The Greatest Serial Killer Movies Ever Made Ranked

Few figures attract audiences to the theatre like serial killers. Since the 1990’s, the serial killer genre has produced bold movies. Whether it’s psychotic killers, seven deadly sins murderers or corporate figures, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest serial killer movies worth seeing.

1. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured psychotic serial killers stunning people into silence as powerfully as “The Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest serial killer movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Demme used innovative cinematic techniques to capture serial killers evoking fear. Demme has always had an aptitude for building suspense in movies through dialogue, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Starling experiences intense interrogations with Hannibal Lecter causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the serial killer genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” my favourite serial killer movie of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies about psychopathic killers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a universal message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. The film pulls off the tricky feat of making serial killers committing heinous crimes sympathetic people audiences can relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about psychopathic serial killers that stun people into silence, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies earning a huge audience.

2. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that was fascinated with detectives investigating crimes causing damage. He would always appreciate seeing the crimes that famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that loved seeing detectives conducting an investigation, I adored “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s groundbreaking film captured detectives investigating serial killers committing atrocities. Fincher has always excelled at capturing the dark lives of serial killers, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the final scene in which detective Somerset discovers the terrifying contents of the box causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the serial killer genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a detective driven to catch a serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about grief which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as murders detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a strong reminder of a genre producing movies that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate.

3. Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that always impressed my father. I remember forming a strong bond with a father that adored the world-famous filmmaker. He would speak fondly about a director whose timeless movies shaped his identity. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a father that adored Alfred Hitchcock years ago, I loved “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie captured a psychotic serial killer. Hitchcock always had an aptitude for capturing serial killers in his movies, and “Psycho” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is stabbed to death in the shower causing her town to face trauma is one of the greatest moments of the serial killer genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the scariest serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a commemorated serial killer classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. As strong as Norman Bates’ desire to commit murders that are psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies which captivated the public.

4. No Country for Old Men

Westerns are a great genre of movies that my grandfather always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia heartwarming memories of a grandpa that loved the western genre. He would always speak fondly about good, bad and ugly gunslingers that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored westerns about old men, I adored “No Country for Old Men”. Released in 2007, the Coen Brothers’ movie captured serial killers in the western genre. The Coen Brothers effectively use sequences of silence to create a compelling serial killer whose backstory is a mystery. For instance, the iconic scene in which Anton Chigurh initiates a coin toss to determine the fate of a helpless gas station worker facing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Javier Bardem, who creates a terrifying serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “No Country for Old Men” a classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about aging which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as the murders Anton Chigurh has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies which deserve to be appreciated.

5. Longlegs

Nicolas Cage is one of those actors that I have never been a huge fan of. Cage has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters with rage. However, Cage’s tendency for overacting has tarnished his legacy as an actor. No longer the successful movie-star he once used to be, Cage has faded from popularity. As someone that has never been a huge fan of Cage, I was surprised by how much I loved his latest movie “Longlegs”. Released in 2024, Oz Perkins’ movie captured serial killers terrorizing small girls. Perkins effectively uses flashbacks to create a serial killer whose intentions are a mystery. For instance, the scene in which Agent Harker interrogates Longlegs causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the serial killer genre. The film is elevated to another level by an extraordinary performance by Nicolas Cage, who created a frightening serial killer taking advantage of girls at a young age. Ultimately, what makes “Longlegs” a serial killer masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Longlegs’ desire to murder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which audiences treasure.

6. Zodiac

When it comes to the most notorious serial killers in American history, it’s worth discussing the Zodiac. During the 1960’s, the Zodiac was a serial killer that terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in America. A frightening killer, the Zodiac got away with crimes without prison. In 2007, David Fincher captured the serial killer in his movie “Zodiac”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Zodiac” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Fincher used detailed visuals to capture the grisly murders committed by a notorious serial killer. Assisted by Jake Gyllenhaal who is amazing in the lead role, Fincher created a serial killer movie that’s compelling.  Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with murders in the San Francisco Bay without a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that deserves to be celebrated today.

7. The Shining

When it comes to the most captivating books ever written about serial killers, it’s worth discussing The Shining. Since its publication in 1977, Stephen King’s book has become a shining literary classic. In 1980, Stanley Kubrick honoured the shining book in his movie “The Shining”. Kubrick’s movie forever changed the serial killer genre through its stunning use of foreshadowing. Kubrick uses clever foreshadowing to create a serial killer that’s terrifying. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Kubrick honoured legendary literature. about serial killers. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s, “The Shining” is one of those rare movies with enduring appeal. As memorable as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre with compelling stories to tell putting audiences under a spell.

8. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Women are rarely given opportunities to shine in serial killer movies. The genre has created barriers against women depicted as victims of trauma. In a genre that has rarely given women chances to shine, it’s worth praising “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. Released in 2011, David Fincher’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about serial killers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Fincher uses stunning visuals to capture female detectives fighting serial killers that are frightening. Assisted by Rooney Mara who is superb in the lead role, Fincher honoured literature about serial killers. A great adaptation of a beloved book about girls with a dragon tattoo, it’s a grand reminder of a genre that has created timeless movies which audiences value.

9. The Batman

Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother always appreciated. I remember a brother that adored the caped crusader. A comic-book nerd, he praised a hero that made him feel heard. In 2021, Matt Reeves reimagined the superhero with a plan in his movie “The Batman”. Unlike most movies in the serial killer genre, what makes “The Batman” stand out is its strong atmosphere. Reeves uses stunning visuals to create the frightening atmosphere of a city haunted by serial killers causing despair. Assisted by Paul Dano who is phenomenal in the villain role, Reeves created a memorable comic-book serial killer. As memorable as murders the Riddler seeks to organize, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its capabilities to surprise creating strong serial killers with whom audiences empathize.

10. American Psycho

Few movies ever made about psychotic killers facing sorrow are as beloved as “American Psycho”. Since its release in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie has become a serial killer classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a huge fan of the movie. Harron used innovative techniques to capture the mind of a serial killer. Assisted by Christian Bale who is exceptional in the lead role, Harron created a serial killer with great attention to detail. However, the film’s misogynistic treatment of women as objects has aged poorly over time. Nevertheless, the film remains a valuable addition to the serial killer genre. As strong as Patrick Bateman’s desire to be psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made iconic movies which I will forever treasure for motivating me to acbieve dreams of becoming a film critic.