Hollywood has long been a favoured destination for serial killer movies. These films explore the sick psychology of serial killers and the victims caught in the crossfire. They are filmed in a way that makes them appear to be very lifelike. These films should not be missed if you enjoy thrillers and true crime stories.
As true crime lovers, we can’t help but be drawn to the darker side of cinema. From psychological thrillers to horror movies, there is something about these genres that captivates our attention. In this article, we will take a look at the best serial killer movies based on a true story.
Top 6 serial killer movies
These films are particularly chilling because they are rooted in real-life cases of murder and mayhem, and often strive to capture the psychological and emotional complexities of the individuals involved. From the infamous Ted Bundy to the lesser-known but equally terrifying The Boston Strangler, we’ll be exploring some of the most gripping and disturbing true crime movies that have been inspired by real-life serial killers.
1. Monster
“Monster” is a dark and disturbing movie that is not for the faint of heart. The movie is based on the real-life story of Aileen Wuornos, a notorious American serial killer who was convicted and executed for killing seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Aileen Wuornos was portrayed by Charlize Theron. The movie explores Wuornos’ troubled childhood, her descent into prostitution, and the events that led her to become a killer.
This movie explores the traumatic experiences that may have contributed to Wuornos’ descent into violence, as well as the societal factors that made it difficult for her to escape her past.
Read More: Top Horror Movies That Will Actually Scare You
2. My Friend Dahmer
American biographical drama film “My Friend Dahmer” was released in 2017 and was directed by Marc Meyers. It is based on Derf Backderf’s graphic novel of the same name, a biographical account of the author’s experiences growing up with Jeffrey Dahmer, a known serial killer. Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the “Milwaukee Cannibal,” was an American serial killer and sex offender who committed the murder and dismemberment of 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991.
The movie offers a dark and provocative look at one of history’s most notorious serial killers’ formative years. It investigates the social variables that might have influenced Jeffery Dahmer’s final spiral into madness and offers insight into the complexities of his damaged psyche.
3. Zodiac
“Zodiac” is a 2007 thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. This is a true crime movie based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who operated in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film is a dramatization of the investigation into the Zodiac Killer’s identity by San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Robert Graysmith and the police detectives tasked with solving the case.
The Zodiac Killer was a real-life serial killer who sent letters and cryptograms to the press and law enforcement, taunting them with clues about his identity and the locations of his crimes. He is known to have killed at least five people, and possibly many more. The killer was never caught, and his identity remains unknown to this day.
4. The Boston Strangler
“The Boston Strangler” is a 1968 serial killer movie based on a true story. It is directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Tony Curtis and Henry Fonda. The movie is based on the true story of the Boston Strangler, a serial killer who operated in the Boston area during the early 1960s.
The killer is believed to have murdered at least 13 women between 1962 and 1964.The identity of the Boston Strangler has never been definitively proven, but Albert DeSalvo was the man who confessed to the murders.While the movie takes some creative liberties with the true story, it does capture the fear and paranoia that gripped the Boston area during the time of the murders. It also depicts the intense police investigation that eventually led to DeSalvo’s arrest and confession.
5. The Deliberate Stranger
The film is based on the book “The Deliberate Stranger” by Richard W. Larsen, which was a detailed account of Ted Bundy’s crimes and the investigation that led to his capture. The movie is considered to be one of the most accurate portrayals of Bundy’s life and crimes, and it has been praised for its realistic and chilling depiction of the killer. It is a made-for-TV movie that originally aired in 1986. The film tells the story of Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history.
Mark Harmon stars as Bundy, a charming and intelligent law student who is also a brutal and sadistic killer. The movie follows Bundy’s crimes from his early murders in Washington State to his infamous killing spree in Florida, where he was finally apprehended and put on trial.
6. Memories Of Murder
“Memories of Murder” is a 2003 South Korean crime drama directed by Bong Joon-ho. The film is based on the true story of the Hwaseong serial murders, which occurred in the late 1980s in the city of Hwaseong, South Korea. The movie follows two detectives, Park Doo-man and Cho Yong-koo, as they investigate the brutal murders of young women in the rural area around Hwaseong. The detectives, who are inexperienced and ill-equipped, struggle to solve the case as the killer continues to elude them.
The serial killer in “Memories of Murder” is based on the real-life Hwaseong serial killer, who was responsible for the murders of at least ten women in the Hwaseong area of South Korea between 1986 and 1991.
Serial killer movies based on true stories offer a chilling and unsettling glimpse into the darker side of humanity. From the Zodiac Killer to Ted Bundy, these movies explore the psychology of some of the most notorious killers in history. Each of these movies is guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat and questioning the safety of your own surroundings. So, if you’re in the mood for a good scare, be sure to check out one of the movies on this list. Just make sure to lock your doors first.
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