HIT PICS SPAN DECADES
BY KC Orcutt
scroll
From modest beginnings, Lifetime has emerged as the most prolific producer of made-for-television movies. Over 30 years, its top movies have often been ahead of their time, tackling controversial issues and embracing inclusive perspectives.
“Human Trafficking”Lifetime’s first original miniseries portrayed the horrors of international sex trafficking and launched the network’s purpose-driven programming. In addition to partnering with nonprofits to raise awareness, “Human Trafficking” garnered three Emmy noms.
2005
“A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story”Based on the true story of Gwen Araujo, a teenager who dared to come out as transgender, this film alternates between the dramatized trial of her senseless murder and scenes that highlight the family’s unconditional love and acceptance for one another.
2006
“Prayers for Bobby”This Emmy Award-nominated film follows the true story of Bobby Griffith, whose devout Christian mother, played by Sigourney Weaver, refused to accept her son being gay until after he took his own life, leading her to become an LGBTQ activist.
2009
“The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale”Alongside Viola Davis and Loretta Devine, Fantasia stars in the adaptation of her own life story. Directed by Debbie Allen, the network’s second-highest rated film shows the singer overcoming illiteracy and poverty as a teenage single mother to become a national sensation.
2006
“Five”Embodying a mantra of “direct your power,” each film in this five-part anthology is directed by a woman: Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys, Patty Jenkins and Penelope Spheeris. “Five” explores the wide-ranging impact of breast cancer diagnoses across communities.
2011
“Drew Peterson: Untouchable”As part of Lifetime’s true crime storytelling, this ripped-from-the-headlines movie features Rob Lowe as a Chicago-area police officer who is accused of murdering his third wife while his fourth, played by Kaley Cuoco, goes missing.
2012
“Steel Magnolias”Starring Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Adepero Oduye and Condola Rashad, this remake of the classic 1987 play (and 1989 film) features an all-Black cast. It became the third-highest rated film in Lifetime’s history.
2012
“Flowers in the Attic”This adaptation of the bestselling V.C. Andrews book features Ellen Burstyn, Heather Graham and Kiernan Shipka. The cult classic will have its origins explored in a new miniseries for 2022 starring Jemima Ropper, Max Irons, Kelsey Grammer and Harry Hamlin.
2012
