4 years later, polarizing true crime movie with a shocking murder is now a streaming hit

True crime might be Netflix’s most consistent genre in terms of success rate. True-crime documentaries including The Perfect Neighbor and Amy Bradley is missingdominated Netflix’s algorithm last year. The sentiment also includes scripted true crime, and Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story is the streamer’s latest success.

According to Netflix’s weekly top 10 movies, Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story debuted at No. 5 on the streamer’s global rankings. Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story originally premiered on Lifetime in June 2022. Four years later, it found new life on the largest streaming platform.

Suitcase Killer: The story of Melanie McGuire is based on a true story

Credit: For Life

Like many true crime stories, Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story is based on a true story. Melanie McGuire lived with her husband, Bill, and two sons in New Jersey. Melanie and Bill’s relationship began like any romantic relationship: the two met, fell in love, got married, and had children. Over the years, the couple fell in love due to financial difficulties and marital problems. Infidelity even came into play.

In April 2004, Melanie took steps to end her marriage. Judging by the title, you can assume a murder has occurred; the rest involved a suitcase. The ensuing murder trial became a media sensation thanks to the nickname “The Suitcase Killer.” We’ll let you stream it to fill in all the missing details which are quite graphic.

Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story stars Candice King as Melanie McGuire, Michael Roark as Bill McGuire, Jackson Hurst as Brad and Wendie Malick as Patti. Nicole L. Thompson directed the true crime film.

Netflix continues to enjoy success with Lifetime

Netflix and Lifetime have formed a beneficial relationship over the years. Lifetime movies and TV shows have enjoyed new ratings success on Netflix. Meanwhile, Netflix is ​​getting Lifetime’s true crime programming ready to stream.

The best example of this partnership is Youa psychological thriller starring Joe Goldberg as an obsessed serial killer. You season 1 premiered on Lifetime in September 2018. The series later moved to Netflix for season 2, where it became a smash hit. You ended its five seasons on Netflix in April 2025.

If you’re looking for more content, there are four great Netflix movies you can watch this week, including Free singleplayer And The Northerner. On the TV side, The Bridgerton Chronicles season 4 arrives later this month.