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It’s a peculiar observation, but many people are captivated by serial killers, driven by various reasons that lead them to delve into the psychology of these criminals. This unsettling interest mirrors our innate curiosity about mortality and the eerie precision with which someone can end another person’s life. Whether based on real-life cases or inspired by them, movies within the serial killer genre will always find an audience.
Updated as of October 21, 2023: Are you in search of a thrilling movie to watch this Halloween? This article has been revised to include lesser-known gems that are well worth your attention.
These films primarily belong to a subgenre within the horror-thriller category. While well-known classics like David Fincher’s “Seven” and “Zodiac” as well as iconic slasher films like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and “Psycho” readily come to mind, there are still numerous hidden gems that deserve recognition. Here, we present 10 of the most underappreciated serial killer films of all time.
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The 10 Most Underrated Serial Killer Movies of All Time
The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
The trailer for “The Poughkeepsie Tapes” is deeply unsettling. In this film, a gruesome discovery is made when ten bodies are found in a Poughkeepsie, New York, residence. Alongside these horrifying murders, the police stumble upon a collection of 800 tapes, all filmed by the killer himself as he carried out heinous acts on his victims. Blending elements of found footage and the mockumentary genre, the movie occasionally blurs the line between fiction and reality. While some of the interview scenes may not feature the strongest acting performances, the footage from the discovered tapes can at times resemble a snuff film.
What added to the film’s notoriety was the fact that it wasn’t released when originally planned, which only heightened the sense of danger and potential controversy surrounding it. “The Poughkeepsie Tapes” is undoubtedly a film that challenges viewers to watch it. It never fully crosses certain boundaries but does come quite close.
Sisters (1972)
“Sisters,” one of Brian De Palma’s early directorial works, showcases his natural talent for the genre. The film revolves around a journalist, Jennifer Salt, who witnesses her neighbor committing a murder and reports it to the police. However, she faces doubt from the authorities and the suspect, Margot Kidder. The movie is filled with surprising plot twists that will leave you questioning what’s real. “Sisters” pays tribute to Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic films, but it also establishes itself as a gripping cult classic with its own unique suspenseful atmosphere.
Road Games (1981)
The film Road Games unfolds in the Australian outback and effectively captures the atmospheric essence of its setting. The protagonist, Pat Quid, portrayed by Stacy Keach, is an American truck driver who becomes suspicious of the driver of a mysterious green van during one of his jobs. He begins to suspect that this driver is committing murders of young women along the same route. Quid encounters a hitchhiker named Pamela, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, who later goes missing, leading to a race against time to rescue her.
Road Games maintains an element of suspense without delving into full-blown horror. Stacy Keach infuses his character with a carefree, almost comedic touch, while Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Pamela doesn’t conform to the typical damsel in distress role. As a result, the film has garnered appreciation from genre enthusiasts and holds a revered place in their collection.
Frailty (2001)
Frailty, Bill Paxton’s directorial debut, is an unforgettable gothic tale filled with dark and intricate twists. In this chilling film, Paxton also stars as a man who believes he receives divine instructions to eliminate individuals he deems as demons, an unsettling concept made even more disturbing by the fact that he enlists his two sons to assist him in these gruesome acts. While the movie may not rely on graphic violence, it excels in delivering psychological horror and capitalizes on the suspense of its time.
While some of the plot twists and surprise endings may have been seen as clichéd during its initial release, Frailty has since gained recognition as a cult classic, with viewers appreciating its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.
The Snowtown Murders (2011)
“The Snowtown Murders” is a harrowing depiction of the real-life ‘bodies in barrels murders’ that occurred in southern Australia during the 1990s. The majority of the cast consists of relatively unknown actors, which enhances the authenticity of their performances, leaving a chilling impact on the audience. Daniel Henshall leads the cast, portraying a ruthless predator who involves his girlfriend’s son in a series of violent crimes. The film’s gritty atmosphere is heightened by its documentary-style approach at times. It serves as another example of the exceptional crime films produced by Australian filmmakers.
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Deep Red (1975)
A list of serial killer films wouldn’t be complete without including an Italian Giallo film, and if you’re looking for an entry point into Dario Argento’s filmography, “Suspiria” and “Deep Red” are both excellent choices. “Deep Red” follows a musician’s quest to solve the murder of a psychic whose lifeless body he stumbles upon. It serves as a fantastic introduction to the Italian murder mystery films that were prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, and it stands out as one of Argento’s most impressive works.
In this film, you can see Argento’s full range of directorial skills on full display, including gory set pieces, innovative camera work, and an engaging soundtrack. “Deep Red” is like a time capsule, offering a suspenseful experience that culminates in surprising twists and a considerable amount of bloodshed. And let’s not overlook the eerie presence of the unsettling doll in the movie.
The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
Released in 2018, The Clovehitch Killer gained popularity on streaming platforms during the pandemic. The film follows the story of Tyler, portrayed by Charlie Plummer, a teenager raised in a religious family who stumbles upon unsettling evidence that could shatter their world. He uncovers disturbing images in his father Don’s possession, which link him to the murders of 13 girls a decade earlier. Dylan McDermott delivers a noteworthy performance as Don, a departure from his usual roles, and it fits the film exceptionally well. The Clovehitch Killer stands out as a unique entry in the serial killer movie genre, intertwining themes of innocence lost in its young protagonist and elements of a coming-of-age drama.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
You could make the case that “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” stands out as one of the most unsettling movies ever made. However, it’s not just gratuitous violence; there’s a deliberate approach to its disturbing nature. In its brief 83-minute duration, the film takes a patient and deliberate approach, avoiding the typical quick and easy kills you might expect from its main character, Henry (played by Michael Rooker). Each of Henry’s horrifying actions is portrayed methodically and right in front of the audience, creating a grimy, unsettling atmosphere akin to how a snuff film might affect you. Strangely, it never crosses into exploitative territory.
M (1931)
Shortly after releasing “Metropolis,” Fritz Lang provided the foundational template for the serial killer genre in 1931 with “M.” This film centers on a citywide pursuit to capture a man who abducts and kills children. What makes “M” fascinating is that it portrays both the police and organized crime as they join forces to apprehend the murderer. During an era when cinema was still in its infancy, “M” emerged as a significant reference point. Nearly a century later, this film continues to influence a multitude of serial killer movies, serving as a cornerstone for the genre.
Manhunter (1986)
Five years prior to Jonathan Demme directing “The Silence of the Lambs” and Anthony Hopkins assuming the role of Hannibal Lecter, there was another film called “Manhunter.” Directed by Michael Mann and based on Thomas Harris’ novel “Red Dragon,” it featured Brian Cox as a character spelled “Lecktor” and William Peterson as Will Graham, an FBI profiler who comes out of retirement to hunt down a serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy. In the typical narrative formula, Lecktor assists Graham in capturing the killer.
Initially, “Manhunter” received mixed reviews and struggled to emerge from the shadow of the later Hannibal Lecter films, including the 2002 adaptation of the same source material, “Red Dragon.” However, over time, it gained recognition as a cult film and became an esteemed part of director Michael Mann’s body of work.
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