Lifetime’s original movies (no, not those, Gen Z) have become a well-known staple of the network. The large amount of films has grown over time, leading fans to compile lists of their favorites. And, yeah, there’s a lot of them.
Considering they’ve been making these films for decades, there are tons to choose from when you’re planning o a classic Lifetime movie binge. But why live in the past when you can see the best Lifetime has had to offer over the past year?
2018 brought some interesting tales of betrayal, suspense, and romance. And, as a self-described expert of such cable TV fare, I believe that I’m qualified to narrow down a list of the five best. And trust me, it was not as easy as my subpar introduction makes it seem. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five best Lifetime movies to watch in 2019.
Deadly Delusions
Definitely more of a psychological thriller than your typical Lifetime original movie, Deadly Delusions‘ trailer alone shows both the tenseness and mystery of the film. Starring Haylie Duff (yes, the sister of Hilary Duff) in the lead role of Julia, we see how a move to Los Angeles doesn’t seem to brighten up her life.
In fact, Julia’s troubles (which appear possibly supernatural at times) appear in full force despite her new home. As we said, the trailer alone does a great job of showcasing the film, and we’d hate to spoil too much of it. I mean, that would be as bad as me telling you Bruce Willis was dead the whole time in Sixth Sense … oh, sorry.
Party Mom
The “cool parent” trope has been an interesting theme throughout pop culture, between King of the Hill’s “Get Your Freak Off” and Amy Poehler’s performance as the “cool mom” in Mean Girls. However, while those are mostly snippets or one-off characters, it’s not too often that you see an entire film dedicated to the idea.
Well, 2018’s Party Mom definitely shows the darker side of that trope, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. When I first began watching this film, I thought it was more of a fun, party film about a mom that just wanted to have a good time with her daughter and her friends. But, the more I watched it … wow. It definitely gets a bit on the grimmer side as you watch the stakes continually increased throughout the film. Great film, bad Mother’s Day gift.
Harry & Meghan: a Royal Romance
Yes, with all of the doom and gloom of the other entries on this list, it’s nice to see a more relaxed romance story. Well, as long as they don’t release Harry & Meaghan 2: Royal Bloodbath as the sequel. With the massive popularity of the couple, it makes sense that there would be a film taking a look at their journey to the altar.
Additionally, it follows Lifetime’s trajectory of covering more true stories, such as Coco Chanel, Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story, and Lizzie Borden Took an Ax. Ironically, the last one has the least axe murders of the three.
As you’ve seen, this list definitely has a bigger focus on the more action-packed films of the Lifetime Cinematic Universe. (I don’t think that’s technically the title, but I’m running with it.) Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance doesn’t have intense fight scenes or dark themes of betrayal. But it does have a nice, romantic love story for you to get lost in.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pitch my ultraviolet sequel idea to Lifetime …
Deadly Inn
Yes, this is another film on this list with the word “Deadly” in the title. But, if I’m being totally honest, in my research for this article, I learned that tons of these films have the word “Deadly” in the title. This film definitely has more of a “horror” theme to it than most of the films on this list. After all, just looking at the trailer, we see imagery such as a spider crawling up a woman’s face, creepy prophecies, and a woman holding a large knife.
We’re definitely far away from rom-com territory, people. Starring Angie Patterson (American Crime Story), Aria Pullman (Rescue Me), and Chad Michael Collins (Once Upon A Time), Deadly Inn features sharp acting from an experienced cast. I would call the acting so good it’s deadly, but I’m getting sick of typing that word.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9TunLuBmW8
Every Day is Christmas
And now, let’s end with something a little more on the lighthearted side. Unless you already thought Deadly Inn was on the lighthearted side. No judgement here. Every Day is Christmas, while not reinventing the wheel, just gives you that warm feeling you can only get around the holidays.
(Editor’s note: When I read the title of this film I totally thought it was going to be like that one Sesame Street I saw as a kid where Elmo wished every day was Christmas and then regretted it. I can’t be the only one that watched that.)
The film even takes some Dickensian influence (namely A Christmas Carol), something I can’t exactly say for the rest of the films on this list. As we see our main character embrace her past, present, and future, it’s hard not to get some Scrooge vibes from our protagonist, adding to the holiday feel of the story.
Starring the talented and versatile Toni Braxton, Every Day is Christmas is definitely the kind of film you want to curl up in a blanket and watch. Y’know, if you enjoy the finer things in life.
The article 5 Best Lifetime Movies You Should Watch in 2019 first appeared on Innovation & Tech Today.
