The dark and twisted stories of serial killer movies have always captivated viewers. They provide a blend of psychological excitement, suspense, and terror as they delve deeply into the brains of the most infamous murderers.
These movies will keep you on the edge of your seat whether you’re an experienced lover of the genre or a curious newbie. This ranking includes the top serial killer films that have frightened and enthralled viewers worldwide, ranging from terrifying classics to contemporary masterpieces.
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10. The House That Jack Built (2018)
On the bottom of the list, we have Lars von Trier’s ‘The House That Jack Built.’ It is a wild ride that’s not for the faint-hearted. Matt Dillon stars as Jack, a highly intelligent serial killer with a penchant for philosophizing about his gruesome acts.
It’s like watching an art film but with way more blood. Catch it on Hulu, if you dare. It has an IMDb rating of 6.8 but be warned: this one is definitely not for your grandma.
9. I Saw The Devil (2010)
If you thought revenge was sweet, ‘I Saw the Devil‘ will make you think twice. This South Korean thriller directed by Kim Jee-woon pits a secret agent against a toxic killer in a gruesome game of cat and mouse.
It’s brutal, it’s bloody, and it’s brilliant. Stream it on Amazon Prime. With an IMDb rating of 7.8, this one’s a no-brainer for fans of hardcore thrillers.
8. American Psycho (2000)
Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman is the 80s yuppie nightmare you didn’t know you needed. This movie dives into the twisted mind of a Wall Street investment banker with a penchant for, well, killing people.
It’s dark, and satirical, and Bale’s performance is absolutely killer. Available on HBO Max, it has a solid IMDb rating of 7.6. Warning: may cause sudden urges to listen to Huey Lewis and the News.
7. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Next on the list we have, ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’ Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling seeks the help of Anthony Hopkins’ Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer on the loose.
A buddy cop movie, but with more cannibalism and creepy masks. Watch it on Prime Video. It has an IMDb rating of 8.6, and the electrifying dialogue between Starling and Lecter is worth every minute.
6. Memories Of Murder (2003)
Before ‘Parasite,’ Bong Joon-ho gave us ‘Memories of Murder,’ a true crime masterpiece about South Korea’s first serial murders. The film follows two bumbling detectives with wildly different methods, and it’s as funny as it is suspenseful.
Stream it on Hulu. With an IMDb rating of 8.1, this one’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good mix of dark humor and gripping drama.
5. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s ‘Zodiac‘ is a meticulous recount of the real-life hunt for the Zodiac Killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo deliver stellar performances in this slow-burn thriller that will leave you obsessively Googling conspiracy theories.
Available on Netflix, it holds an IMDb rating of 7.7. Perfect for those who enjoy their crime stories with a side of obsessive detail.
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4. Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1986)
‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer‘ is as raw and unfiltered as it gets. Michael Rooker’s chilling performance as Henry is both compelling and horrifying, giving you a disturbingly realistic look at a killer’s life.
You can find this on Tubi, and it has an IMDb rating of 7.0. (Just make sure to lock your doors before hitting play.)
3. Se7en (1995)
In the Top 3 we have, ‘Se7en.’ Another one of David Fincher’s dark and rainy masterpieces. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman play detectives chasing a killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.
The atmosphere is so grim, you’ll need a flashlight just to get through it. Catch it on HBO Max, with an impressive IMDb rating of 8.6.
2. The Night Of The Hunter (1955)
‘The Night of the Hunter‘ features Robert Mitchum as a sinister preacher who marries and murders women for their money. The film’s haunting visuals and Mitchum’s eerie performance make it a classic thriller.
Stream it on Amazon Prime. With an IMDb rating of 8.0, this film’s atmospheric tension and visual style remain influential.
1. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Making its place at the top of the list, it’s none other than ‘No Country for Old Men.’ In this movie, hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) pursues a man who stumbles upon a fortune from a drug deal gone wrong.
This Coen Brothers’ masterpiece is suspenseful and morally complex, making it a modern classic. Stream it on HBO Max. It holds a high IMDb rating of 8.2. Bardem’s portrayal of Chigurh is as terrifying as it is unforgettable.
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