Netflix subscribers seem to appreciate serial killer films. This type of film, often combining fiction and reality, is finding an increasing place on the streaming service. What are the reasons for this? What are the most popular titles on Netflix? Alucare.fr brings you a list of must-see serial killer movies!
TOP 14 must-see serial killer movies on Netflix!
If you like watching movies that hook you from start to finish and aren't overly sensitive to violence in different forms, you'll enjoy serial killer series available on Netflix, such as the following:
Number 1: The snake
The film tells the story of a certain Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim), a criminal who was once a thief, then became a killer. "Le Serpent", the title of the series, is none other than Sobhraj's psychopathic nickname. He took the lives of a dozen young people while they were visiting Southeast Asia in the 1970s.
In 1976, this serial killer commits his crimes in Bangkokwhere he lives as a gem dealer under the name Alain Gautier. At his side is Monique (Jenna Coleman), both discreet and fearful.
This series found uremarkable success thanks to successful direction. Both the period setting and the casting are well mastered.
Number 2: Inside the Criminal Mind
It's a documentary series that answers many of the questions most curious people have about the lives of certain criminals, including the reasons that led them to become criminals.
For example, this series features a team of FBI criminologists explaining why some people became serial killers. She also talks about the kidnappers, more specifically how they carry out their plan with some examples of crimes committed by some kidnappers from the United States. A chapter on cults and everything related to mafia bosses like Al Capone, Pablo Escobar, or El "Chapo" Guzman, is also available in this documentary film.
Number 3: The Pale Blue Eye
Directed by Scott Cooper, this mystery thriller is set in the 1830s. The film depicts the struggles of the old detective Augustus Landau, who is investigating the murder of a West Point cadet. To solve the mystery, he enlists the help of a young man named Edgar Allan Poe. The pale Bue Eye, with its well-crafted detective story, is a delight, especially for those interested in historical detective fiction!
With such a well-executed plot twist, when the true identity of the serial killer was revealed, viewers were shocked. The cast included Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Robert Duvall and Toby Jones, make the film attractive. And even though the film is two hours long, the story is well worth it!
Number 4: Mindhunter
Mindhunter is directed by David Fincher with multiple episodes in two seasons that Netflix subscribers liked.
This series was released in 2017, revealing the minds of serial killers through the story of the FBI team led by Holden Ford (Jonathan) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv). In the USA, this team travels from prison to prison to talk to people who have committed crimes. gruesome crimes to understand their motivations for becoming notorious criminals.
In their adventures, the members of the FBI meet, among others, David Berkowitz, who said that it was his neighbor's dog who ordered him to carry out his crimes; Jerry Brudos, who explains to them the fetishes of killers; Charles Manson, a criminal known for his murders of Hollywood stars as well as his sect; and Ed Kemper who is unashamed by boasting about his crimes.
Number 5: Conversations with a Killer
This is a documentary mini-series with four episodes of more than 50 minutes each about Ted Bundy. Among America's most famous serial killers is Ted Bundy, who committed 30 crimes in the 1970s. First he denied them, but then he finally admitted them.
This series allows you to know Bundy's ulterior motivewith archive footage, interviews and audio recordings.
Number 6: Don't F**k with Cats: an all-too-viral killer
This documentary series tells the story of a cat killer. Not all the murders committed in serial killer films involve people. However, this docu-series will surely disgust animalists even if it doesn't show explicit images of animal mistreatment.
A young Canadian man mistreats kittens by mutilating them, then posts videos of what he does to them on the Internet. This is when a cyber-investigation is set up by two ordinary people named John Green and Deanna Thompson. The former is from Los Angeles, the latter from Las Vegas. They both have the same goal, which is to to catch the cat killer. The documentary focuses on their investigation while denouncing human cruelty to animals.
Number 7: The good Nurse
Inspired by the true story of nurse Charles Cullen, The Good Nurse stars Jessica Chastain as a nurse named Amy Loughren who is suspicious of his colleague Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), especially when several patients die under his care. His mission is to uncover the truth and find out why.to stop this serial killer nurse.
An appealing and frightening story that is well executed thanks to the outstanding performances of Chastain and Redmayne. The cinematography uses long, lingering shots to bring realism to the film. If you're a fan of dark plots and slow builds, then The Good Nurse is for you!
Number 8: The night stalker
With the subtitle "In Search of a Killer", this Netflix film brings to the screen the story of one of the best-known serial killers in the USA in the 1980s, none other than the notorious Richard Ramirez, dubbed "The Night Stalker" by the media. The latter terrorized the city of Los Angeles, breaking into people's homes at night to rob, rape, abduct children and even kill. The local police, including two members of the homicide department, detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno, set out in pursuit, and it took months and months.
With four episodes, this documentary series is captivating, allowing viewers to understand how an investigation into a fearsome psychopath unfolds like the Night Stalker.
Issue no. 9: From sport to murder: inside the mind of Aaron Hernandez
This documentary film, divided into 3 chapters, brings to the screen a killer by the name of Aaron Hernandez, who hid his horrific crimes behind the façade of a soccer player. We're not talking about a serial killer here, but about a homosexual who hid to preserve a good image to his fans and family.
He was an athlete revered by soccer fans and had multi-million dollar contracts in the NFL until the revelation of the gruesome crimes in which he was involved.
Number 10: I am a Killer
Its third season was released on Netflix on August 30, 2022. The series features a dozen murderers sentenced. The documentary was made so that the criminals could have a personal conversation, telling their stories and the crimes they have committed. Some of them deny their crimes, while others say theirs are linked to satanic rites.
Number 11: Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Released in 2019, ExtremelyWicked, ShockinglyEvil and Vile has fascinated a large number of viewers. It's the story of a killer named Bundy, played by Zac Efron. A certain Liz, a single mother, is in love of him and refuses to believe he's a high-level psychopath.
If you want to know more about Bundy who is both a rapist and a handsome-faced serial killer, you absolutely have to watch this movie.
Number 12: Creep
A horror film revolving around a freelance videographer who comes to Joseph's cabin to document his life. At first, everything seems normal, but as time goes by, Aaron notices Joseph's behavior and becomes increasingly suspicious of him. As the plot progresses, the viewer is drawn into the story. questions the true nature of the characters and the borders between reality and fiction.
Relying on psychological discomfort rather than bloody or jump scares to convey horror, Creep is considered an example of how found footage can work. Actors include Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass.
Number 13: The babysitter
One of the director's best but most underrated films. How is the film different? There's a balance between horror, humor and also the tones of coming-of-age. And if there's one film that has won over audiences, it's this one, and that alone makes it important. Cast includes Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell, Hana Mae Lee, Bella Thorne...
The film recalls the R-Rated version of Home AloneBut instead of facing the thieves alone, the kid ends up with a babysitter who's part of a very special team. This team involves a group of youngsters who regularly take part in sacrifices and rituals. And do you know who's next on the chopping block?
Number 14: Hannibal
LecterHannibal (Anthony Hopkins), both a psychiatrist and a serial killeris frightening and unscrupulous. He's also a cannibalistic psychopath, famously portrayed in the 90s film "The Silence of the Lambs". The sequel, "Hannibal", was released in 2001 under the direction of Ridley Scott, in which Lecter lives in Florence, Italy, and carries out his macabre crimes under the pseudonym of Dr. Fell.
A millionaire by the name of Mason Verger (Gary Oldman) who is none other than one of his victims, has put a spoke in his wheels. This one concocted a plan to catch Lecter in order to get revenge by torturing him. Next to it is Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore), an FBI agent who has a special relationship with Lecter, staying on his trail.
Why do we like serial killer movies?
Killer movies often tell very violent and brutal stories, disturbing enough to tickle our curiosity that we can't help but watch to see how it all ends. Sometimes, we even get hooked on them, because in a way they give us an insight into the diabolical plans of the worst criminals, and how hard it is to catch them.
These films highlight the daily horrors that everyone may face at some point in their lives. They give us an insight into why some people become serial killers, of play detective, or penser to a means of thwarting the plans killers before they carry them out. It's a bit insane, but that's what really happens when you watch this kind of film.
Netflix offers many stories of serial killers and crime in its documentary section, but also in its fictional thriller section. However, if you want to explore other possibilities for this year, be sure to check out the most anticipated series on Netflix for your other movie nights!
