50 Must-See Movies About Serial Killers
Serial killer movies grip us with their blend of psychological tension, moral ambiguity, and raw suspense. These films dive into the darkest corners of human nature, exploring the minds of killers and those who hunt them, making for unforgettable cinematic experiences.
This list covers the 50 best movies about serial killers, each offering a unique take on crime, obsession, or terror. From psychological thrillers to gritty true stories, these films, spanning decades, deliver haunting narratives and unforgettable performances.
The Black Phone (2021)
A shy teen, Finney, is abducted by a masked killer known as The Grabber in a small town. Trapped in a basement, he receives eerie calls from past victims through a disconnected phone.
Ethan Hawke’s chilling performance and the supernatural twist create a tense, unique vibe. Kids will feel the fear, while adults appreciate the clever blend of horror and mystery.
The House That Jack Built (2018)
Jack, a failed architect, narrates his descent into serial killing over decades, treating each murder as an art project. Lars von Trier’s film is bold and unsettling.
Matt Dillon’s cold performance and the film’s graphic, philosophical tone make it divisive yet gripping. It’s a dark dive into a killer’s mind, not for the faint-hearted.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
Ted Bundy charms his way through a double life as a law student and prolific killer. Zac Efron’s charismatic portrayal captures Bundy’s deceptive allure.
The film focuses on his girlfriend’s perspective, blending romance with creeping dread. It’s a chilling look at how evil hides behind a likable facade.
The Frozen Ground (2013)
An Alaskan trooper hunts Robert Hansen, a serial killer preying on women in the 1980s. Based on true events, the film tracks a survivor’s escape that sparks the chase.
Nicolas Cage and John Cusack deliver intense performances in a gritty, procedural thriller. The snowy setting adds a stark, isolating tension to the hunt.
The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
A teen suspects his seemingly perfect father is a long-dormant serial killer. The slow-burn thriller explores family secrets in a quiet, suburban setting.
Dylan McDermott’s chilling duality drives the suspense. It’s a grounded, psychological take on how evil can lurk in plain sight, keeping you guessing.
My Friend Dahmer (2017)
This biopic follows Jeffrey Dahmer’s awkward high school years before his infamous crimes. Based on a graphic novel by Dahmer’s classmate, it’s a haunting character study.
Ross Lynch captures Dahmer’s isolation and eerie quirks. The film’s focus on his troubled youth offers a unique, unsettling glimpse into a killer’s origins.
The Snowtown Murders (2011)
In an Australian suburb, a teen falls under the influence of a charismatic killer leading a vigilante group that spirals into murder. Based on the Snowtown killings, it’s raw and grim.
The film’s stark realism and intense performances create a suffocating atmosphere. It’s a brutal look at manipulation and the cycle of violence.
Monster (2003)
Aileen Wuornos, a sex worker, becomes a killer after years of abuse, targeting men in 1980s Florida. Charlize Theron’s transformative performance earned her an Oscar.
The film balances sympathy for Wuornos’ pain with the horror of her crimes. It’s a raw, emotional dive into a broken life turned deadly.
The Deliberate Stranger (1986)
This TV movie chronicles Ted Bundy’s killing spree, focusing on his charm and cunning to evade capture. Mark Harmon stars as the chillingly charismatic killer.
Its procedural style and 1980s vibe capture Bundy’s elusive nature. The film’s focus on his double life makes it a gripping early take on his story.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Henry, a drifter, commits random murders with chilling detachment, pulling his roommate into his world. Michael Rooker’s raw performance anchors this low-budget shocker.
The film’s gritty, unflinching look at violence is tough to watch but magnetic. It’s a stark, no-frills portrait of a killer’s psyche.
Memories of Murder (2003)
South Korean detectives hunt a serial killer targeting women in a rural town during the 1980s. Based on real cases, Bong Joon-ho’s film blends suspense with dark humor.
The lush visuals and flawed characters create a gripping mystery. Its focus on the toll of an unsolved case makes it hauntingly human.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
A hacker and a journalist investigate a decades-old disappearance linked to a serial killer in Sweden. David Fincher’s adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel is sleek and intense.
Rooney Mara’s fierce Lisbeth Salander drives the intricate plot. The film’s icy visuals and layered mystery make it a standout thriller.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
A hunter stumbles on drug money, sparking a relentless chase by Anton Chigurh, a cold-blooded killer. The Coen Brothers craft a tense, philosophical crime drama.
Javier Bardem’s chilling performance as Chigurh steals the show. The sparse dialogue and stark desert setting amplify the dread.
American Psycho (2000)
Patrick Bateman, a wealthy Wall Street yuppie, hides his psychopathic killing spree behind a polished facade. Christian Bale’s iconic role is both charming and terrifying.
The film’s dark satire and graphic violence capture 1980s excess. It’s a sharp, unsettling look at a killer blending into society’s elite.
Zodiac (2007)
A cartoonist and reporters obsess over catching the Zodiac Killer in 1960s San Francisco. David Fincher’s meticulous thriller dives into real-life case details.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. shine in a sprawling, obsessive hunt. The film’s slow-burn tension and unresolved mystery linger long after.
Manhunter (1986)
FBI profiler Will Graham tracks the Tooth Fairy, a killer targeting families. Michael Mann’s stylish precursor to ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ introduces Hannibal Lecter.
Brian Cox’s Lecter and the neon-soaked visuals create a unique vibe. The cat-and-mouse game feels raw and cerebral, a hidden gem.
Se7en (1995)
Two detectives hunt a killer staging murders based on the seven deadly sins. David Fincher’s dark, rain-soaked thriller is a masterclass in suspense.
Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman’s dynamic, paired with the shocking twist, keeps you hooked. The grim atmosphere makes the killer’s plan unforgettable.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
FBI trainee Clarice Starling enlists Hannibal Lecter to catch Buffalo Bill, a killer skinning his victims. Anthony Hopkins’ Lecter is chillingly charismatic.
The psychological chess game between Clarice and Lecter drives the tension. Its blend of horror and detective work makes it a timeless classic.
Psycho (1960)
Marion Crane steals cash and hides at the Bates Motel, where Norman Bates harbors deadly secrets. Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller redefined horror with its shocking twists.
Anthony Perkins’ eerie performance as Norman is iconic. The black-and-white visuals and infamous shower scene cement its legendary status.
M (1931)
A German city hunts a child killer, Fritz Lang’s early masterpiece blending crime and psychological drama. Peter Lorre’s chilling performance as the killer is unforgettable.
The film’s stark visuals and moral complexity feel ahead of its time. It’s a haunting look at society’s fear and obsession with a monster.
Nightcrawler (2014)
Lou Bloom, a driven loner, becomes a freelance crime journalist, filming grisly scenes in L.A. Jake Gyllenhaal’s unsettling performance shows his descent into obsession.
The film’s nocturnal vibe and moral ambiguity make it gripping. Lou’s ruthless ambition blurs the line between observer and predator, chilling viewers.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
A secret agent hunts a sadistic serial killer who murdered his fiancée in this South Korean thriller. The cat-and-mouse game turns brutally personal.
Choi Min-sik’s terrifying killer and the film’s relentless violence create raw intensity. Its exploration of revenge and morality pushes boundaries.
The Bone Collector (1999)
A paralyzed forensic expert, played by Denzel Washington, teams with a rookie cop to catch a killer leaving cryptic clues. The tense New York setting amps up the stakes.
Angelina Jolie’s sharp performance and the intricate puzzle keep you hooked. The film’s blend of procedural and psychological horror delivers.
From Hell (2001)
Inspector Abberline, played by Johnny Depp, hunts Jack the Ripper in 1880s London. The graphic novel adaptation dives into the city’s gritty underbelly.
The moody visuals and conspiracy-laden plot create a dark mystery. It’s a stylish, if fictionalized, take on a real-life killer.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
In 18th-century France, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, obsessed with scents, kills to create the perfect perfume. The film’s lush visuals capture his twisted genius.
Ben Whishaw’s eerie performance drives this unique, sensory-driven thriller. It’s a haunting, unconventional look at a killer’s obsession.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
A group of friends encounters Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding killer, and his cannibalistic family. Tobe Hooper’s raw horror film is a gritty nightmare.
The low-budget intensity and Leatherface’s terrifying presence make it iconic. Its unrelenting dread captures the horror of random violence.
Halloween (1978)
Michael Myers escapes an asylum to stalk Laurie Strode in a quiet Illinois town. John Carpenter’s slasher classic set the standard for serial killer horror.
The eerie score and Myers’ silent menace create pure terror. Its simple, suspenseful story remains a cornerstone of the genre.
Copycat (1995)
A psychologist, played by Sigourney Weaver, teams with detectives to catch a killer mimicking famous murderers. The film dives into criminal psychology with chilling precision.
Holly Hunter’s sharp performance and the clever premise keep it engaging. The cat-and-mouse game feels fresh and suspenseful.
The Vanishing (1988)
A Dutch man obsessively searches for his missing girlfriend, uncovering a chilling killer’s plan. This psychological thriller is understated but deeply unsettling.
The film’s slow build and shocking reveal create lasting dread. Its focus on the victim’s loved one offers a unique perspective.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Mickey and Mallory Knox, lovers on a killing spree, become media sensations. Oliver Stone’s frenetic satire blends violence with sharp social commentary.
Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis’ wild energy drives the chaotic vibe. The film’s bold visuals critique society’s obsession with killers.
Prisoners (2013)
A father, played by Hugh Jackman, takes justice into his own hands when his daughter vanishes, suspecting a local man. The grim thriller explores desperation and morality.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s detective adds depth to the tense hunt. Denis Villeneuve’s dark, emotional storytelling makes it a gut-punch.
The Cell (2000)
A psychologist enters the mind of a comatose serial killer to save his last victim. Tarsem Singh’s visually stunning film blends surreal imagery with horror.
Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn navigate a twisted dreamscape. The killer’s warped psyche makes it a bold, unsettling ride.
Frailty (2001)
A boy’s father claims divine visions to kill “demons,” pulling his sons into his murders. Bill Paxton’s directorial debut is a chilling psychological drama.
The family dynamics and moral questions create a haunting story. Paxton’s intense performance as the father lingers long after.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
The Firefly family, sadistic killers, goes on a bloody road trip while hunted by a vengeful sheriff. Rob Zombie’s gritty sequel amps up the chaos.
The raw, unapologetic violence and dark humor define its cult appeal. The dysfunctional family dynamic adds a twisted layer.
Funny Games (1997)
Two polite but sadistic men terrorize a family in their vacation home. Michael Haneke’s Austrian thriller challenges viewers with its brutal meta-commentary.
The film’s cold, deliberate pace and fourth-wall breaks unsettle deeply. It’s a provocative look at violence and audience complicity.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
A barber, played by Johnny Depp, seeks revenge in Victorian London, killing clients with his razors. Tim Burton’s musical thriller blends gore with dark beauty.
The haunting songs and gothic visuals create a unique vibe. Depp and Helena Bonham Carter’s chemistry makes it a grim fairy tale.
The Hitcher (1986)
A young driver picks up a psychotic hitchhiker who turns a road trip into a nightmare. Rutger Seaborg’s chilling killer performance drives this tense thriller.
The open-road setting and relentless pursuit create raw suspense. It’s a lean, terrifying ride with a menacing edge.
Peeping Tom (1960)
A shy cameraman kills women while filming their fear, obsessed with capturing terror. Michael Powell’s controversial film was ahead of its time.
Carl Boehm’s quiet intensity as the killer is deeply unsettling. The focus on voyeurism makes it a bold, psychological classic.
Badlands (1973)
Teen lovers Kit and Holly go on a killing spree across the 1950s Midwest, inspired by the Starkweather murders. Terrence Malick’s dreamy style contrasts the violence.
Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek’s performances add a haunting innocence. The poetic visuals make it a unique, chilling road movie.
To Catch a Killer (2023)
A rookie cop, played by Shailene Woodley, joins an FBI task force hunting a sniper terrorizing Baltimore. The modern thriller dives into real-time investigation.
The gritty procedural and psychological depth keep it tense. Woodley’s raw performance grounds the hunt for an elusive killer.
Misery (1990)
A famous author, Paul Sheldon, is held captive by his obsessive fan Annie Wilkes after a car accident. Kathy Bates’ chilling performance as the unhinged killer won her an Oscar.
The claustrophobic setting and psychological torment create intense suspense. Annie’s unpredictable menace makes this Stephen King adaptation unforgettable.
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
A sinister preacher, played by Robert Mitchum, hunts two children for hidden money, masking his evil with charm. This noir thriller blends fairy-tale visuals with dread.
Mitchum’s chilling charisma and the film’s eerie atmosphere stand out. It’s a haunting classic that explores evil in a small-town setting.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
A fading actor and his stuntman navigate 1960s L.A. as the Manson cult’s shadow looms. Quentin Tarantino weaves a fictional tale with real-life horror.
The tense climax, featuring the cult’s violence, grips you. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt’s chemistry makes it a stylish, unsettling ride.
The Lovely Bones (2009)
A murdered girl watches from the afterlife as her killer evades justice and her family grapples with grief. Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Alice Sebold’s novel is emotional.
The surreal visuals and Saoirse Ronan’s heartfelt narration keep you hooked. The killer’s quiet menace adds a chilling undercurrent.
10 Rillington Place (1971)
John Christie, a soft-spoken landlord, secretly murders women in 1940s London. Richard Attenborough’s chilling performance anchors this grim true-crime drama.
The film’s stark realism and focus on an innocent man’s downfall are haunting. It’s a slow-burn look at hidden evil.
In the Line of Fire (1993)
A Secret Service agent, played by Clint Eastwood, tracks a cunning assassin targeting the president. John Malkovich’s chilling killer keeps the tension high.
The cat-and-mouse game and psychological depth make it gripping. The film’s blend of action and suspense elevates the killer’s threat.
The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
A mockumentary-style film explores a killer’s chilling home videos of his crimes in New York. The found-footage approach creates a raw, disturbing vibe.
Its unflinching look at the killer’s methods is hard to watch but magnetic. The faux-documentary style adds a creepy realism.
Longlegs (2024)
An FBI agent, played by Maika Monroe, hunts a satanic serial killer tied to occult murders. The film’s eerie tone and cryptic clues build relentless dread.
Nicolas Cage’s unhinged performance as Longlegs is unforgettable. Its blend of horror and procedural keeps you on edge.
Mr. Brooks (2007)
A respected businessman, played by Kevin Costner, secretly battles his urge to kill, guided by his alter ego. The psychological thriller explores his double life.
Costner’s nuanced performance and the film’s twisty plot keep it engaging. The internal struggle adds a fresh layer to the genre.
The Boston Strangler (1968)
Based on real events, this film follows the hunt for a killer terrorizing 1960s Boston. Tony Curtis plays the murderer with unsettling charm.
The split-screen visuals and procedural focus create a gripping vibe. It’s a classic that captures the fear of a city under siege.
Which serial killer movie kept you up at night, or is there a chilling one I missed? Share your favorite in the comments!