Since the 1920s, filmmakers worldwide have produced movies centered around serial killers. These films cover various genres like crime dramas, slashers, and even comedies. But most on this list are thrillers.
Some stories are fictional, while others are based on real-life characters. Many were directed by famous filmmakers and starred well-known actors. The list includes international films from places like Germany, Spain, and South Korea. Now, here are the 20 best serial killer movies of the 2000s, ranked.
1. Monster (2003)
- Genre: Drama/Crime
- Star Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris
- Director: Patty Jenkins
- Writer: Patty Jenkins
- Run time: 1h 49m
- Year of release: 2003
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Directed by Patty Jenkins, this biographical crime drama stars Charlize Theron in the leading role. Theron’s portrayal earned widespread acclaim and solidified her position in Hollywood. She received immense praise from critics and won the Best Actress award at the 76th Academy Awards for her outstanding performance. Despite being nominated two more times, she, unfortunately, didn’t win.
But that doesn’t diminish the impact of her role in Monster (2003) as a street prostitute-turned-serial killer. It stands out as the most significant role of her career. The movie also features great performances from Christina Ricci and Bruce Dern. However, Theron’s acting alone makes this viewing experience worthwhile, not to mention the gripping plot about a serial killer.
2. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
- Genre: Musical/Drama
- Star Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jamie Campbell Bower, Laura Michelle Kelly, Jayne Wisener.
- Director: Tim Burton
- Writer: Tim Burton
- Run time: 1h 56m
- Year of release: 2007
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
This is the sixth collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, known for their successful partnership. Depp’s performance in the titular role received widespread acclaim and earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 80th Academy Awards.
The movie Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street tells the intriguing story of a serial-killing barber seeking revenge on the judge who wrongly convicted him. Despite not winning the Oscar, Depp’s portrayal secures its spot at number eighteen, proving its high quality and entertainment value.
3. I Saw the Devil (2010)
- Genre: Thriller/Horror
- Star Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan, Ho-jin Chun, San-ha Oh
- Director: Kim Jee-woon
- Writer: Kim Jee-woon
- Run time: 2h 24m
- Year of release: 2010
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
“I Saw the Devil” is a South Korean action thriller directed by Kim Jee-woon. The film boasts exceptional camerawork by cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, with impressive Dutch angles and captivating tracking shots. Choi Min-sik delivers a chilling performance as the serial killer Jang Kyung-chul, who operates out of a school bus.
Things take a dramatic turn when Kyung-chul kills a woman carrying the child of a National Service Intelligence officer. As a result, he becomes the target of a man with even deadlier skills, who sets out to hunt him down.
4. Scream (1996)
- Genre: Horror/Slasher
- Star Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore
- Director: Wes Craven
- Writer: Wes Craven
- Run time: 1h 51m
- Year of release: 1996
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Scream (1996) is a highly popular horror film and media franchise. The movie’s success is well-deserved due to its clever script by Kevin Williamson, which cleverly references horror movies and genre tropes. The pacing is perfect, and it features unforgettable plot points and funny character dynamics. The story revolves around a slasher subgenre, with characters in Woodsboro realizing the killings mirror the horror films they enjoy watching.
The Ghostface Killer, the main antagonist, is a compelling and engaging character design. The franchise’s appeal is greatly attributed to this mysterious and chilling serial killer. In the end, it’s revealed that both Billy and Stu were behind the mask, making them worthy additions to the list of memorable villains.
5. The Forest of Love (2019)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Kippei Shîna, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Kyoko Hinami, Eri Kamataki, Young Dais
- Director: Sion Sono
- Writer: Sion Sono
- Run time: 2h 31m
- Year of release: 2019
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
“The Forest of Love” (2019) is a gripping Japanese crime thriller directed by Sion Sono. It follows a screenwriter as the protagonist, who witnesses the chilling news of a serial killer wreaking havoc in Kyoshi, Japan. This dark tale unfolds over two-and-a-half hours, and every scene, no matter how small, serves a purpose in advancing the plot. The film’s beauty captivates viewers from the very beginning until its poetic ending, securing its place among the finest movies about serial killers.
6. The Chaser (2008)
- Genre: Thriller/Action
- Star Cast: Park Hyo-Joo, Jung In-Gi, Jo Duk-Je, Ha Sung-Kwang
- Director: Na Hong-jin
- Writer: Na Hong-jin
- Run time: 2h 3m
- Year of release: 2008
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
The Chaser (2008), a South Korean action thriller and directorial debut of Na Hong-jin, draws inspiration from real-life serial killer Yoo Young-chul. The plot centers on Eom Joong-ho, a former police officer turned pimp with a group of prostitutes. When two of them go missing, Joong-ho takes it upon himself to track down the dangerous serial killer.
The movie grips viewers from the very beginning, maintaining a thrilling and fast-paced narrative until the credits roll. Undoubtedly, The Chaser deserves a spot among the greatest movies ever made about a serial killer, landing at number fifteen on the list.
7. Funny Games (1997)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Mühe, Arno Frisch, Frank Giering, Stefan Clapczynski
- Director: Michael Haneke
- Writer: Michael Haneke
- Run time: 1h 49m
- Year of release: 1997
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
The original Austrian film Funny Games (1997) is a must-watch, even though many Americans may know the English-language remake. Directed by Michael Haneke, it revolves around a family of four (husband, wife, son, and dog) on vacation in their home. Two young men break in and subject them to sadistic games.
In a surprising twist, one of the intruders, Paul, breaks the fourth wall, winking at the camera, and offering new insights into their intentions directly to the audience. Though some scenes are difficult to watch, the movie is ultimately rewarding. Funny Games is a crucial film to see in the realm of serial killer movies.
8. American Psycho (2000)
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Star Cast: Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Bill Sage, Chloë Sevigny
- Director: Mary Harron
- Writer: Mary Harron
- Run time: 1h 42m
- Year of release: 2000
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Directed by Mary Harron, “American Psycho” stands out on the list due to the intriguing character of Patrick Bateman. Christian Bale’s critically acclaimed performance as Bateman, his breakthrough role, makes it impossible to categorize him as a traditional protagonist or antagonist, leaning more towards an anti-hero.
The film boasts a remarkable supporting cast, including Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Justin Theroux, and Reese Witherspoon. However, it is Bale’s portrayal that truly drives the quality of “American Psycho” (2000), defining serial killer movies for film fans across the country. It was an easy choice to include this movie on the list.
9. Marshland (2014)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Javier Gutiérrez, Raúl Arévalo, María Varod, Perico Cervantes
- Director: Alberto Rodríguez
- Writer: Alberto Rodríguez
- Run time: 1h 45m
- Year of release: 2014
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
In the deep south of Spain, two police officers (played by Javier Gutiérrez and Raúl Arévalo) are on a mission to catch a serial killer. The thrilling police procedural, titled Marshland (2014), stands out for its exceptional behind-the-scenes filmmaking.
Created by Alberto Rodriguez, a talented Spanish writer-director, the film also features the brilliant work of director of photography Alex Catalán. Through his camerawork, Catalán creates a palpable atmosphere that grips the audience. The editing tactics employed in the movie further enhance its impact.
Marshland deserves special recognition for its qualitative elements and could even climb higher on this list at any given time.
10. Man Bites Dog (1992)
- Genre: Crime/Drama
- Star Cast: Benoît Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert, Nelly Pappaert, Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde
- Director: Benoît Poelvoorde, Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel
- Writer: Benoît Poelvoorde, Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel
- Run time: 1h 36m
- Year of release: 1992
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Man Bites Dog (1992) is a French-language film directed by Benoît Poelvoorde, André Bonzel, and Rémy Belvaux. The story follows a film crew documenting the daily activities of a serial killer, which makes for a captivating premise. The directors also star in the film: Poelvoorde plays the killer, Belvaux portrays the fictional reporter Remy, and Bonzel takes on the role of the fictional cameraman Andre.
What’s impressive is that the three directors not only acted but also handled various other tasks. They co-edited the film (Belvaux) and did the cinematography (Bonzel), making it a remarkable achievement for the trio. Man Bites Dog secures the eleventh spot on the list, thanks to its brilliant behind-the-scenes filmmaking and captivating plot.
11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
- Genre: Thriller/Mystery
- Star Cast: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre, Sven-Bertil Taube.
- Director: Niels Arden Oplev
- Writer: Niels Arden Oplev
- Run time: 2h 33m
- Year of release: 2009
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
The Norwegian film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2009) was remade into an American version directed by David Fincher just two years later. While Fincher’s version gained more popularity in the States, many argue that the original from Niels Arden Oplev still holds the edge in overall quality.
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised the original movie upon its release, giving it his highest approval with two thumbs up and four full stars. The performances in this fast-paced and intriguing crime thriller are among the best, making it well-deserving of its spot at number ten on the list.
12. Se7en (1995)
- Genre: Crime/Mystery
- Star Cast: Morgan Freeman, Andrew Kevin Walker, Daniel Zacapa, Brad Pitt.
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: David Fincher
- Run time: 2h 7m
- Year of release: 1995
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Directed by David Fincher, the famous movie Se7en (1995) stars top performers: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, and R. Lee Ermy. The plot follows detectives David Mills (played by Pitt) and William Somerset (portrayed by Freeman) as they hunt down a serial killer using the Seven Deadly Sins.
The sins become the killer’s signature, leading to one of the greatest plot twists ever. Mesmerizing color palettes, expert cinematography, and precise editing elevate Se7en to impressive heights. Unforgettable performances make this movie a must-see, securing its spot in the top ten of all time.
13. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Star Cast: Marilyn Burns, Edwin Neal, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail
- Director: Tobe Hooper
- Writer: Tobe Hooper
- Run time: 1h 23m
- Year of release: 1974
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Tobe Hooper directed, co-wrote, and co-composed this iconic horror movie, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). It’s considered a pioneer of the slasher sub genre by many experts. Leatherface, the main antagonist, is a serial killer who, along with his cannibal family, traps a group of teenagers in their home. This film has inspired countless filmmakers worldwide since its release. The plot and the skills of the creators make it one of the most famous horror films ever made. Leatherface’s chilling serial killing actions make The Texas Chain Saw Massacre an obvious choice for this list. The movie’s success led to numerous sequels, spinoffs, video games, and comic books, further solidifying its impact on popular culture.
14. The Night of the Hunter (1955)
- Genre: Noir/Thriller
- Star Cast: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Varden, Peter Graves, Don Beddoe, Billy Chapin
- Director: Charles Laughton
- Writer: Charles Laughton
- Run time: 1h 32m
- Year of release: 1955
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8/10
In the film noir “The Night of the Hunter” (1955), a serial killer pretends to be a preacher to deceive a widow and get his hands on her late husband’s $10,000 stash. Despite receiving criticism upon its release, it is now considered one of the greatest movies ever made. It’s a classic example of influential film noir and is even included in the National Film Registry.
Charles Laughton, primarily known as an actor, took on the role of director for this film. Sadly, due to its initial negative reception, it became both Laughton’s directorial debut and his last attempt at directing. He returned to full-time acting afterward. Looking back, it’s a shame that Laughton didn’t continue directing, as the movie’s greatness speaks for itself.
15. Zodiac (2007)
- Genre: Mystery/Mystery
- Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey Jr., Brian Cox, John Carroll Lynch, Richmond Arquette, Bob Stephenson.
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: David Fincher
- Run time: 2h 37m
- Year of release: 2007
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Zodiac (2007) managed to keep audiences captivated despite lacking a clear resolution to the real-life Zodiac killer case. With David Fincher as the director and Jake Gyllenhaal as the star, the film’s carefully crafted color palettes, controlled camerawork, and outstanding performances made it incredibly intense.
The basement scene in the finale, where Gyllenhaal’s character reaches the end of his investigation, is particularly gripping. Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. also delivered exceptional supporting roles, contributing to the movie’s status as one of the top serial killer films ever made.
16. Halloween (1978)
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Star Cast: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran, Nancy Kyes, P.J. Soles
- Director: John Carpenter
- Writer: John Carpenter
- Run time: 1h 31m
- Year of release: 1978
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Halloween (1978), written, directed, and composed by John Carpenter, is one of the most influential movies ever and often considered the greatest in its subgenre. Carpenter’s triple role as writer, director, and composer resulted in a masterful screenplay, perfect pacing, and an iconic piano melody that ranks among the greatest film scores.
The film features memorable moments as Michael Myers stalks a teenage babysitter on Halloween night. Despite initially having killed only his sister, Michael becomes a truly iconic slasher villain as the story unfolds.
17. Memories of Murder (2003)
- Genre: Crime/Thriller
- Star Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Roe-ha Kim, Jae-ho Song
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Writer: Bong Joon-ho
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Year of release: 2003
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Memories of Murder (2003), directed by Bong Joon-ho of Parasite fame, stands as one of South Korea’s best serial killer movies. Based on true events in the 1980s, the film follows two detectives from Hwaseong as they pursue the region’s first confirmed serial killer.
The movie captivates with its eccentric characters and stunning frames, leaving an unforgettable impact. Emotions run high in this crime thriller, making it not only one of the finest serial killer movies but also a standout in the region’s cinematic history.
18. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Genre: Thriller/Horror
- Star Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Writer: Jonathan Demme
- Run time: 1h 58m
- Year of release: 1991
- OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
In “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), directed by Jonathan Demme, Jodie Foster plays Clarice Starling, and Anthony Hopkins takes on the role of Hannibal Lecter. The story revolves around Starling seeking Lecter’s assistance to catch a serial killer called Buffalo Bill. Lecter’s deep understanding of killers makes him the perfect ally for Starling’s investigation. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Lecter is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest performances in film history – and rightfully so.
At the Academy Awards, The Silence of the Lambs achieved a remarkable feat by winning The Big Five: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), and Best Adapted Screenplay. These achievements alone make it a compelling choice for the third spot on our list.
19. Psycho (1960)
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Star Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, Arbogast.
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Writer: Alfred Hitchcock
- Run time: 1h 49m
- Year of release: 1960
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Alfred Hitchcock directed the famous movie “Psycho” (1960), adapted by Joseph Stefano from Robert Bloch’s 1959 book. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, who owns a motel where Marion Crane, a real estate secretary, mysteriously disappears. P.I. Milton Arbogast arrives at the Bates Motel and uncovers unexpected and strange events. The movie is a thrilling experience with an incredible plot twist.
“Psycho” has left a lasting legacy, spawning three sequels, a remake, and a spinoff TV show. It is considered one of the greatest projects in cinema history, earning a spot in the National Film Registry and solidifying Hitchcock’s status as a legendary director. Undoubtedly, “Psycho” deserves its place among the best films ever made.
20. M (1931)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Landgut, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loos.
- Director: Fritz Lang
- Writer: Fritz Lang
- Run time: 1h 57m
- Year of release: 1931
- OTT Platform: Plex
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
M (1931) is an unforgettable film that kick-started it all. It’s set in Berlin and follows a chilling serial killer, brilliantly portrayed by Peter Lorre, who targets children. The police and criminal underworld unite in a manhunt. This crime thriller’s genius lies in its flawless filmmaking by Germany’s greatest director, Fritz Lang.
Even after almost a century, M’s brilliance remains crystal clear. Its expert use of tracking shots showcased groundbreaking camerawork. The sound design, Lang’s first venture into non-silent films, still inspires today. M’s timeless quality is truly remarkable. If it were released in theatres for the first time today, it would still be a triumph.
