53 Films About Serial Killers
52 titles
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The Hillside StranglerMovie · 2004 · 97m · Drama, Horror, MysteryKenneth Bianchi, a security guard, repeatedly fails in his pursuit of a career as a police officer. He relocates to California to live with his cousin Angelo, where he begins dating several women and becomes increasingly focused on sex. The cousins eventually decide to launch an escort service. Following the violent killing of a woman they believe betrayed them, Kenneth and Angelo initiate a series of crimes that capture public attention.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.0 - 2
Bundy: A Legacy of EvilMovie · 2008 · 95mBundy, starring Corin Nemec and featuring Kane Hodder, explores the dark mind and previously unknown reasons behind the rise of a notorious serial killer who left a lasting mark of evil.IMDb 3.7TMDB 4.0 - 3
Rampage: The Hillside Strangler MurdersMovie · 2006 · 85mIn the late 1970s, Los Angeles is gripped by fear as Kenneth Bianchi, a serial rapist and killer, gives interviews to psychiatrist Samantha Stone. Stone, who is struggling with personal problems, must examine Bianchi's claims of having multiple personalities to solve the case. As she investigates, she’s forced to confront the gruesome details of his crimes, including a terrifying incident that happens right at her home.IMDb 4.3TMDB 5.4 - 4
Citizen XMovie · 1995 · 105m · Crime, DramaThis film tells the true story of a Soviet serial killer who murdered over 50 young people, deeply affecting his society. The story follows a determined detective as he fights against bureaucratic corruption to investigate these horrific crimes. Told from the detective's perspective, the film reveals the difficult realities of law enforcement during a time of oppression and systemic problems. As the investigation progresses, the truth becomes increasingly chilling, forcing us to confront the destructive power of authority on innocent lives.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 5
The Bone CollectorMovie · 1999 · 118m · Crime, Thriller, DramaNew NYPD detective Amelia Donaghy is assigned to work with Lincoln Rhyme, a former top homicide investigator now using a wheelchair after a spinal injury. They team up to hunt 'The Bone Collector,' a serial killer who leaves disturbing clues at the crime scenes. As Amelia adjusts to Rhyme's unusual approach, they investigate a series of baffling cases, pushing their skills and forcing them to rely on each other in a desperate race against time.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 6
Best MedicineMovie · 2009 · 93m · Thriller, Crime, DramaSix years into a series of brutal murders, the West Yorkshire Police worry they may have inadvertently released the killer – effectively letting him resume his attacks on the people of Yorkshire. To assess the case and identify any overlooked clues, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Hunter from Manchester is brought in to lead the investigation.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 7
The Silence of the LambsMovie · 1991 · 119m · Crime, Thriller, DramaThis psychological thriller centers on Clarice Starling, an exceptional FBI trainee determined to seek justice. Agent Jack Crawford enlists Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a highly intelligent but dangerous man imprisoned for gruesome murders and cannibalism.
Crawford hopes Lecter's deep understanding of people can provide vital clues to a current case. He also believes Clarice’s youth and appearance might help her connect with Lecter and gain information. The complex dynamic between the agent and the prisoner explores their conflicting views and morals as they both pursue the truth.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.3 - 8
Blue CapriceMovie · 2013 · 93m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis movie tells the story of the Beltway sniper attacks. It is based on the real events that occurred.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 9
We Are What We AreMovie · 2013 · 105m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerThe Parkers are a secluded family deeply devoted to tradition, and their hidden world is disrupted when a heavy rain and the passing of their mother require daughters Iris and Rose to step up and take on important duties.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.8 - 10
KaliforniaMovie · 1993 · 118m · Thriller, CrimeTwo journalists and their friends go on a road trip to investigate the minds of serial killers, visiting the sites of their most infamous crimes. One of the friends hides a dark secret: he is a murderer. As they explore these gruesome locations, a web of deception and paranoia unfolds, blurring the line between reality and illusion. The group begins to doubt their own minds and fear for their lives in this psychological thriller.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 11
Cold Light of DayMovie · 1989 · 81mIt's February 1983. Police investigate a London suburb after reports of human remains clogging the drains of a house. Dennis Nilsen, a seemingly ordinary civil servant living there, is questioned. The investigation reveals one of Britain's most shocking and disturbing serial murder cases.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.0 - 12
Texas Killing FieldsMovie · 2011 · 105m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeIn the Texas bayou country, a local homicide detective partners with a New York City cop to investigate a string of unresolved murders.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.8 - 13
ZodiacMovie · 2007 · 157m · Crime, Mystery, ThrillerFor ten years, editors at the San Francisco Chronicle become consumed by the Zodiac Killer case. As the years pass, however, professional interest fades. The Killer ceases his public communication. But convinced he holds the key to the remaining mysteries, an amateur cartoonist from the early sightings races against time to stop what he believes will be another killing.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 14
GlassMovie · 2019 · 129m · Thriller, Drama, Science FictionFormer security guard David Dunn discovers he possesses extraordinary abilities and begins pursuing Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with twenty-four distinct personalities. As Dunn closes in, a mysterious figure named Elijah Price appears, revealing secrets that connect both men.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7 - 15
Ted BundyMovie · 2002 · 99m · Crime, HorrorSeattle, 1974. Ted Bundy succumbs to his violent impulses and begins a nationwide killing spree, leaving behind a trail of victims who have been raped, tortured, murdered, dismembered, and sexually violated.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.7 - 16
SnowtownMovie · 2011 · 120m · Crime, DramaBased on true events, sixteen-year-old Jamie becomes involved with his mother's new boyfriend and the group of people who consider themselves neighborhood watch. This connection spirals into a series of torture and murders.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 17
The Killer Inside MeMovie · 2010 · 109m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerDeputy Sheriff Lou Ford is a respected and seemingly mild-mannered figure in his quiet West Texas town. While some find him a bit slow or dull, few have any real criticism. However, Lou harbors a dark secret: he suffers from what he calls a "sickness." In reality, he is a brilliant but deeply disturbed sociopath with sadistic tendencies.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8 - 18
Se7enMovie · 1995 · 127m · Crime, Mystery, ThrillerTwo homicide detectives hunt a terrifying serial killer who stages his murders to reflect the seven deadly sins. Detective Sommerset studies the sins to understand the killer's motives, but his younger partner Mills questions his methods while grappling with the emotional impact of the case. The film follows a tense chase between the detectives and the ruthless killer, exploring themes of morality, redemption, and human weakness.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.4 - 19
Summer of SamMovie · 1999 · 142m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerSummer 1977. New York City lives in fear as a psychopathic serial killer, dubbed 'Son of Sam,' commits a series of brutal murders. The city is on edge; residents are constantly afraid, unsure if each night could be their last.
The film captures the gritty atmosphere of the time, exploring the urban landscape and the relationship between the killer and his victims. It's a chilling look at a real-life horror story, revealing the darkness in people while also showing how those affected find strength in unity amidst chaos. As police hunt the elusive murderer, New Yorkers confront their fears, experiencing the suspense that gripped the city during this terrifying period.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 20
CopycatMovie · 1995 · 124m · Thriller, Crime, MysteryA psychological thriller follows an agoraphobic psychologist and a determined female detective as they work together to solve a disturbing case. The killer meticulously copies famous historical serial killers. The psychologist’s understanding of people and the detective's persistence form a compelling partnership, guiding them through the dark world of criminal psychology.
As the number of victims increases, their personal and professional lives become intertwined, forcing them to face their own fears. Their investigation uncovers a confusing trail of clues and surprising truths about evil. This suspenseful chase tests their strength as they explore trust, bravery, and the complexities of the mind. The audience is kept guessing as the psychologist and detective battle a ruthless opponent.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 21
Killer: A Journal of MurderMovie · 1996 · 91m · DramaThis drama tells the story of Carl Panzram, who is serving a prison sentence for burglary at Leavenworth. A chance meeting with guard Henry Lesser leads to an unusual connection between them. After Panzram is severely beaten by another guard, Lesser befriends him and encourages him to write about his life. As Lesser reads Panzram's story, he discovers a disturbing history of violence and crime.
At the same time, Lesser sees a surprising side to Panzram – a potential for change and growth within the difficult prison setting. Despite skepticism from others, Lesser believes Panzram can become a better person, creating a strong bond between the two men.
The film explores friendship, redemption, and human nature through the lives of Carl Panzram and Henry Lesser, offering a moving and insightful story.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.8 - 22
Dear Mr. GacyMovie · 2010 · 103m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis is the story of Jason Moss, a college student who becomes increasingly drawn to John Wayne Gacy, a serial killer. It details their interactions and the developing relationship between them.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.8 - 23
PrisonersMovie · 2013 · 153m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeKeller Dover confronts a parent's greatest fear when his six-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend Joy disappear. As time runs out, fear intensifies. The only clue is an old RV that was recently parked on their street.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.1 - 24
BadlandsMovie · 1974 · 94m · Crime, Drama, RomanceIn South Dakota's badlands, a troubled teenager becomes involved with an older, rebellious boyfriend who exposes her to a dangerous life. They explore the rugged landscape together, and their intense relationship deepens amidst passion and chaos. Torn between escaping her small town and embracing this new world, she confronts the seriousness of her choices as their actions escalate. This is a stark coming-of-age story exploring adolescence, rebellion, and the damaging effects of forbidden love, set against a backdrop of desolate violence.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 25
ManhunterMovie · 1986 · 120m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerFBI Agent Will Graham, still affected by his past with serial killer Hannibal Lecter, plans to retire after capturing him. But a new, brutal murderer appears, leaving a trail of mutilated victims, forcing Graham back into criminal profiling. With time running out, he reluctantly teams up with Lecter, now in prison. Their uneasy partnership becomes a dangerous game of cat and mouse, filled with deceit and moral challenges. In this intense thriller, Graham must face his past while confronting an enemy more cunning and deadly than ever.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 26
Helter SkelterMovie · 2004 · 137m · Action, Crime, DramaThis film chronicles the emergence of Charles Manson and his followers, who committed a string of notorious murders in the late 1960s. Manson, a charismatic and enigmatic figure, draws troubled single mother Linda Kasabian to his group of outcasts on a ranch near Los Angeles. Following the murder of actress Sharon Tate, Manson and his followers become the focus of an investigation led by district attorney Vincent Bugliosi.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.7 - 27
B.T.K.Movie · 2008 · 90mThis is the true story of Dennis L. Rader, a man who lived a normal life as a husband, father, security officer, and church leader. For over thirty years, he secretly committed a series of brutal murders, systematically torturing his victims while evading police detection.IMDb 4.1TMDB 5.1 - 28
Red DragonMovie · 2002 · 124m · Crime, Thriller, HorrorWill Graham, a former FBI agent with a history of near-fatal encounters with Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter, must reluctantly seek Lecter's assistance. A new serial killer is on the loose, and Lecter appears to be the only one who can help Graham find him.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 29
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part 2Movie · 1996 · 87m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerDown on his luck, Henry finds a quiet life delivering and cleaning portable toilets in a remote town. He forms a close bond with a fellow worker while sharing lodgings. Their friendship becomes complicated when they become involved in a series of violent events, fueled by circumstance and personal choices. The story explores the difficult themes of friendship, desperation, and right and wrong within an everyday setting.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.8 - 30
The Boston StranglerMovie · 1968 · 116m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerIn Boston, a series of disturbing, unsolved murders creates widespread fear. This film, based on a true story, follows law enforcement as they investigate the deaths of several women, trying to catch a determined killer before it's too late.
The story unfolds from the investigators’ point of view, as they struggle with few clues and many dead ends. The arrival of a mysterious killer known as 'the Strangler' complicates the case.
This suspenseful drama examines resilience, the fight for justice, and the harsh impact of violence on society. The movie takes viewers into the difficult world of detective work, where each clue could be key to identifying a cold-blooded murderer.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 31
Henry: Portrait of a Serial KillerMovie · 1986 · 83m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerThis darkly funny thriller centers on Henry, a man with a disturbing passion for killing people in inventive ways. He lives with Otis, his roommate, who is unaware of Henry's deadly secret. Their quiet life is disrupted when Otis' sister comes to stay, unknowingly entering the dangerous world between the two men. The film explores the contrasting sides of Henry – as a normal neighbor and as a relentless serial killer – prompting viewers to consider how well we really know the people in our lives and what hidden darkness might exist beneath the surface of everyday existence.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 32
ManiacMovie · 2012 · 89m · Horror, ThrillerWhile assisting a young artist preparing for her exhibition, the mannequin shop owner's hidden, dangerous desires begin to emerge.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0 - 33
The Night StalkerMovie · 2016 · 89mThis is a true story about Richard Ramírez, the serial killer who terrorized California throughout the mid-1980s. The film details his crimes and the impact they had on the state.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.8 - 34
SolaceMovie · 2015 · 101m · Thriller, Crime, MysteryDr. John Clancy is a psychic who partners with an FBI special agent to hunt a serial killer.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 35
The PledgeMovie · 2001 · 124m · Crime, Drama, MysteryOn the verge of retirement, a police chief makes a promise to a woman: he will help her find out who killed her daughter.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 36
Taking LivesMovie · 2004 · 103m · ThrillerFBI profiler Illeana Scott is brought in by the Montreal police to help find a serial killer who impersonates his victims. She knows the killer will kill again soon. Her best hope is a museum employee who may have seen the killer.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.4 - 37
The IcemanMovie · 2012 · 105m · Thriller, Crime, DramaThis is the true story of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious contract killer who lived a double life as a devoted family man.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 38
The HitcherMovie · 2007 · 84m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerDuring a rainy night in the New Mexico desert, college students Jim Halsey and Grace Andrews offer a ride to a hitchhiker. The stranger turns out to be a psychopath who threatens them with a knife. Jim manages to force him out of the car, but this incident triggers a series of events that irrevocably alter the lives of everyone involved.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.9 - 39
American PsychoMovie · 2000 · 102m · Thriller, Drama, CrimeA successful New York investment banker keeps a hidden side from his colleagues and friends: a darker, more violent personality. He increasingly indulges in disturbing, irrational fantasies.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 40
To Catch a KillerMovie · 1992 · 178m · Crime, Drama, Thriller"To Catch a Killer" tells the disturbing true story of John Wayne Gacy, a man known in his community as a friendly neighbor but secretly as a brutal serial killer. The film explores Gacy's ability to present himself in many ways – as a kind family man, a helpful volunteer, and a popular party clown – while committing horrific crimes. It contrasts his public image with the reality of his atrocities and follows the difficult investigation that eventually led to his arrest and conviction for the rape and murder of over 30 young men. The story examines themes of hidden evil, misplaced trust within a community, and how easily darkness can be concealed beneath a normal facade.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 41
KarlaMovie · 2006 · 99m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis film is based on true events and tells the story of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, Canada's most infamous serial killers. Together, they kidnap, sexually abuse, and murder three young girls.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.4 - 42
Hannibal RisingMovie · 2007 · 121m · Crime, Thriller, HorrorThis is the story of Hannibal Lecter's formative years, exploring the origins of his violent nature. It begins with his difficult childhood in Lithuania, where he witnesses brutal acts of desperation by soldiers driven by hunger. Later, in France, while studying medicine, he develops a fascination with death and a growing desire to kill.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3 - 43
The Stranger Beside MeMovie · 2003 · 89mIn the 1970s, while working at a Seattle clinic for women, Ann Rule develops a friendship with Ted Bundy. Based on a book by Ann Rule.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.9 - 44
American Psycho II: All American GirlMovie · 2002 · 88m · Horror, ThrillerRachel, a criminology student, wants to become a teacher's assistant for Professor Robert Starkman, believing it's her ticket to an FBI career. She'll stop at nothing to get the position, even if it means killing her classmates. Dr. Daniels, the school psychiatrist, recognizes Rachel's instability, but she's adept at a deadly game of deception and identity theft.IMDb 3.7TMDB 4.5 - 45
Mr. BrooksMovie · 2007 · 120m · Crime, ThrillerThis psychological thriller follows a man struggling with a dark side. He's occasionally overtaken by a violent alter ego who revels in murder and mayhem.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 46
SplitMovie · 2017 · 117m · Horror, ThrillerKevin has revealed 23 distinct personalities to his psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher, but one remains hidden and poised to take control. Driven by this emerging personality, Kevin kidnaps three teenage girls, led by the perceptive Casey. This triggers a struggle for survival within Kevin himself and for everyone around him as the boundaries between his different personalities begin to break down.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 47
The Deliberate StrangerMovie · 1986 · 185mThis film, based on a true story, chronicles the life of serial killer Ted Bundy. In 1974, following the murders of several young women in Seattle, he relocates to Utah, where he is a law student and more girls begin to vanish. The case requires extensive collaboration between multiple police departments to progress. Eventually, after eliminating numerous suspects, the police focus on Bundy. His trial becomes a media sensation, and his seemingly charming demeanor earns him both sympathy and animosity from the public.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.2 - 48
FrailtyMovie · 2002 · 100m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeA mysterious man seeks out an FBI agent and shares his past. He describes how his father, a devout fanatic, claimed to receive visions instructing him to kill people he believed were "demons." The man recounts his childhood experiences under his father's influence.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 49
MonsterMovie · 2003 · 109m · Crime, DramaIn 1989, prostitute Aileen Wuornos forms a relationship with a young woman named Selby. Hoping to improve her life, Aileen's lack of education leads her back to working on the streets. After being assaulted, she kills her attacker. This event marks the beginning of a series of murders and robberies, ultimately transforming Aileen into America's first confirmed female serial killer.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 50
10 Rillington PlaceMovie · 1971 · 106m · Crime, ThrillerThe film is based on the true story of John Christie, a notorious British serial killer who committed his crimes in a normal London home. His horrific acts led to a wrongful conviction of an innocent man, Timothy Evans. The story reveals the dark psychology of Christie and exposes flaws in the justice system of the time. This suspenseful drama meticulously explores these chilling events, leaving audiences captivated and disturbed by the reality of these infamous crimes.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 51
GacyMovie · 2003 · 88m · Crime, Drama, HorrorThis film is based on the true story of John Wayne Gacy, a man who appeared to be a model citizen – a loving father, husband, and community volunteer. Secretly, he was a serial killer who murdered over 30 men and boys, and entombed their bodies in the crawl space beneath the house where he lived with his family.IMDb 4.7TMDB 4.5 - 52
DahmerMovie · 2002 · 101m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn February 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious serial killer, was found guilty of 15 murders and sentenced to 937 years in prison. This film depicts events from his life.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.3
