During Halloween, people enjoy diving into the frightening. From wearing costumes to decorating houses, everyone embraces the season in different ways. However, for movie fans, this time of terror is best experienced by watching good old serial killer films. These kinds of movies have always fascinated audiences. The experience goes beyond horror and suspense. It also goes as far as exploring psychology, morality, and the depths of human nature. Serial killer films reveal what happens when obsession meets evil.
Since there are tons of gripping titles in the genre, choosing what to watch can be a headache. So, this article will help you narrow down the choices by introducing some of the best serial killer films based on IMDb.
Five Serial Killer Films to Watch
Se7en (Rated R)
Synopsis: Two detectives go on a mission to hunt a serial killer motivated by the seven deadly sins.
Director: David Fincher
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Andrew Kevin Walker, Daniel Zacapa
Release Date: 1995
American Psycho (Rated R)
Synopsis: A wealthy banker lives an alternate life as a mad serial killer with violent fantasies.
Director: Mary Harron
Cast: Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas
Release Date: 2000
The Silence of the Lambs (Rated R)
Synopsis: An FBI trainee teams up with a cannibal killer to find and chase another serial killer.
Director: Jonathan Demme
Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Release Date: 1991
I Saw the Devil (Rated R)
Synopsis: A skilled secret agent becomes obsessed with catching the serial killer behind the death of his fiancée.
Director: Kim Jee-woon
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan
Release Date: 2010
Zodiac (Rated R)
Synopsis: An investigator and two reporters work together to bring down a serial killer who has gone on a killing spree.
Director: David Fincher
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr.
Release Date: 2007
Aside from the five titles on the list, honorable mentions include Taxi Driver (1976), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), and Memories of Murder (2003). Each explores different facets of horror in unique ways.
Where to Watch Serial Killer Films: Streaming Platforms
- Se7en: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, HBO Max, Netflix
- American Psycho: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Netflix
- The Silence of the Lambs: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Netflix
- I Saw the Devil: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix
- Zodiac: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Netflix
Remember that availability differs by location and streaming library. Many platforms also rotate titles regularly. If the title is not available in your country or region, check out our lists of alternative streaming platforms.
Before the Lights Go Out
It is a must to know each title’s tone and rating before watching to ensure that you are up for it. But regardless of which one you watch, all of the serial killer films on this list deliver an unforgettable, chilling experience.
This Halloween, skip the jump scares as these movies remind you that the scariest monsters are not always hiding under the bed.
