The Best Movies Made About Killers Ranked

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like killers. Since the 1960’s, killers have often been made in great movies. Whether it’s psychotic killers, detectives investigating murders or dangerous hitmen, the genre has created many characters. Given the massive number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about killers that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Psycho

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of dark serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her grim lover, my housekeeper became the victim of psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from the sad murder of a housemaid that was never investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured grim murders committed by psychotic killers causing sorrow as powerfully as “Psycho”. Ever since its release in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about killers. With the greatest film of his career, Hitchcock used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a psychotic killer committing murders causing despair. Hitchcock always had an aptitude for making movies about killers putting lives in grave danger, and “Psycho” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Hitchcock effectively used discontinuity editing to capture serial killers which are terrifying. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is mercilessly stabbed to death in the shower causing trauma remains one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the most iconic killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” my favourite film about killers of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s when tend to be outdated, it tackled themes that remain relevant today. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic film about psychotic serial killers planning murders that are tragic, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has never lost its abilities to captivate the general public.

2. The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter is a renowned serial killer that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a mother that adored a serial killer committing murders causing damage. She would always praise the intelligence of a killer that shaped her identity. My mother’s obsession with a serial killer murdering lambs first began when she watched “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured psychotic serial killers. Demme is one of those filmmakers with an aptitude for creating nail-biting thrillers, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter about murders causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the 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” a commemorated classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message acknowledging childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies about dangerous killers which audiences appreciated.

3. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated by brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that was fascinated with dark detectives investigating grim crimes causing damage. I remember my brother was always impressed by bold detectives that put their lives in danger. He would always appreciate seeing the crimes that world-famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring memories of a brother that loved seeing detectives conducting an investigation, I adored “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s movie captured detectives investigating serial killers. Fincher has always had an aptitude for using plot twists in his movies to catch audiences by surprise, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the ending scene in which Detective Mills and Somerset discover the terrifying contents of the box causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a dedicated detective trailing a serial killer.  Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about serial killers which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders that detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate.

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 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 have always excelled at making engaging movies about killers, and “No Country for Old Men” showcased their strengths as filmmakers. For instance, the iconic scene in which Anton Chigurh initiates a coin toss to determine the fate of a helpless gas station worker causing 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 scary serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “No Country for Old Men” a great classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about aging which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Anton Chigurh’s desire to commit murder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences treasure.

5. Longlegs

It’s often challenging to move on from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a girl in school that was haunted by serial killers causing sorrow. She would often tell frightening stories of meeting a stranger that behaved like a serial killer causing tragedy. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that was haunted by serial killers with long legs, I appreciated “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 in the police station causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. The film is elevated to another level by an extraordinary performance by Nicolas Cage. In one of the greatest roles of his career, Cage created a frightening serial killer evoking fear. Ultimately, what makes “Longlegs” a great crime thriller is its message.  The film delivers a commemorated message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of serial killers causing childhood trauma, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies that have attracted audiences to the Cinema.

6. Zodiac

When it comes to the most notorious serial killers in American history, it’s worth discussing the Zodiac. During the 1960’s era, the Zodiac was a serial killer that terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in America. He got away with committing murders without facing a price to pay. 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

The Shining is a legendary book about killers that has built a lasting legacy. 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”. In contrast to most movies in the genre, what makes “The Shining” stand out is its ingenious foreshadowing. Kubrick uses stunning foreshadowing capturing murders committed by a serial killer that’s frightening. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Kubrick honoured legendary literature. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s, “The Shining” is one of those commemorated movies about killers with enduring appeal. As memorable as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a magnificent reminder of a genre manufacturing 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 Devil All the Time

Religious violence is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies. Hollywood has often avoided discussing an issue that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding discussing religion all the time, it’s worth praising “The Devil All the Time”. Released in 2020, Antonio Campos’ movie depicted the dark side of religion causing serial killers to commit violence.  Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Devil All the Time” stand out is its depiction of religious violence. Campos uses non-linear storytelling capturing a town of people impacted by violence that’s frightening. Assisted by Robert Pattinson who is amazing in the lead role, Campos created a powerful portrait of religion. A dazzling depiction of religious violence, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies attracting a huge audience.

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 an American classic. Harron used voice-over narration to capture a psychotic killer facing destruction. Assisted by Christian Bale who is superb in the lead role, Harron created a movie about killers with detail. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s sexist depiction of women are victims of killers without agency has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Patrick Bateman’s desire to be psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies about killers committing horrific murders which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.