One thing that astounds us about serial killers is their schemes – and the fact that human beings are capable of such things startles us. However, understanding the mental state behind a sequence of cold-blooded killings is intriguing and has its own fan base. The thrill is heightened by the reality that many films depicting such incidents are based on true-life events.
Conceivably, Psycho (1960) is considered the most iconic serial killer movie of all time, perfectly depicting the mayhem of a deceptive madman. In comparison, as technology progressed, acting and cinematic production became more lifelike, and violence standards improved. If these stories appeal to you, here are the 10 best serial-killer movies on Disney Plus to watch.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Freaky
Director: Christopher Landon
Writer: Michael Kennedy, Christopher Landon
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton, Celeste O’Connor
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Runtime: 1 hr. 42 mins
This comedy slasher was premiered in the US on September 30, 2020, with positive reviews. The audience praised Vaughn and Newton’s performances and the film’s clever blending of humor and fright.
Its story is about a young girl and a middle-aged serial killer who swap bodies accidentally. The plot is that she discovers that if they don’t trade it back in 24 hours, the result will be permanent.
Image Courtesy: The Guardian
Hannibal
Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Thomas Harris, David Mamet, Steven Zaillian
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Runtime: 2hrs. 11mins
It is an American psychological crime thriller movie modeled on Thomas Harris’s 1999 novel of the same name. It was much hyped and smashed box office statistics in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The film grossed $351.6 million through its theatrical span.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter, now residing in exile, attempts to make amends with now-disgraced F.B.I. Agent Clarice Starling. But he finds himself the target of a strong victim’s vengeance.
Image Courtesy: Empire
The Hills Have Eyes
Director: Alexandre Aja
Writer: Wes Craven, Alexandre Aja, Grégory Levasseur
Cast: Ted Levine, Kathleen Quinlan, Dan Byrd
IMDb Rating: 6.4
Runtime: 1hr. 47mins
A recreation of Wes Craven’s 1977 horror film of the same name, The Hills Have Eyes, is an American production from 2006. The film earned $15.5 million in its opening weekend and a total of $70 million globally against a $15 million budget.
A wandering family is attacked by a horde of mutant barbarians in a desert far from civilization.
Image Courtesy: Empire
The Killing
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Writer: Stanley Kubrick, Jim Thompson, Lionel White
Cast: Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Runtime: 1hr. 24mins
The Killing is an American film that premiered on May 19, 1956. It received mixed reviews garnering the nomination for BAFTA Film Award for Best Film from any Source.
Crook Johnny Clay gathers a five-person crew to plot and carries out a daring racetrack theft.
Image Courtesy: GeekTyrant
Unbreakable
Director: Mae Czarina Cruz
Writer: Vanessa R. Valdez, Mae Czarina Cruz, Kris Ann de la Peña
Cast: Angelica Panganiban, Bea Alonzo, Richard Gutierrez
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Runtime: 1hr. 59mins
The Unbreakable franchise began with the 2000 release of the American superhero thriller Unbreakable. It received a majority of positive reviews and gained a strong cult following. The movie took home the Golden Trailer Award for Best Horror/Thriller.
A man finds something remarkable about himself following a horrific catastrophe.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Joy Ride
Director: John Dahl
Writer: Clay Tarver, J.J. Abrams
Cast: Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, Leelee Sobieski
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Runtime: 1hr. 37mins
Joy Ride is a road thriller film that premiered on October 5, 2001, in the United States. The film got mostly positive reviews from reviewers and grossed more than $36.6 million. It even received a nomination for Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film.
Three young guys vacationing use their C.B. radio to communicate with a trucker who happens to be a psychotic murderer.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
From Hell
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Writer: Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell, Terry Hayes
Cast: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Runtime: 2 hrs. 2 mins
It’s a 2001 movie portraying a serial killer appears. From Hell is loosely based on the same-titled Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell visual novel about Jack the Ripper killings. The crowd had varied opinions of the movie, but they did praise Depp and Graham for their work.
An unsettling clairvoyant police officer investigates Jack the Ripper’s murders in Victorian-era London.
Image Courtesy: Bloody Disgusting
Copycat
Director: Jon Amiel
Writer: Ann Biderman, David Madsen
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Runtime: 2hrs. 3mins
It’s an American psychological thriller released in the U.S. on October 27, 1995. Copycat was a box office success making $79 million compared to its $20 million budget.
An agoraphobic doctor and a female inspector must collaborate to stop a serial killer who resembles previous murderers.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Summer of Sam
Director: Spike Lee
Writer: Spike Lee, Victor Colicchio, Michael Imperioli
Cast: John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Runtime: 2hrs. 22mins
It’s a 1999 American criminal thriller about the 1977 serial murders of David Berkowitz (Son of Sam). The film received favorable reviews from critics praising visuals and cast performance. Summer of Sam earned Golden Spike award for Best Film.
Spike Lee’s interpretation of the “Son of Sam” killings occurred in New York City throughout the summer of 1977. It focuses on the citizens of an Italian-American Northeast Bronx neighborhood who live in dread and hatred toward one another.
Image Courtesy: Empire
Natural Born Killers
Director: Oliver Stone
Writer: Quentin Tarantino, David Veloz, Richard Rutowski
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Tom Sizemore
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Runtime: 1hr. 59mins
It is an American crime film that premiered in the U.S. on August 26, 1994. It was a blockbuster hit, collecting $110 million to a $34 million production budget, but garnered mixed reviews. Some reviews liked the plot, acting, humor, and mix of conflict and romanticism, whereas others thought the picture was too violent.
Two sufferers of traumatic childhoods turn into lovers and psychotic killers who are unjustly praised by the press.
