The horror genre has featured tons of memorable and iconic antagonists throughout many generations however only one can ever truly make you feel disturbed which is the Serial Killers, due to their realistic portrayal in films. 

If you’re looking for a dark and disturbing introduction to the Serial Killer sub-genre of horror then these Top 25 Best Horror Films About Serial Killers might just be for you.

25. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)

In this found-footage horror film, we witness clips of videotapes that portray torture, murder, and dismemberment by an infamous serial killer.

Found footage films are always a hit or miss but I promise you that after watching this film, you will leave traumatized. It’s got a very immersive presentation as it forces you to watch multiple scenes of brutality and at times outright disturbing scenes that’s hard to stomach. This is one of the few films that actually made me shake from fear from watching it due to how creepy the film is.

It’s not the deepest film on the list, but if you’re looking for a genuinely horrific film that’s filled with nonstop shocking moments then The Poughkeepsie Tapes might just be for you.

24. Memories of Murder (2003)

In a small Korean province in 1986, two detectives struggle with the case of multiple young women being found raped and murdered by an unknown culprit.

This Korean mystery thriller is one film you need to watch if you’re looking for a highly entertaining yet compelling mysterious film. It combines both the many tense reveals of a mystery film with a little bit of humor to create a unique film that will compel you to figure out all of its mysteries. 

23. Slumber Party Massacre (1982)

Trish, a high school senior, plans to host a sleepover while her parents are away, but things go wrong when a killer on the run with a power drill is roaming in the area.

Here’s an oldie but goodie film that feels like a love letter to slasher fans.   Despite having the appearance of a cheesy B-horror movie, Slumber Party Massacre is a subversive horror film with humorous jokes and exciting chase scenes.

It also features a really creepy silent killer who uses an inventive weapon to kill his victims. This is a must-watch if you enjoy hilarious horror-comedy slasher movies.

22. The Cell (2000)

Catharine Deane (Jennifer Lopez) persuades a social worker, who is adept with new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim.

The Cell will take you on a surreal journey filled with magnificent and horrific imagery full of symbolism, making it perhaps one of the most visually hypnotizing movies on the list. And even though some of the CGI has undoubtedly aged, its effect hasn't diminished.

The Cell is a film worth your time if you're looking for something strange with a touch of Silence of the Lambs. 

21. Death Proof (2007)

Here’s another story from the Grindhouse duology, featuring Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike who preys on a bunch of unsuspecting women for disastrous drives.

Although Quentin Tarantino may view this movie as his worst, horror fans believe it to be one of the most thrilling and underappreciated movies you'll ever see. From the outfit to the setting and to the characters, this movie does a great job of capturing the look of the 1970s. Including some very graphic gore that genuinely feels like it belongs in a grindhouse movie.

It’s also got a pretty surprising twist in the middle of the story that will subvert your expectation for the film, making it not only a thrill to watch but also shocking as well.

20. The Devil’s Rejects (2005)

The deadly, backwoods Firefly family takes on the road to escape the vengeful Sheriff Wydell, who is not afraid to be as vicious as his target.

The Devil's Rejects will feel familiar if you've seen one of Rob Zombie's movies, but what distinguishes it from his other works is its extreme brutality and raunchiness, which frequently feels way too realistic and unpleasant to watch. You’re not just watching the film to root for the unsuspecting victim, but you also watch as the but also watch as the insane family gets hunted down.

It’s a film filled with shocking moments one after another, making it such a memorable film.  If you prefer dark and nostalgic films then The Devil's Reject is definitely worth your time.    

19. Evil Dead Trap 2 (1992)

A female projectionist suddenly comes to the self-realization that she might actually be a serial killer who has been ruthlessly killing everyone around her.

If you're seeking for a gruesome and brutal movie, you must watch this overlooked Japanese horror film. In contrast to other movies about serial killers, this one puts you in the killer's shoes—and she happens to be a plus-sized woman, which already defies convention.

Along with the satisfying deaths, the movie also has a ton of weird visuals, which makes it fascinating for everyone in addition to slasher fans. It might not be as strange as its predecessor, but it's undoubtedly a superior film.

18. The House that Jack Built (2017)

The House That Jack Built follows Jack (Matt Dillon) as he commits several murders from various points in time.

This is one of the most disgusting and vile horror movies on the list, yet its hypnotic visuals and symbolism give the movie extra depth, making it worthwhile to see despite its unforgiving nature. It has so many gut-wrenching moments that are frequently difficult to stomach, and hearing Jack tell his story seems grim.

If you want an extreme film that combines the artistic nature of elevated films then The House that Jack Built might be worth a look.

17. Funny Games (1997)

Funny Games follows a family who are held captive and tortured by two young men as they are made to participate in a number of sadistic games inside their vacation home, one terrible movie after another.

One of the most dismal movies on the list, Funny Games will make you feel so many conflicting feelings by the time the credits roll that you'll be overwhelmed by them all. It’s got two truly despicable antagonists that will make the film hard to watch for the squeamish.

The film received a shot-for-shot remake starring Naomi Watts which is equally disturbing as its original. So if you want a bleak film then check out Funny Games.

16. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)

In order to plan his reign of terror over the quiet town of Glen Echo, this up and coming slasher granted a documentary crew exclusive access to his life.

Here’s a film that combines the satirical humor of scream with the over-the-top nature of mockumentary films, concocting one of the most humorous and subversive slasher films to date. It’s a movie that makes fun of many of the cliched teen slasher films by focusing on the killer Leslie Vernon as he hunts for his set of victims. 

Fans of the slasher sub-genre will instantly fall in love with this one due to its many references as well as horror icon casts. 

15. Laid to Rest (2009)

A woman who suffers from a terrible head injury and memory loss wakes up in a casket. She soon realizes that she is a victim of a deranged serial killer and must to survive the night.

Laid to Rest might be one of the most unique film on the list due to its intriguing concept that tries to subvert every single expectation of its viewers. It also has a ton of incredibly inventive kills, which are amplified even further by incredible practical effects work, making it a particularly enjoyable viewing for horror enthusiasts.

Its villain, Chromeskull, is also an inspired slasher who seems to be a combination of homages to horror cinema legends and real-life serial killers, and its subversion of the final girl clichés was also an interesting plot point.

14. Maniac (2012)

A serial killer (Elijah Wood) removes his victims' scalps and attaches them to the vintage mannequins he restores in his late mother's shop.

This remake of the sleazy 1980 film of the same name has no business being this good yet somehow it manages to be, providing a substantially superior film in the process. It’s still as brutal as before though it's now much more effective due to the amazing practical effects done for the film. 

The film also has such an alluring style and soundtrack that can be hypnotizing at times. The film isn’t just gory for the sake of shock but rather everything works well together to achieve the 80s aesthetic that the movie is trying to replicate.

13. Opera (1987)

A hooded figure forces a young diva (Cristina Marsillach) to watch as he murders performers in a production of Verdi's opera "Macbeth."

Italian horror never fails to deliver a terrific whodunit film. It’s got such a compelling mystery heightened by gorgeous visuals and memorable scenes such as the peephole scene and the ending. It’s also got some pretty unique and incredibly tense death scenes that will make you squeamish. 

Dario Argento has made tons of amazing films and if you liked at least one of them, then Opera will definitely not disappoint.

12. Tenebre (1982)

Here’s another Argento flick, this time the story revolves around an American writer in Rome whose stalked and harassed by a serial killer who is murdering everyone associated with his work on his latest book.

Tenebre has everything that makes an Argento film such a great film but its all cranked up to eleven. It’s got a fantastic soundtrack which makes the already intense mystery even better to watch. As well as some truly memorable kills that will please any slasher fans.

The film takes on the familiar slasher/Giallo trope but offered buckets of blood for its kills which will cover your entire TV screen in red. If you like a bloody mystery film then give this one a watch.

11. Torso (1973)

A string of appalling lust murders shocks the University of Perugia as a sadistic serial killer strangles to death beautiful college girls with a red and black scarf.

This proto-slasher might just be what you’re looking for if you want a gratuitous and compelling mystery in your killer flicks. Torso is a forgotten hidden gem that provides many unsettling sequences heightened by some creepy-looking stalker in a creepy suit. 

It’s got a third act that will put you on the edge of your seat as it's one of the most tension-filled climaxes I have ever seen in a slasher film. This is definitely an essential watch for the genre fans. 

10. Black Christmas (1974)

During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls is stalked by a stranger.

Before Halloween and other subsequent slasher films were released in the 80s, there was Black Christmas. A one creepy slasher film that will get under your skin due to the shockingly unnerving killer Billy, who never once showed his appearance in the film, and instead we only get to see his eyes. It’s also got a progressively unique final girl in the shape of Jess Bradford (Olivia Hussey) whose forced to face the killer while pregnant.

It’s one of the early slasher films that laid the groundwork for the genre, and would later be one of the John Carpenters’ Halloween inspiration.

9. Zodiac (2007)

Between 1968 and 1983, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.

Being based on a real-life serial killer already makes this suspenseful thriller feel like something you shouldn’t watch. It may not be as shocking or terrifying as other films on the list but it truly makes up for being such a highly compelling film that will put you on edge as it provides much tension. As well as some truly amazing performances by its actors, making this thriller a worthwhile watch.

8. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Based on the serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, Henry moves in with ex-con acquaintance Otis after arriving in Chicago and starts schooling him in the ways of the serial killer.

A movie filled with a very bleak tone and atmosphere as well as some truly disturbing characters helps to create one of the most realistic and brutal portrayals of a serial killer on screen. This film is one of the most shocking and vile films I have ever seen, and it’s hard to get a reaction out of me but this film was so tonally different from what I’ve seen before that it just felt odd.

7. American Psycho (2000)

A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.

Films about serial killers are always synonymous with typical slasher tropes yet American Psycho tries to subvert this by providing a mind-bending film that will make you question everything. The film stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman who does an incredible job as an odd but attractive banking executive who may or may not be psychologically messed up.

It’s got so many memorable chase scenes and death scenes that are both thrilling and spine-chilling, making this amazing film such a captivating watch.

6. Scream (1996)

A year after the murder of her mother, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game.

We all know Wes Craven’s meta slasher is an all-time classic due to its creative subversion of the cliched and tired slasher sub-genre. It’s got a rather interesting killer behind the unique and iconic Ghostface mask, as well as a kickass final girl Sidney, making this thrilling cat and mouse film such an engaging watch.

Many films have tried to replicate its success ever since however nothing will ever come close to the way Scream had reinvented the sub-genre.

5. Blood and Black Lace (1964)

Here’s another Italian horror film that focuses on a group of models at a fashion salon in Rome who is stalked by a masked man with a metal-claw glove.

Arguably one of the most beautifully stunning horror film on the list. Blood and Black Lace is a timeless classic that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to guess not only what the identity of the killer is and who will survive the ordeal. It was one of the first horror slasher film to ever try to fool its audiences into thinking that its main character might live, making viewing the film such an intense guessing game.

It also has hypnotizing visuals that are blooming with colors, and from its very first few minutes alone it will already hook you in. Make sure to watch this one if you love stylistic slashers and amazing Italian horror.

4. Se7en (1995)

Detective David Millis (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.

David Fincher once again provided a truly exhilarating film with such an intriguing mystery. A movie filled to the brim with twisted spine-chilling moments that will leave you stunned in your seat as well as some amazing performances by its actor. Se7en proves itself to be a masterpiece of suspense and thrills.

3. I Saw the Devil (2010)

Kim Soo-hyeon (Lee Byung-hun), a secret agent exacts revenge on a serial killer Kyung-Chul (Choi Min-sik) through a series of captures and releases.

South Korea delivers us one of the most intense and emotional films in the form of I Saw the Devil. It’s full of visceral gore that’s at times, hard to watch, and seeing the two main characters interact feels thrilling due to its many bombastic sequences.

The movie will make you feel tons of emotions, from sadness, thrills, to confusion as you watch the character that you’re rooting for slowly turns into something that he despites, making the film such an engaging watch. If you don’t mind subtitles then definitely give this one a chance.

2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Young F.B.I. trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) must enlist the assistance of an imprisoned and sophisticated cannibal killer in order to find another serial killer who skins his victims.

This film has been replicated and referenced in tons of films and series and it’s all because The Silence of the Lambs is an incredible film that will leave its mark on you as you witness its almost two-hour worth of story full of bizarre murders. It’s the film that introduced us to the iconic Hannibal Lecter played by the incredible Anthony Hopkins, who brings such a spine-chilling performance.

It’s also a film that does not shy in gore and blood, so if you want a captivating cat and mouse chase film then The Silence of the Lambs might just satisfy you.

1. Psycho (1960)

Phoenix secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals $40,000 from the client of her job, flees, and stays at a secluded motel run by a young man who is under the mother's control.

Of course, the granddaddy of slasher films deserves the number one spot on the list, and for good reasons; it’s an incredible film that’s full of suspense and an intriguing mystery that will leave you wanting more. Not only is it one of the first few slasher films but it was also quite subversive as it lead the viewers into believing that the character that we were following might stick around until the end.

Psycho has spawned multiple sequels, remake, and even a TV series adaptation however, this Hitchcock classic still remains to be the number one best horror movie about serial killers to this day.

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