10 Made for TV Movies That Were Actually Good

Made-for-TV movies often get a bad rap for corny story lines, bad acting, or just the fact that they are made for broadcast or cable television and not the big screen. While we can't deny that many TV movies are just downright awful, they aren't all bad. Love 'em or hate 'em, critics will agree that these 10 made-for-TV movies were actually good.

1. You Don't Know Jack

   HBO's You Don't Know Jack was a critically acclaimed television film featuring Al Pacino as Jack Kevorkian, the former pathologist who led a controversial crusade to end the terminally ill's pain through physician-assisted suicide. The film received overwhelming praise and was nominated for 15 Emmys, winning two for outstanding lead actor in a movie or mini-series and outstanding writing for a movie or mini-series.

2. Coco Chanel

   Coco Chanel is the Lifetime Network's award-winning TV film based on the rags-to-riches life of legendary fashion designer, Coco Chanel. Actress Shirley MacLaine won a Golden Globe for her moving portrayal of the glamorous, yet mysterious woman, who never married but was a mistress to some of the most influential men in the world.

3. The Ron Clark Story

   TNT's Original drama, The Ron Clark Story, tells the story of an energetic young teacher who moves to New York City to teach at a rough public school. Although Clark is faced with unfamiliar challenges, he uses his unique teaching techniques and devotion to helps turn his students' grades and lives around for the better. Matthew Perry's portrayal of real-life teacher Ron Clark received positive responses and earned him several award nominations.

4. Longford

   HBO's made-for-TV drama Longford was a cinematic success based on the Labour Party minister, Lord Longford, and his unsuccessful and controversial campaign to free Moors murderer, Myra Hindley, from prison. The critically acclaimed movie won the official selection for Best Dramatic Picture at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and took home Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress at the 2007 Australian Independent Awards.

5. Tuesdays with Morrie

   The 1999 TV film, Tuesdays with Morrie, is a heartwarming adaptation of Mitch Albom's bestseller of the same title, which follows the story of professor Morrie Schwartz as he re-connects with an old student after learning that he is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease. During this time of self-introspection, Schwartz, played by Jack Lemmon, helps his former student realize his full potential in life.

6. Wit

   Wit is a 2001 television film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name about Dr. Vivian Bearing, a professor of 17th-century metaphysical poetry, whose life takes a surprising turn when she's diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Even though she's losing her battle with cancer, Bearing, played by Emma Thompson, never loses her witty sense of humor.

7. The Lion in Winter

   The Lion in Winter is Showtime's made-for-TV movie that remade the 1968 film of the same name about the life of King Henry II and his family's plot to overthrow him. Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close gave outstanding performances playing the king and Queen Eleanor. The film was nominated for and won several prestigious awards, including the Emmy award for Outstanding Costumes and the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a miniseries or TV movie, which went to Close.

8. If These Walls Could Talk 2

   If These Walls Could Talk 2 is a hit TV movie that tells the story of three lesbian couples who occupy the same house over three different decades. The Emmy award-winning film focuses on the different trials and tribulations each couple faces, including abortion, feminism, and same-sex parenting.

9. Endgame

   Endgame is PBS's TV movie that's based on the final days of apartheid in South Africa and the covert discussions that ended the regime. Endgame received largely positive reviews and was watched by 837,000 viewers and an additional 336,000 viewers on a repeat airing.

10. Prayers for Bobby

    Prayers for Bobby is a heartfelt Lifetime TV movie based on the true story of a young gay man, named Bobby Griffith, who committed suicide because of his mother's and community's disapproval of homosexuality. Actress Sigourney Weaver gives a moving performance as Bobby's mother, Mary, who is torn between her conservative beliefs and accepting her son's homosexuality.

Taken From Best Online Colleges