Greatest Serial Killer Movies of All Time
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17 titles
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsAnthony PerkinsJanet LeighVera MilesA Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.One of the greatest films of all time, a masterfully crafted film with many "architectural" layers like the "mother's" house where castration and sexual repression exists punishes our killer- and of course the motel rooms where crimes get commited, the place where erotical violence is present. The legendary Norman Bates is somewhere between these two layers as he has a split personality disorder.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsPeter LorreEllen WidmannInge LandgutWhen the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt.One of the greatest films of all time directed by genius Fritz Lang that still amazes with it's bold, provocative and taboo breaking plot about a child killer-a movie truly ahead of it's time.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsDonald PleasenceJamie Lee CurtisTony MoranFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.One of the greatest horror movies of all time that defined the genre with it's directing, writing grounbreaking ideas. Inspired hundreds of movies. Michael Myers earns the spot as the most disturbing, horrifying killer in horror cinema due to his inhuman patience and unexplainable motivation to violence.
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsMarilyn BurnsEdwin NealAllen DanzigerFive friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.An all time classic that used it's low budget to it's advantage, creating horrifying atmosphere and the disturbing serial killer Leatherface, inspired by real life murderer Ed Gein. Leatherface shocked audiences-the killer with his victims skin as a face.
- DirectorLars von TrierStarsMichael ElphickEsmond KnightMe Me LaiA cop in a dystopian Europe investigates a serial killings suspect using controversial methods written by his now disgraced former mentor.A true masterpiece with fragments of Tarkovsky's cinema and amazing cinematography. Symbolic themes are present along the way- a truly unique serial killer story.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsJake GyllenhaalRobert Downey Jr.Mark RuffaloBetween 1968 and 1983, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.Fincher creates a darkly atmospheric world that shivers the viewer with the mysterious personallity of the Zodiac Killer, based on the
infamous real story. - DirectorCharles LaughtonStarsRobert MitchumShelley WintersLillian GishA self-proclaimed preacher marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real dad hid the $10,000 he'd stolen in a robbery.Noir, thriller and horror movie, a great landmark of the serial killer thematic.
- DirectorRémy BelvauxAndré BonzelBenoît PoelvoordeStarsBenoît PoelvoordeJacqueline Poelvoorde-PappaertNelly PappaertA film crew follows a ruthless thief and heartless killer as he goes about his daily routine. But complications set in when the film crew lose their objectivity and begin lending a hand.A dark masterpiece, semi-mockumentary , original and disturbing critique on the violent human nature and the hypocrisy of media.
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsJodie FosterAnthony HopkinsScott GlennA young F.B.I. cadet must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims.The most mainstream serial killer movie, a shocking thriller with nihilistic themes, disturbing atmosphere and intense directing. Hannibal Lecter, the most probably famous serial killer in cinema history, still remains a landmark in pop culture.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsMorgan FreemanBrad PittKevin SpaceyTwo detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.A masterful, hopeless and disturbing thriller that (re)defined the rules of the genre and still leaves us speechless with Fincher's directing ability. The final twist is legendary.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid ArquetteA year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.Hilarious satire of Horror Cinema with an iconic serial killer icon, Ghostface that also inspired tons of films to come out.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJon FinchBarry FosterBarbara Leigh-HuntA serial murderer is strangling women with a necktie. The London police have a suspect, but he is the wrong man.The boldest, most ironically deranged film by master of suspense.
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoKim Sang-kyungKim Roe-haIn a small Korean province in 1986, two detectives struggle with the case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered by an unknown culprit.A gem of Korean cinema, a truly great narrative wise serial killer story.
- DirectorDario ArgentoStarsDavid HemmingsDaria NicolodiGabriele LaviaA jazz pianist and a wisecracking journalist are pulled into a complex web of mystery after the former witnesses the brutal murder of a psychic.Iconic Giallo movie still impresses with it's atmosphere and surreal color palette. Dario Argento at his best with an unusual serial killer story.
- DirectorMary HarronStarsChristian BaleJustin TherouxJosh LucasA wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.Dark, violent satire of American culture with one of the most iconic serial killers in cinema history, Patrick Bateman and brilliant black humor.
- DirectorJohn McNaughtonStarsMichael RookerTracy ArnoldTom TowlesArriving in Chicago, Henry moves in with ex-con acquaintance Otis and starts schooling him in the ways of the serial killer.Legendary exploitation serial killer movie that shocked audiences with it's extremely graphic depiction of violence and "cold" heartless narractive. Michael Rooker's character is iconic.
- DirectorLars von TrierStarsMatt DillonBruno GanzUma ThurmanIn five episodes, failed architect and vicious sociopath Jack recounts his elaborately orchestrated murders -- each, as he views them, a towering work of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer in the Pacific Northwest.This bold, ironic Lars Von Trier title earns it's spot due to it's creativity and amusing narrative ideas.