19 serial killer movies you must watch before Scream 7 hits theatres

Serial Killer movies are one of the most sought-after genres to watch as they are filled with thrilling plotlines and intricacies. Viewers enjoy the chase and the eventual win of the good over evil which these movies inherently portray. The exploration of the psychology of a killer, their insatiable urge to kill, and the meticulous investigation works that go to solve the cases have captivated the viewers. So let's talk about 19 serial killer movies you must watch before Scream 7 hits theatres.

1) The Snowman (2017)

The movie tells the story of a detective named Harry Hole who investigates the case of the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around a snowman. Hole navigates through the investigation as the number of dead bodies increases with each murder having a disturbingly similar pattern to the other. The pacing of this movie along with a thick storyline which is filled with suspense can be a great option to watch before the release of Scream 7.

2) Don’t Move (2024)

Adam Schindler’s Don’t Move is a tense and thrilling movie that tells the story of a woman named Iris whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a serial killer who injects her with a paralytic agent. The movie masterfully adds tensions as her paralysis worsens. This is also a great option for serial killer movies.

3) The Killer (2023)

The Killer directed by David Fincher is a neo-noir action thriller that tells the story of a highly skilled hitman who lives with a strict code and has cold precision. When one of his missions goes awry a chain of events takes place putting him in the crossfire of powerful and dangerous people. This provides a distinct overview, unlike other serial killer movies.

4) The Pale Blue Eyes 2022

This movie is based on Louis Bayard’s 2006 novel of the same name and tells the story of Augustus Landor, a seasoned detective who investigates the incident of a cadet’s death whose heart has been meticulously removed. Landor and Edgar uncover truths and delve into the dark corners of the academy. The movie has a dark and brooding atmosphere which creates a perfect setting for it.

5) Memories Of Murder: The Nilsen Tapes (2021)

Memories Of Murder: The Nilsen Tapes is a chilling documentary that tells the story of the British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. It offers a gruesome and disturbing glimpse into the evil through Nilsen’s own words. Audio tapes have been used which included the investigation, survivors, journalists who covered it, and the family members of the victims as well. The movie provided unfiltered access to the mind of a serial killer.

6) Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

The movie provides a unique angle on the life of the serial killer Ted Bundy who was one of the most nefarious serial killers of all time. Through Ted Bundy’s relationship with his longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall along with the gruesome murders that he committed the movie delves into it all. We see Ted Bundy’s life through the eyes of Elizabeth who was unaware of his dark side. This movie is a great watch as it provides the exploration of manipulation and deception.

7) Lost Girls (2020)

The movie Lost Girls is based on the story of one of the most notorious serial killers to have ever existed known by the name of Long Island Serial Killer. This is a tragic and gruesome movie. When Mari Gilbert gets frustrated by the lack of efforts from the police on finding her daughter she starts to investigate herself which leads her to uncover a string of unsolved murders of young female sex workers. The movie transcends the typical type of genre of serial killer movies.

8) The Women and the Murderer (2021)

The Women An The Murderer is a French documentary film that tells the story of the serial killer Guy Georges who terrorized women in the 1990s. The movie is told from the perspective of the victim’s families who tirelessly reconstructed the investigation. It also highlights the initial missteps along with the journey of uncovering the truth about Georges. The movie provides a detailed account of the investigation to find the culprit. The movie is a compelling documentary that focuses on the victim's families.

9) Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

The movie Luther: The Fallen Sun tells the story of a detective named John Luther. Luther is imprisoned and haunted by his past. However, when a serial killer terrorizes London, John breaks out of prison to bring justice to the victims. Idris Elba portrays the role of John Luther and perfectly captures the essence of the role according to the viewers. This is a good serial killer movie that is thrilling and suspenseful and can be watched before the release of Scream 7.

10) In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

The Shadow Of The Moon tells the story of Thomas Lockhart who after becoming a detective faces the serial killer who terrorized the city with murders nine years ago. The serial killer in this movie is driven by an urge to prevent a catastrophic future. The role of Thomas is portrayed by Boyd Holbrook who captures the nuanced struggle the character faces during the investigation. The movie is filled with unexpected plot twists which keeps the viewers guessing. The viewers have also enjoyed the movie's thought-provoking storyline.

11) Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer is a chilling and disturbing movie that tells the story of a serial killer named Henry who travels across America and commits brutal murders. The movie is based on the real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. The movie does not follow a traditional narrative structure. It portrays the unflinching depiction of violence which is gruesome. The movie is known for its depiction of raw and unglamorous realism which is disturbing but also a great movie that can be watched.

12) Memories of Murder (2003)

Memories Of Murder is a depiction of the dark realities of crime. Two detectives, Park Doo-man and Seo Tae-yoon struggle to solve the case of a serial killer who is terrorizing the community's peace. Each of the detectives has a unique way of approaching the case. While one forces out false confessions the other tries to understand the psyche of the killer and his motives. The hurdles that these two detectives face along with the public pressure is a stark depiction of realism.

13) I Saw the Devil (2010)

I Saw The Devil is not a traditional serial killer movie but more of a revenge thriller. It tells the story of Kang-chul, a serial killer, who murders the fiance of a special agent. As the agent tracks down the whereabouts of the killer he becomes as monstrous as the killer himself. The viewers have enjoyed the unique point of view that this movie provides.

14) The Chase (2017)

The Chase is a South Korean thriller movie that tells the story of Shim Deok-su who is a harsh landlord who when visits his apartments finds out two of his tenants have been brutally murdered. Another of his tenants who is a former police officer decides to investigate the case. The movie is a gripping story with the themes of justice and revenge.

15) Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a gripping thriller movie that tells the story of a group of friends who are struggling to protect themselves from the infamous Chainsaw-wielding killer who goes by the name of Leatherface. The movie provides a terrifying and suspenseful experience that the viewers have enjoyed.

16) Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)

Twin Murders: The Silence Of The White City tells the story of an inspector who after returning from a tragedy is faced with the investigation of a series of ritualistic murders which also resemble the case he investigated 20 years ago. The murders are connected with the past and is a gripping story which revolves around the themes of identity and vengeance.

17) The Good Nurse (2022)

The Good Nurse is based on the true story of Charles Cullen who has committed the murder of multiple patients over a span of 16 years. The devastating truth about the murders eventually comes out after the investigation by Amy who is also a nurse and friend of Charles Cullen. The courage that Amy shows has resonated with the viewers.

18) Longlegs (2024)

Longlegs tells the story of FBI agent Lee Harker who gets entangled with the investigation of an elusive serial killer whose killings are left with cryptic clues and evidence of occult practices. The movie delves into the themes of good vs. evil and the fear of the unknown and uncanny.

19) American Psycho (2000)

This cult classic movie delves into the story of an investment banker who leads a double life. On one hand, he is the epitome of success while on the other he harbours a dark and gruesome secret which are filled with disturbing acts of torture and murder. The movie has a lasting impact on the viewers and has been widely analyzed.