Watching a great thriller movie is a unique experience that gives us goosebumps and keeps us on the edge of our seats. Whether you're a horror aficionado or not, the anticipation of a serial killer jumping out from behind a door can send shivers down your spine.
What's even more terrifying is the realization that some of these scenes and stories, no matter how gruesome or morally corrupt, are based on real events. As much as we'd like to think of them as pure fiction, the most heinous villains in movies are often inspired by real-life people and events. You'll experience the fear, the terror, and the adrenaline rush that comes with living on the edge of society.
So, if you're ready to experience the thrill of true crime, we've curated a list of the best serial killer movies based on real stories. Get ready to immerse yourself in the twisted minds of some of the most notorious criminals in history. Beware, these films are not for the faint of heart.
In 2006, Brian De Palma directed a film based on the true events surrounding the Black Dahlia murder. The movie follows two LAPD detectives who become obsessed with the case. But despite having approximately 150 suspects, the identity of the killer remains a mystery to this day. Although the film was a major box office flop and received negative reviews from critics, it is an underrated gem in De Palma's filmography.
There have been numerous movies based on Ramirez's heinous crimes, but one of the best is the 2016 film The Night Stalker starring Lou Diamond Philips. The movie's plot revolves around a lawyer's attempt to exonerate her client from death row. She is convinced that Richard Ramirez is the true killer and works to persuade him to confess to the truth.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, released in 1974, centers around a family of cannibals who hunt a group of college students. The most terrifying of them all is Leatherface, a violent killer inspired by Gein. Leatherface quickly became an iconic horror p and helped launch a successful franchise after the success of the first film.
Dee Dee would shave her daughter's head regularly to imitate the side effects of chemotherapy and took advantage of various charities, including Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House. The documentary uncovers the twisted and shocking truth behind this heartbreaking case.
Quentin Tarantino's 2019 crime thriller Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood depicts a fictionalized version of the Tate murders, following an out-of-work actor and his stunt double in late 1960s Los Angeles. Margot Robbie portrays Sharon Tate in the movie.
The film, directed by Andrew Jarecki and starring Ryan Gosling, tells a fictionalized version of Durst's story. In 2021, Durst was finally convicted and received a life sentence. But he passed away in prison in January 2022 before facing charges related to McCormack's death.
Dahmer was eventually convicted and sentenced to prison, where he was murdered by a fellow inmate in 1994. The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Blackdert, and it ends before Dahmer's killing spree began in 1978.
The film received critical acclaim for exposing overlooked or suppressed evidence in the trial and helped raise awareness of the case. The success of the documentary led to two sequels, "Paradise Lost 2: Revelations" and "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory." All three of the convicted men were released from prison in 2011 after serving 18 years behind bars.
Rolling murdered five college students over four days in 1990, including committing several rapes in the 80s. He admitted to killing eight people in total, as well as attempting to kill his father and a triple homicide in his hometown. He was convicted in 1994 and executed by lethal injection. The murders and their aftermath were the basis for writer Kevin Williamson's screenplay for Scream. This started one of the most successful horror franchises.
Wuornos claimed she shot the men in self-defense when they sexually assaulted or attempted to rape her. In addition to murder, she robbed her victims as well. Wuornos spent 12 years on death row before her execution by lethal injection on October 9, 1992. Critics consider Monster one of the best movies of 2003.
Bundy used his good looks, charm, and charisma to attract unsuspecting women. Eventually he confessed to killing 30 women between 1974 and 1978, although there may be more victims. He was executed in 1989.
The Zodiac Killer targeted young couples and a cab driver in Northern California between 1968 and 1969. He claimed to have killed 30 people. He also sent taunting letters and ciphers to the police and newspapers, but the case remains unsolved. Despite the letters stopping in 1974, the case continues to be a subject of public interest. Zodiac's true identity remains unknown. Fans and critics praised the movie as one of the best thriller movies ever.
What's even more terrifying is the realization that some of these scenes and stories, no matter how gruesome or morally corrupt, are based on real events. As much as we'd like to think of them as pure fiction, the most heinous villains in movies are often inspired by real-life people and events. You'll experience the fear, the terror, and the adrenaline rush that comes with living on the edge of society.
So, if you're ready to experience the thrill of true crime, we've curated a list of the best serial killer movies based on real stories. Get ready to immerse yourself in the twisted minds of some of the most notorious criminals in history. Beware, these films are not for the faint of heart.
#12 The Black Dahlia (2006)
Source: IMDb
In 2006, Brian De Palma directed a film based on the true events surrounding the Black Dahlia murder. The movie follows two LAPD detectives who become obsessed with the case. But despite having approximately 150 suspects, the identity of the killer remains a mystery to this day. Although the film was a major box office flop and received negative reviews from critics, it is an underrated gem in De Palma's filmography.
#11 The Night Stalker (2016)
Source: Plex
There have been numerous movies based on Ramirez's heinous crimes, but one of the best is the 2016 film The Night Stalker starring Lou Diamond Philips. The movie's plot revolves around a lawyer's attempt to exonerate her client from death row. She is convinced that Richard Ramirez is the true killer and works to persuade him to confess to the truth.
#10 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Source: IMDb
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, released in 1974, centers around a family of cannibals who hunt a group of college students. The most terrifying of them all is Leatherface, a violent killer inspired by Gein. Leatherface quickly became an iconic horror p and helped launch a successful franchise after the success of the first film.
#9 Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017)
Source: HBO
Dee Dee would shave her daughter's head regularly to imitate the side effects of chemotherapy and took advantage of various charities, including Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House. The documentary uncovers the twisted and shocking truth behind this heartbreaking case.
#8 Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood (2019)
Source: IMDb
Quentin Tarantino's 2019 crime thriller Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood depicts a fictionalized version of the Tate murders, following an out-of-work actor and his stunt double in late 1960s Los Angeles. Margot Robbie portrays Sharon Tate in the movie.
#7 All Good Things (2010)
Source: Netflix
The film, directed by Andrew Jarecki and starring Ryan Gosling, tells a fictionalized version of Durst's story. In 2021, Durst was finally convicted and received a life sentence. But he passed away in prison in January 2022 before facing charges related to McCormack's death.
#6 My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Source: IMDb
Dahmer was eventually convicted and sentenced to prison, where he was murdered by a fellow inmate in 1994. The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Blackdert, and it ends before Dahmer's killing spree began in 1978.
#5 Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996)
Source: The Movie Database
The film received critical acclaim for exposing overlooked or suppressed evidence in the trial and helped raise awareness of the case. The success of the documentary led to two sequels, "Paradise Lost 2: Revelations" and "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory." All three of the convicted men were released from prison in 2011 after serving 18 years behind bars.
#4 Scream (1996)
Source: IMDb
Rolling murdered five college students over four days in 1990, including committing several rapes in the 80s. He admitted to killing eight people in total, as well as attempting to kill his father and a triple homicide in his hometown. He was convicted in 1994 and executed by lethal injection. The murders and their aftermath were the basis for writer Kevin Williamson's screenplay for Scream. This started one of the most successful horror franchises.
#3 Monster (2003)
Source: IMDb
Wuornos claimed she shot the men in self-defense when they sexually assaulted or attempted to rape her. In addition to murder, she robbed her victims as well. Wuornos spent 12 years on death row before her execution by lethal injection on October 9, 1992. Critics consider Monster one of the best movies of 2003.
#2 Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)
Source: Netflix
Bundy used his good looks, charm, and charisma to attract unsuspecting women. Eventually he confessed to killing 30 women between 1974 and 1978, although there may be more victims. He was executed in 1989.
#1 Zodiac (2007)
Source: The Movie Database
The Zodiac Killer targeted young couples and a cab driver in Northern California between 1968 and 1969. He claimed to have killed 30 people. He also sent taunting letters and ciphers to the police and newspapers, but the case remains unsolved. Despite the letters stopping in 1974, the case continues to be a subject of public interest. Zodiac's true identity remains unknown. Fans and critics praised the movie as one of the best thriller movies ever.