With “Longlegs” hitting screens and sending chills down our spines, it’s the perfect time to revisit some epic serial killer flicks. From the mind-bending puzzles in “Se7en” to the nose-twitching weirdness of “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,” these films keep you guessing and gripping your popcorn. Enjoy the relentless pursuit in “Zodiac” or the thrilling cat-and-mouse game in “The Bone Collector.” These classics show our love for twisted tales isn’t going away. So, gather your courage and your snacks; these 12 top serial killer movies, will keep you hooked, creeped out, and maybe even chuckling nervously.
Psycho – 1960
Lights, camera, murder! Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960) slashes its way into the spotlight with a story that will leave you avoiding showers for weeks. This classic thriller, directed by the master of suspense himself, introduces us to Norman Bates, a charming motel owner with a little secret—his mother is a bit too controlling. With Janet Leigh’s iconic scream and that unforgettable violin score, “Psycho” stabs its way into your psyche and never lets go.
The Silence of the Lambs – 1991
Hold onto your fava beans and Chianti, because Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991) is a chilling masterpiece. Anthony Hopkins gives a lip-smacking performance as Hannibal Lecter, a charming yet terrifying cannibalistic genius. Jodie Foster plays the determined FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, who seeks Lecter’s help to catch another serial killer, Buffalo Bill. This film is a cat-and-mouse game with razor-sharp dialogue and tension you can cut with a knife. It’s a gourmet feast for thriller fans, leaving you questioning your dinner choices and possibly, your therapist.
Ready for some hot and scary summer nights? We got you covered with the best summer horror movies that mix sunny settings with spine-tingling scares.
Zodiac – 2007
David Fincher’s “Zodiac” (2007) takes you on a twisty ride through the obsession-filled world of one of America’s most infamous unsolved mysteries. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, this film follows the relentless hunt for the Zodiac Killer. It’s like a thrilling puzzle where each piece is as confounding as the next. With Fincher’s knack for meticulous detail and suspense, “Zodiac” grips you tighter than a San Francisco fog.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – 1974
Rev up your chainsaws because Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) is a brutal rollercoaster you won’t forget. This cult classic introduces Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding maniac with a disturbing fashion sense. A group of friends on a road trip finds themselves in a nightmare, facing a family that’s way too into BBQ. With its raw, gritty style, this film slices through the horror genre, leaving a trail of unease and gasps. It’s terrifyingly relentless and makes you reconsider any trips to rural Texas.
Se7en – 1995
Talking about top serial killer movies, here is David Fincher’s “Se7en” (1995). This gritty thriller stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as detectives hunting a killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. It’s like a twisted game of Clue, but with more rain and less candlestick. With Kevin Spacey delivering chills as the meticulous psychopath, the film keeps you on edge, guessing and gasping. The atmosphere is so tense, you might cut it with a knife—if it weren’t already busy slashing through the narrative.
Monster – 2003
Get ready for a wild ride with “Monster” (2003), directed by Patty Jenkins. Charlize Theron transforms into Aileen Wuornos, a real-life serial killer with a tragic backstory, in a performance so intense it earned her an Oscar. The film follows Wuornos’ tumultuous life and crimes, all while exploring the darker sides of humanity. It’s gritty, it’s raw, and it’s surprisingly touching. “Monster” isn’t just a biopic—it’s a deep dive into a troubled soul, served with a side of cinematic brilliance.
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon – 2006
“Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon” (2006), directed by Scott Glosserman, cleverly deconstructs the slasher genre. This mockumentary follows Leslie Vernon, an aspiring serial killer who dreams of joining the ranks of horror legends like Jason and Freddy. With tongue-in-cheek humor and plenty of genre-savvy nods, this film is both a tribute and a parody. It’s as if “The Office” had a bloody good time at a horror convention. If you love scares with a side of satire, Leslie Vernon is your new favorite boogeyman.
Halloween – 1978
John Carpenter’s “Halloween” (1978) is one of the top serial killer movies, slicing its way into horror history. Meet Michael Myers, the masked menace who makes babysitting in Haddonfield, Illinois, a deadly occupation. Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Laurie Strode, the ultimate final girl who takes on Myers with more than just a knitting needle. Carpenter’s eerie score will have you checking your locks and avoiding dark alleys. This film is a terrifying blend of suspense, scares, and a white-masked killer who just won’t quit.
I Saw the Devil – 2010
“I Saw the Devil” (2010) is not for the faint of heart, featuring a cat-and-mouse game between a secret agent and a ruthless serial killer. Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik deliver powerhouse performances that keep you on the edge of your seat. The film’s intense, brutal, and relentless pacing makes it a gripping watch. It’s like a twisted chess game where each move is more shocking than the last. If you love your thrillers with a side of jaw-dropping brutality, “I Saw the Devil” will leave you breathless and rethinking your life choices.
Scream – 1996
Get ready to scream with laughter and fear in Wes Craven’s “Scream” (1996), the meta-horror that turned the genre on its head and it’s making its way in our top serial killer movies list. With a killer who’s a horror movie buff, this film is a slasher flick that knows it’s a slasher flick. Neve Campbell stars as Sidney Prescott, who’s trying to survive high school while dodging the masked Ghostface. The script is sharp, the scares are real, and the rules are laid out: never say “I’ll be right back!” Packed with witty dialogue and gory fun, “Scream” is considered one of the top serial killer movies of all time.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer – 2006
Prepare your senses for “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” (2006), directed by Tom Tykwer. This film follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell and a rather peculiar hobby—creating the perfect scent using, well, less-than-ethical ingredients. Ben Whishaw’s portrayal of Grenouille is hauntingly captivating as he noses his way through 18th-century France. The cinematography is lush, and the story is as intoxicating as the fragrances Grenouille concocts. It’s a sensory overload with a dash of the macabre, perfect for those who like their murder mysteries steeped in floral notes and philosophical musings. You’ll never think of perfume the same way again.
The Bone Collector – 1999
Get ready to be glued to your seat with “The Bone Collector” (1999), directed by Phillip Noyce. Denzel Washington stars as a brilliant, paralyzed forensic expert who teams up with a rookie cop, played by Angelina Jolie, to track down a serial killer with a penchant for gruesome souvenirs. The dynamic duo uses sharp intellect and cutting-edge technology to piece together the puzzle. With its edge-of-your-seat suspense and chilling twists, this thriller will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a gripping cat-and-mouse game that’s both brainy and thrilling—perfect for a night when you want to be both entertained and thoroughly creeped out.
Discover the dark secrets behind 15 horror films so terrifying they were banned in countries worldwide for crossing the line.
