Watching films about serial killers is, to put it mildly, entertaining. They are fascinating not only from a narrative perspective but also because they are so widely consumed despite the often repulsive nature of their subject matter. Their widespread appeal stems from their ability to satisfy the yawning voids within each of us. We take ease in knowing that we are not “them,” and this provides us with a source of amusement. In addition, the unknown motives of serial killers have long captivated the human mind. For what reason would a person deliberately target and kill helpless civilians? That’s what makes us wonder about it.
If you’re searching for good serial killer movies on Netflix, which has an assortment of wonderful and awful “serial killer pictures” in its library. But have no fear! Choose wisely with our assistance. The list of good serial killer movies on Netflix is growing too vast to include them, so we’ve picked the best ones. The kind never fails to astonish with its captivating tales and mysterious characters, which range from ordinary guys to seasoned manhunters. Currently streaming on Netflix and considered to be excellent depictions of serial killers are:
1. Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has an unsettling, tense atmosphere that translates well to the big screen. Through gloomy tones, it brings to life the impending peril that two US marshals (DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) face on Shutter Island. In 1954, they were tasked with investigating the whereabouts of a child killer who vanished the year before (Emily Mortimer).
But the island is ominous, and Teddy has nightmares about the terrible things that happened to him during World War II. The tragedy of war’s aftermath also runs through this classic noir. As Teddy searches for this evil killer, he experiences a sequence of terrible occurrences that he narrates.
2. Zodiac (2007)
One of David Fincher’s best works, “Zodiac,” is a twisty criminal thriller about a serial murderer who causes havoc in Northern California with his peculiar habits and techniques. While on the surface, this three-hour film is about tracking down a deadly criminal, towards the film’s conclusion, it becomes clear that the film is really about one man’s obsession with cracking the case.
Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) needs to know the truth so badly that he’ll do anything to get it. The audience is drawn into his quest for answers, which he pursues with unwavering enthusiasm. Then, if you’re eager to view this film online, what are you waiting for? Move over here right now.
3. Se7en (1995)
Compared to the vast cinematic canon, “Se7en” stands out as one of the most depressing films ever made. A psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, it follows the murderous exploits of a manipulative murderer who dedicates each of their killings to one of the seven deadly sins. Both of the central protagonists in this unsettling “whodunit?” are police officers, but their ages are very different from each other.
The first (Morgan Freeman) is a man who has become somewhat reclusive due to life’s experiences. The other (Brad Pitt) is a young man with an insatiable appetite for discovery. Their interaction is entertaining, and their unique perspectives on the same case are fascinating. Here you may locate the film “Se7en,” which boasts a stellar ensemble and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4. Lost Girls (2020)
Netflix’s original series ‘Lost Girls,’ written and directed by Liz Garbus, makes a bold statement by telling the terrifying story of one of history’s most infamous serial murderers. The “Long Island Serial Killer” identity has never been determined. The story is delivered from an emotional point of view, following Ellenville’s mother, Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan), as she deals with the terrifying disappearance of her daughter Shannan.
By the time the police had finished their exhaustive search, they had found the bodies of more than ten people, the vast majority of whom were sex workers. That’s why it hits so close to home and makes for such an emotional viewing experience. If you’re interested in seeing ‘Lost Girls,’ you may do it right here!
5. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Internationally titled Psycho Raman, this film is a fun Indian neo-noir with some characteristics of the best movies about serial killers. It’s a psychological thriller that aims to keep you on the edge of your seat, much like the other films in the genre that feature serial killers.
Serial murderer Raman Raghav 2.0 is following the investigator looking into his crimes. Thus, we are placed in the serial killer’s position rather than the detective’s, though we also see things from the perspective of the latter’s drug addiction.
6. Changeling (2008)
While Angelina Jolie’s Changeling isn’t necessarily the most well-known serial killer thriller, it’s a sleeper because of the fascinating story set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. As one might guess from the title, the film also features some science fiction elements.
Jolie plays a mother in the film who returns home to discover her missing kid. She prayed for five months while searching for her missing son, and she ultimately located him in Illinois, even though the family was based in Los Angeles. But when the kid finally showed up, she discovered to her shock, that he wasn’t her son, and the authorities were eager to challenge her story. But she joins forces with a minister, hoping to uncover the truth and bring the LAPD’s corruption to light.
7. Hush (2016)
Although it is primarily a slasher film, the inclusion of Hush is appropriate because of the presence of a serial murderer. It lacks the standard air of mystery associated with movies about serial killers but makes up for it with some of the most gripping sequences ever seen in a film of this kind.
In Hush, a hard-of-hearing writer who lives in the woods to be alone is the target of a masked assailant. To fully appreciate the film’s tension, consider that the protagonist can only use her eyes to determine the direction she is being attacked. And the whole time, she is unable to summon assistance. It is one of the best good serial killer movies on Netflix.
8. The Good Nurse (2022)
Released in September 2022, The Good Nurse is one of the most recent films. The movie’s plot revolves around a series of killings across the country over sixteen years, making for a compelling and suspenseful viewing experience.
In this film, a nurse learns that a coworker was convicted of killing several people across multiple hospitals and states. She must now discover the truth behind the crime and determine why he has never been charged with murder to prevent anybody else from becoming a victim.
9. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)
Zac Efron plays one of the most infamous serial killers of all time, Ted Bundy, in the controversial film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile. To that end, the film is a biography detailing Bundy’s life and the many murders he committed throughout his career as a serial killer. Moreover, the film is recounted from the perspective of Bundy’s long-term lover, Liz Kendall, and the other women who were genuinely associated with this killer.
This film stands out from the pack because of the exciting manner it blends documentary with drama. It’s written in a way that makes you believe real ladies who knew Ted Bundy were participating. So far, this film has been the most effective in depicting the real story of a serial murderer.
10. The Night Stalker
This Netflix movie, whose subtitle translates to “In Search of a Killer,” tells the tale of Richard Ramirez, one of the most infamous serial murderers in the United States in the 1980s, who was dubbed “The Night Stalker” by the media. The second group spread fear around Los Angeles by breaking into homes at night to steal, rape, kidnap, and even murder their victims. Detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno, both from the local police department’s homicide division, begin their search for him, which continues for a very long time.
This compelling documentary series has four parts and explains how the investigation into a terrifying psychopath like the Night Stalker unfolded.
11. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
An actual criminal narrative is the basis for this drama “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Jeffrey Dahmer was a genuine, living human being who committed horrific actions across the United States between 1978 and 1991.
Milwaukee serial murderer Dahmer preyed mostly on young males, including numerous minorities. From 1978 until he was finally apprehended and prosecuted in 1991, he committed 17 murders.
