Best Serial Killer Movies Based on True Stories: A Must-Watch List

serial killer Movies have always held a fascination for audiences. Movies and TV have explored this part of crime, however, there is a special appeal from those films that really delve into the truth. Some are really hard-to-watch.

id="exploring-real-life-serial-killers">Exploring Real-Life Serial Killers

There have been a lot of Movies, and it can make fans ask. Is it possible to explore these terrible crimes in a way that feels authentic and responsible, especially because of how it impacts families.

These movies and stories have brought a dark truth into our entertainment! We have gotten movies, such as "Psycho", that really bring to life characters like Norman Bates. But that's not the entire picture!

There are some classic characters. However, some of the most important works bring to life the stories of real serial killers, such as the infamous Hannibal Lector (who starred in the movie "Silence of the Lambs"), but a lot of real-world killers get to shine on the screen as well!

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Ten Great Serial Killer Movies:

Deep Red I Am Not A Serial Killer Custom Image Image

For fans of this dark genre and anyone who might be seeking more, there is a world of these great movies to explore. These are the best films based on real life stories.

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No Man of God

Released in 2021

For those who aren't sure where to begin, it seems "No Man of God" is the perfect spot to learn about Ted Bundy! He has been one of the most memorable and recognizable villains in America's history!

In recent history, you could even see Zac Efron play Bundy in "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile". For anyone that wants to take an extra deep dive into the man's mindset, this film was highly impactful.

This film features Luke Kirby in a fascinating role.

If you think about this film as a series of interviews between a real serial killer and a special FBI analyst, Elijah Wood brings this character, Bill Hagmaier to life in this incredible scene, it was taken directly from the transcription of those interviews.

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The Town That Dreaded Sundown

Released in 1976

A truly terrifying horror story and what you can call one of the first "slasher" films, well ahead of classic horrors like "Halloween or "Friday the 13th." There are also stories that are inspired by real life, but only this specific film comes from a time in history, in 1946. It seems the true events really inspired these classics. This movie tells the story of "The Texarkana Moonlight Murders" which happened in Texas.

It also included all the classic hallmarks that we now look to in the slasher genre and it's sure to keep fans invested from the beginning! In The Town That Dreaded Sundown you also see what might be the most recognizable icon of a serial killer- wearing a mask!

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The Snowtown Murders

Released in 2011

Not everyone knows about these killings. They took place in Australia but became super significant news! This series of killings was an incredibly intense and gruesome time in Australia's history. The Snowtown Murders has the potential to really scare anyone who watches.

It gives a dark insight into this small Australian town, showcasing a group of four friends that make a shockingly powerful and terrifying impact!

You see, these friends work as a team! This movie, also known as "Snowtown," digs deeply into this friendship and even gives insight as to what they had been through that made them go on such an incredibly horrific journey. You can watch what makes these killers. But then when the movie begins with their first murders it is just a bit shocking to see how it changes these four, in a horrific way.

id="boston-strangler">Boston Strangler

Released in 2023

While there is so much interest about "The Boston Strangler," what made it so fascinating was just how much mystery existed! You see, a killer was behind 13 murders of women in Boston and the events occurred around the early 1960s, so this story, like so many other serial killer mysteries, really has the power to intrigue and horrify! What's really worth noting was there was a major investigation in this period.

Albert DeSalvo, the main suspect, was captured and sentenced, but people kept wondering whether he was the one behind these acts.
A number of questions came up around this story! However, with DNA technology they could reexamine this and give evidence for one murder!

This movie goes back and forth, taking us into this intriguing and intense investigation by a group of reporters.

They go on this harrowing mission, as Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole, seek out to solve this mystery, working against a corrupt police force and powerful newspaper editors.

They try their best to find answers! The pair get really deep into the investigation, leading to moments where they encounter those they think are the culprits.

id="henry-portrait-of-a-serial-killer">Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Released in 1986

One of the most well known real world serial killers was Henry Lee Lucas. It turns out his life was an incredibly terrifying story! Even if this movie takes a bit of a fictionalized approach, the movie was able to show his incredible dark nature in its powerful and gripping depiction.

Lucas claimed to be behind hundreds of murders (more than 600)! However, they didn't end up convicting him for so many of the crimes.

At the time Henry had been sentenced for 11 murders and some think he was also behind many more!

The issue is it appears he often made false claims!
Sadly he passed away in 2001.

What's more is that it takes on Lucas's life from another perspective, giving us his complicated and scary relationship with "Ottis Toole," his accomplice.

One of the amazing performances in "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer," is from Michael Rooker.

id="my-friend-dahmer"> My Friend Dahmer

Released in 2017

Jeffrey Dahmer, one of the most iconic and most terrible serial killers! A truly chilling name for those in America's history! What was so gripping is that you get to see his teenage self, something that might never have been expected!

It really makes a super interesting look at his background.

"My Friend Dahmer," takes the graphic novel and a memoir of his friend, John Backderf to tell his unique story.
It seems Backderf was able to witness first-hand his behavior!
The friendship took a terrible turn, too, as they grew up! He began his heinous acts of murder after graduating from high school.

For any horror fan. It really sheds light as to why there are these serial killers, and just what happens to create people capable of this kind of violence! Ross Lynch is one of the big stars for this project!

id="the-honeymoon-killers">The Honeymoon Killers

Released in 1970

If you're thinking about seeing some "Honeymoon Killers" it was made back in a very unique, almost groundbreaking time, 1970.

The Honeymoon Killers are based on a pair that traveled around America committing some serious, horrifying murders.

It was all about a "couple" who, unfortunately, targeted victims who placed ads to find dates, or, maybe their special someone!

"Raymond Fernandez and "Martha Beck." (together called the "Lonely Hearts Killers.") They are said to have killed close to 20 people across the US.

There is so much more that goes into this chilling film, with scenes that had a powerful sense of realism.

Martin Scorsese actually took on this project at first!
But they replaced him and it ended up making this a more classic, retro style film.
In "The Honeymoon Killers" you see this contrast, in black-and-white! The filmmakers tried to show the dark moments in these scenes and use these stylistic touches to really capture the reality.

id="monster">Monster

Released in 2003

The stories of many serial killers show the horrible truths about people but what about a real woman? In "Monster," audiences got a glimpse into "Aileen Wuornos"!

What made "Wuornos" such a well-known story? Well, she was one of the most terrifying killers and took the lives of seven men.

This might sound pretty typical, but her life, and these killings, were rooted in some terrible abuse! And it is hard to ignore this very complicated history. She would go on to justify these actions to be revenge and retribution.

It is an incredible piece, not only in its horror and suspense! But one where "Charlize Theron," who plays Wuornos won an "Academy Award"! The talent really makes this a show-stopping piece, she completely transformed herself, which shows off an actress who is dedicated to bringing to life each and every part.

id="memories-of-murder">Memories Of Murder

Released in 2003

Fans who like this genre! This movie is directed by Bong Joon-ho. The director, one who is now known for critically acclaimed and world-famous films like "Parasite" or "Snowpiercer", This is an intense, incredible thriller. And "Memories of Murder" might just be his most amazing films, full of a gripping, compelling mystery and so much suspense that makes it hard to look away! This chilling story comes from the world of real-life murder!

In South Korea, around 1986 - 1994, the events in the film were rooted in a very dark time.

While Memories of Murder might show the gruesome side of these heinous crimes, it's also an exploration of the investigations.

What really keeps people captivated? In "Memories of Murder," a series of murders have left detectives looking for answers! You feel a sense of being trapped in a world where there is nothing but chaos and uncertain moments as everyone waits for the next terrible act to happen! This story, for anyone that's looking for an even deeper understanding, also reveals some real insight into the process and complexities of what detectives go through, searching to catch a murderer!

id="zodiac"> Zodiac

Released in 2007

It is certainly not uncommon to have a lot of crime related movies from a powerful director, and David Fincher has made many! In "Zodiac," audiences get another terrifying look at the killer but from a different lens! In this movie the director Fincher really did an amazing job recreating "San Francisco" from the 1960s and 1970s!

You see Zodiac isn't just about one big "killer", what's amazing about this film is that the identity of the suspect is never unveiled! It takes you to an era with plenty of real life mystery. There is just as much evidence for each of those potential Zodiac Killers, but we never get the definitive answer.

For anyone looking to dive in "Zodiac" is truly an interesting look into our own obsession with this part of human psychology.

It also gives you some real insight about our morbid fascination with real crime! What's amazing about "Zodiac," it looks to tell us the tale of how this all went down from the viewpoint of those on the outside! That means those of us who may watch movies, but have never experienced this type of horrifying event, in "Zodiac," you feel those same questions that people at the time were looking to answer!

This film, a super cool, engaging and exciting look into real-world serial killers! If you aren't quite sure where to start, start with "No Man of God.", and as you start exploring these movies that dive deeply into this side of crime. Get a taste of these movies!

Best Serial Killer Movies Based on True Stories: A Must-Watch List

Ten Great Serial Killer Movies:

No Man of God

The Town That Dreaded Sundown

The Snowtown Murders

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