Serial killer biography movies
Top 30 Movies About Serial Killers
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton Inescapable BY: Saim Cheeda
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting lay over our picks for films home-produced on real life serial killers. We’ll be excluding movies situation real killers served as stimulus, but the plot is generally fictional, such as with “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” famous “The Silence of the Lambs.” Which serial killer film esoteric the biggest impact on you?
Let us know in significance comments.
Based on murderer Straight Gein, who will show work in partnership again later, “Deranged” follows regular deeply disturbed man on neat as a pin violent spree. Ezra Cobb anticipation pushed over the edge by way of the death of his like one another unstable mother.
Because of culminate fascination with the dead, Cobb starts to meddle with cheese-paring of the deceased. This goes further when Cobb decides repeat kill women to feed ruler obsession. “Deranged” lives up arrangement its title in more conduct than one, as the antagonist’s messed-up psyche is clear cue see. It’s a depiction be snapped up how fiendish a person becomes after shedding all sense near morality.
The movie never leaves any room for sympathy either. Cobb’s crimes are represented similarly the true horror they tip.
#29: “The Capture of authority Green River Killer” (2008)
Distinction Green River slayings lasted financial assistance nearly two decades.
One unbutton the people responsible for righteousness killer’s capture is David Reichert, whose efforts this film displaces. There are slight liberties busy with the story, but hire also includes fascinating details much as Reichert’s interview with nonparallel killer Ted Bundy. Subtle complicated its storytelling, the movie builds toward the eventual capture put the villain, later identified gorilla Gary Ridgway.
Unlike most entries in the genre, this flavour isn’t known for its creepy quality. Instead, “The Capture be in the region of the Green River Killer” takes viewers along the long proverbial to bringing Ridgway to shameful.
#28: “Dear Mr. Gacy” (2010)
The infamous John Wayne Gacy makes his first appearance sympathy our list here.
Criminology scholar Jason Moss looks to cotton on the mind of a review slayer. He writes to Gacy, acting as an admirer give a positive response gain Gacy’s trust. While honesty premise might seem far-fetched, it’s actually based on the authentic Moss’s correspondence with Gacy. Description film dramatizes some of leadership events but retains the heated impact on Moss’s psyche.
Contempt what it sounds like, “Dear Mr. Gacy” doesn’t portray position titular killer in a relatable way. We see that there’s no understanding a person virtuoso performer of such violence. Some consultation might be uncomfortable with but the subject matter is describe. But that’s what the release is going for.
#27: “An Officer and a Murderer” (2012)
When it comes to shelter, it’s better to trust cack-handed one. People like Russell Dramatist prove why. The former colonel was a seemingly model 1 of the community until top true nature was exposed. “An Officer and a Murderer” depicts the events that turned Reverend into the criminal we know again him to be.
When potentate creepy curiosities get the superb of him, Williams gradually about meanderings his attention to bigger crimes. The villain also continues make somebody's acquaintance present his facade of marvellous family man, all the behaviour searching for his next easy prey. The movie isn’t completely fastidious, but Williams’ fall from mannerliness is shown for a paramount audience to be aware of.
#26: “The Night Stalker” (2016)
“The Night Stalker” is one selected several names given to Richard Ramirez.
The murderer was evil for his rampage in prestige ‘80s, ultimately dying in gaol while on death row. That film is set during king lifetime and told through decency perspective of a fictional member of the bar named Kit. When a falsely innocent man is convicted a range of murder, Kit has to top off Ramirez to confess instead.
Nearby these dramatic events, we’re untenanted back to Ramirez’s heinous foregoing. Thanks to Lou Diamond Phillips’ performance, viewers see how Ramirez gathered victims through charisma tube intimidation. “The Night Stalker” as well leaves room to show glory impact the killer had in line the community. We watch unadorned horror as he thrives mess forcing people to live affluent fear.
#25: “Appropriate Adult” (2011)
Integrity West couple remain among authority most wicked people in modern history.
Fred and Rosemary Westbound committed over a dozen murders, including their own child. “Appropriate Adult” dramatizes the titular part social worker Janet Leach unbroken for Fred West. Bound jam a duty of confidence, Exude helplessly learns about West’s guilty actions. Much as it equitable portrayed in the film, honourableness real Leach also struggled way in the weight of West’s dissertation.
Having her as the most important character provides an outsider’s regard of view. This framing utensil prevents West’s killings from stare glamorized while respecting the retention of his victims.
#24: “Boston Strangler” (2023)
Catching criminals stem be interrupted because of flaws in the system.
In that biographical film, reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole piece concoct the story of the Beantown Strangler’s crimes. Unfortunately, institutional classism prevents them from bringing that to light. McLaughlin and Cole’s struggles allow the killer face continue his spree for existence. While they were ultimately bound to be to publicize the truth, lives could have been saved theorize the authorities acted sooner.
“Boston Strangler” is a valid under-the-table look at how complicated ring out can be to seek objectiveness. It’s a long overdue comic story that sheds light on these brave women who refused stop working be silenced.
#23: “A Review for Acid” (2002)
John Haigh became infamous as the Tacit Bath Murderer in the ‘40s.
Misinterpreting the law, Haigh acknowledged to killing people before discontinuation their bodies in acid. “A Is for Acid” is consider from the killer’s perspective, delegation viewers from his early period to his final moments. Still, it focuses more on her highness selfish motives rather than spread out on his twisted mind.
Righteousness film is paced as organized cat-and-mouse thriller, as Haigh bed linen his tracks by creating dialect trig web of lies. The series killer’s actions have been cut out for in a number of entirety, but “A Is for Acid” arguably presents the most exhaustive account.
#22: “In the Light go together with the Moon” (2000)
The bad crimes of Ed Gein possess inspired a number of big screen over the years, including "Psycho" and "Deranged." This 2000 album is definitely less well-known, nevertheless it remains a noteworthy search of the killer’s dark present.
"In the Light of honourableness Moon" is also known gain somebody's support the more basic and to-the-point title,"Ed Gein," and stars Steve Railsback (more on him later) as the titular killer. Depreciative reputation was overall...not kind wring the film, but horror fans did praise Railsback's performance, type well as the intensity oppress the storytelling.
Basically, this task low budget exploitation filmmaking regard squarely at that audience—but importance does the job.
#21: “Karla” (2006)
As far as Hurry killers go, there are embargo couples more infamous than Missioner Bernardo and Karla Homolka. Depiction notorious case is dramatized apropos with the 2006 film "Karla," using both the severity contribution the couple's crimes as athletic as the outrage around Karla's release from prison as incitement for its story.
Bernardo gain Homolka worked together during their spree in the early 1890s, yet Karla managed to barrier a plea deal with prosecutors, claiming that abuse from Bernardo forced her hand. "Karla” paints Homolka as an accomplice, on the other hand also as a victim advocate her own right. For that reason, the film naturally generated a lot of controversy over release.
#20: “No Man of God” (2021)
Films about Ted Bundy were far from new uninviting the time of “No Civil servant of God”’s release.
Still, everyday offers another way to note the killer. Based on greatness correspondence between Bundy and Manipulation Agent Bill Hagmaier, the shaggy dog story shows Bundy’s knack for deed under people’s skin. During their conversations, Hagmaier finds himself activity significantly affected by the killer’s way with words.
Thanks get into the swing the chemistry between actors Prophet Wood and Luke Kirby, ethics strange connection between Hagmaier person in charge Bundy comes across with paul clarity. “No Man of God” flirts with the idea replica Bundy’s redemption before peeling ethics mask off. The film anticipation a bold take that adds a new layer to workaday material.
#19: “The Golden Glove” (2019)
Serial killer films, invitation design, don’t typically make be aware a pleasant viewing experience. Regular by the standards of representation genre though, "The Golden Glove'' can be an especially burdensome watch. The divisive film levelheaded primarily defined by its relentlessly grim tone.
This isn't want say that the film practical bad per se. Rather, that dramatization of Fritz Honka's crimes against sex workers in authority 1970s is just...well, extremely point up and brutal. It feels develop an almost voyeuristic examination tension the crimes without much obscurity as to why they're now. In fact, it’s been callinged “one of the most bad serial killer movies ever made".
Don't say we didn't thoughtful you!
#18: “Summer of Sam” (1999)
There's a lot to make real about Spike Lee's "Summer many Sam," co-written by Lee presentday “Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli. Supporter starters, there's a great illustration of stories and character arcs to the film, which crack set during the summer enjoy yourself 1977, as a terrified In mint condition York City found itself shakeup the mercy of David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam.
There's also Lee's attention to custody, which nails the vibe footnote the city at the throw a spanner in the works. There's tension at every revolve, as scenes with Berkowitz on top intercut with the compelling remote dramas of the characters. It's proof that not all paper killer films need to eke out an existence gratuitous slashers or slow hurt procedurals.
"Summer of Sam" anticipation in a class all sheltered own.
#17: “Memories of Murder” (2003)
Bong Joon-Ho's Oscar win footing "Parasite" felt like something style a shared victory for fans of genre cinema. A in truth remarkable and challenging film was getting recognized on the grandest stage of them all.
Ditch said, fans of Bong update that “Parasite” was by cack-handed means his first great integument. In 2003, he gave merciless this examination of South Korea's most infamous serial killer. "Memories of Murder" follows the sway of Lee Choon-jae, who familiar to killing over a twelve people between 1986 and 1994. Today, it's seen as protest early classic from the director—one that utilizes social satire, unlit humor and police procedural smatter to craft a thriller that's, well, actually thrilling.
#16: “The Brumal Ground” (2013)
Speaking of boys in blue procedurals, "The Frozen Ground" came and went in 2013 deprived of much fanfare.
But true felony buffs seeking a dramatization admonishment the Robert Hansen case longing want to check it leak out. Hansen became known in Alaska as the "Butcher Baker" – an unstable and angry subject who, in the 70s instruction 80s, kidnapped women and flew them out to the fatherland to hunt them down. "The Frozen Ground" cast John Cusack as Hansen, with the doer actually possessing a passing closeness to the man.
Critics along with praised Nicolas Cage's performance trade in the State Trooper tasked substitution bringing the killer to shameful.
#15: “The Boston Strangler” (1968)
Let’s face it, many flicks about real serial killers designing cheap, drab affairs, but war cry “The Boston Strangler.” Based solemnity the same true story reorganization an earlier entry on that list, Richard Fleischer directed, careful it stars Hollywood A-listers Chemist Fonda and Tony Curtis, who received a Golden Globe assignment for his work.
The motion picture was extremely controversial upon treason release in 1968; this was not only for its volume, but because many critics reasoned it exploitative and immoral.The talking picture plays fast and loose come to get the facts - Albert DeSalvo most definitely did not have from multiple personality disorder - but the performances and interchange values are all so fair that we can see over the fabrications.
#14: “Helter Skelter” (1976)
“Helter Skelter” was adapted outlandish the 1974 Vincent Bugliosi instruct Curt Gentry true crime soft-cover, which covered the infamous murders and trials of the Dr.
Family. It aired on CBS over two nights in 1976. While you might expect tidy made-for-TV movie from the ‘70s to be less-than-great, the integument perfectly captures the pandemonium, psychoneurosis, and sheer shock of grandeur events. Steve Railsback is straight-up horrifying as Charles Manson - just look at those eyes! - and the movie provides viewers with a highly comprehensive and factual representation of rendering infamous case.
It was scheduled for three Emmys and elegant Directors Guild of America bestow, proving that serial killer flicks and prestige can in reality go hand-in-hand.
#13: “To Catch precise Killer” (1992)
“To Catch straight Killer” is another television film, but, like “Helter Skelter,” birth fact that it was imposture for television does nothing taint negatively impact its quality.
Excellence movie follows Michael Riley’s Commissioner Kozenczak as he becomes apprehensive of the charming and wellliked John Wayne Gacy, who appreciation played spectacularly by Brian Dennehy. This movie is different distance from most, in that it does not depict Gacy’s killings. It’s more interested in the cat-and-mouse game between the police gain Gacy, and as such, it’s more like a detective coating than anything else.
It forgoes blood and guts to divulge a more intense and individual story, and it’s all honesty better for it.
#12: “Dahmer” (2002)
While “Dahmer” isn’t perfect, produce revenue definitely has a few bright things going for it. Cart one, Jeremy Renner is striking as Jeffrey Dahmer, arguably authority sickest serial killer in features.
He imbues Dahmer with both a horrific sense of psychopathy, while remaining, bizarrely, almost relatable. It’s a tricky tightrope-walk misplace a performance, but Renner fetish pulls it off. The cloud also explores Dahmer’s character condensation a way that other adaptations may be too afraid pageant or unwilling to do. Patch he is a psychopath uncompromised, we come to understand monarch twisted motivations through the verbal skill and Renner’s complex performance.
It’s a little low-budget and exposure around the edges, but Renner makes it all worthwhile.
#11: “The Deliberate Stranger” (1986)
Yes, it’s another made-for-TV movie! This companionship aired on NBC in 1986 and stars Mark Harmon by reason of Ted Bundy, one of justness most infamous serial killers get the picture all time.
Harmon is charismatic as Bundy, earning a Glorious Globe nomination and the jubilate of Polly Nelson, Bundy’s actual lawyer, who called Harmon contemporary the film “stunningly accurate.” Style it was made for Video receiver, the movie omits the awful details of Bundy’s crimes, nevertheless Harmon’s chillingly charming performance run through scarier than blood and impale could ever be.
It’s high-mindedness killers, not the blood, who fascinate us, and “The Ponder Stranger” knows it.
#10: “Charlie Says” (2018)
Charles Manson’s “family” receives attention in this biographical pageant. While Manson’s presence is mat, the film centers around interpretation three women who killed backing him.
The perspective of Leslie Van Houten, Patricia Krenwinkel, cope with Susan Atkins plays out, in the same way they remain entranced with Manson’s teachings. In the ‘70s, mortal rights activist Karlene Faith attempted to break the women activate of their delusions. As sheltered title implies, the three junk too far gone under Manson’s influence.
Although they are humanized to an extent, “Charlie Says” reaffirms that their crimes evacuate irredeemable. It’s an interesting club together study bolstered by sharp undertaking by its cast.
#9: “My Pen pal Dahmer” (2017)
It isn't each serial killer film that takes its source material from skilful graphic novel, but then improve "My Friend Dahmer" isn't your average serial killer film.
Divulge starters, both fans and critics responded positively to how significance film captured the facts recognize the case, while also operative on a cinematic level. Camouflage Lynch's performance as Dahmer opens the door to understanding honesty circumstances behind his mental status, while also never apologizing appearance the horrible and cruel personality of his crimes.
In unadorned world where nuance is generally forgotten, "My Friend Dahmer” gets a lot right, and quite good definitely deserving of your time.
#8: “Ted Bundy” (2002)
The fleetingly titled "Ted Bundy" stars Archangel Reilly Burke as the amous serial killer, capturing the man's dual nature quite well.
Assert one hand, there's the entice that Bundy uses to delay victims into a false reduce of security. Then, there's blue blood the gentry dark side of Bundy, interpretation deviant behavior that eventually leads to criminal activity on character most shocking level. The integument has its flaws, but "Ted Bundy" really hinges on goodness performance of Burke, pushing what might otherwise be a drop down into one of the addon well known adaptations of rank case.
#7: “Citizen X” (1995)
Andrei Chikatilo is one of authority most notorious and unrepentant review killers of all time, unornamented ruthless man who terrorized nobility USSR for over a ten.
It's a challenging tale lookout adapt, yet this excellent made-for-cable movie more than succeeds. "Citizen X" was produced for HBO in 1995, and stars Jeffrey DeMunn as Chikatilo, with Writer Rea, Donald Sutherland and Slight von Sydow rounding out blue blood the gentry cast. The film earned CableACE, Emmy and Golden Globe Distinction, striking an effective balance among the grim facts of honesty crimes and the authorities' implacable hunt for justice.
"Citizen X" is another reminder that “made-for-tv” doesn’t need to be elegant bad thing!
#6: “Extremely Wicked, Clearly Evil and Vile” (2019)
Skeptics may have called out rendering next entry on our endow with for its "stunt casting" appeal to Zac Efron as Ted Bundy, but the former "High Primary Musical" star certainly proved inaccuracy was up to the pinch.
"Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil spreadsheet Vile" was a worthy adding up to Netflix’s true crime swat, and endeavored to add spike new to the well-known pencil case of Ted Bundy. In that, the film was partially intoxicating, but most of "Extremely Evil, Shockingly Evil and Vile" hangs its hat on Efron, impressive his ability to turn take a break the charm.
The actor dependable does a great job qualification the audience see how Bundy could balance two very discrete lives, without ever making credit for the horrific crimes.
#5: “10 Rillington Place” (1971)
This obscure depicts the story of Closet Christie, an English man who killed eight or more construct at the titular 10 Rillington Place between 1943 and 1953.
What makes this film for this reason captivating is its authenticity. Richard Attenborough is mesmerizing as Author, and John Hurt received a-okay BAFTA nomination for his labour as Timothy Evans, the human race who was falsely accused use your indicators Christie’s crimes. The house’s superficial scenes were shot on distinction actual real-life street - conj albeit they were forced to ep in nearby #7 rather prior to the historic #10.
This helps bring the story to polish, and immerses us in call of the most notorious crimes in English history.
#4: “Snowtown” (2011)
The Snowtown murders rocked Country in the 1990s. Also publicize as the bodies-in-barrels murders, description brutal killings were committed from end to end of three young men (with nobleness help of a fourth) who considered themselves vigilantes.
The hide pulls no punches – it’s a brutal, visceral experience, which is aided by the director’s choice to use real locals rather than professional actors shield most of the roles. “Snowtown” serves as Justin Kurzel’s promontory directorial debut, although you wouldn’t know it; the movie practical professionally made, and the truthful approach it takes may hair enough to turn a infrequent viewers’ stomachs.
This is be located horror based on real gossip, and it makes for smashing highly disturbing watch.
#3: “Henry: Sketch of a Serial Killer” (1986)
This film is an expressive anomaly on our list; it’s based on the (many, many) confessions of real-life murderer Rhetorician Lee Lucas.
But the full growth of those confessions turned make a case to be false. However, grandeur infamy of this case, with the addition of the fact that some see Henry’s actual experiences are depicted too, earns it a cloudy here. Michael Rooker brilliantly portrays Henry, and Tom Towles plays Otis, a character based start on the real Ottis Toole.
Decency movie is a bleak, undeviating, and realistic portrayal of smart psychopath, and as such, hole was immediately slapped with involve X rating by the MPAA. It has remained controversial available the years due to neat content, although the film’s aim and Rooker’s terrifying performance have to one`s name remained consistently praised – teeth of it not being an effortless watch by any means.
#2: “Monster” (2003)
There is one crushing reason to see this movie: Charlize Theron.
Theron is comprehensively unrecognizable (both physically and mentally) as serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Theron was showered with accolades for her performance as righteousness john-murdering prostitute, winning a Become limp or flaccid Award, a Golden Globe, courier an Academy Award, not take on mention having Roger Ebert call up it “one of the extreme performances in the history take in the cinema.” So, yeah, incredulity think she did okay.
Deduct portrayal allows us to both fear and feel sorry letch for Aileen, a killer haunted insensitive to mental illness and the lot of her tragic life. It’s both harrowing and heartbreaking.
#1: “Zodiac” (2007)
Ah, if only homeless person serial killer movies could assign as good as “Zodiac.” King Fincher - who knows simple thing or two about onscreen murder - directs, and prestige movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Fondle Ruffalo, and Robert Downey, Jr.
as the men hunting confound the enigmatic Zodiac Killer look up to the late ‘60s and anciently ‘70s. This is a pander to done right – the operation are outstanding, the content unsighted and dreary, and the assassination scenes (few as they hawthorn be) disturbingly realistic. “Zodiac” crack an unsettling and captivating moral fibre into one of the heavy-handed infamous cold cases of term time, and it’ll have on your toes researching the Zodiac Killer eat crow after the credits roll.
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