Serial killer movies are interesting, to say the least. Interesting, not just from a storytelling point of view but also because of the fact that they are so popular despite their central subjects almost always being vile. My theory on the reason for their popularity is that they help fill deep, dark holes that are inside all of us. In a way, we are relieved — and thus entertained — that we are not “them”. Also, the mystery of serial killers has always fascinated mankind. Why does someone choose to kill innocent people? That’s what evokes our curiosity.
Anyway, if you are on the lookout for some great serial killer movies, look no further than Netflix, whose arsenal of ‘serial killer flicks’ is a mix of good and bad. But worry not! We are here to help you select the best. With a list too long to fit in, we have chosen the really good serial killer movies from the carousel that keeps piling up with new additions every day. From innocuous everyday men to seasoned manhunters, the genre never ceases to amaze with its compelling storylines and inexplicably mysterious characters. Here’s the list of really good serial killer movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now: 14. The Forest of Love (2019)
Directed by Sion Sono, ‘The Forest of Love’ is the story of a conman named Joe Murata (Kippei Shiina), who turns out to be an infamous serial killer. Through lies and deceit, he ends up killing several people using extreme methods. The film has been derived from real-life accounts of the convicted serial killer Futoshi Matsunaga. It recounts the torturous ways he killed and extorted innocent lives in Kyushu, Japan, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. This gruesome story has been told quite artistically by director Sono, so movie buffs could check this movie out if it catches your interest. You can watch it on Netflix right here! 13. There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
Directed by Patrick Brice, ‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ is a slasher movie that revolves around a transfer student from Hawaii named Makani Young (Park), who goes through a series of horrifying experiences after she moves to Osborne, Nebraska. There she befriends two other kids, and together, they try to fight a murderous killer preying on students with secrets. Beyond the terrifying world of a serial killer and his human targets, the movie dives into the human psyche. It is also about the characters as much as it is about murder. So you may find it relatable on a more human level. If you’re interested, you can watch it right here! 12. The Little Things (2021)
Written and directed by John Lee Hancock (‘The Highwaymen’), ‘The Little Things’ tells the story of three individuals: Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), LAPD Detective Jim “Jimmy” Baxter (Rami Malek), and a drifter named Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). Even though Deke is a gifted detective, his last case with the LAPD left him disgraced. Moreover, he suffered a heart attack, his marriage ended, and he was suspended from the force. Jimmy, the new star of the department, asks for Deke’s help to solve a string of murders when the latter visits the city. As for Albert, he gradually emerges as the biggest suspect in the case. Hancock wrote the script for the film in 1990s, and it took him about 25 years to get this film made. However, he didn’t update the plot and kept the setting in 1990, which perfectly fits the theme and scope of the plot. 11. The Call (2020)
‘The Call’ is a chilling South Korean psychological thriller film with a complex plot that involves interactions across time and a vicious serial killer. Kim Seo-yeon is a 28-year-old woman who comes to visit her ailing mother in the countryside in 2019. She finds a cordless phone in the dilapidated house she grew up in. It seems to receive calls from a woman claiming to be tortured by her own mother. Seo-yeon later discovers that this woman, Oh Young-sook, is calling her from 1999. The two women initially form a bond across time, and Young-sook saves the life of Seo-yeon’s father in 1999, changing the reality for the other woman. However, as Seo-yeon’s life suddenly changes for the better with both her parents being alive, Young-sook grows bitter about her own circumstances and is killed by her mother. Seo-yeon finds out about this and informs Young-sook, who turns the tables on her mother, killing her, and subsequently becomes a serial killer. 10. The Chase (2017)
‘The Chase’ is yet another South Korean thriller film. This one revolves around Shim Deok-su, originally a refugee from the North and a harsh landlord of several working-class apartments. While visiting his tenants to ask for the rent, Deok-su discovers that two people have been killed in the town. When one of his tenants, who happens to be a former police officer, finds out about this, he points out that both victims were vulnerable targets, theorizing that the murderer is a potential serial killer who has started with killing elderly and vulnerable people but will soon move on to killing women. His words prove almost prophetic when the former detective himself is killed. Deok-su subsequently teams up with the late officer’s former partner to solve the complex series of murders. 9. The Good Nurse (2022) Image Credit: JoJo Whilden/Netflix Based on a true story, ‘The Good Nurse’ revolves around Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), an experienced nurse newly hired by Parkfield Memorial Hospital in New Jersey in 2003. One of his colleagues is Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a single mother and a patient of cardiomyopathy. Amy and Charles begin working together on the night shifts. Amy fears that she will be fired from the job if the hospital authorities find out about her cardiomyopathy. When Charles finds out about her condition, he promises to keep the information a secret. However, things start to change following the sudden death of one of the patients under Charles and Amy’s care. Soon enough, the police get involved, and Amy gradually realizes that something is deeply wrong with the man she considers a friend. 10. Shutter Island (2010)
The intensity of ‘Shutter Island,’ a Martin Scorsese directorial starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is palpable on the screen. Through dark and ominous tones, it brings alive the danger looming around in Shutter Island, the place where two US marshalls (DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) find themselves trapped. It is the year 1954, and they are asked to look into the disappearance of a child murderer (Emily Mortimer). However, the island screams doom, and Teddy is further affected by recurring flashbacks of his tragic experiences in World War II. The aftermath of war also provides a dark undercurrent to this classic noir film. The result is a series of disturbing events told through the lens of Teddy as he tries to find this nefarious murderer. It is available on Netflix, and you can likewise watch it here! 7. Forensic (2020)
‘Forensic’ is an Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film by Akhil Paul and starring Tovino Thomas and Mamta Mohandas. It tells the story of a serial killer exclusively targeting children. SSP Rithika Xavier investigates the case with the help of a forensic team, which includes medico-legal advisor Samuel John Kattookkaaran, who happens to be the brother of Rithika’s estranged husband. Initially, findings lead Samuel to believe that the killer is a child. Although Rithika has a hard time accepting this, she cannot ignore the evidence. However, the more they dig into the case, the more complicated it becomes. Soon enough, they find it to be connected to Rithika’s very first case as a police officer, involving a series of murders that happened about a decade ago. 6. Se7en (1995)
‘Se7en‘ easily tops as one of the bleakest movies ever to have existed in the bottomless inventory of cinema. Directed by David Fincher, it is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a conniving killer who addresses one of the seven deadly sins for every murder. This bone-chilling “whodunit” thrives upon its two main characters, who are also cops with a considerable age gap. The first one (Morgan Freeman) is a tight-lipped man slightly withdrawn because of what life had to offer. The other one (Brad Pitt) is a curious young lad curious about what life has to offer. Their chemistry, coupled with their different approach to the same case, makes for an interesting watch! If you wish to see a gripping movie led by a powerful cast, then you can find ‘Se7en’ here. 5. Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)
‘Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City’ is a Spanish serial-killer thriller that follows Unai (Javier Rey), who is on the hunt for a new serial killer on the rise. Unai returns to work for a long break, but on his first day at the office, he receives news about an assailant who has the same M.O. as someone who was caught by him 20 years ago. So he puts his detective slash serial killer profiling skills to use in order to get to the bottom of the case. In the process, he reconnects with the old killer, Ignacio (Alex Brendemuhl), who is just about to complete his prison sentence. Crime-drama fans out there will thoroughly love this mystery flick that is available to stream on Netflix here! 4. Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)
Directed by Shirish Kunder, ‘Mrs. Serial Killer’ is an Indian crime thriller film that starts with a distraught woman, Sona (Jacqueline Fernandez), seemingly up to something questionable. A flashback scene reveals that her husband Joy (Manoj Bajpayee), a doctor who everyone once used to love, has been busted for being a serial killer. Reports suggest that he has murdered six young, unmarried pregnant women. Sona is confident that her husband is innocent, especially because the cop who busted him (Mohit Rahina) is her ex. Teeming with violence and gore, this movie might be exactly the kind of serial killer movie you’re looking for. Moreover, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Joy carries a degree of conviction that is truly remarkable! You can watch the movie here if you’re interested. 3. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ is an intriguing mix of sci-fi, noir, mystery, action, and horror. This haunting tale directed by Jim Mickle follows the protagonist Locke (Boyd Holbrook), who aims to become someone important in law enforcement. One night, Locke finds a few bodies with hollow skulls and is immediately taken aback by a woman in a blue hoodie who seemingly is the perpetrator. What’s worse is that he loses his wife as she delivers a baby the same night. Years later, in 1998, Locke becomes a detective, but the mysterious case of mass brain-liquefication is still plaguing the city. Cinephiles might notice how the movie seemingly draws inspiration from the likes of Christopher Nolan, Philip K. Dick, and David Fincher. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can do so here! 2. Lost Girls (2020) Image Credit: Jessica Kourkounis, Netflix Liz Garbus makes a powerful statement with the impactful ‘Lost Girls,’ a Netflix original that recounts the chilling tale of one of the most famous serial killers ever to have existed. Known as the “Long Island Serial Killer,” his case remains unsolved even to this day. It is told from an emotional viewpoint as Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan), a mother residing in Ellenville, confronts the news of her daughter Shannan’s frightening disappearance. More than ten bodies — most of whom are sex workers — are discovered by the end of the rigorous search conducted by the law. That is what makes it more of a poignant watch. If ‘Lost Girls’ has caught your attention, you can watch it here!
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
Directed by Joe Berlinger, ‘Extremely Wicked; Shockingly Evil and Vile’ plays out Zac Efron‘s natural appeal to befit the alluring good looks associated with Ted Bundy. The movie serves as a biopic to the nefarious serial killer who was responsible for taking countless lives. Rather than list out his murderous ventures, it is told from the viewpoint of Bundy’s longtime girlfriend, Liz Kendall (Lily Collins), and other women he duped, giving it a refreshing edge. The movie exists on a different plane that merges documentary and drama. It has the feel of real-life-inspired accounts of a serial killer mixed with standard drama that characterizes fiction. If you want to take a closer look at Ted Bundy’s strained relationship with women, watch the movie here! Read More: Best True Crime Podcasts of 2021
SPONSORED LINKS
SPONSORED LINKS
Serial killer movies are interesting, to say the least. Interesting, not just from a storytelling point of view but also because of the fact that they are so popular despite their central subjects almost always being vile. My theory on the reason for their popularity is that they help fill deep, dark holes that are inside all of us. In a way, we are relieved — and thus entertained — that we are not “them”. Also, the mystery of serial killers has always fascinated mankind. Why does someone choose to kill innocent people? That’s what evokes our curiosity.
Anyway, if you are on the lookout for some great serial killer movies, look no further than Netflix, whose arsenal of ‘serial killer flicks’ is a mix of good and bad. But worry not! We are here to help you select the best. With a list too long to fit in, we have chosen the really good serial killer movies from the carousel that keeps piling up with new additions every day. From innocuous everyday men to seasoned manhunters, the genre never ceases to amaze with its compelling storylines and inexplicably mysterious characters. Here’s the list of really good serial killer movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now: 14. The Forest of Love (2019)
Directed by Sion Sono, ‘The Forest of Love’ is the story of a conman named Joe Murata (Kippei Shiina), who turns out to be an infamous serial killer. Through lies and deceit, he ends up killing several people using extreme methods. The film has been derived from real-life accounts of the convicted serial killer Futoshi Matsunaga. It recounts the torturous ways he killed and extorted innocent lives in Kyushu, Japan, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. This gruesome story has been told quite artistically by director Sono, so movie buffs could check this movie out if it catches your interest. You can watch it on Netflix right here! 13. There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
Directed by Patrick Brice, ‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ is a slasher movie that revolves around a transfer student from Hawaii named Makani Young (Park), who goes through a series of horrifying experiences after she moves to Osborne, Nebraska. There she befriends two other kids, and together, they try to fight a murderous killer preying on students with secrets. Beyond the terrifying world of a serial killer and his human targets, the movie dives into the human psyche. It is also about the characters as much as it is about murder. So you may find it relatable on a more human level. If you’re interested, you can watch it right here! 12. The Little Things (2021)
Written and directed by John Lee Hancock (‘The Highwaymen’), ‘The Little Things’ tells the story of three individuals: Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), LAPD Detective Jim “Jimmy” Baxter (Rami Malek), and a drifter named Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). Even though Deke is a gifted detective, his last case with the LAPD left him disgraced. Moreover, he suffered a heart attack, his marriage ended, and he was suspended from the force. Jimmy, the new star of the department, asks for Deke’s help to solve a string of murders when the latter visits the city. As for Albert, he gradually emerges as the biggest suspect in the case. Hancock wrote the script for the film in 1990s, and it took him about 25 years to get this film made. However, he didn’t update the plot and kept the setting in 1990, which perfectly fits the theme and scope of the plot. 11. The Call (2020)
‘The Call’ is a chilling South Korean psychological thriller film with a complex plot that involves interactions across time and a vicious serial killer. Kim Seo-yeon is a 28-year-old woman who comes to visit her ailing mother in the countryside in 2019. She finds a cordless phone in the dilapidated house she grew up in. It seems to receive calls from a woman claiming to be tortured by her own mother. Seo-yeon later discovers that this woman, Oh Young-sook, is calling her from 1999. The two women initially form a bond across time, and Young-sook saves the life of Seo-yeon’s father in 1999, changing the reality for the other woman. However, as Seo-yeon’s life suddenly changes for the better with both her parents being alive, Young-sook grows bitter about her own circumstances and is killed by her mother. Seo-yeon finds out about this and informs Young-sook, who turns the tables on her mother, killing her, and subsequently becomes a serial killer. 10. The Chase (2017)
‘The Chase’ is yet another South Korean thriller film. This one revolves around Shim Deok-su, originally a refugee from the North and a harsh landlord of several working-class apartments. While visiting his tenants to ask for the rent, Deok-su discovers that two people have been killed in the town. When one of his tenants, who happens to be a former police officer, finds out about this, he points out that both victims were vulnerable targets, theorizing that the murderer is a potential serial killer who has started with killing elderly and vulnerable people but will soon move on to killing women. His words prove almost prophetic when the former detective himself is killed. Deok-su subsequently teams up with the late officer’s former partner to solve the complex series of murders. 9. The Good Nurse (2022) Image Credit: JoJo Whilden/Netflix Based on a true story, ‘The Good Nurse’ revolves around Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), an experienced nurse newly hired by Parkfield Memorial Hospital in New Jersey in 2003. One of his colleagues is Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a single mother and a patient of cardiomyopathy. Amy and Charles begin working together on the night shifts. Amy fears that she will be fired from the job if the hospital authorities find out about her cardiomyopathy. When Charles finds out about her condition, he promises to keep the information a secret. However, things start to change following the sudden death of one of the patients under Charles and Amy’s care. Soon enough, the police get involved, and Amy gradually realizes that something is deeply wrong with the man she considers a friend. 10. Shutter Island (2010)
The intensity of ‘Shutter Island,’ a Martin Scorsese directorial starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is palpable on the screen. Through dark and ominous tones, it brings alive the danger looming around in Shutter Island, the place where two US marshalls (DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) find themselves trapped. It is the year 1954, and they are asked to look into the disappearance of a child murderer (Emily Mortimer). However, the island screams doom, and Teddy is further affected by recurring flashbacks of his tragic experiences in World War II. The aftermath of war also provides a dark undercurrent to this classic noir film. The result is a series of disturbing events told through the lens of Teddy as he tries to find this nefarious murderer. It is available on Netflix, and you can likewise watch it here! 7. Forensic (2020)
‘Forensic’ is an Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film by Akhil Paul and starring Tovino Thomas and Mamta Mohandas. It tells the story of a serial killer exclusively targeting children. SSP Rithika Xavier investigates the case with the help of a forensic team, which includes medico-legal advisor Samuel John Kattookkaaran, who happens to be the brother of Rithika’s estranged husband. Initially, findings lead Samuel to believe that the killer is a child. Although Rithika has a hard time accepting this, she cannot ignore the evidence. However, the more they dig into the case, the more complicated it becomes. Soon enough, they find it to be connected to Rithika’s very first case as a police officer, involving a series of murders that happened about a decade ago. 6. Se7en (1995)
‘Se7en‘ easily tops as one of the bleakest movies ever to have existed in the bottomless inventory of cinema. Directed by David Fincher, it is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a conniving killer who addresses one of the seven deadly sins for every murder. This bone-chilling “whodunit” thrives upon its two main characters, who are also cops with a considerable age gap. The first one (Morgan Freeman) is a tight-lipped man slightly withdrawn because of what life had to offer. The other one (Brad Pitt) is a curious young lad curious about what life has to offer. Their chemistry, coupled with their different approach to the same case, makes for an interesting watch! If you wish to see a gripping movie led by a powerful cast, then you can find ‘Se7en’ here. 5. Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)
‘Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City’ is a Spanish serial-killer thriller that follows Unai (Javier Rey), who is on the hunt for a new serial killer on the rise. Unai returns to work for a long break, but on his first day at the office, he receives news about an assailant who has the same M.O. as someone who was caught by him 20 years ago. So he puts his detective slash serial killer profiling skills to use in order to get to the bottom of the case. In the process, he reconnects with the old killer, Ignacio (Alex Brendemuhl), who is just about to complete his prison sentence. Crime-drama fans out there will thoroughly love this mystery flick that is available to stream on Netflix here! 4. Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)
Directed by Shirish Kunder, ‘Mrs. Serial Killer’ is an Indian crime thriller film that starts with a distraught woman, Sona (Jacqueline Fernandez), seemingly up to something questionable. A flashback scene reveals that her husband Joy (Manoj Bajpayee), a doctor who everyone once used to love, has been busted for being a serial killer. Reports suggest that he has murdered six young, unmarried pregnant women. Sona is confident that her husband is innocent, especially because the cop who busted him (Mohit Rahina) is her ex. Teeming with violence and gore, this movie might be exactly the kind of serial killer movie you’re looking for. Moreover, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Joy carries a degree of conviction that is truly remarkable! You can watch the movie here if you’re interested. 3. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ is an intriguing mix of sci-fi, noir, mystery, action, and horror. This haunting tale directed by Jim Mickle follows the protagonist Locke (Boyd Holbrook), who aims to become someone important in law enforcement. One night, Locke finds a few bodies with hollow skulls and is immediately taken aback by a woman in a blue hoodie who seemingly is the perpetrator. What’s worse is that he loses his wife as she delivers a baby the same night. Years later, in 1998, Locke becomes a detective, but the mysterious case of mass brain-liquefication is still plaguing the city. Cinephiles might notice how the movie seemingly draws inspiration from the likes of Christopher Nolan, Philip K. Dick, and David Fincher. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can do so here! 2. Lost Girls (2020) Image Credit: Jessica Kourkounis, Netflix Liz Garbus makes a powerful statement with the impactful ‘Lost Girls,’ a Netflix original that recounts the chilling tale of one of the most famous serial killers ever to have existed. Known as the “Long Island Serial Killer,” his case remains unsolved even to this day. It is told from an emotional viewpoint as Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan), a mother residing in Ellenville, confronts the news of her daughter Shannan’s frightening disappearance. More than ten bodies — most of whom are sex workers — are discovered by the end of the rigorous search conducted by the law. That is what makes it more of a poignant watch. If ‘Lost Girls’ has caught your attention, you can watch it here!
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
Directed by Joe Berlinger, ‘Extremely Wicked; Shockingly Evil and Vile’ plays out Zac Efron‘s natural appeal to befit the alluring good looks associated with Ted Bundy. The movie serves as a biopic to the nefarious serial killer who was responsible for taking countless lives. Rather than list out his murderous ventures, it is told from the viewpoint of Bundy’s longtime girlfriend, Liz Kendall (Lily Collins), and other women he duped, giving it a refreshing edge. The movie exists on a different plane that merges documentary and drama. It has the feel of real-life-inspired accounts of a serial killer mixed with standard drama that characterizes fiction. If you want to take a closer look at Ted Bundy’s strained relationship with women, watch the movie here! Read More: Best True Crime Podcasts of 2021
Serial killer movies are interesting, to say the least. Interesting, not just from a storytelling point of view but also because of the fact that they are so popular despite their central subjects almost always being vile. My theory on the reason for their popularity is that they help fill deep, dark holes that are inside all of us. In a way, we are relieved — and thus entertained — that we are not “them”. Also, the mystery of serial killers has always fascinated mankind. Why does someone choose to kill innocent people? That’s what evokes our curiosity.
Anyway, if you are on the lookout for some great serial killer movies, look no further than Netflix, whose arsenal of ‘serial killer flicks’ is a mix of good and bad. But worry not! We are here to help you select the best. With a list too long to fit in, we have chosen the really good serial killer movies from the carousel that keeps piling up with new additions every day. From innocuous everyday men to seasoned manhunters, the genre never ceases to amaze with its compelling storylines and inexplicably mysterious characters. Here’s the list of really good serial killer movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now: 14. The Forest of Love (2019)
Directed by Sion Sono, ‘The Forest of Love’ is the story of a conman named Joe Murata (Kippei Shiina), who turns out to be an infamous serial killer. Through lies and deceit, he ends up killing several people using extreme methods. The film has been derived from real-life accounts of the convicted serial killer Futoshi Matsunaga. It recounts the torturous ways he killed and extorted innocent lives in Kyushu, Japan, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. This gruesome story has been told quite artistically by director Sono, so movie buffs could check this movie out if it catches your interest. You can watch it on Netflix right here! 13. There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
Directed by Patrick Brice, ‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ is a slasher movie that revolves around a transfer student from Hawaii named Makani Young (Park), who goes through a series of horrifying experiences after she moves to Osborne, Nebraska. There she befriends two other kids, and together, they try to fight a murderous killer preying on students with secrets. Beyond the terrifying world of a serial killer and his human targets, the movie dives into the human psyche. It is also about the characters as much as it is about murder. So you may find it relatable on a more human level. If you’re interested, you can watch it right here! 12. The Little Things (2021)
Written and directed by John Lee Hancock (‘The Highwaymen’), ‘The Little Things’ tells the story of three individuals: Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), LAPD Detective Jim “Jimmy” Baxter (Rami Malek), and a drifter named Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). Even though Deke is a gifted detective, his last case with the LAPD left him disgraced. Moreover, he suffered a heart attack, his marriage ended, and he was suspended from the force. Jimmy, the new star of the department, asks for Deke’s help to solve a string of murders when the latter visits the city. As for Albert, he gradually emerges as the biggest suspect in the case. Hancock wrote the script for the film in 1990s, and it took him about 25 years to get this film made. However, he didn’t update the plot and kept the setting in 1990, which perfectly fits the theme and scope of the plot. 11. The Call (2020)
‘The Call’ is a chilling South Korean psychological thriller film with a complex plot that involves interactions across time and a vicious serial killer. Kim Seo-yeon is a 28-year-old woman who comes to visit her ailing mother in the countryside in 2019. She finds a cordless phone in the dilapidated house she grew up in. It seems to receive calls from a woman claiming to be tortured by her own mother. Seo-yeon later discovers that this woman, Oh Young-sook, is calling her from 1999. The two women initially form a bond across time, and Young-sook saves the life of Seo-yeon’s father in 1999, changing the reality for the other woman. However, as Seo-yeon’s life suddenly changes for the better with both her parents being alive, Young-sook grows bitter about her own circumstances and is killed by her mother. Seo-yeon finds out about this and informs Young-sook, who turns the tables on her mother, killing her, and subsequently becomes a serial killer. 10. The Chase (2017)
‘The Chase’ is yet another South Korean thriller film. This one revolves around Shim Deok-su, originally a refugee from the North and a harsh landlord of several working-class apartments. While visiting his tenants to ask for the rent, Deok-su discovers that two people have been killed in the town. When one of his tenants, who happens to be a former police officer, finds out about this, he points out that both victims were vulnerable targets, theorizing that the murderer is a potential serial killer who has started with killing elderly and vulnerable people but will soon move on to killing women. His words prove almost prophetic when the former detective himself is killed. Deok-su subsequently teams up with the late officer’s former partner to solve the complex series of murders. 9. The Good Nurse (2022) Image Credit: JoJo Whilden/Netflix Based on a true story, ‘The Good Nurse’ revolves around Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), an experienced nurse newly hired by Parkfield Memorial Hospital in New Jersey in 2003. One of his colleagues is Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a single mother and a patient of cardiomyopathy. Amy and Charles begin working together on the night shifts. Amy fears that she will be fired from the job if the hospital authorities find out about her cardiomyopathy. When Charles finds out about her condition, he promises to keep the information a secret. However, things start to change following the sudden death of one of the patients under Charles and Amy’s care. Soon enough, the police get involved, and Amy gradually realizes that something is deeply wrong with the man she considers a friend. 10. Shutter Island (2010)
The intensity of ‘Shutter Island,’ a Martin Scorsese directorial starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is palpable on the screen. Through dark and ominous tones, it brings alive the danger looming around in Shutter Island, the place where two US marshalls (DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) find themselves trapped. It is the year 1954, and they are asked to look into the disappearance of a child murderer (Emily Mortimer). However, the island screams doom, and Teddy is further affected by recurring flashbacks of his tragic experiences in World War II. The aftermath of war also provides a dark undercurrent to this classic noir film. The result is a series of disturbing events told through the lens of Teddy as he tries to find this nefarious murderer. It is available on Netflix, and you can likewise watch it here! 7. Forensic (2020)
‘Forensic’ is an Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film by Akhil Paul and starring Tovino Thomas and Mamta Mohandas. It tells the story of a serial killer exclusively targeting children. SSP Rithika Xavier investigates the case with the help of a forensic team, which includes medico-legal advisor Samuel John Kattookkaaran, who happens to be the brother of Rithika’s estranged husband. Initially, findings lead Samuel to believe that the killer is a child. Although Rithika has a hard time accepting this, she cannot ignore the evidence. However, the more they dig into the case, the more complicated it becomes. Soon enough, they find it to be connected to Rithika’s very first case as a police officer, involving a series of murders that happened about a decade ago. 6. Se7en (1995)
‘Se7en‘ easily tops as one of the bleakest movies ever to have existed in the bottomless inventory of cinema. Directed by David Fincher, it is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a conniving killer who addresses one of the seven deadly sins for every murder. This bone-chilling “whodunit” thrives upon its two main characters, who are also cops with a considerable age gap. The first one (Morgan Freeman) is a tight-lipped man slightly withdrawn because of what life had to offer. The other one (Brad Pitt) is a curious young lad curious about what life has to offer. Their chemistry, coupled with their different approach to the same case, makes for an interesting watch! If you wish to see a gripping movie led by a powerful cast, then you can find ‘Se7en’ here. 5. Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)
‘Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City’ is a Spanish serial-killer thriller that follows Unai (Javier Rey), who is on the hunt for a new serial killer on the rise. Unai returns to work for a long break, but on his first day at the office, he receives news about an assailant who has the same M.O. as someone who was caught by him 20 years ago. So he puts his detective slash serial killer profiling skills to use in order to get to the bottom of the case. In the process, he reconnects with the old killer, Ignacio (Alex Brendemuhl), who is just about to complete his prison sentence. Crime-drama fans out there will thoroughly love this mystery flick that is available to stream on Netflix here! 4. Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)
Directed by Shirish Kunder, ‘Mrs. Serial Killer’ is an Indian crime thriller film that starts with a distraught woman, Sona (Jacqueline Fernandez), seemingly up to something questionable. A flashback scene reveals that her husband Joy (Manoj Bajpayee), a doctor who everyone once used to love, has been busted for being a serial killer. Reports suggest that he has murdered six young, unmarried pregnant women. Sona is confident that her husband is innocent, especially because the cop who busted him (Mohit Rahina) is her ex. Teeming with violence and gore, this movie might be exactly the kind of serial killer movie you’re looking for. Moreover, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Joy carries a degree of conviction that is truly remarkable! You can watch the movie here if you’re interested. 3. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ is an intriguing mix of sci-fi, noir, mystery, action, and horror. This haunting tale directed by Jim Mickle follows the protagonist Locke (Boyd Holbrook), who aims to become someone important in law enforcement. One night, Locke finds a few bodies with hollow skulls and is immediately taken aback by a woman in a blue hoodie who seemingly is the perpetrator. What’s worse is that he loses his wife as she delivers a baby the same night. Years later, in 1998, Locke becomes a detective, but the mysterious case of mass brain-liquefication is still plaguing the city. Cinephiles might notice how the movie seemingly draws inspiration from the likes of Christopher Nolan, Philip K. Dick, and David Fincher. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can do so here! 2. Lost Girls (2020) Image Credit: Jessica Kourkounis, Netflix Liz Garbus makes a powerful statement with the impactful ‘Lost Girls,’ a Netflix original that recounts the chilling tale of one of the most famous serial killers ever to have existed. Known as the “Long Island Serial Killer,” his case remains unsolved even to this day. It is told from an emotional viewpoint as Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan), a mother residing in Ellenville, confronts the news of her daughter Shannan’s frightening disappearance. More than ten bodies — most of whom are sex workers — are discovered by the end of the rigorous search conducted by the law. That is what makes it more of a poignant watch. If ‘Lost Girls’ has caught your attention, you can watch it here!
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
Directed by Joe Berlinger, ‘Extremely Wicked; Shockingly Evil and Vile’ plays out Zac Efron‘s natural appeal to befit the alluring good looks associated with Ted Bundy. The movie serves as a biopic to the nefarious serial killer who was responsible for taking countless lives. Rather than list out his murderous ventures, it is told from the viewpoint of Bundy’s longtime girlfriend, Liz Kendall (Lily Collins), and other women he duped, giving it a refreshing edge. The movie exists on a different plane that merges documentary and drama. It has the feel of real-life-inspired accounts of a serial killer mixed with standard drama that characterizes fiction. If you want to take a closer look at Ted Bundy’s strained relationship with women, watch the movie here! Read More: Best True Crime Podcasts of 2021
Serial killer movies are interesting, to say the least. Interesting, not just from a storytelling point of view but also because of the fact that they are so popular despite their central subjects almost always being vile. My theory on the reason for their popularity is that they help fill deep, dark holes that are inside all of us. In a way, we are relieved — and thus entertained — that we are not “them”. Also, the mystery of serial killers has always fascinated mankind. Why does someone choose to kill innocent people? That’s what evokes our curiosity.
Anyway, if you are on the lookout for some great serial killer movies, look no further than Netflix, whose arsenal of ‘serial killer flicks’ is a mix of good and bad. But worry not! We are here to help you select the best. With a list too long to fit in, we have chosen the really good serial killer movies from the carousel that keeps piling up with new additions every day. From innocuous everyday men to seasoned manhunters, the genre never ceases to amaze with its compelling storylines and inexplicably mysterious characters. Here’s the list of really good serial killer movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now:
14. The Forest of Love (2019)
Directed by Sion Sono, ‘The Forest of Love’ is the story of a conman named Joe Murata (Kippei Shiina), who turns out to be an infamous serial killer. Through lies and deceit, he ends up killing several people using extreme methods. The film has been derived from real-life accounts of the convicted serial killer Futoshi Matsunaga. It recounts the torturous ways he killed and extorted innocent lives in Kyushu, Japan, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. This gruesome story has been told quite artistically by director Sono, so movie buffs could check this movie out if it catches your interest. You can watch it on Netflix right here!
13. There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
Directed by Patrick Brice, ‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ is a slasher movie that revolves around a transfer student from Hawaii named Makani Young (Park), who goes through a series of horrifying experiences after she moves to Osborne, Nebraska. There she befriends two other kids, and together, they try to fight a murderous killer preying on students with secrets. Beyond the terrifying world of a serial killer and his human targets, the movie dives into the human psyche. It is also about the characters as much as it is about murder. So you may find it relatable on a more human level. If you’re interested, you can watch it right here!
12. The Little Things (2021)
Written and directed by John Lee Hancock (‘The Highwaymen’), ‘The Little Things’ tells the story of three individuals: Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), LAPD Detective Jim “Jimmy” Baxter (Rami Malek), and a drifter named Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). Even though Deke is a gifted detective, his last case with the LAPD left him disgraced. Moreover, he suffered a heart attack, his marriage ended, and he was suspended from the force. Jimmy, the new star of the department, asks for Deke’s help to solve a string of murders when the latter visits the city. As for Albert, he gradually emerges as the biggest suspect in the case. Hancock wrote the script for the film in 1990s, and it took him about 25 years to get this film made. However, he didn’t update the plot and kept the setting in 1990, which perfectly fits the theme and scope of the plot.
11. The Call (2020)
‘The Call’ is a chilling South Korean psychological thriller film with a complex plot that involves interactions across time and a vicious serial killer. Kim Seo-yeon is a 28-year-old woman who comes to visit her ailing mother in the countryside in 2019. She finds a cordless phone in the dilapidated house she grew up in. It seems to receive calls from a woman claiming to be tortured by her own mother. Seo-yeon later discovers that this woman, Oh Young-sook, is calling her from 1999. The two women initially form a bond across time, and Young-sook saves the life of Seo-yeon’s father in 1999, changing the reality for the other woman. However, as Seo-yeon’s life suddenly changes for the better with both her parents being alive, Young-sook grows bitter about her own circumstances and is killed by her mother. Seo-yeon finds out about this and informs Young-sook, who turns the tables on her mother, killing her, and subsequently becomes a serial killer.
10. The Chase (2017)
‘The Chase’ is yet another South Korean thriller film. This one revolves around Shim Deok-su, originally a refugee from the North and a harsh landlord of several working-class apartments. While visiting his tenants to ask for the rent, Deok-su discovers that two people have been killed in the town. When one of his tenants, who happens to be a former police officer, finds out about this, he points out that both victims were vulnerable targets, theorizing that the murderer is a potential serial killer who has started with killing elderly and vulnerable people but will soon move on to killing women. His words prove almost prophetic when the former detective himself is killed. Deok-su subsequently teams up with the late officer’s former partner to solve the complex series of murders.
9. The Good Nurse (2022)
Based on a true story, ‘The Good Nurse’ revolves around Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), an experienced nurse newly hired by Parkfield Memorial Hospital in New Jersey in 2003. One of his colleagues is Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a single mother and a patient of cardiomyopathy. Amy and Charles begin working together on the night shifts. Amy fears that she will be fired from the job if the hospital authorities find out about her cardiomyopathy. When Charles finds out about her condition, he promises to keep the information a secret. However, things start to change following the sudden death of one of the patients under Charles and Amy’s care. Soon enough, the police get involved, and Amy gradually realizes that something is deeply wrong with the man she considers a friend.
10. Shutter Island (2010)
The intensity of ‘Shutter Island,’ a Martin Scorsese directorial starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is palpable on the screen. Through dark and ominous tones, it brings alive the danger looming around in Shutter Island, the place where two US marshalls (DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) find themselves trapped. It is the year 1954, and they are asked to look into the disappearance of a child murderer (Emily Mortimer).
However, the island screams doom, and Teddy is further affected by recurring flashbacks of his tragic experiences in World War II. The aftermath of war also provides a dark undercurrent to this classic noir film. The result is a series of disturbing events told through the lens of Teddy as he tries to find this nefarious murderer. It is available on Netflix, and you can likewise watch it here!
7. Forensic (2020)
‘Forensic’ is an Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film by Akhil Paul and starring Tovino Thomas and Mamta Mohandas. It tells the story of a serial killer exclusively targeting children. SSP Rithika Xavier investigates the case with the help of a forensic team, which includes medico-legal advisor Samuel John Kattookkaaran, who happens to be the brother of Rithika’s estranged husband. Initially, findings lead Samuel to believe that the killer is a child. Although Rithika has a hard time accepting this, she cannot ignore the evidence. However, the more they dig into the case, the more complicated it becomes. Soon enough, they find it to be connected to Rithika’s very first case as a police officer, involving a series of murders that happened about a decade ago.
6. Se7en (1995)
‘Se7en‘ easily tops as one of the bleakest movies ever to have existed in the bottomless inventory of cinema. Directed by David Fincher, it is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a conniving killer who addresses one of the seven deadly sins for every murder. This bone-chilling “whodunit” thrives upon its two main characters, who are also cops with a considerable age gap.
The first one (Morgan Freeman) is a tight-lipped man slightly withdrawn because of what life had to offer. The other one (Brad Pitt) is a curious young lad curious about what life has to offer. Their chemistry, coupled with their different approach to the same case, makes for an interesting watch! If you wish to see a gripping movie led by a powerful cast, then you can find ‘Se7en’ here.
5. Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)
‘Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City’ is a Spanish serial-killer thriller that follows Unai (Javier Rey), who is on the hunt for a new serial killer on the rise. Unai returns to work for a long break, but on his first day at the office, he receives news about an assailant who has the same M.O. as someone who was caught by him 20 years ago.
So he puts his detective slash serial killer profiling skills to use in order to get to the bottom of the case. In the process, he reconnects with the old killer, Ignacio (Alex Brendemuhl), who is just about to complete his prison sentence. Crime-drama fans out there will thoroughly love this mystery flick that is available to stream on Netflix here!
4. Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)
Directed by Shirish Kunder, ‘Mrs. Serial Killer’ is an Indian crime thriller film that starts with a distraught woman, Sona (Jacqueline Fernandez), seemingly up to something questionable. A flashback scene reveals that her husband Joy (Manoj Bajpayee), a doctor who everyone once used to love, has been busted for being a serial killer. Reports suggest that he has murdered six young, unmarried pregnant women.
Sona is confident that her husband is innocent, especially because the cop who busted him (Mohit Rahina) is her ex. Teeming with violence and gore, this movie might be exactly the kind of serial killer movie you’re looking for. Moreover, Bajpayee’s portrayal of Joy carries a degree of conviction that is truly remarkable! You can watch the movie here if you’re interested.
3. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ is an intriguing mix of sci-fi, noir, mystery, action, and horror. This haunting tale directed by Jim Mickle follows the protagonist Locke (Boyd Holbrook), who aims to become someone important in law enforcement. One night, Locke finds a few bodies with hollow skulls and is immediately taken aback by a woman in a blue hoodie who seemingly is the perpetrator. What’s worse is that he loses his wife as she delivers a baby the same night.
Years later, in 1998, Locke becomes a detective, but the mysterious case of mass brain-liquefication is still plaguing the city. Cinephiles might notice how the movie seemingly draws inspiration from the likes of Christopher Nolan, Philip K. Dick, and David Fincher. If you haven’t watched it yet, you can do so here!
2. Lost Girls (2020)
Liz Garbus makes a powerful statement with the impactful ‘Lost Girls,’ a Netflix original that recounts the chilling tale of one of the most famous serial killers ever to have existed. Known as the “Long Island Serial Killer,” his case remains unsolved even to this day. It is told from an emotional viewpoint as Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan), a mother residing in Ellenville, confronts the news of her daughter Shannan’s frightening disappearance. More than ten bodies — most of whom are sex workers — are discovered by the end of the rigorous search conducted by the law. That is what makes it more of a poignant watch. If ‘Lost Girls’ has caught your attention, you can watch it here!
1. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
Directed by Joe Berlinger, ‘Extremely Wicked; Shockingly Evil and Vile’ plays out Zac Efron‘s natural appeal to befit the alluring good looks associated with Ted Bundy. The movie serves as a biopic to the nefarious serial killer who was responsible for taking countless lives. Rather than list out his murderous ventures, it is told from the viewpoint of Bundy’s longtime girlfriend, Liz Kendall (Lily Collins), and other women he duped, giving it a refreshing edge.
The movie exists on a different plane that merges documentary and drama. It has the feel of real-life-inspired accounts of a serial killer mixed with standard drama that characterizes fiction. If you want to take a closer look at Ted Bundy’s strained relationship with women, watch the movie here!
Read More: Best True Crime Podcasts of 2021
