Do you relish the eerie thrill of watching creepy killers in action? Inspired by the creepy af vibes of Longlegs, we’ve curated a list of 12 of the most disturbing serial killer movies ever made. These films plunge deep into the minds of the most twisted and terrifying murderers, delivering spine-tingling suspense that will make you question the very fabric of humanity.
Serial killer movies are all about the psychological thrill, the nerve-wracking tension, and that unshakable sense of dread. We’re not just talking about gore—though there’s plenty to go around. We’re diving into the chilling calm of meticulous murderers, the grotesque enjoyment of their gruesome deeds, and the horrific genius that makes these films unforgettable. If you’re a true crime fan or just love a good scare, these movies are guaranteed to haunt your thoughts.
12. The Cell (2000)
The Cell is a visually stunning psychological thriller that takes viewers on a haunting journey into the mind of a serial killer. Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez) is a child psychologist who uses experimental technology to enter the minds of her patients. When FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) seeks her help to enter the mind of comatose serial killer Carl Stargher (Vincent D’Onofrio) and find his latest victim, the film dives into surreal and disturbing landscapes shaped by Stargher’s twisted psyche. The striking visual imagery and the deep exploration of a killer’s disturbed mind make The Cell a uniquely unsettling and memorable film.
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11. Night of the Hunter (1955)
We kick things off with Night of the Hunter, a film where Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) preaches with one hand and murders with the other. This sinister preacher marries widows, kills them for their money, and then hunts down his latest target’s children for the hidden loot. Powell’s chilling calm and religious fanaticism create an atmosphere of pure dread, making this classic a must-watch for any horror aficionado.
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10. Peeping Tom (1960)
Ahead of its time in psychological horror, Peeping Tom dives into the life of Mark Lewis (Carl Boehm), a disturbed young man who films his murders to capture his victims’ fear. This pioneering film offers a voyeuristic glimpse into a killer’s psyche, exploring trauma and obsession in ways that remain deeply unsettling. It’s a harrowing journey that cements its place among the most disturbing serial killer movies ever made, plus, it has a meta twist.
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9. Man Bites Dog (1992)
Blurring the lines between horror and dark comedy, Man Bites Dog is a Belgian mockumentary that follows a film crew documenting the daily life of Ben (Benoît Poelvoorde), a charismatic yet horrifying serial killer. The crew’s increasing complicity in Ben’s brutal crimes leads to shocking scenes that are as disturbing as they are thought-provoking. This film’s raw, unflinching portrayal of violence and its chilling commentary on media sensationalism ensure it a spot on our list.
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8. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
The Poughkeepsie Tapes is a pseudo-documentary that elevates found footage horror to a new level of terror. When hundreds of tapes showing decades of a serial killer’s work are discovered, the FBI and the victims’ families are plunged into a nightmarish reality. The film’s realistic presentation and the killer’s meticulous documentation of his crimes make it profoundly disturbing. It’s a haunting exploration of pure evil that will have more than a few people clicking ‘stop’ before the credits.
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7. The House That Jack Built (2018)
Directed by Lars von Trier, The House That Jack Built delves deep into the mind of Jack (Matt Dillon), a highly intelligent serial killer. Over 12 years, Jack recounts his development as a murderer, presenting his gruesome deeds as works of art. The film’s explicit violence and philosophical musings on the nature of evil push the boundaries of what’s tolerable, making it one of the most disturbing serial killer movies ever made.
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