Best Serial Killer Movies Based on or Inspired by True Stories

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As I delve into the chilling world of real-life villains brought to the silver screen, I find myself both captivated and disturbed by these tales that blur the line between fiction and fact. These films, such as “My Friend Dahmer” and “To Catch a Killer,” serve not only as gripping psychological thrillers but also as chilling reminders of the monstrous acts committed by individuals we once considered neighbors or friends.

There’s hardly anything that matches the electrifying, breath-taking sensation of viewing an exceptional thriller film. Be it a die-hard horror enthusiast or not, the suspense before a masked killer emerges from behind a door can send shivers down your spine and make even the bravest among us jump out of their seats.

An even scarier thought that movies can convey is the consideration that some of these incidents and occurrences, however vile or morally corrupt they may be, have happened in real life. As ignorantly blissful as it would be to call it all make-believe, the most monstrous movie villains ever to hit the silver screens are modeled after real-life people and events. Here’s a list of some of the best serial killer movies based on true stories.

25 Woman of the Hour (2024)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t wait to immerse myself in “Woman of the Hour,” a chilling horror/thriller masterfully directed by Anna Kendrick in her first directorial venture. This riveting production delves deep into the harrowing true tale of Rodney Alcala, famously known as the “Dating Game Killer.” In this gripping narrative, I step into the shoes of Anna Kendrick’s character, an ambitious actress, who finds herself on a 1970s TV dating show. Fatefully, I match with Alcala, one of the contestants, who seems like a charming date. However, little do I know that my sweetheart is none other than a serial killer, responsible for the deaths of at least eight innocent women.

A Tense Stranger-Than-Fiction Thriller

Beyond earning the Directors to Watch award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Kendrick is also receiving exceptional acclaim from critics as well as true-crime enthusiasts for her gripping portrayal of the chilling and authentic real-life story of Rodney Alcala. Through skillful use of time shifts, she creates an engaging cinematic experience. Although some artistic liberties are incorporated, Woman of the Hour distinguishes itself through its striking realism and profound critique of violence, misogyny, and society’s mistreatment of women.

24 The Honeymoon Killers (1970)

The Honeymoon Killers, directed by Leonard Kastle, is a chilling true crime horror film set in black-and-white, loosely based on the real-life story of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck. Raymond, a cunning con artist, and Martha, a lonely, heavyset nurse living with her mother in Alabama, cross paths. As their relationship blossoms, Martha falls for Ray, leading them to embark on a murderous rampage, preying upon and manipulating single women.

Dark and Disturbing ‘70s Entry

Initially, Martin Scorsese was slated to direct this film, but eventually, it wound up in Kastle’s hands, who also penned the screenplay. Prior to landing with Kastle, there were several changes in directors. Despite these shifts, Kastle’s sharp vision transformed The Honeymoon Killers into a more intense and uncompromising version than ever before. The film’s black-and-white cinematography and minimalist approach, combined with Tony Lo Bianco and Shirley Stowe’s intricate portrayals of their dark characters, make it a hard-hitting and impactful contribution to the true crime genre.

23 Wolf Creek (2005)

Drawing inspiration from the chilling backpacker murders carried out by Ivan Milat across Australia between 1989 and 1993, the gripping horror movie “Wolf Creek” revolves around three backpackers in Australia’s wilderness who fall prey to a ruthless serial killer after he extends help when their vehicle breaks down near Wolf Creek crater. The film’s main villain, Mick Taylor, bears a striking resemblance to Milat, as over a span of four years, he claimed the lives of seven young travelers and concealed their remains in Belanglo State Forest. He was eventually convicted for these murders in 1996 and was handed seven consecutive life sentences for his heinous actions.

An Effective Horror

Greg McLean, the writer and director of Wolf Creek, started penning the movie script shortly following Miltat’s sentencing in 1997. He later explained that the film was centered around the idea of being trapped in an extremely remote location with the most sinister character imaginable, who is uniquely Australian. The horror movie has garnered acclaim for its gritty aesthetic and accurate portrayal of gruesome murders, even making it onto Esquire’s list of the 50 scariest films ever made.

22 The Night Stalker (2016)

In the gripping series titled “The Night Stalker“, Lou Diamond Phillips portrays Richard Ramirez with a truly spine-tingling intensity. This show revolves around a hypothetical attorney’s relentless pursuit to convince Ramirez, infamous for his brutal crimes, to admit guilt for a murder that another man has already been imprisoned for. The narrative provides a chilling account of Ramirez’s horrific crime wave that swept through California in the 1980s, instilling fear and unrest among residents for an entire year.

Features a Brilliant Performance by Lou Diamond Phillips

By the time Ramirez was apprehended in 1985, he had allegedly murdered more than 15 people and was ultimately convicted of killing thirteen and sexually assaulting eleven victims. The gripping film successfully depicts the terror Ramirez sowed within the country and its intense aftermath, and Phillips is phenomenal as the violent and disturbed serial killer; Bob Calhoun of Roger Ebert’s website lauded the actor in their review, writing, “It’s Phillips’ brooding intensity that draws you into the film, and will have you locking your back windows when it’s over.”

21 Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart (2014)

Cedric Anger’s perspective on Alain Lamare and his criminal activities paints a startling image of how frequently people can commit wrongdoings without consequences, simply because they blend into their surroundings unnoticed. For over a year, from 1978 to 1979, Lamare, or Neuhardt in the film, who was a police officer in France, went beyond his duty during patrols by murdering young women and managed to evade detection for a prolonged period. This was largely due to his position as a high-ranking law enforcement official, which made it unlikely that anyone would suspect his clearly abnormal behavior. In fact, amidst a force preoccupied with outdoing each other, there was little effort put into investigating the case.

Character Study of a Cold Killer

This lesser-known gem, Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart, is a hidden treasure due to its limited accessibility worldwide. With most people around him disregarding his ominous and overtly obvious actions, the movie leaves viewers feeling aggravated. This is particularly true as it highlights how individuals with genuinely unsettling and mentally unstable behaviors in positions of power can often evade consequences, raising concerns about our own society.

20 Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)

Title suggestion: “Tremendously Malevolent, Astonishingly Wicked, and Cruel

Efron’s Meticulous Talents Shine

The mental resilience of Zac Efron is said to have been pushed to its limits by a Netflix production, which dramatizes the chilling crimes of Ted Bundy, focusing on Liz, his girlfriend who was reluctant to accept the truth about him for many years. Besides Efron, the movie features Lily Collins, John Malkovich, Jim Parsons, Jeffrey Donovan, Dylan Baker, Terry Kinney, and Haley Joel Osment. The film’s controversial theme, as dark as it is captivating, is inspired by the book “The Phantom Prince; My Life with Ted Bundy” by Elizabeth Kendall. Despite controversy that the movie might glorify the real-life serial killer, Efron delivers an impressive performance in his role.

19 The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the impending release of “The Clovehitch Killer,” a gripping coming-of-age thriller inspired by the life of Dennis Rader, the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) serial killer from Kansas. In this film, I find myself identifying with a 16-year-old protagonist who experiences an unsettling epiphany as he questions whether his seemingly idyllic family is indeed what it appears to be. Could his father, portrayed masterfully by Dylan McDermott as Don Burnside, be a man hiding a dark and violent past? The revelation unfolds that Don, a devout Christian family man, was in fact a stalker and killer of ten women a decade prior before going into hiding.

Patient but Suffocating

The movie strongly mirrors Radner’s tale, as he was likewise a family man, a church council member, and a Cub Scout leader; he was found guilty of murdering ten individuals from 1974 to 1991, and arrested in 2005. His daughter Kerri grappled with the heart-wrenching truth that her father was a monstrous killer, describing how her upbringing was typical and they were just a “regular American family.” The Clovehitch Killer garnered praise upon its debut, with Paste Magazine praising it as “a clever film that effectively stirs fear—the very essence of horror movies—through the most seemingly straightforward methods.

18 No Man of God (2021)

Regarding the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, the movie “No Man of God” focuses on him, who was condemned to death by electrocution in 1980 and served his remaining years in prison. During this time, he developed an unusual bond with FBI agent Bill Hagmaier (portrayed by Elijah Wood), sharing details about his crimes exclusively with him. The film is a dramatization of the peculiar and intricate relationship between Bundy and Hagmaier as they approached the execution date. With captivating performances that make it hard to look away, especially for those who are drawn to darker genres, this movie is not one to be missed by fans of the subgenre.

Tough to Look Away From

In “No Man of God,” Hagmaier shares over 200 hours of interviews with serial killer Bundy, who was part of the original Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) at that time. As Bundy’s execution approached and he had exhausted all legal options, he started revealing intimate details about his crimes, including techniques, motivations, and post-murder acts, in an attempt to escape the death penalty. The film sheds light on a story often overlooked amidst portrayals of a more ominous aspect of the subject’s character.

17 The Strangers (2008)

Initially receiving poor reviews and being overlooked upon its initial theater release, Bryan Bertino’s The Strangers has since grown into a notable cult classic within the true crime genre. What sets this film apart is that it draws inspiration from two chilling real-life events. The first is the Manson family murders, while the second stems from Bertino’s personal experiences of his neighborhood being invaded during his childhood. As a consequence, the influence of these events can be seen not only in the movie’s content but also in its narrative structure.

A Cult Classic

Unlike most movies about serial killers and harrowing incidents, Bertino chooses not to explore the depths of these criminals’ minds or their reasons for committing heinous acts. Instead, he portrays the cases factually, offering a stark view of the violence perpetrated by these individuals without seeking to empathize with them. This approach makes The Strangers even more chilling, grim, and a more authentic representation of such tragic events, contributing significantly to its status as a cult classic.

16 The Frozen Ground (2013)

In this chilling drama, titled “The Frozen Ground,” the narrative is inspired by the true story of notorious serial killer Robert Hansen, also known as the Butcher Baker. John Cusack takes on the role of Hansen in this movie, while Nicolas Cage portrays Jack Halcombe, an Alaskan State Trooper determined to put a stop to Hansen’s brutal crimes. Suspecting foul play due to the high number of missing women in the region, Halcombe embarks on an investigation. With the assistance of a criminal profiler, he narrows down potential suspects, ultimately uncovering Hansen as the perpetrator.

Not For the Faint-Hearted

Hansen abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered 17 women in and around Anchorage, Alaska, between 1971 and 1983. Hansen would turn his victims loose in the secluded Alaskan wilderness and hunt them down with a Ruger Mini-14 and a knife. He mainly targeted sex workers. The idea behind this was that he chose women he saw as inferior, as a form of revenge for being rejected by women his entire life. If you like creepy movies, this is one for you, as the premise of being hunted for sport is spine-chilling.

15 Scream (1996)

Wes Craven’s iconic ’90s slasher Scream took the world by storm when audiences watched in horror as Hollywood it-girl Drew Barrymore was brutally murdered by the terrifying Ghostface in the opening scene of the cult classic. In the highly influential film, teenager Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and her friends are terrorized by a deranged, masked killer in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California. Writer/creator Kevin Williamson drew inspiration for the premise of Scream from Danny Rolling, A.K.A. the Gainesville Ripper, a notorious Florida serial killer who murdered five students in 1990. Rolling would mutilate his victims’ bodies and pose them in sexually provocative positions, targeting petite white brunettes with brown eyes.

Kick-Started a Franchise

In the iconic work of Wes Craven, Ghostface frequently torments his victims over the phone before attacking them, primarily targeting young women who are isolated and vulnerable, similar to Rolling’s methods. The film Scream is known for rejuvenating the horror/slasher genre and has spawned a successful and lasting movie franchise that continues to captivate audiences with each new installment, offering a contemporary twist on the genre and garnering a massive fanbase.

14 10 Rillington Place (1971)

This movie centers around the chilling tale of John Christie, a notorious British serial killer responsible for the deaths of eight individuals. The narrative delves into how he enticed women and ultimately strangled them in his apartment located at 10 Rillington Place. Director Richard Fleischer meticulously portrays the grim truth behind Christie’s actions on screen. One unique aspect of this film is its exploration of the miscarriage of justice, as it sheds light on the unfortunate case of Timothy Evans, who was wrongly sentenced to death penalty for crimes committed by Christie. Consequently, it provides insight into the legal and judicial system of the time, a topic seldom addressed in serial killer films.

As Powerful as it’s Perplexing

10 Rillington Place, as reviewed by Adam Scovell for BBC, is hailed as “the pinnacle of British true crime dramas” due to its emphasis on authenticity rather than fabrication in its narrative. Directed by Fleischer and featuring Richard Attenborough, Judy Geeson, and others, the film offers a chilling portrayal of a real-life notorious case. Although it may have been more impactful and believable during the 1970s compared to today, the movie still effectively creates an atmosphere of unease with its unsettling scenes.

13 From Hell (2001)

In 2001, the movie “From Hell” was released as a psychological thriller directed by the Hughes brothers. This film tells the story of Frederick Abberline, portrayed by Johnny Depp, who is a Chief Inspector on the trail of a notorious historical figure known to all as “Jack the Ripper.” The events unfold in 1888 when this unidentified murderer, nicknamed Jack the Ripper, brutally murdered and mutilated at least five women, all found within a small area.

Visually Arresting and Chilling

It’s perhaps more chilling not to know who committed such gruesome acts, as opposed to the grisly condition of the victims themselves. The movie, while gripping without losing empathy, showcases a remarkable performance by Depp. Based on a book that delves into conspiracy theories, From Hell is highly engaging and historically relevant, but it doesn’t strictly adhere to the truth.

12 The Tenderness of Wolves (1973)

The film “M,” influenced by the atrocities committed by Fritz Haarman, portrays a grim depiction of a society so engrossed in survival amidst its collapse and the ensuing anarchy, that they seldom question those around them. This mirrors the Germany of the First World War, where Haarman’s crimes were perpetrated. Due to this societal apathy, a figure as unsettling as Haarman was able to continue his heinous acts unchecked. He would frequently dispose of large quantities of items, including bundles into rivers, or exchange an abundant supply of boys’ clothing and questionable meat to local stores, all sourced from his 24 victims.

Nasty and Unsettling, but Worth the Watch

Titled “The Tenderness of Wolves“, this film presents a grim, grotesque depiction of humanity’s potential when given the chance to act without consequences. Each scene is drenched in despair, creating a hauntingly cold portrayal of a society on the brink of ruin and the individuals forced to endure it. Known as “The Vampire of Hanover” due to his macabre habit of consuming his victims’ blood, the protagonist serves as our lens into this microcosm of despair. While not as widely recognized as some others in its genre, this movie resonates deeply with fans of art-house and horror films who appreciate its unflinching pessimistic view on life.

11 The Boston Strangler (1968)

As a film critic, I found myself captivated by the chilling account of “The Boston Strangler,” based on a real-life event from the 1960s. The movie centers around the character of Albert DeSalvo, portrayed masterfully by Mauro Lannini. This man was convicted for the horrific murders of 13 women and ultimately received a life sentence.

Turns the True Story Into a Sensation

In a movie released in 2023 called “Boston Strangler,” the actress Keira Knightley portrayed Loretta McLaughlin, a reporter who was the first to expose the infamous serial killer and fought against sexism during the 1960s by reporting on Boston’s most notorious murderer. This film, directed by Richard Fleisher, skillfully informs and engages audiences about the dark machinations of such an evil mind.

10 The Snowtown Murders (2011)

In 2011, the infamous massacre that took place in Australia was portrayed in a movie for the first time by director Justin Kurzel, titled “The Snowtown Murders“. Over a seven-year period between August 1992 and May 1999, three individuals – John Justin Bunting (played by Daniel Henshall), Robert Joe Wagner (Aaron Viergever), and James “Jamie” Spyridon Vlassakis (Lucas Pittaway) – were responsible for a series of killings that would later be referred to as the “bodies in barrels murders”. The events leading up to these murders, which included instances of torture and cannibalism, are incredibly distressing.

Highly Discomforting to Watch

This trial was not only one of the most heinous in South Australia’s judicial history but also stretched over a longer period and attracted global attention. The film, however, presents the events in a captivating and intriguing manner, masterfully portraying the profound effect these four men, including their getaway accomplice Mark Haydon, had on Australian historical events.

9 Monster (2003)

If you believe that only men are capable of displaying violent and murderous behavior, I strongly recommend you watch the biographical crime film, Monster, directed by Patty Jenkins. This captivating movie, which stars Charlize Theron, recounts the dark tale of a determined woman who ascends from the streets to committing heinous crimes, including murder.

Charlize Theron Disappears Into a Demanding Role

In reality and on film, Aileen Wuornos was a woman who offered prostitution services and was subsequently convicted for murdering seven of her clients between 1989 and 1990. The movie, “Monster“, which was both entertaining for audiences and served as a semi-fictional account of one of the most infamous female serial killers in true-crime history, turned out to be a threefold success when it took home several Academy Awards following its release in 2002.

8 My Friend Dahmer (2017)

From start to finish, I found myself captivated by the 2017 adaptation of “Dahmer,” directed by Marc Lynch. As suggested by its title, it delves into the life of none other than Milwaukee’s infamous cannibal, a role brilliantly portrayed by Ross Lynch. Alex Wolff, formerly known from “The Naked Brother’s Band,” takes on the character John “Derf” Backderf in this gripping tale. Interestingly, it was Backderf who inspired the film’s creation with his graphic novel of the same name, first published in 2012. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that Backderf is not just a talented artist and compelling storyteller; he was also Dahmer’s real-life high school companion, a friendship that continued until the murderous acts began in 1978.

Before Dahmer Became a Villain

Jeffrey Dahmer is arguably one of the most notorious serial killers in history, and the film “My Friend Dahmer” could be considered the finest biographical psychological thriller ever made about him. It provides an authentic depiction of his teenage years as well as the events that set the stage for his predatory behavior. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive approval rating of 86%, with critics praising it for offering a unique glimpse into the creation of a serial killer, while also finding its conclusions both compassionate and disquieting.

7 To Catch a Killer (1992)

John Wayne Gacy may have been instrumental in popularizing the fear known as Coulrophobia (fear of clowns), through his infamous role as the “Killer Clown.” The miniseries, “To Catch a Killer,” vividly portrays why this is so. A chilling watch for anyone and an engaging experience for horror enthusiasts alike, this 1992 two-part television production, directed by Eric Till, delves into the horrific and grisly past of a ruthless serial killer who subjected over 30 young boys to sexual assaults and brutal murders.

Extremely Gruesome

Although his crimes were horrific in nature, what makes them truly chilling is not just the costume he donned during the acts, but also the alternate persona he presented. This persona was friendly and neighborly, a stark contrast to the brutal, bloodthirsty side of him that remained hidden. And it wasn’t only a red, squeaky nose that Gacy used as a prop; this mask of normality was another tool in his arsenal.

6 Helter Skelter (1976)

Known as “Helter Skelter,” a film directed by Tom Gries, was a chilling psychological thriller that premiered in 1976. This drama, based on the heinous crimes committed by the Manson Family, has redefined the term ‘cult classic.’ Delving into some of history’s darkest moments, this movie offers an unflinching portrayal of the Manson Family murders, one of the most challenging archives to explore. The film holds its own against such grim subject matter.

Holds Up Even 30 Years Later

Initially gaining notoriety in 1969, Manson was found to be the mastermind behind the Tate-La Bianca murders. Although he didn’t personally carry out the crimes, he manipulated his followers into doing so, resulting in seven fatalities. Today, Manson is no longer alive, having perished on November 20, 2017, following four decades of imprisonment. The movie is not for the sensitive viewer due to its raw and chilling portrayal of the crimes. Its perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes underscores its accuracy in representing the facts and the underlying source material.

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2024-10-31 23:33