The 23 Greatest Serial Killer Movies on Netflix to Watch Proper Now

The widespread reputation of serial killer movies like Hannibal, The Texas Chain Noticed Bloodbath, Noticed, Halloween, and others exhibit individuals’s fascination with tales centered round psychopathic killers and macabre narratives. Whereas serial killer movies could also be sickening or disturbing, there’s an plain attract in watching these deranged murderers systematically goal their victims, at the same time as they justify their actions with irrational causes. It’s not that viewers approve of their aberrant behaviors, however there’s that sure intrigue that lies in observing these ugly acts from the consolation of their very own properties.

For individuals who like to bask in these darkish tales for the worry and pleasure they evoke, Netflix has as wonderful a collection of serial killer movies as they do hit serial killer documentary miniseries. From knife-wielding, masked murderers to cults participating in sacrifice, this streamer has all kinds of grim killer flicks. Contemplating they’ve introduced in of us like David Fincher to direct in-house serial killer motion pictures, for a few of the following entries Netflix is the one place viewers are going to seek out them.

Up to date on October 30, 2024: This text has been up to date with extra content material to maintain the dialogue recent and related with much more info and new entries.

23 The Deserted (2023)

The Deserted, a movie chronicling a string of ugly murders, has been known as a must-watch and has gone on to be nominated for a noteworthy 12 Taipei Movie Awards. With a forged comprising Janine Chun-Ning Chang, Ethan Juan, and An Shun Yu, the movie made its debut in September 2023. The Deserted is directed by Tseng Ying-ting.

A Traditional Thriller Delving Into the Thoughts of a Killer

The Deserted begins with a foiled suicide try by police officer Wu Jie. As a substitute of taking her personal life, she is led to the physique of a lady washed ashore. The unidentified physique has each a finger and her coronary heart lacking. With a fair proportion of motion and drama, the movie delves into the thoughts of a serial killer who hunts victims who’re illegally within the nation, thus making them straightforward prey.

Making the movie among the best on Netflix is the truth that, along with chronicling the acts of the killer, focusing extra on his psychological state than the acts of killing itself, The Deserted additionally sheds gentle onto the plight of immigrant staff who’re employed for probably the most minuscule wages.

22 The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

Dylan McDermott delivered a spine-tingling efficiency within the coming-of-age thriller The Clovehitch Killer, which takes inspiration from the lifetime of real-life serial killer Dennis Radar, who notoriously turned referred to as the BTK Killer. Set in a small Kentucky city, the gripping movie follows 16-year-old Tyler Burnside (Charlie Plummer) as he involves the horrific realization that his religious Christian father Don (McDermott) may very well be an notorious serial killer who brutally murdered ten ladies earlier than disappearing over a decade prior.

A Deeply Unsettling Sluggish Burn

After he discovers disturbing pictures in his father’s private possessions, Tyler begins to suspect that the person he at all times appeared as much as may very well be able to unfathomable evil, prompting {the teenager} to launch a secret investigation into the damaging killer. The Clovehitch Killer is a sluggish burn that expertly builds up stress and worry as Tyler will get nearer to discovering the reality, with McDermott serving up a deeply unsettling and ominous portrayal. Horror legend Stephen King precisely referred to as the thriller “unbearably suspenseful” and “(n)ot for the faint of coronary heart”.

21 The Little Issues (2021)

Touting a star-studded ensemble forged led by Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, the neo-noir psychological thriller The Little Issues takes locations in Los Angeles in the course of the early Nineteen Nineties the place decided detectives Joe “Deke” Deacon (Washington) and James “Jimmy” Baxter (Malek) be part of forces to search out a serial killer terrorizing the town and murdering harmless ladies. The lawman’s investigation leads them to suspect {that a} peculiar loner (Leto) may very well be the perpetrator accountable, resulting in a taut cat-and-mouse recreation to unfold.

Washington & Leto Sq. Off On-Display screen

Regardless of failing to make a major splash on the field workplace or with critics, The Little Issues nonetheless garnered appreciation for its gritty neo-noir really feel and sophisticated performances, with Washington unsurprisingly dazzling as a haunted detective on a relentless mission to catch the elusive killer. Leto nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for his creepy and disquieting position within the atmospheric thriller, which does require endurance by its viewers as its many twists and turns ultimately come to a surprising conclusion.

20 Halloween (2018)

Certainly one of Hollywood’s most iconic villains made his epic return to the silver display in David Gordon Inexperienced’s slasher extravaganza Halloween, which serves as a direct sequel to the 1978 John Carpenter masterpiece and focuses on the PTSD-plagued ultimate woman Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as she is as soon as once more compelled to have a daunting showdown with the relentless and silent serial killer Michael Myers. After being institutionalized at a psychiatric hospital for forty years, Michael escapes and makes his bloody return to Haddonfield on Halloween night time.

Laurie & Michael Face Off After 40 Years

Followers of the pulse-pounding horror franchise had been thrilled when it was introduced that each the character and Curtis could be making a long-awaited comeback, with the gory flick being the primary installment within the chilling trilogy. Halloween grossed over $259 million and was celebrated for respiratory new life into the floundering franchise, with many deeming it a worthy new entry and true return to type that brilliantly captured the essence and terror of the unique Carpenter classics.

19 The Girl within the Window (2021)

Golden Globe-winner Amy Adams starred as an agoraphobic-afflicted lady who witnesses a ugly crime dedicated by her neighbors within the taut psychological thriller The Girl within the Window, through which she is joined by fellow performing greats Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore, and Fred Hechinger. Struggling youngster psychologist Anna Fox finds herself fixated on the seemingly good household throughout the road, solely to spiral uncontrolled after she by chance sees their matriarch violently stabbed and murdered of their house.

Adams Saves a Run-of-the-Mill Thriller

Primarily based on the A.J. Finn’s bestselling novel of the identical identify, The Girl within the Window chronicles Anna’s descent into chaos as she begins to query whether or not or not what she noticed actually occurred or if it was a figment of her creativeness because of her psychological dysfunction. Although the thriller attracted a less-than-glowing vital reception, Adams’ portrayal of a determined and unwell lady focused by a serial killer was counseled, with CBR noting of their assessment, “Given her monitor report of phenomenal performances, it is no shock the six-time Oscar nominee simply occupies the middle of the story.”

18 Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)

Against the law movie with a novel twist, Mrs. Serial Killer follows the spouse of an alleged serial killer as she goes to excessive lengths for her husband. An Indian crime movie that retains up Netflix’s Bollywood partnership, it was produced by legendary Bollywood filmmaker, Farah Khan, and stars the favored Sri Lankan mannequin and actress, Jacqueline Fernandez.

A Brilliantly Twisty Plot

Fernandez performs a lady named Sona who’s married to a health care provider and pregnant together with his youngster. With a serial killing assassin on the free within the space, a police officer hyperlinks the circumstances of six lacking ladies to Sona’s husband. He is arrested and the city’s individuals quickly all lose respect and activate him. Sona believes her husband is being framed by the officer since she as soon as rejected his love In favor of her husband. In desperation to avoid wasting her husband, the pair concoct a plan for Sona to homicide one other lady in the identical method because the serial killer whereas he is in jail, successfully clearing his identify.

17 The Weekend Away (2022)

The Weekend Away begins like a typical ladies’ journey, as finest associates, Beth and Kate, embark on a trip in Croatia. Nonetheless, suspense and terror abruptly grab each viewers and Beth, when her pal abruptly goes lacking. Accused of killing her finest pal, Beth should do all the things in her energy to uncover the reality.

Tense, Participating, and Tonally Fascinating

The movie contrasts the gorgeous backdrop of Croatia with a darkish homicide thriller to ship a visually gorgeous and fascinating movie. Whereas some discover the movie to be full of clichés, others consider it’s a stable thriller that’s value watching. With a concise 90-minute runtime, the film presents numerous twists that maintain viewers tensed and guessing all the way in which. Leighton Meester does an incredible job portraying the susceptible pal accused of killing her finest pal.

16 Twin Murders: The Silence of the White Metropolis (2019)

The Spanish thriller movie, Twin Murders: The Silence of the White Metropolis, is directed by Daniel Calparsoro and primarily based on the novel of the identical identify by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi. Set within the metropolis of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain, it revolves round Inspector Unai López de Ayala (Javier Rey) who finds himself immersed in a chilling investigation. A collection of grisly murders plague the town, and he should halt this reign of terror.

A Suitably Uncomfortable Viewing Expertise

Whereas not essentially probably the most groundbreaking or unique entry within the serial killer style or police procedural motion pictures, this crime thriller has ample suspense and drama to maintain many entertained. Regardless of its shortcomings, the movie boasts gorgeous visuals and a compelling storyline. For individuals who take pleasure in movies that showcase the interior workings of felony minds and the intricacies of police work, this thrilling movie might be discovered on Netflix.

15 There’s Somebody Inside Your Home (2021)

Directed by Patrick Brice (of Creep fame) and primarily based on the 2017 novel of the identical by Stephanie Perkins, There’s Somebody Inside Your Home is a slasher movie that follows a younger woman, Makani Younger, who strikes from Hawaii to a quiet, small city in Nebraska to complete highschool. Nonetheless, she quickly discovers {that a} masked killer is concentrating on her classmates, every harboring darkish secrets and techniques. To keep away from turning into the killer’s subsequent sufferer, Makani Younger should unveil the killer’s id.

Snug Viewing for Slasher Followers

Whereas this serial killer flick gives an exhilarating highschool horror expertise, some could discover it a repetition of different basic horror movies. Regardless of its over-used storyline and predictability, it serves as a enjoyable watch harking back to ’90s movies like Scream, I Know What You Did Final Summer season, and others. Regardless of the adverse opinions it has garnered, it’s certain to entertain horror lovers.

14 Extraordinarily Depraved, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

Extraordinarily Depraved, Shockingly Evil and Vile follows the seemingly harmless romance between Liz (Lily Collins) and Ted (Zack Effron) whereas she stays unaware of the truth that he preys on younger ladies. Efron delivers an distinctive efficiency, effortlessly portraying Ted’s attraction and charisma, making it nearly straightforward to fall underneath his spell. Nonetheless, because the movie progresses, the true nature of Bundy is progressively revealed, sending shivers down the backbone of viewers.

Exploring the Sinister Lifetime of Tedy Bundy

The movie gives a recent perspective on the story of the infamous American serial killer Ted Bundy by the eyes of his girlfriend and likewise focuses on the devastating influence his crimes had on these closest to him. This biographical drama is directed by Joe Berlinger and primarily based on the 1981 ebook The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy by Elizabeth Kendall, Ted Bundy’s ex-girlfriend.

13 Within the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

Within the Shadow of the Moon is a gripping and suspenseful movie that retains viewers guessing till the very finish. It masterfully combines the weather of thriller and science fiction because it revolves round a detective consumed by an obsession to resolve a collection of brutal and unusual murders spanning over a decade.

A Hidden Gem on Netflix

Whereas this sci-fi thriller has its flaws, its plain intrigue lies within the abundance of twists and turns, guaranteeing viewers are totally entertained. Whereas there are those that criticize it for its plot holes, others regard it as a uncommon gem, in contrast to something ever seen earlier than. It’s a tantalizing mash-up of various genres, encompassing components of police procedural, sci-fi, and crime thriller, all skillfully directed. It’s a serial killer movie properly value testing on Netflix.

12 The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Set in 1830 and directed by Scott Cooper, this thriller thriller follows the endeavors of a retired detective, Augustus Landor, who’s employed to analyze the homicide of a West Level cadet. To unravel this thriller, he enlists the assistance of a younger man referred to as Edgar Allan Poe. With its well-executed homicide thriller narrative, The Pale Blue Eye is a deal with, notably for individuals who relish interval mysteries.

A Nice Forged and a Stunning Twist

The plot twist is so properly executed that it leaves viewers totally shocked when the id of the killer is lastly revealed. The movie boasts a stellar forged, together with Christian Bale, Toby Jones, Harry Melling, Robert Duvall, and others, which undeniably provides to its attract. Whereas the movie’s runtime of over two hours could also be a deterrent for individuals who don’t take pleasure in prolonged movies, it is value your time.

11 The Satan All of the Time (2020)

Billed as a gothic psychological thriller, The Satan All of the Time noticed MCU famous person, Tom Holland, shed his healthful Spider-Man picture in spectacular trend. Happening after WWII, the movie throws collectively a wide range of complicated characters in a small city besieged by killings and backward pondering that allows a lot of its personal points to persist.

A Strong Netflix Unique

A terrific forged at its heart, the movie additionally featured Invoice Skarsgård and Robert Pattinson, amongst others who all delivered some nice performances to wrap the movie in an air of stress, and a disturbing environment. It was primarily based on the debut novel of Donald Ray Pollock and expertly intertwines the previous with individuals’s current to discover a darkish psychological story of how secrets and techniques and desperation can collide with tragic penalties.

10 Recreation Over (2019)

By the story of Swapna, this psychological thriller explores the themes of trauma, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit within the face of unimaginable horrors. Directed by Ashwin Saravanan, it follows this online game programmer, Swapna who is continually stricken by her fears. Her life takes a darkish flip when a serial killer, referred to as the “Masks Killer” begins concentrating on ladies in her metropolis.

A Distinctive Horror Flick

Whereas Recreation Over has drawn comparisons to Pleased Demise Day as a consequence of sure similarities, it’s an intriguing horror movie in its personal proper. Regardless of the blended opinions the movie has acquired, it’s positively value testing on Netflix. It boasts of attention-grabbing cinematography intertwined with a suspenseful plot. It additionally works fairly properly as a darkish and fascinating house invasion thriller.

9 Luther: The Fallen Solar (2023)

With Idris Elba within the titular position of John Luther, a former Detective Chief Inspector, the movie is predicated on Luther’s arrest and subsequent jailbreak in pursuit of serial killer David Robey. Luther: The Fallen Solar is a successor to the Luther TV collection, though not a direct sequel, with Netflix having clarified that familiarity with the TV present was not required for viewers to grasp the movie.

A Gritty Continuation of Luther’s Story

Luther: The Fallen Solar, regardless of establishing itself as being separate from the unique TV collection, is sort of much like the collection within the gritty, darkish, and thrilling tone it makes use of. Luther carries his character traits from the collection into the movie, being the identical cussed and decided detective that viewers are accustomed to seeing.

The movie sees Luther at his full potential, embarking on a vengeful, thrilling hunt for tech whiz turned serial killer David Robbey. Along with having well-developed characters, wonderful cinematography and a gripping plot, Luther: The Fallen Solar additionally treats followers of the unique collection by persevering with a number of relationships, corresponding to that of Martin Schenk, into the film.

8 The Babysitter (2017)

McG’s The Babysitter is one in all that underrated director’s higher movies (although it is nonetheless no Charlie’s Angels). What makes it stand out? For one, its stability of horror, comedy, and coming-of-age tones. Second…Samara Weaving. If any movie revealed her likability early on to a large viewers, it was this one, and that alone makes it vital.

An Oddly Lighthearted Tackle a Serial Killer Cabal

The Babysitter just isn’t in contrast to an R-rated model of Dwelling Alone. It is simply that, as a substitute of being left alone to face some burglars, this child is left with a babysitter who’s a part of a really explicit staff. Particularly, a staff of younger individuals who incessantly have interaction in ritual sacrifice. And guess who’s subsequent on the chopping block?

7 Misplaced Ladies (2020)

Misplaced Ladies is a poignant movie that sheds gentle on the missed victims of crimes and the tireless efforts of their family members to seek out them. By the story of Mari Gilbert and the Lengthy Island serial killer case, the movie explores the theme of motherhood and exposes the shortcomings of the felony justice system. Primarily based on the true story of the Lengthy Island serial killer case and tailored from the ebook of the identical identify by Robert Kolker, this drama thriller follows the journey of Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan) as she relentlessly searches for her lacking daughter, pissed off by the police’s inaction.

A Grounded Serial Killer Story With a Human Edge

Misplaced Ladies has been praised for its realism, passionate storytelling, and very good performing from its forged. It evokes deep empathy for the sufferer’s households because the story progresses. Standing out from the pack with its subdued drama that avoids sensationalizing its story, these searching for a recent perspective on typical serial killer movies will discover it intriguing.

6 The Good Nurse (2022)

Primarily based on the true story of nurse Charles Cullen, The Good Nurse stars Jessica Chastain as a nurse named Amy Loughren who grows suspicious of her colleague, Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), when dozens of sufferers unexpectedly die underneath his care. Now, it’s left to Amy to uncover the reality and cease this serial killer nurse.

A Tense, Sluggish-Burn Drama

The Good Nurse is well-paced, delivering a chilling narrative that’s expertly carried by the excellent performances of Chastain and Redmayne. The cinematography is each charming and inventive, using lengthy lingering photographs to boost the authenticity of the story. It proves to be an interesting movie for individuals who recognize a sluggish construct and a darkish storyline. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of many most interesting darkish dramas out there on Netflix.

5 Thanksgiving (2023)

Directed by Eli Roth, Thanksgiving is a full-fledged model of a faux trailer included in Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s Grindhouse again in 2007. With followers having clamored for Thanksgiving for a while, the discharge of the movie in time for Thanksgiving season in 2023 had viewers referring to the movie as among the best horror movies of 2023.

A Chilling Slasher Set within the Birthplace of the Vacation

Thanksgiving, paying homage to its title, is about within the birthplace of the vacation, Plymouth, Massachusetts. A city that loves the vacation is terrorized by a serial killer who seems to not be too happy with a Black Friday sale. Donning a masks of John Carver, the primary governor of Plymouth Colony, the killer units out on a ugly killing rampage concentrating on those that visited the sale. The imaginatively graphic killings, which see the killer reduce, chop, and cube his victims, though macabre, are one thing any crime-lover will likely be drawn to.

4 Girl of the Hour (2024)

Anna Kendrick made her dazzling directorial debut with the crime thriller Girl of the Hour, which highlights the chilling 1978 TV look of serial killer Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) on the American recreation present The Relationship Recreation, which he infamously appeared on whereas in the midst of a violent homicide spree. Kendrick portrays aspiring actress Sheryl Bradshaw, who goes on the present in hopes of touchdown her large break and finally ends up selecting Bachelor #3 (Alcala) whereas on this system; he had already murdered 5 ladies by the point he was on the present.

A Backbone-Tingling True Story

The terrifying true story shocked individuals all throughout the nation over the concept that a harmful serial killer truly appeared on a relationship recreation present, as Bradshaw herself ended up turning down a possible date with Alcala as a result of she felt he was “creepy.” Kendrick did an outstanding job capturing the grisly background of the infamous TV occasion whereas ramping up the suspense and horror Bradshaw experiences, as Alcala would go on to kill no less than three extra ladies after his look earlier than being apprehended in 1979.