10 Best Movies About Real Serial Killers That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Real Serial Killers

Films based on serial killers are always interesting. What are the best films on or inspired by serial killers?

All that matters in this day and age is a well-made crime documentary or dramatic film. All of the streaming services have had a lot of success with their real crime offerings, which are both horrifying and fascinating at the same time.

The best serial killer movies are those that are based on a true narrative and convey the story of a real-life serial killer, rather than a fictional one. It’s time to take a break from fiction and watch some movies based on real-life events.

1. My Friend Dahmer (2017) – 6.2

My Friend Dahmer (2017)

The narrative of Jeffrey Dahmer, a young guy who perpetrated murders and sex offenses on young men in the 1980s, is well-worth watching, even if it’s near the bottom of the list.

Before his 18-year-old killing rampage, My Friend Dahmer follows Jeffrey in high school, where we learn about his terrible past. Ross Lynch plays the role and Marc Meyers is the director.

2. The Iceman (2012) – 6.8

Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and James Franco feature in this crime thriller. Richard Kuklinski’s genuine narrative is told in The Iceman, but it’s a somewhat different tale. With a family, he’s an experienced contract killer.

There are several murders depicted in this film as well as the events leading up to his capture. But even though it doesn’t meet the definition of “serial killer” film, it nonetheless holds up as a genuine narrative of a man who kills for the sake of thrills and thrills. This also differs from the norm.

3. Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1986) – 7.0

Henry Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1986)

For the first time, the real-life story of Henry, known as The Confession Killer, is being told in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, which relates the account of Henry’s alleged murder spree.

To present Henry’s narrative in a way that’s both horrifying and compelling is an enormous feat, and this film does it admirably. This film is a must-see for every fan of this genre.

4. The Boston Strangler (1968) – 7.1

The Boston Strangler, starring Tony Curtis and Henry Fonda and directed by Richard Fleischer, takes place in the ’60s, when more than a dozen women were killed in the Boston area. This film focuses on the detectives working on the case.

To date, this film dramatization of the story of one of America’s most notorious serial killers has surpassed all others.

5. Monster (2003) – 7.3

Monster (2003)

Charlize Theron earned her Oscar for portraying Daytona Beach sex worker Aileen Wuornos. After being sexually raped by a client, she decides to murder the guys who have hired her to do their dirty work for them instead.

the fascinating and horrific true story of the ‘first female serial killer’ is told in Monster. This film does full justice to a well-known case.

6. Citizen X (1995) – 7.5

Taking place in the 1980s, Citizen X depicts the efforts of Soviet authorities in tracking down a serial killer who targets people at train stations. It is based on the true story of Andrei Chikatilo, also known as “The Butcher of Rostov”.

As the case involves politics, murder, and the passing of time, this film examines all of the relevant factors. In addition, it’s possible that many people in the United States have no idea who the real serial killer was.

7. 10 Rillington Place (1971) – 7.6

10 Rillington Place (1971)

The true story of British serial killer John Christie, who went on a killing spree among his neighbors, is told in this underappreciated film, which is a remarkable gem. Two of them are the focus of the film, as they become entangled in the violence and deception.

Attenborough and Geeson star in Rillington Place, a British film that should frighten everyone in the North American continent. The film also lends voice to real-life events.

8. Zodiac (2007) – 7.7

David Fincher directs this crime drama, which features an all-star cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr.. The Zodiac Killer first appears in the late 1960s.

Zodiac follows a well-respected newspaper cartoonist as he tries to investigate the homicidal sprees on his own. One of the most famous and enigmatic tales ever told, and Zodiacnails it every single time.

9. Psycho (1960) – 8.5

Psycho (1960)

Psychomight be one of the most memorable films of all time, not simply for its portrayal of a serial killer. It turns out that Alfred Hitchcock was inspired by a real-life killer, Ed Gein, when he invented Norman Bates.

As with Norman Bates, Gein’s relationship with his mother was anything but straightforward. In addition, he was taken to a mental facility after his arrest. Despite being based on a factual story, this film manages to be perfect and timeless at the same time.

10. The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) – 8.6

In addition to its five Academy Award nominations, The Silence of the Lambs is arguably the most iconic serial killer film ever made. Aside from that, it depicts two real-life serial killers in Buffalo Bill and Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

When it comes to Buffalo Bill and Hannibal Lecter’s origins, it’s interesting to note that they were based on Ed Gein and Gary Michael Heidnik while AlfredoBall Trevio was the inspiration for Lecter. This movie is well worth seeing multiple times to get the full effect of the suspense and terror it provides.