What, in the natural world, is more frightening than a serial killer?
A terrestrial being born like anyone else, dedicated to predation like Mozart to the harpsichord.
The fright and fascination they instill have made them a prime subject for study and dramatization.
Classic serial killer flicks likeWilliam LustigsManiac, orJonathan DemmesSilence of the Lambsdemonstrate the versatility of the subject matter.
Here are 25 of the best and bloodiest serial killer movies on the plus side of 1960.
Its a comedic, bloody dissection of buttoned-up, toxic masculinity channeled through Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale).
Image via Lions Gate Films
Oddity begets curiosity, and Tyler (Plummer) begins passively encouraging investigating his father alongside a newfound friend.
Where plenty of serial killer films delight in blood and mayhem,Clovehitchrevels in the tension of suspicion.
Dads behavior and secrets conflict, upending Tylers perception of the man he loves.
Image via IFC Midnight
It dives into the setup quickly.
Joseph (Duplass) is at once weird, tender, and kind.
His optimism and outlook make him endearing, soothing the fear from his bizarro vibes.
Image via The Orchard
Its an excellent sequel as it evolves the character viewers met inCreepwhile introducing new ideas and people.
LikeCreep,Creep 2is a found footage-style film.
Sara documents her interaction with a stranger she met through the internet for her web series, Encounters.
Image via The Orchard
It poses interesting questions like, what would a serial killer experiencing a midlife crisis be like?
How would they, more than likely he, cope or adjust?
Its a murder mystery where bodies begin to stack up from beginning to end.
Part slasher, part serial killer film, part whodunit,Deep Redsprawls effortlessly across subgenres.
Strong framing and blocking cut up the screen between the killer slicing up bodies.
Theres beauty in the depth and visual lines achieved through the cinematography and movement of each scene.
Image via Lionsgate
Goblin joins Argento again to provide some original music to the picture.
The soundtrack overall is quite funky, with rhythmic and horn sections evocative ofDavid HolmesOceansseries soundtrack.
Its bloody, violent, and diligent in its continuity while creating a thrilling, striking serial killer picture.
Image via Universal
Its a western meets 70s style grindhouse cinema.
Otis and Baby feel like predators anyone could happen across on a string of bad luck.
Years later, he escapes confinement for a night of debauchery.
Image via Greycat Films
Its cinematic and scary, the atmosphere thickened by the foreboding soundtrack.
The world is cruel, and Henry (Michael Rooker) makes it even worse.
The morbid documentation they keep makes the duoas disturbing as any murderer, fictional or real.
Image via Lions Gate Films
The frivolity of the torture the Firefly gang inflicts at will is outright disturbing.
The unpredictable editing assaults the viewer with monologues and depictions of the dead.
Bodies, and their parts, litter the film like leftover takeout.
Image via IFC Films
Its so over-the-top, its inconceivable.
Its introspective and violent, dark and comedicit shares a lot in common with the strengths ofAmerican Psycho.
The graphic violence is often offset by black comedy, but the movie is messed up.
Men, women, children, no one is safe from Jacks lethal appetites.
