Lifetime is a channel of reality shows and TV movies, the latter of which falls under one of two categories: ideas or, as Lifetime calls it, a “Ripped from the Headlines” story.
But which one comes out on top?
Well, let’s look at both of them to find out!
Original movies from Lifetime might have a “theme” depending on the time of year, including “Cheer, Rally, Kill” during the start of the school year or “crazy significant other” movies around Valentine’s Day.
The creators will also go through different antagonists, including stalkers, teenagers, kids, and nurses, to name a few. While they can follow similar patterns, something is entertaining about Lifetime’s original movies.
Like normal thriller movies, the protagonists are clueless and unable to see the red flags that are glaringly obvious to the audience. As someone who has probably watched too many of these movies, I admit that yelling at Lifetime characters through the screen is part of the fun.
Additionally, like horror movies, it’s easy to tell where Lifetime’s original films’ will go plot-wise. Of course, we sometimes have to suspend disbelief, believing the small, skinny stalker can take out a guy a foot taller than her, but watching them is still fun.
Meanwhile, “Ripped from the Headlines” is exactly what it sounds like; movies featuring real events. They feature survivors of horrifying ordeals such as kidnapping and abuse, go through famous people’s life stories, and, at times, focus on the heinous crimes of a killer.
Their “Ripped from the Headlines” movies include “I Am Elizabeth Smart”, “Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey”, and “Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer”.
Unlike Lifetime’s Original movies, “Ripped from the Headlines” is more emotional. Though we know what happened often before going into the film, it’s still impactful. While changes are made to fit the two hours with commercial runtime of Lifetime movies, it’s done in a way that doesn’t take away from the truth.
Is there a clear answer regarding what type of Lifetime movie is better? Well, it depends on what you want to see! If you prefer true stories, go for “Ripped from the Headlines”. If you prefer cliché thrillers, which are just as good, go for a Lifetime Original. Either way, you’ll be entertained.
