The Best Serial Killer Movies

Have you ever found yourself in the grip of a cinematic experience so intense your popcorn sits idly by, growing cold, as your eyes remain glued to the unfolding drama of a serial killer thriller? Have you ever felt your heart pound in sync with the ominous background score, your breath hitching with each suspenseful twist and turn? If you’ve nodded along, welcome to the club! You’re far from alone in this fascination.

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There’s an inexplicable allure to serial killer narratives that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche. They’re like a rollercoaster ride through a haunted house — terrifying, yes, but oh so thrilling! It’s the kind of fear that’s delicious in its intensity, the kind that makes us feel alive.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good mystery? The thrill of the chase, the puzzle of the killer’s identity, the satisfaction of connecting the dots — it’s all part of the package that keeps us coming back for more.

The best serial killer movies combine pulse-pounding thrillers with horror movies. So, my fellow thrill-seekers, it’s time to embark on an adventure. Grab your detective hat — you know, the one you’ve kept aside for moments just like this. And while you’re at it, you might want to grab a comforting blanket too. Not that it’ll protect you from the fictional serial killers we’re about to encounter, but hey, every little bit helps, right?

In the immortal words of Alfred Hitchcock, “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” Let’s embrace that anticipation together as we delve into the captivating world of serial killer thrillers.

Related Reading: The 10 Best Slasher Movies in Horror History

The Evolution of Serial Killer Thriller Movies

Serial killer thrillers didn’t just spring up out of nowhere, like a villain in a horror movie popping up behind an unsuspecting victim. Oh no, they’ve been slowly, stealthily creeping into our collective consciousness for decades, much like Hannibal Lecter sneaking up on a census taker.

Let’s rewind to the early days, shall we? Picture this: it’s the era of noir detective stories. The world is black and white, both literally and figuratively. Our heroes are hard-boiled detectives, the villains are shadowy figures lurking in the dark, and the suspense is as thick as the smoke in a detective’s office. These were the precursors to our modern-day serial killer thrillers, the granddaddies of the genre if you will.

Fast forward a few decades, and we’ve entered the era of psychological thrillers. Now, this is where things get really interesting. We’re not just dealing with serial killers anymore; we’re delving into their twisted minds. We’re exploring their motivations, their backstories, their favorite recipes…

And I’m not just talking about Hannibal Lecter or The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Related Reading: Our Fascination With Serial Killer Thrillers

These stories take us on a rollercoaster ride of tension and release, keeping us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. They introduce us to a wide variety of serial killers, from the cold and calculating to the wildly unpredictable. And the best part? We can experience all the thrills and chills from the comfort of our own homes without worrying about a serial killer lurking in the next room — hopefully.

Let’s take a closer look at the best serial killer movies of all time.

Dirty Harry (1971)

Now, if you’re feeling lucky, punk, let’s take a trip back to the gritty streets of 1970s San Francisco. Here we meet Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan, a man who doesn’t play by the rules but gets results. He’s the kind of cop who makes you want to turn yourself in just to avoid being on the receiving end of his .44 Magnum.

In this iconic film, our man Clint Eastwood is on the trail of a psychopath known as The Scorpio Killer. Now, Scorpio isn’t your typical serial killer. He’s not interested in fava beans or a nice Chianti, like our friend Hannibal Lecter. No, Scorpio’s more of a rooftop sniper kind of guy. He’s the kind of villain who sends taunting letters to the police just to make sure everyone knows how clever he is.

Dirty Harry is a classic of the serial killer thriller genre, but it’s also a bit of a departure. It’s not so much a psychological thriller as it is a good old-fashioned cop movie. There’s no deep dive into the killer’s psyche here, no exploration of his traumatic childhood or complicated relationship with his mother. It’s just Dirty Harry, his trusty Magnum, and a whole lot of attitude.

But don’t let that fool you. Dirty Harry is every bit as suspenseful and thrilling as any other serial killer movie. The cat-and-mouse game between Harry and Scorpio will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the film’s iconic catchphrases will keep you entertained long after the credits roll.

So, if you’re in the mood for a serial killer thriller that’s a little less Silence of the Lambs and a little more action-packed, give Dirty Harry a shot. Just remember: Harry’s got a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and he could blow your head clean off. Do you feel lucky?

Halloween (1978)

Ah, Halloween. A time for costumes, candy, and… cold-blooded killers? Well, in the world of serial killer thrillers, anything’s possible. And in the case of this classic horror flick, the trick-or-treaters aren’t the only ones wearing masks.

In this seminal slasher film from acclaimed horror maestro John Carpenter, we’re introduced to Michael Myers, a man who makes Hannibal Lecter look like a vegetarian. When Myers escapes from a sanitarium, it’s up to Dr. Sam Loomis to stop him before he can return to his hometown and continue his murderous spree. And did I mention this all happens on Halloween night? Talk about bad timing.

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Halloween is a masterclass in suspense. It’s not a psychological thriller or an all-out shocker like Carpenter’s other classic, The Fog, but it doesn’t need to be. The horror here is visceral, immediate. It’s the fear of the dark, the fear of the unknown, the fear of that strange noise outside your window. It’s the kind of fear that makes you check your locks twice and jump at your own shadow.

And let’s not forget about the iconic score. Those eerie piano notes are enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. They’re the perfect accompaniment to Myers’ silent, relentless pursuit of his victims.

Halloween set the standard for serial killer thriller movies in the late-70s. It introduced us to the concept of the unstoppable killer, the final girl, and the horror of a familiar holiday-turned-nightmare. So, next time Halloween rolls around, why not celebrate with a viewing of this classic film? Just make sure to check your closet and under your bed first… you never know where Michael Myers might be lurking.

Psycho (1960)

Now, let’s turn back the clock a bit further to a time when showers were just for getting clean, and taxidermy was just a harmless hobby. Welcome to the world of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, a film that redefined the serial killer thriller genre and made us all a little more cautious about checking into roadside motels. This chilling thriller even made Anthony Hopkins a household name.

Based on the classic novel by Robert Bloch, Psycho introduced us to Norman Bates, the proprietor of the Bates Motel, a quaint little establishment with a few… let’s call them quirks. Like the fact that it’s run by a man with a serious mother complex and a penchant for taxidermy.

Psycho broke new ground with its delivery of psychological terror and tension. This isn’t a film about a madman on the loose, like Halloween, or a cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a killer, like Dirty Harry. It’s a film about the monster within, the darkness lurking beneath the surface of ordinary people. It’s a theme that’s been explored in countless psychological thrillers and suspense novels since, but Psycho did it first and, some would argue, did it best.

The secret life of Norman Bates is enough to terrify any thriller or horror fan. But it’s not just the shocking twists and turns of the plot that make Psycho a classic. It’s the way Hitchcock builds tension, how he plays with our expectations and makes us question our own perceptions. It’s a masterclass in suspense and horror and a must-watch for any fan of serial killer movies.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a good scare, why not check into the Bates Motel? Just remember to lock your bathroom door… and maybe skip the shower.

Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Now, here’s a psychological crime drama that needs no introduction. But I’m going to give it one anyway because it’s just that good. Picture this: a young, ambitious FBI trainee named Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is sent to interview a cannibalistic psychiatrist named Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). Sounds like the setup for a bad joke, right? Well, the only one laughing is Lecter, and he’s having fava beans and a nice Chianti with his punchline.

Related Reading: Twenty Hannibal Lecter Quotes that will keep you up at night

This film didn’t just take the world by storm; it swept us up in a whirlwind of suspense, horror, and psychological intrigue. It introduced us to one of the most iconic serial killers in film history: Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. With his chillingly calm demeanor and his penchant for gourmet cuisine (of a particularly disturbing variety), Lecter became the face of intellectual evil.

And let’s not forget about Clarice Starling. Brave, intelligent, and determined, Starling proved you don’t need to be a hardened detective to catch a serial killer. Sometimes, all you need is a good understanding of human psychology — and a sturdy pair of running shoes.

Silence of the Lambs wasn’t just a serial killer thriller movie but a game-changer. It blurred the lines between horror and psychological thriller, proving a movie can scare you witless and make you think, all at the same time. No wonder we’re all a little wary of fava beans and a nice Chianti.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a suspenseful night in, why not revisit this classic? Just make sure to check your pantry for any unusual ingredients first…

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The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

Now, let’s fast forward to the 21st century, where serial killers have traded in their creepy motels and sanitariums for something a bit more… suburban. Welcome to The Clovehitch Killer, a film proving you don’t need a haunted house or a dark alley to create a sense of dread. Sometimes, all you need is a white picket fence and a family secret.

Set in the heartland of Kentucky, The Clovehitch Killer introduces us to a seemingly normal Christian family with a patriarch who could give Norman Bates a run for his money in the secrets and lies department. This isn’t your typical serial killer thriller movie. There’s no high-speed chase, no detective hot on the killer’s trail. Instead, the horror comes from the slow realization the person you trust the most might be hiding a dark secret.

The Clovehitch Killer is a blistering study in psychological horror. It’s a film that peels back the layers of a seemingly perfect family to reveal the rot underneath. It asks the question: how well do you really know the people you love? And it answers that question in the most chilling way possible.

So, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, suspense novels, or serial killer movies, The Clovehitch Killer is a must-watch. Just be warned: You might find yourself looking at your own family a little differently after watching it. And remember, as they say in the world of serial killer thrillers, the call is always coming from inside the house — or in this case, the family.

Summer of Sam (1999)

Now, let’s take a trip back to the sweltering summer of 1977, a time when disco was king, New York was on the brink of bankruptcy, and a serial killer known as the Son of Sam was on the loose. Welcome to Spike Lee’s Summer of Sam, a film that proves you don’t need gore and bloody murders to create a sense of terror and paranoia.

Summer of Sam takes an original approach to the serial killer thriller genre. Instead of focusing on the killer or his victims, the film examines the impact of the murders on a tight-knit community in the Bronx. It’s a study in fear and suspicion, a look at how the terror of a serial killer can turn families and neighbors against one another.

The real horror in Summer of Sam isn’t the murders themselves but how they tear the community apart. Friends become suspects, neighbors become informants, and everyone’s looking over their shoulder. It’s a chilling reminder that the effects of serial killers go far beyond their victims.

Directed by Spike Lee, Summer of Sam is a departure from the typical serial killer movie. It’s less Silence of the Lambs and more a psychological thriller exploring the dark side of human nature. It’s a film that asks: what happens when fear takes over a community? It answers that question in a way that’s as unsettling as any horror movie.

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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Welcome to Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a film that makes Silence of the Lambs look like a family-friendly romp.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre introduces us to a family whose culinary habits make Hannibal Lecter’s seem downright tame. They’re cannibals, but not the fava beans and Chianti type. No, they’re more the chainsaw and meat hook type. And let’s just say their idea of a family dinner is a little more … visceral than most.

What’s truly chilling about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is how little gore it actually shows. The violence is implied, suggested, hinted at, but rarely seen. It’s a masterclass in suspense and horror, proving what you don’t see can be just as terrifying as what you do. It’s a lesson many psychological thrillers and serial killer movies have taken to heart.

And let’s not forget about its impact on the genre. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre didn’t just scare audiences; it inspired a whole new generation of horror and thriller writers. Take Dusk Corners, the first novel in the Logan and Scarlett thriller series. This book takes a page from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, exploring the dark side of rural life and the horrors that can lurk in the most unexpected places.

So, if you’re a fan of suspense novels, psychological thrillers, or serial killer movies, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a must-watch. 

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Black Christmas (1974)

Ho, ho, ho, horror fans! Let’s deck the halls with boughs of… terror? That’s right; we’re taking a detour from the usual holiday cheer and diving into the chilling world of Black Christmas. This is one Christmas story that definitely won’t leave you dreaming of a white Christmas — unless you count the pallor of sheer terror.

In this festive fright-fest, a small town is rocked by a murder during the Christmas season. But the killer isn’t content with just one act of violence. Oh no, he’s got a whole list, and he’s checking it twice. His next targets? A group of sorority sisters who are about to have the worst Christmas break ever.

The girls start receiving crank calls, each one more disturbing than the last. And then, one by one, they begin to disappear. The survivors start to suspect a madman is watching them, but they have no idea just how close he really is. Let’s just say he’s not waiting under the mistletoe.

Black Christmas is a classic of the serial killer thriller genre. It’s a film that takes the joy and warmth of the holiday season and turns it on its head, creating a sense of dread and suspense as chilling as a winter’s night. It’s a reminder that even the most festive times of year aren’t safe from the reach of a serial killer.

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Manhunter (1986)

Alright, it’s time for a little history lesson. Before Clarice Starling ever set foot in that eerie prison cell, before Hannibal Lecter offered his culinary insights, there was Manhunter. This is where it all began, the first chilling entry in the Thomas Harris Hannibal Lecter series (although there are prequels to this one now too).

In Manhunter, we meet Agent Will Graham, a man who’s seen the dark side of humanity and lived to tell the tale. But retirement hasn’t been kind to Graham. He’s haunted by his past, the monsters he’s faced… and by one monster in particular: Hannibal Lecter.

When a fearsome murderer known as The Tooth Fairy starts making headlines, Graham is pulled out of retirement to track him down. But this isn’t your typical serial killer thriller movie. This is a psychological battle, a game of cat and mouse where the stakes are life and death.

Manhunter is a tutorial in suspense and horror. It’s a film that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind, exploring the thin line between hunter and hunted, between sanity and madness. It asks the question: how far would you go to catch a monster? It answers that question in the most chilling way possible.

So, if you’re a fan of suspense novels, psychological thrillers, or serial killer movies, Manhunter is a must-watch. Just remember, as you’re watching Graham’s desperate hunt for The Tooth Fairy, there’s another monster lurking in the shadows. A monster with a taste for the finer things in life — and a knack for getting under your skin. His name? Hannibal Lecter. And this is just the beginning of his story.

Frailty (2001)

Now, let’s take a detour and venture into a different kind of horror. Welcome to Frailty, a film that proves you don’t need a cannibalistic psychiatrist or a chainsaw-wielding maniac to create a sense of dread. Sometimes, all you need is a little faith — and a lot of delusions.

Directed by and starring the late Bill Paxton, Frailty tells the story of a mentally disturbed man who turns to religion to save his family from a world he believes is overrun with demons. But these aren’t your typical fire-and-brimstone demons. No, these are everyday people, neighbors, and friends, who he believes are possessed by evil spirits.

Frailty is a chilling exploration of faith, fanaticism, and the fine line between righteousness and madness. It’s a film that asks: how far would you go to protect your family? And the answer simply isn’t nice.

This isn’t your typical serial killer thriller movie. There’s no detective hot on the killer’s trail, no psychological cat-and-mouse game between hunter and hunted. Instead, the horror comes from the slow realization the person you trust the most might be the most dangerous of all. Just remember, as you’re watching this gripping thriller, that the real monsters might not be the ones lurking in the shadows. Sometimes, they’re the ones praying beside you.                                                                                                                                                              

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Brace yourselves. We’re about to delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche with Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. This isn’t your usual serial killer thriller movie. This is a gritty, disturbing glimpse into the mind of a murderer, and it’s not for the faint of heart.                                               

Loosely based on the life of murderer Henry Lee Lucas, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer was made on a shoestring budget of only $100,000. But don’t let the low budget fool you. This film packs a punch that would make Micheal Myers wince.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer doesn’t glamorize or romanticize its subject. There’s no clever detective, no psychological duel with a brilliant psychiatrist. Instead, it offers a raw, unflinching look at the depravity of the human race. It’s a film that forces us to confront the darkness within ourselves, to acknowledge the capacity for evil lurking in the human heart.

This is a film that will haunt you long after the credits roll. It will make you question your assumptions about good and evil, right and wrong — and make you look at the world, and yourself, in a new light.

As you’re watching this dark window into the human soul, you’ll be reminded the monsters we fear are not always the ones hiding in the shadows. Sometimes, they’re the ones staring back at us in the mirror.

Se7en (1995)

Now, let’s take a trip to a city where it’s always raining, the sun never shines, and the local psychopath has a thing for the seven deadly sins. Welcome to Se7en, a film that makes Silence of the Lambs look like a Sunday school lesson.

Starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, Se7en is one of the most tense and unsettling thrillers of the 1990s. It’s a film that takes the concept of sin and turns it into a deadly game, a twisted morality play where the stakes are life and death.

In Se7en, a psychopath is on the loose, murdering victims who commit one of the seven deadly sins. But this isn’t your typical serial killer. He’s not interested in random acts of violence. No, he’s a man with a mission who believes he’s been chosen to cleanse the world of sin. And now, he’s set his sights on the detectives hunting him.

Se7en keeps you on the edge of your seat, your heart pounding as you wait for the next gruesome discovery. It forces you to confront the darkness within yourself and to question your own morality. It leaves you with a chilling reminder: even the most righteous among us are not immune to sin.

Put simply, Se7en is a must-watch. Just remember, as you’re watching this tense and unsettling thriller, that the line between sinner and saint is often thinner than we think. And sometimes, the most dangerous monsters are the ones who believe they’re doing God’s work.

M (1931)

It’s time to dust off the history books and take a trip back in time to the early days of cinema. Before Hannibal Lecter was even a glint in Thomas Harris’s eye, before Psycho redefined the serial killer thriller genre, there was M.

Decades ahead of its time, M is the blueprint for what we now call the serial killer thriller movie. It dared to delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche, to explore the mind of a murderer in a way that had never been done before.

Peter Lorre stars as Hans Beckert, a child serial murderer who is as pitiful as he is terrifying. This isn’t your typical serial killer. He’s not a mastermind or a psychopath. He’s a man tormented by his own impulses — and who can’t control his actions.

M gains critical appeal every year. It’s stood the test of time and continues to influence and inspire filmmakers to this day. It proves that horror and suspense aren’t just about jump scares and gore — sometimes, the most terrifying thing of all is the human mind.

Badlands (1973)

Let’s hit the road and head out to the wild, wild west. But this isn’t your typical cowboy story. No, this is Badlands, a film that takes us on a journey into the heart of darkness, as chilling as it is captivating.

Starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, Badlands is based on the real-life story of serial killers Charles Starkweather and Caril-Ann Fugate. These aren’t your typical movie murderers. They’re not sophisticated psychopaths like Hannibal Lecter or calculating masterminds like the killer in Se7en. They’re just two young lovers on a killing spree through the badlands of South Dakota.

Badlands defies the conventions of the serial killer thriller genre. It’s not a film about the hunt for a killer or the psychology of a murderer; it’s about the allure of violence, the seductive power of evil. It forces us to confront the darkness within ourselves and question our own capacity for cruelty.

For a different take on the Starkweather-Fugate murders, check out Natural Born Killers. This Oliver Stone film takes the same story and gives it a modern twist, exploring the media’s fascination with violence and the cult of celebrity surrounding serial killers.

If you’re a fan of serial killer movies, Badlands is a must-watch. Just remember, as you’re watching this chilling tale of love and murder, the most dangerous journeys are often the ones we take within ourselves. And sometimes, the most beautiful landscapes can hide the ugliest truths.

When a Stranger Calls (1979)

Alright, gather round and get cozy. But not too cozy because we’re about to dive into When a Stranger Calls, a film guaranteed to make you double-check your locks and look over your shoulder.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, this sounds a lot like Black Christmas.” And you’d be right. When a Stranger Calls took a page out of the Black Christmas playbook, but don’t let that dissuade you. This classic serial killer thriller stands on its own two feet — or should I say, lurks in its own shadowy corner.

In When a Stranger Calls, the horror doesn’t come from a cannibalistic psychiatrist like Hannibal Lecter or a sin-obsessed psychopath like the killer in Se7en. No, it comes from a simple phone call. A call that asks one chilling question: “Have you checked the children?”

This film plays on our deepest fears, the fear of the unknown, the fear of the intruder. It reminds us that sometimes, the call comes from inside the house. It proves that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters are the ones we can’t see.

When a Stranger Calls is essential viewing. Just remember, as you’re watching this classic thriller, to keep your phone close — and your friends closer. Because you never know who might be on the other end of the line.

The Best Serial Killer Thriller Movies Await

And there you have it, folks! A chilling tour through the shadowy world of serial killer thrillers. From the grimy streets of M to the sun-drenched badlands of Badlands, we’ve seen it all. We’ve met cannibals, psychopaths, and even a few monsters who look just like you and me. It’s been a wild ride, but remember, in the world of serial killer thrillers, the ride is never over. There’s always another twist, another turn, another heart-stopping moment of suspense just around the corner.

But hey, who needs sleep anyway, right? After all, as they say in the world of horror, the night is dark and full of terrors — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, if you’re feeling brave and you’re ready to dive even deeper into the world of serial killer thrillers, I’ve got just the thing for you. How about a free copy of Dead and Buried by Dan Padavona? It’s the perfect intro to the chilling Darkwater Cove series, a world where the monsters are real, and the stakes are life and death.