba McEntire, as well as Melissa Peterman (known for "Reba" and the Hallmark Christmas movie, "Haul Out the Holly"), and Rex Linn (who starred in "CSI: Miami" and "Better Call Saul").
"Reba McEntire's The Hammer" features McEntire as Kim Wheeler, who is appointed as a judge in Nevada after the previous judge dies mysteriously. According to Lifetime, "As the investigation of the former judge's death heats up, Kim's sister Kris (Peterman), who runs the local brothel, suddenly becomes the prime suspect, and Kim must work even harder to make certain the appropriate justice is served."
"Reba McEntire's The Hammer" came out on January 7, 2023, to mixed reviews. One IMDb user wrote, "All I can say is I want more!" A different user said on IMDb, "This movie is at best boring." With McEntire at the helm, we are sure this movie is definitely worth a watch either way.
A Deadly Mistake
Coming in at a strong 6.8/10, we have "A Deadly Mistake." This thriller film stars Philip Boyd (known for "The Haves and the Have Nots" and "The Single's Guidebook"), Christie Leverette (known for "Murder at Blackthorne Manor" and "Sistas"), and Cameron Jebo (known for "Power Rangers Megaforce" and "A Christmas Princess").
"A Deadly Mistake" was released in Europe earlier this year, and will premiere in the U.S. on June 2, 2023. The film is described on the Reel One Entertainment site: "After a car accident leaves her boyfriend in a coma, April's panic attacks return and make her life a living hell. However, once she accepts the kindness of a stranger trying to help her, she realizes that he might not be the stranger she thought he is." The screenwriter, Stephen Romano, says the film is a "squirmy, soapy scandal story."
Now, these are the types of plots we're talking about! We love when a mysterious past comes back to haunt a protagonist.
She Inherited Danger
"She Inherited Danger" has a 6.4/10 on IMDb, which, if you've seen these types of movies, isn't too bad. After all, Ds get degrees.
All jokes aside, "She Inherited Danger" stars Sarah Fisher (a familiar face to the Lifetime fan, known for "Degrassi: The Next Generation" and "Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist"), Conner Floyd (known for "The Young and the Restless" and "The Last Deal"), and Preston Ward (known for "Tulsa King" and "Shapetown, USA"). "She Inherited Danger" is about a young woman who "inherits her grandfather's theater and plans to sell it, but things get dangerous when she changes her mind and decides to reopen the beautiful landmark property herself" (via Lifetime).
"She Inherited Danger" was released on March 3, 2023, to once again, mixed reviews. One IMDb reviewer says, "Good Friday night movie with an interesting plot! Recommended!" While another reviewer on IMDb wrote, "Not worth a watch." We'll let you decide.
The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story
"The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story" ranks right below "She Inherited Danger" with a 6.2/10. 'The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story" stars Katie Douglas (known for Netflix's hit show "Ginny & Georgia" as well as "Pretty Hard Cases"), Cara Buono (known for Netflix's "Stranger Things" and "Mad Men"), and Kristian Bruun (known for Netflix's "The Recruit" and "Orphan Black").
"The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story" is based on the true story of Kara Robinson. Robinson was abducted by serial killer Richard Evonitz in 2002 at the age of 15 in South Carolina, but she eventually escaped and even helped the authorities find him.
"The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story" was released on February 11, 2023, to mostly positive reviews, with IMDb users saying, "An excellent movie to watch and follow what's been happening." Another viewer on IMDb praised the story, saying, "Very well acted by the actress, Katie Douglas. She did a fantastic job."
The Surrogate Scandal
"The Surrogate Scandal" has the same rating as "The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story" at 6.2/10. "The Surrogate Scandal" stars Catherine Dyer (known for Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show" and Netflix's "Stranger Things"), Luisa D'Oliveira (known for the holiday movie, "A Christmas Proposal" and "The 100"), and Matthew James Dowden (who is a Hallmark and Lifetime movie staple and has starred in films such as "The Holiday Sitter" and "North to Home").
"The Surrogate Scandal" follows Amelia as she investigates the death of daughter Beth, who served as "a secret surrogate for celebrity couple Grace and Alex Hardy. Amelia believes Beth died under suspicious circumstances and poses as a nanny in order to infiltrate the Hardy household" (via Lifetime).
"The Surrogate Scandal" came out on March 12, 2023. That Best Darn Girls Movie Reviews reviewed "The Surrogate Scandal," giving it 4.5/5 stars and saying, "Now, this one has a lot of twists and turns. So make sure you watch it from the beginning to the end. ... This film is fun and packs all the Lifetime plot points in one movie."
A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story
"A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" also has a rating of 6.2/10. The film stars Chrishell Stause (whose claim to fame came from the reality show "Selling Sunset" as well as "Days of Our Lives"), Colin Egglesfield (known for the romantic comedy "Something Borrowed" and "Rizzoli & Isles"), and Laura Ramsey (known for "Hindsight" and "White Collar"). "A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" is based on the true story of convicted murderer Randy Roth, who is known for killing his wife to collect her life insurance plan.
"A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" came out on February 18, 2023, to lukewarm reviews. One IMDb user says, "Overall this LTM avoids the tropes of many failed ones, not devolving into horrendous dialogue, craptastic acting, and trash characters. I enjoyed it as a casual watch."
And honestly, for a Lifetime movie, that's pretty high praise.
My Daughter's Deadly Roommates
"My Daughter's Deadly Roommates" has a rating of 6.1/10 on IMDb. The movie stars Lily Brody (known for "Call Me Crazy" and "Susie Searches"), Cassidy Edwards (known for "The Town Inside"), and Grace Montie (known for "A Baby at Any Cost" and "Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher").
Lifetime describes "My Daughter's Deadly Roommates" as a film about a young woman starting college, where she "quickly finds herself trapped inside a secret society that has sinister motives. As the society isolates her from her family with increasing intensity, she must decide whether to resign herself to their deadly manipulation, or if she will fight back to stop them once and for all."
"My Daughter's Deadly Roommates" came out on January 27, 2023, and had some pretty good reviews, with one IMDb user saying, "Good acting and a solid script make this one of the better Lifetime movies so far this year! Definitely worth a watch!"
Spinning Out of Control
"Spinning Out of Control" has a solid 6/10 rating. The movie stars Ria Ridley (known for "Secrets in the Building" and "A Day in the Life of a Serial Killer"), Kelcie Stranahan (known for "Designed for Death" and "The Stalker Club"), and Sharlene Radlein (known for "Your Face" and "An Essential Delivery").
Lifetime describes the plot for "Spinning Out of Control" as: "After winning a contest, Natalie Clark rides her free stationary bike daily, guided by her stunning and inspiring virtual instructor Lia Sterling. Natalie becomes infatuated with Lia and attempts to befriend the fitness mogul in real life. When Lia steps away from virtual training to focus on her personal life, Natalie initiates a sinister plan to eliminate everyone in Lia's life, so Natalie can have her as her own permanent trainer and best friend." As Peloton fans, we are into this.
"Spinning Out of Control" premiered on February 10, 2023, to a mixed bag of reviews. One IMDb user said, "This Lifetime movie was well acted, written, and directed. Highly recommended!" While another IMDb reviewer said, "I wish I had avoided this one."
Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation
"Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation" has a rating of 5.9/10 on IMDb. The movie stars Jennifer Grey as the title character (whose claim to fame came from "Dirty Dancing"), Vincent Walsh (known for "Hemingway vs. Callaghan" and "The Young Messiah"), and Alain Goulem (known for "The Christmas Checklist" and "18 to Life").
"Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation" is based on the real life of Gwen Shamblin, who is notorious for her cultlike church and diet workshop, "the weigh down" diet. She is also the subject of the popular HBO Max docuseries, "The Way Down."
"Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation" premiered on February 4, 2023, with once again, mixed reviews. One IMDb reviewer said that they "would give zero stars if possible" for the film's lack of accuracy. Another IMDb user said, "10 points for Jennifer! ... I think I will watch this movie once again. It's very interesting from the first minute 'til the end."
Every Breath She Takes
"Every Breath She Takes" has a 5.7/10-star rating. The movie stars Tamala Jones (known for "The Rookie" and "9-1-1: Lone Star"), Brian White (known for "The Black Hamptons" and "Fosters Law"), and Tisha Campbell (known for "Martin" and "Inside Job"). "Every Breath She Takes" follows Jules (Jones), who is trying to move on after the death of her abusive husband. But, according to Lifetime, "problems with the insurance have fingers pointing at Jules when it's found out that the fire was set intentionally. After a series of frightening events and the fact that she thinks she keeps seeing her dead husband, Jules believes she may be going crazy."
"Every Breath She Takes" premiered on March 25, 2023. The Best Darn Girls Movie Reviews reviewed the film, giving it a 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling the movie "entertaining" and recommending viewers "watch with a pen and pad" so that you can take notes on the "therapy and self-defense" tips.
Her Affair to Die For
"Her Affair to Die For" has a 5.8/10 rating on IMDb. The movie stars Ryan Francis (known for "Sisters" and "The Inhabitant"), Meghan Carrasquillo (known for "Hider in My House" and "Mystery Incorporated"), and Logan Mariner (known for "Homicide Hunter: Never Give Up" and "The Murder Podcast").
"Her Affair to Die For" tells the story of Alyssa (Carrasquillo), a "seductive roommate who will stop at nothing to possess" her friend's distracted father (via Lifetime). Sounds complicated and messy, but we're certainly here for all the drama!
"Her Affair to Die For" premiered on January 23, 2023, and Views on Film reviewed the movie, writing, "'Affair' starts with a bang and ends with a whimper, concluding with a weak, 'Fatal Attraction'-like cessation where you say, 'Um, that's it?' 'No prize?' 'No true corollary?'" At the same time, the site praises the film's capable direction and acting.
Who Killed Our Father?
The thriller "Who Killed Our Father?" has a 5.7/10 rating. The movie stars Kirsten Comerford (known for "Lucifer" and "Supernatural"), Devin Cecchetto (known for "Bad Influence" and "The Parker Andersons/Amelia Parker"), and Joanne Boland (known for "Being Erica" and "Locke & Key"). According to Lifetime, the film's plot is described as: "After her foster sister dies, Leila takes a DNA test and discovers the identity of her biological father and sister. But when her father is tragically murdered, and Leila travels to meet the sister she never knew, she lands herself in more danger than she ever imagined."
"Who Killed Our Father?" premiered on February 16, 2023, to middling reviews, with one IMDb reviewer saying, "This movie is made by a few college kids and their parents, filmed with iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. My advice is to watch it blindfolded and the sound off. Words cannot express how horrible this movie is." Woof. That's brutal, but who doesn't love a little sisterly drama?
Sisters on the Run
"Sisters on the Run" comes in at 5.6/10 stars. "Sisters on the Run" stars Jonathan Stoddard (known for "The Soulmate Search" and "A Prince and Pauper Christmas"), Nicole Marie Johnson (known for another movie on this list, "My Daughter's Deadly Roommates" and "A Deadly Mistake"), and Brianna Cohen (known for "Nightmare PTA Moms" and "My Sister's Serial Killer Boyfriend").
"Sisters on the Run" is about sisters Selma and Madison. The logline reads, "When Selma pulls the trigger in self-defense to stop her abusive, dirty cop husband, she goes on the run and takes shelter with her estranged sister, Madison" (via Apple TV).
"Sisters on the Run" was released on Lifetime Movie Club in March 2023. One IMDb user rated it an 8/10 and commented on the cinematography of the film, writing that "the touching denouement of the film appropriately isolated the two sisters in a compositional frame that demonstrated the degree to which their ties were no longer broken."
Secret Society of Lies
"Secret Society of Lies" finishes our roundup with a rating of 5.6/10 stars. "Secret Society of Lies" stars Kristen Vaganos (known for "Obsessed with the Babysitter" and "Dating After College"), Luke Charles Stafford (known for "Megalodon Rising" and "East of Middle West"), and Azizi Donnelly (known for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" and "Baby Powder").
"Secret Society of Lies" is described by Lifetime as the story of Chrissy (Vaganos), a student who is attacked at a fraternity party and is "determined to expose the boys and end their reign of power." She gets help from Nathan Martel (Stafford), the son of the dean, but soon realizes that those in charge will do whatever they can to silence her.
"Secret Society of Lies" came out on February 19, 2023, to not-the-best reviews. That Darn Girl Movie Reviews wrote that this movie will "irritate viewers and make you lose interest." On the other hand, one IMDb reviewer called it a "decent campus thriller."