True crime might be Netflix’s most consistent genre in terms of hit rate. True-crime documentaries, including The Perfect Neighbor and Amy Bradley Is Missing, dominated the Netflix algorithm last year. The sentiment also includes scripted true crime, and Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story is the latest hit for the streamer.
According to Netflix’s weekly movie top 10, Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story debuted at No. 5 on the streamer’s global chart. Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story originally premiered on Lifetime in June 2022. Four years later, it has found new life on the biggest streaming platform.
Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story is based on a true story
Credit: Lifetime
Like many true-crime tales, 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. The relationship between Melanie and Bill started off like any courtship—the two met, fell in love, married, and had kids. As the years progressed, the couple fell out of love due to financial hardships and marital issues. Infidelity even came into play.
In April 2004, Melanie took action to get out of her marriage. Judging by the title, you can assume a murder of some sort happened; the aftermath 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 that 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 movie.
Netflix continues to find success with Lifetime
Netflix and Lifetime have formed an advantageous relationship over the years. Lifetime movies and TV shows have achieved newfound viewing success on Netflix. Meanwhile, Netflix receives Lifetime’s ready-to-stream true crime programming.
The best example of this partnership was You, a psychological thriller starring Joe Goldberg as an obsessed serial killer. You season 1 premiered on Lifetime in September 2018. The series then moved to Netflix for season 2, where it became a breakout hit. You ended its five-season run on Netflix in April 2025.
Release Date
June 18, 2022
Runtime
85 minutes
Director
Nicole L. Thompson
Writers
Peter O’Brien
Candice King
Melanie McGuire
Michael Roark
Bill McGuire
Wendie Malick
Patti Prezioso
If you’re looking for more content, there are four great Netflix movies you can watch this week, including Free Solo and The Northman. On the TV side, Bridgerton season 4 arrives later this month.
