If you’re looking for a thrilling and suspenseful movie experience, Netflix has a large selection of spine-chilling serial killer films that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. We have carefully curated the 15 best serial killer movies on Netflix that will keep you on the edge of your seat in this article. These films are not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy the thrills and intrigue of the genre, these 15 films are a must-see.
From the infamous Zodiac Killer to a detective on the hunt for a serial killer who leaves a snowman at each crime scene, these films will take you on a frightful journey through the world of serial killers. You’ll follow the stories of detectives, journalists, and even serial killers as they navigate each film’s darkness and suspense. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment with Netflix’s 15 best serial killer movies.
Fear grips San Francisco in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a serial killer known as Zodiac stalks its residents. Detectives (Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards) and reporters (Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr.) become obsessed with identifying the killer and bringing him to justice. Meanwhile, Zodiac continues to claim victims and taunts authorities with cryptic messages, ciphers, and threatening phone calls. A quiet, dialogue-driven thriller that delivers gut-wrenching anxiety scene after scene. David Fincher also devotes more time to illustrating the nuances of his characters and recreating the mood of the 1970s than he does to gory murder details.
Memories of Murder (2003) is one of the top ten serial killer movies on Netflix because it is a gripping crime drama about a group of detectives attempting to track down a serial killer who targets young women. The film is based on the true story of South Korea’s first serial killer case from the 1980s. The film is notable for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as its distinctive blend of drama, comedy, and social commentary.
3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
One of the most iconic and influential serial killer films of all time is The Silence of the Lambs (1991). The film follows Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent, as she enlists the help of notorious cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to apprehend another serial killer, “Buffalo Bill.” The film is remembered for its masterful performances, including those of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Starling, as well as its chilling atmosphere and psychological depth.
4. Se7en (1995)
Se7en (1995) is yet another classic psychological thriller that has become a genre standard. The plot revolves around two detectives, Morgan Freeman, and Brad Pitt, who are investigating a series of murders based on the seven deadly sins. The film is well-known for its dark and twisted atmosphere, as well as its unexpected twist ending.
The Snowman (2017) is a crime thriller starring Michael Fassbender about a detective attempting to apprehend a serial killer who leaves a snowman at each of his crime scenes. Despite mixed reviews, the film is a worthwhile addition to the genre, with a unique setting and a tense, atmospheric feel.
6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) is based on Stieg Larsson’s popular “Millennium” series. A journalist and a computer hacker investigate a series of murders that may be linked to a wealthy and powerful family. The film is known for its strong performances, particularly that of Rooney Mara as hacker Lisbeth Salander, as well as its intense and complex plot.
7. Hush (2016)
Hush (2016) is a one-of-a-kind entry in the genre, starring a deaf writer who is forced to fight for her life when a masked killer attempts to break into her home. The film is notable for its tense and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as its creative use of sound.
American Psycho (2000) is a satirical horror film starring Christian Bale a wealthy investment banker who also happens to be a serial killer. The film is remembered for its dark humor and incisive social commentary, as well as Bale’s unforgettable performance.
The Iceman (2012) is based on the true story of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious hitman and serial killer who claimed to have murdered over a hundred people. The film is remembered for its intense and gritty atmosphere, as well as Michael Shannon’s eerie performance as Kuklinski.
The Hateful Eight (2015) is not your typical serial killer film, but it does feature a group of strangers trapped in a cabin during a blizzard, one of whom may be a serial killer. The film is known for its masterful dialogue, tense atmosphere, and memorable performances by actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell.
11. Creep (2014)
Creep (2014) is a found footage film about a videographer hired by a man who may not be who he seems. The film is remembered for its eerie and unsettling atmosphere, as well as Mark Duplass’s memorable performance as the mysterious and unpredictable “Josef.”
12. The House That Jack Built (2018)
The psychological horror film “The House That Jack Built” follows the life of Jack, a highly intelligent serial killer, and the murders he commits over a 12-year period. The film, directed by Lars von Trier, stars Matt Dillon in the lead role, as well as Uma Thurman and Riley Keough. The film is known for its disturbing and graphic scenes of violence and torture, which may be difficult to watch for some viewers. However, the film’s exploration of a serial killer’s psychology, as well as the way it challenges the audience’s moral and ethical boundaries, have made it a genre standout.
13. The Killer Inside Me (2010)
“The Killer Inside Me” (2010) is another disturbing and thought-provoking addition to the list, following a small-town deputy sheriff who is also a cold-blooded killer. The film, set in the 1950s, delves into the mind of a psychopath and the lengths he will go to conceal his crimes.
“The Stepfather,” a thriller film released in 2009, is about a man named David Harris, played by Dylan Walsh, who marries into a family with a teenage daughter, played by Amber Heard. David, on the other hand, has a dark past and a string of aliases, having murdered his previous family. Overall, “The Stepfather” is a well-executed thriller with a strong cast performance. It plays on our fear of not truly knowing the people closest to us, as well as the danger of trusting the wrong person. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other serial killer movies on Netflix on the list, it is well worth seeing for genre fans.
Finally, “The Pale Blue Eye” (2022) is a new addition to the list that is gaining popularity. The film, based on Louis Bayard’s novel of the same name, stars Christian Bale as a detective investigating a series of murders at West Point Military Academy in the nineteenth century. With a talented cast and an intriguing plot, this film promises to be a must-see for genre fans.
These films may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, the suspense of the chase, and the twists and turns of a good mystery, Netflix has a plethora of options to choose from, including the 15 best serial killer movies we have listed here.
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