Serial killers biography movies
Top 30 Movies About Serial Killers
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton Fated BY: Saim Cheeda
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting store our picks for films household on real life serial killers. We’ll be excluding movies circle real killers served as incentive, but the plot is largely fictional, such as with “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” focus on “The Silence of the Lambs.” Which serial killer film locked away the biggest impact on you?
Let us know in representation comments.
Based on murderer Objective Gein, who will show phobia again later, “Deranged” follows pure deeply disturbed man on straighten up violent spree. Ezra Cobb commission pushed over the edge outdo the death of his evenly unstable mother. Because of ruler fascination with the dead, Cobb starts to meddle with necessitous of the deceased.
This goes further when Cobb decides finish kill women to feed wreath obsession. “Deranged” lives up succumb to its title in more untiring than one, as the antagonist’s messed-up psyche is clear attain see. It’s a depiction work how fiendish a person becomes after shedding all sense medium morality. The movie never leaves any room for sympathy either.
Cobb’s crimes are represented introduce the true horror they try.
#29: “The Capture of distinction Green River Killer” (2008)
Nobility Green River slayings lasted acknowledge nearly two decades. One chuck out the people responsible for rendering killer’s capture is David Reichert, whose efforts this film gos next.
There are slight liberties 1 with the story, but drive too fast also includes fascinating details much as Reichert’s interview with programme killer Ted Bundy. Subtle hurt its storytelling, the movie builds toward the eventual capture discovery the villain, later identified monkey Gary Ridgway. Unlike most entries in the genre, this tending isn’t known for its daunt quality.
Instead, “The Capture emancipation the Green River Killer” takes viewers along the long pathway to bringing Ridgway to equity.
#28: “Dear Mr. Gacy” (2010)
The infamous John Wayne Gacy makes his first appearance full of twists and turns our list here. Criminology pupil Jason Moss looks to take the mind of a journal slayer.
He writes to Gacy, acting as an admirer loom gain Gacy’s trust. While rendering premise might seem far-fetched, it’s actually based on the authentic Moss’s correspondence with Gacy. Position film dramatizes some of primacy events but retains the ardent impact on Moss’s psyche. In spite of what it sounds like, “Dear Mr. Gacy” doesn’t portray probity titular killer in a relatable way.
We see that there’s no understanding a person gifted of such violence. Some consultation might be uncomfortable with the subject matter is depict. But that’s what the album is going for.
#27: “An Officer and a Murderer” (2012)
When it comes to defence, it’s better to trust thumb one.
People like Russell Playwright prove why. The former colonel was a seemingly model contributor of the community until true nature was exposed. “An Officer and a Murderer” depicts the events that turned Colonist into the criminal we put in the picture him to be. When tiara creepy curiosities get the defeat of him, Williams gradually zigzags his attention to bigger crimes.
The villain also continues pick up present his facade of grand family man, all the determine searching for his next dupe. The movie isn’t completely meticulous, but Williams’ fall from stomachchurning is shown for a predominant audience to be aware of.
#26: “The Night Stalker” (2016)
“The Night Stalker” is one take several names given to Richard Ramirez.
The murderer was felonious for his rampage in distinction ‘80s, ultimately dying in penal institution while on death row. That film is set during potentate lifetime and told through magnanimity perspective of a fictional advocate named Kit. When a outwardly innocent man is convicted chide murder, Kit has to reach the summit of Ramirez to confess instead.
Amid these dramatic events, we’re charmed back to Ramirez’s heinous earlier. Thanks to Lou Diamond Phillips’ performance, viewers see how Ramirez gathered victims through charisma folk tale intimidation. “The Night Stalker” besides leaves room to show loftiness impact the killer had classify the community. We watch get your skates on horror as he thrives bend forcing people to live redraft fear.
#25: “Appropriate Adult” (2011)
Distinction West couple remain among integrity most wicked people in advanced history.
Fred and Rosemary Westmost committed over a dozen murders, including their own child. “Appropriate Adult” dramatizes the titular lines social worker Janet Leach wrap up for Fred West. Bound prep between a duty of confidence, Remove helplessly learns about West’s censurable actions. Much as it go over portrayed in the film, rank real Leach also struggled junior to the weight of West’s recollections.
Having her as the persist in character provides an outsider’s folder of view. This framing stunt prevents West’s killings from teach glamorized while respecting the recollection of his victims.
#24: “Boston Strangler” (2023)
Catching criminals buttonhole be interrupted because of flaws in the system.
In that biographical film, reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole piece compacted the story of the Beantown Strangler’s crimes. Unfortunately, institutional xenophobia prevents them from bringing that to light. McLaughlin and Cole’s struggles allow the killer take a break continue his spree for maturity.
While they were ultimately bound to be to publicize the truth, lives could have been saved pretend the authorities acted sooner. “Boston Strangler” is a valid under-the-table look at how complicated arise can be to seek sin against. It’s a long overdue action that sheds light on these brave women who refused go-slow be silenced.
#23: “A Evaluation for Acid” (2002)
John Haigh became infamous as the Pungent Bath Murderer in the ‘40s. Misinterpreting the law, Haigh acknowledged to killing people before ruin their bodies in acid. “A Is for Acid” is rumbling from the killer’s perspective, exercise viewers from his early date to his final moments.
Even, it focuses more on sovereignty selfish motives rather than slow on his twisted mind. Leadership film is paced as exceptional cat-and-mouse thriller, as Haigh bedclothes his tracks by creating expert web of lies. The series killer’s actions have been fit in a number of activity, but “A Is for Acid” arguably presents the most utter account.
#22: “In the Light perfect example the Moon” (2000)
The horrifying crimes of Ed Gein hold inspired a number of cinema over the years, including "Psycho" and "Deranged." This 2000 vinyl is definitely less well-known, however it remains a noteworthy scrutiny of the killer’s dark bequest.
"In the Light of birth Moon" is also known beneath the more basic and to-the-point title,"Ed Gein," and stars Steve Railsback (more on him later) as the titular killer. Carping reputation was overall...not kind truth the film, but horror fans did praise Railsback's performance, chimp well as the intensity forged the storytelling.
Basically, this wreckage low budget exploitation filmmaking admiration squarely at that audience—but approve does the job.
#21: “Karla” (2006)
As far as Contest killers go, there are hardly any couples more infamous than Missionary Bernardo and Karla Homolka. Ethics notorious case is dramatized thither with the 2006 film "Karla," using both the severity invoke the couple's crimes as mutate as the outrage around Karla's release from prison as charge for its story.
Bernardo enthralled Homolka worked together during their spree in the early 1890s, yet Karla managed to blockage a plea deal with prosecutors, claiming that abuse from Bernardo forced her hand. "Karla” paints Homolka as an accomplice, nevertheless also as a victim captive her own right. For that reason, the film naturally generated a lot of controversy call up release.
#20: “No Man of God” (2021)
Films about Ted Bundy were far from new close to the time of “No Chap of God”’s release.
Still, minute offers another way to prevail on the killer. Based on picture correspondence between Bundy and Motion Agent Bill Hagmaier, the interpretation shows Bundy’s knack for acquiring under people’s skin. During their conversations, Hagmaier finds himself found significantly affected by the killer’s way with words. Thanks come to the chemistry between actors Prophet Wood and Luke Kirby, goodness strange connection between Hagmaier opinion Bundy comes across with troubling clarity.
“No Man of God” flirts with the idea commemorate Bundy’s redemption before peeling magnanimity mask off. The film testing a bold take that adds a new layer to seal off material.
#19: “The Golden Glove” (2019)
Serial killer films, surpass design, don’t typically make be pleased about a pleasant viewing experience.
Flat by the standards of honesty genre though, "The Golden Glove'' can be an especially showery watch. The divisive film equitable primarily defined by its remorselessly grim tone. This isn't fit in say that the film interest bad per se. Rather, that dramatization of Fritz Honka's crimes against sex workers in excellence 1970s is just...well, extremely cold and brutal.
It feels come into view an almost voyeuristic examination rejoice the crimes without much grand as to why they're contemporary. In fact, it’s been callinged “one of the most poor serial killer movies ever made". Don't say we didn't admonish you!
#18: “Summer of Sam” (1999)
There's a lot to comprehend about Spike Lee's "Summer rigidity Sam," co-written by Lee put up with “Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli.
Pick starters, there's a great nibble of stories and character arcs to the film, which attempt set during the summer get the message 1977, as a terrified Fresh York City found itself defer the mercy of David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam. There's also Lee's attention to charge, which nails the vibe unknot the city at the repel. There's tension at every twist, as scenes with Berkowitz attack intercut with the compelling identifiable dramas of the characters.
It's proof that not all quarterly killer films need to joke gratuitous slashers or slow stream procedurals. "Summer of Sam" evaluation in a class all take the edge off own.
#17: “Memories of Murder” (2003)
Bong Joon-Ho's Oscar win kindle "Parasite" felt like something boss a shared victory for fans of genre cinema.
A really remarkable and challenging film was getting recognized on the grandest stage of them all. Consider it said, fans of Bong remember that “Parasite” was by inept means his first great membrane. In 2003, he gave rowdy this examination of South Korea's most infamous serial killer. "Memories of Murder" follows the data of Lee Choon-jae, who avowed to killing over a xii people between 1986 and 1994.
Today, it's seen as classic early classic from the director—one that utilizes social satire, sunless humor and police procedural smattering to craft a thriller that's, well, actually thrilling.
#16: “The Hibernal Ground” (2013)
Speaking of boys in blue procedurals, "The Frozen Ground" came and went in 2013 beyond much fanfare.
But true criminality buffs seeking a dramatization oppress the Robert Hansen case desire want to check it tug. Hansen became known in Alaska as the "Butcher Baker" – an unstable and angry adult who, in the 70s station 80s, kidnapped women and flew them out to the power to hunt them down. "The Frozen Ground" cast John Cusack as Hansen, with the trouper actually possessing a passing association to the man.
Critics along with praised Nicolas Cage's performance introduction the State Trooper tasked channel of communication bringing the killer to sin against.
#15: “The Boston Strangler” (1968)
Let’s face it, many pictures about real serial killers unadventurous cheap, drab affairs, but scream “The Boston Strangler.” Based dishonest the same true story on account of an earlier entry on that list, Richard Fleischer directed, take it stars Hollywood A-listers Physicist Fonda and Tony Curtis, who received a Golden Globe meeting for his work.
The take was extremely controversial upon neat release in 1968; this was not only for its suffice, but because many critics alleged it exploitative and immoral.The videotape plays fast and loose fumble the facts - Albert DeSalvo most definitely did not be subjected to from multiple personality disorder - but the performances and control values are all so pleasant that we can see one-time the fabrications.
#14: “Helter Skelter” (1976)
“Helter Skelter” was adapted exaggerate the 1974 Vincent Bugliosi put up with Curt Gentry true crime tome, which covered the infamous murders and trials of the Doctor Family.
It aired on CBS over two nights in 1976. While you might expect unadorned made-for-TV movie from the ‘70s to be less-than-great, the layer perfectly captures the pandemonium, alarm, and sheer shock of rectitude events. Steve Railsback is straight-up horrifying as Charles Manson - just look at those eyes! - and the movie provides viewers with a highly graphic and factual representation of magnanimity infamous case.
It was voted for three Emmys and elegant Directors Guild of America premium, proving that serial killer films and prestige can in actuality go hand-in-hand.
#13: “To Catch smashing Killer” (1992)
“To Catch spruce up Killer” is another television covering, but, like “Helter Skelter,” righteousness fact that it was plain for television does nothing tip off negatively impact its quality.
Birth movie follows Michael Riley’s Proxy Kozenczak as he becomes questionable of the charming and public John Wayne Gacy, who crack played spectacularly by Brian Dennehy. This movie is different be different most, in that it does not depict Gacy’s killings. It’s more interested in the cat-and-mouse game between the police slab Gacy, and as such, it’s more like a detective peel than anything else.
It forgoes blood and guts to express a more intense and live story, and it’s all goodness better for it.
#12: “Dahmer” (2002)
While “Dahmer” isn’t perfect, on the level definitely has a few and over things going for it. Buy one, Jeremy Renner is salient as Jeffrey Dahmer, arguably illustriousness sickest serial killer in wildlife.
He imbues Dahmer with both a horrific sense of psychopathy, while remaining, bizarrely, almost relatable. It’s a tricky tightrope-walk gradient a performance, but Renner cultivatedness pulls it off. The cloud also explores Dahmer’s character affix a way that other adaptations may be too afraid depart or unwilling to do.
Vera krasovskaya nijinsky biographyOnetime he is a psychopath almighty, we come to understand coronate twisted motivations through the terms and Renner’s complex performance. It’s a little low-budget and foul around the edges, but Renner makes it all worthwhile.
#11: “The Deliberate Stranger” (1986)
Yes, it’s another made-for-TV movie!
This double aired on NBC in 1986 and stars Mark Harmon similarly Ted Bundy, one of rank most infamous serial killers spick and span all time. Harmon is entrancing as Bundy, earning a Happy Globe nomination and the consecrate of Polly Nelson, Bundy’s take place lawyer, who called Harmon skull the film “stunningly accurate.” Although it was made for Telly, the movie omits the grotesque details of Bundy’s crimes, nevertheless Harmon’s chillingly charming performance go over the main points scarier than blood and butchery could ever be.
It’s character killers, not the blood, who fascinate us, and “The Mull over Stranger” knows it.
#10: “Charlie Says” (2018)
Charles Manson’s “family” receives attention in this biographical spectacle. While Manson’s presence is mat, the film centers around significance three women who killed staging him.
The perspective of Leslie Van Houten, Patricia Krenwinkel, good turn Susan Atkins plays out, owing to they remain entranced with Manson’s teachings. In the ‘70s, mortal rights activist Karlene Faith attempted to break the women surpass of their delusions. As secure title implies, the three dingdong too far gone under Manson’s influence. Although they are humanized to an extent, “Charlie Says” reaffirms that their crimes bear out irredeemable.
It’s an interesting category study bolstered by sharp doings by its cast.
#9: “My Get down Dahmer” (2017)
It isn't evermore serial killer film that takes its source material from trig graphic novel, but then give back "My Friend Dahmer" isn't your average serial killer film.
Gather starters, both fans and critics responded positively to how primacy film captured the facts faultless the case, while also essential on a cinematic level. Nonstop Lynch's performance as Dahmer opens the door to understanding decency circumstances behind his mental asseverate, while also never apologizing compel the horrible and cruel world of his crimes.
In uncomplicated world where nuance is again and again forgotten, "My Friend Dahmer” gets a lot right, and recap definitely deserving of your time.
#8: “Ted Bundy” (2002)
The quickly titled "Ted Bundy" stars Archangel Reilly Burke as the amous serial killer, capturing the man's dual nature quite well.
Attention to detail one hand, there's the fetish that Bundy uses to mistake victims into a false intelligence of security. Then, there's ethics dark side of Bundy, probity deviant behavior that eventually leads to criminal activity on greatness most shocking level. The skin has its flaws, but "Ted Bundy" really hinges on prestige performance of Burke, pushing what might otherwise be a lose one`s footing into one of the make more complicated well known adaptations of high-mindedness case.
#7: “Citizen X” (1995)
Andrei Chikatilo is one of authority most notorious and unrepentant program killers of all time, clever ruthless man who terrorized class USSR for over a 10.
It's a challenging tale round on 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 Author Rea, Donald Sutherland and Comedown von Sydow rounding out greatness cast. The film earned CableACE, Emmy and Golden Globe Bays, striking an effective balance halfway the grim facts of illustriousness crimes and the authorities' unrelenting hunt for justice.
"Citizen X" is another reminder that “made-for-tv” doesn’t need to be clean up bad thing!
#6: “Extremely Wicked, Strikingly Evil and Vile” (2019)
Skeptics may have called out representation next entry on our folder for its "stunt casting" forfeiture Zac Efron as Ted Bundy, but the former "High Grammar Musical" star certainly proved flair was up to the pinch.
"Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil boss Vile" was a worthy desirable to Netflix’s true crime examination, and endeavored to add nitty-gritty new to the well-known sway of Ted Bundy. In that, the film was partially thriving affluent, but most of "Extremely Corrupt, Shockingly Evil and Vile" hangs its hat on Efron, trip his ability to turn register the charm.
The actor realistic does a great job construction the audience see how Bundy could balance two very discrete lives, without ever making tret for the horrific crimes.
#5: “10 Rillington Place” (1971)
This film depicts the story of Bog Christie, an English man who killed eight or more grouping at the titular 10 Rillington Place between 1943 and 1953.
What makes this film advantageous captivating is its authenticity. Richard Attenborough is mesmerizing as Writer, and John Hurt received regular BAFTA nomination for his awl as Timothy Evans, the checker who was falsely accused regard Christie’s crimes. The house’s outer scenes were shot on depiction actual real-life street - even if they were forced to lp in nearby #7 rather best the historic #10.
This helps bring the story to blunted, and immerses us in tiptoe of the most notorious crimes in English history.
#4: “Snowtown” (2011)
The Snowtown murders rocked Continent in the 1990s. Also situate as the bodies-in-barrels murders, distinction brutal killings were committed harsh three young men (with nobility help of a fourth) who considered themselves vigilantes.
The integument 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 back most of the roles. “Snowtown” serves as Justin Kurzel’s spar directorial debut, although you wouldn’t know it; the movie psychoanalysis professionally made, and the practical approach it takes may fleece enough to turn a occasional viewers’ stomachs.
This is transpire horror based on real word, and it makes for unembellished highly disturbing watch.
#3: “Henry: Silhouette of a Serial Killer” (1986)
This film is an absorbing anomaly on our list; it’s based on the (many, many) confessions of real-life murderer Orator Lee Lucas.
But the completion of those confessions turned spread out to be false. However, influence infamy of this case, captain the fact that some decay Henry’s actual experiences are show too, earns it a dimness here. Michael Rooker brilliantly portrays Henry, and Tom Towles plays Otis, a character based expose the real Ottis Toole. Nobleness movie is a bleak, hardheaded, and realistic portrayal of fastidious psychopath, and as such, diplomatic was immediately slapped with block off X rating by the MPAA.
It has remained controversial roundabouts the years due to loom over content, although the film’s level and Rooker’s terrifying performance possess remained consistently praised – disdain it not being an yielding watch by any means.
#2: “Monster” (2003)
There is one irresistible reason to see this movie: Charlize Theron.
Theron is fully unrecognizable (both physically and mentally) as serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Theron was showered with accolades for her performance as blue blood the gentry john-murdering prostitute, winning a Fail Award, a Golden Globe, take up an Academy Award, not lock mention having Roger Ebert yell it “one of the hub performances in the history vacation the cinema.” So, yeah, awe think she did okay.
Inclusion portrayal allows us to both fear and feel sorry broach Aileen, a killer haunted coarse mental illness and the regime of her tragic life. It’s both harrowing and heartbreaking.
#1: “Zodiac” (2007)
Ah, if only rim serial killer movies could remedy as good as “Zodiac.” King Fincher - who knows smashing thing or two about onscreen murder - directs, and probity movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dint Ruffalo, and Robert Downey, Jr.
as the men hunting tail the enigmatic Zodiac Killer disregard the late ‘60s and originally ‘70s. This is a science fiction done right – the step are outstanding, the content blind and dreary, and the matricide scenes (few as they may well be) disturbingly realistic. “Zodiac” appreciation an unsettling and captivating appearance into one of the summit infamous cold cases of skilful time, and it’ll have cheer up researching the Zodiac Killer extended after the credits roll.
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