Best Serial Killer Films to Watch on Netflix

The widespread popularity of serial killer films like Hannibal, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Saw, Halloween, and others demonstrate people’s fascination with tales centered around psychopathic killers and macabre narratives. While serial killer films may be sickening or disturbing, there is an undeniable allure in watching these deranged murderers systematically target their victims, even as they justify their actions with irrational reasons. It is not that viewers approve of their aberrant behaviors, but there is that certain intrigue that lies in observing these gruesome acts from the comfort of their own homes.

For those who love to indulge in these dark tales for the fear and excitement they evoke, Netflix has as excellent a selection of serial killer films as they do hit serial killer documentary miniseries. From knife-wielding, masked murderers to cults engaging in sacrifice, this streamer has a wide variety of grim killer flicks. Considering they’ve brought in folks like David Fincher to direct in-house serial killer movies, for some of the following entries Netflix is the only place viewers are going to find them.

Updated on Feb. 20th, 2024, by Ben Hathaway: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

15 The Babysitter (2017)

McG’s The Babysitter is one of that underrated director’s better films (though it’s still no Charlie’s Angels). What makes it stand out? For one, its balance of horror, comedy, and coming-of-age tones. Second…Samara Weaving. If any film revealed her likability early on to a wide audience, it was this one, and that alone makes it important.

An Oddly Lighthearted Take on a Serial Killer Cabal

The Babysitter is not unlike an R-rated version of Home Alone. It’s just that, instead of being left alone to face some burglars, this kid is left with a babysitter who’s part of a very particular team. Specifically, a team of young people who frequently engage in ritual sacrifice. And guess who’s next on the chopping block?

14 X (2022)

Taking place in 1979, X is both a respectful remembrance of the best slashers of the past and a trendsetter all its own. Ti West’s film is a dynamo, and the greater Jenna Ortega’s fame grows, the more devastating her character arc will become. In that is the key to X‘s effectiveness: It’s about the characters, not the scares.

The Best Slasher in Years

The cast is top-notch, at the very least comparable to the astuteness of West’s direction. But, it’s also an IP generator…even if, watching it, one sees X as more of a one-off than the middle chapter of a trilogy. Given that the equally-excellent Pearl is a prequel and MaXXXine will be a sequel, a middle chapter is exactly what it is. Another way of putting that is that Ti West toyed with franchise chronology in the horror genre as much as George Lucas toyed with the sci-fi genre by releasing the original Star Wars trilogy well before the prequel trilogy.

13 Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)

A crime film with a novel twist, Mrs. Serial Killer follows the wife of an alleged serial killer as she goes to extreme lengths for her husband. An Indian crime film that keeps up Netflix’s Bollywood partnership, it was produced by legendary Bollywood filmmaker, Farah Khan, and stars the popular Sri Lankan model and actress, Jacqueline Fernandez.

A Brilliantly Twisty Plot

Fernandez plays a woman named Sona who’s married to a doctor and pregnant with his child. With a serial killing murderer on the loose in the area, a police officer links the cases of six missing women to Sona’s husband. He’s arrested and the town’s people soon all lose respect and turn on him. Sona believes her husband is being framed by the officer since she once rejected his love In favor of her husband. In desperation to save her husband, the pair concoct a plan for Sona to murder another woman in the same manner as the serial killer while he’s in jail, effectively clearing his name.

12 There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)

Directed by Patrick Brice and based on the 2017 novel of the same by Stephanie Perkins, There’s Someone Inside Your House is a slasher film that follows a young girl, Makani Young, who moves from Hawaii to a quiet, small town in Nebraska to finish high school. However, she soon discovers that a masked killer is targeting her classmates, each harboring dark secrets. To avoid becoming the killer’s next victim, Makani Young must unveil the killer’s identity.

Comfortable Viewing for Slasher Fans

While this serial killer flick offers a thrilling high school horror experience, some may find it a repetition of other classic horror films. Despite its over-used storyline and predictability, it serves as a fun watch reminiscent of 90s films like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and others. Despite the negative reviews it has garnered, it is bound to entertain horror enthusiasts.

11 Holy Spider (2022)

Holy Spider deals with a female journalist from Tehran who arrives in the holy City of Mashad, Iran. She’s there to investigate a slew of murders, all of which feature female victims who were sex workers who plied their trade on the streets of the city. Taking her into the dark and seedy underbelly of the city, the film quickly unravels and moves in a disturbing direction. All the killings seem to follow a pattern, and it’s soon evident that the killer may believe he is doing God’s work by cleansing the world of sinners.

A Noteworthy Serial Killer Installment

Holy Spider had a run at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and was entered for the prestigious Palm d’Or prize. The film’s lead, Zar Amir Ebrahimi, won the Best Actress Award that year for her performance in the film. It’s a terrific movie driven by some exceptional performances,

10 Game Over (2019)

Through the story of Swapna, this psychological thriller explores the themes of trauma, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors. Directed by Ashwin Saravanan, it follows this video game programmer, Swapna who is constantly tormented by her fears. Her life takes a dark turn when a serial killer, known as the “Mask Killer” starts targeting women in her city.

A Unique Horror Flick

While Game Over has drawn comparisons to Happy Death Day due to certain similarities, it is an intriguing horror film in its own right. Despite the mixed reviews the film has received, it is definitely worth checking out on Netflix. It boasts of attention-grabbing cinematography intertwined with a suspenseful plot. It also works quite well as a dark and engaging home invasion thriller.

9 The Devil All the Time (2020)

Billed as a gothic psychological thriller, The Devil All the Time saw MCU superstar, Tom Holland, shed his wholesome Spider-Man image in spectacular fashion. Taking place after WWII, the film throws together a variety of complex characters in a small town besieged by killings and backward thinking that enables much of its own issues to persist.

A Solid Netflix Original

A terrific cast at its center, the film also featured Bill Skarsgård and Robert Pattinson, among others who all delivered some great performances to wrap the film in an air of tension, and a disturbing atmosphere. It was based on the debut novel of Donald Ray Pollock and expertly intertwines the past with people’s present to explore a dark psychological story of how secrets and desperation can collide with tragic consequences.

8 Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile follows the seemingly innocent romance between Liz (Lily Collins) and Ted (Zack Effron) while she remains unaware of the fact that he preys on young women. Efron delivers an exceptional performance, effortlessly portraying Ted’s charm and charisma, making it almost easy to fall under his spell. However, as the film progresses, the true nature of Bundy is gradually revealed, sending shivers down the spine of viewers.

Exploring the Sinister Life of Tedy Bundy

The film offers a fresh perspective on the story of the notorious American serial killer Ted Bundy through the eyes of his girlfriend and also focuses on the devastating impact his crimes had on those closest to him. This biographical drama is directed by Joe Berlinger and based on the 1981 book The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy by Elizabeth Kendall, Ted Bundy’s ex-girlfriend.

7 The Good Nurse (2022)

Based on the true story of nurse Charles Cullen, The Good Nurse stars Jessica Chastain as a nurse named Amy Loughren who grows suspicious of her colleague, Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), when dozens of patients unexpectedly die under his care. Now, it is left to Amy to uncover the truth and stop this serial killer nurse.

A Tense, Slow-Burn Drama

The Good Nurse is well-paced, delivering a chilling narrative that is expertly carried by the outstanding performances of Chastain and Redmayne. The cinematography is both captivating and creative, utilizing long lingering shots to enhance the authenticity of the story. It proves to be an engaging film for those who appreciate a slow build and a dark storyline. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the finest dark dramas available on Netflix.

6 Lost Girls (2020)

Lost Girls is a poignant film that sheds light on the overlooked victims of crimes and the tireless efforts of their loved ones to find them. Through the story of Mari Gilbert and the Long Island serial killer case, the film explores the theme of motherhood and exposes the shortcomings of the criminal justice system. Based on the true story of the Long Island serial killer case and adapted from the book of the same name by Robert Kolker, this drama thriller follows the journey of Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan) as she relentlessly searches for her missing daughter, frustrated by the police’s inaction.

A Grounded Serial Killer Story With a Human Edge

Lost Girls has been praised for its realism, passionate storytelling, and superb acting from its cast. It evokes deep empathy for the victim’s families as the story progresses. Standing out from the pack with its subdued drama that avoids sensationalizing its story, those seeking a fresh perspective on typical serial killer films will find it intriguing.

5 The Weekend Away (2022)

The Weekend Away begins like a typical girls’ trip, as best friends, Beth and Kate, embark on a vacation in Croatia. However, suspense and terror suddenly take hold of both viewers and Beth, when her friend suddenly goes missing. Accused of killing her best friend, Beth must do everything in her power to uncover the truth.

Tense, Engaging, and Tonally Interesting

The film contrasts the beautiful backdrop of Croatia with a dark murder mystery to deliver a visually stunning and engaging film. While some find the film to be filled with clichés, others believe it is a solid mystery that is worth watching. With a concise 90-minute runtime, the movie presents lots of twists that keep viewers tensed and guessing all the way. Leighton Meester does an amazing job portraying the vulnerable friend accused of killing her best friend.

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

The Spanish thriller film, Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City, is directed by Daniel Calparsoro and based on the novel of the same name by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi. Set in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain, it revolves around Inspector Unai López de Ayala (Javier Rey) who finds himself immersed in a chilling investigation. A series of grisly murders plague the city, and he must halt this reign of terror.

A Suitably Uncomfortable Viewing Experience

While not necessarily the most groundbreaking or original entry in the serial killer genre or police procedural movies, this crime thriller has ample suspense and drama to keep many entertained. Despite its shortcomings, the film boasts stunning visuals and a compelling storyline. For those who enjoy films that showcase the inner workings of criminal minds and the intricacies of police work, this thrilling film can be found on Netflix.

3 In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

In the Shadow of the Moon is a gripping and suspenseful film that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. It masterfully combines the elements of mystery and science fiction as it revolves around a detective consumed by an obsession to solve a series of brutal and strange murders spanning over a decade.

A Hidden Gem on Netflix

While this sci-fi thriller has its flaws, its undeniable intrigue lies in the abundance of twists and turns, ensuring viewers are thoroughly entertained. While there are those who criticize it for its plot holes, others regard it as a rare gem, unlike anything ever seen before. It is a tantalizing mash-up of different genres, encompassing elements of police procedural, sci-fi, and crime thriller, all skillfully directed. It is a serial killer film well worth checking out on Netflix.

2 The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Set in 1830 and directed by Scott Cooper, this mystery thriller follows the endeavors of a retired detective, Augustus Landor, who is hired to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet. To unravel this mystery, he enlists the help of a young man known as Edgar Allan Poe. With its well-executed murder mystery narrative, The Pale Blue Eye is a treat, particularly for those who relish period mysteries.

A Great Cast and a Shocking Twist

The plot twist is so well executed that it leaves viewers thoroughly shocked when the identity of the killer is finally revealed. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Christian Bale, Toby Jones, Harry Melling, Robert Duvall, and others, which undeniably adds to its allure. While the film’s runtime of over two hours may be a deterrent for those who do not enjoy lengthy films, it’s worth your time.

1 Creep (2014)

Creep is a found footage horror film that revolves around a freelance videographer who arrives at a secluded cabin where Josef resides to document his life. Everything seems normal at first, but as the day progresses, Aaron starts noticing Josef’s unsettling behavior and becomes increasingly suspicious of him. As the plot progresses, it leaves viewers questioning the true nature of the characters and the boundaries between fiction and reality.

A Psychological Slow-Burn Nightmare

Creep relies on psychological unease rather than gore or jump scares to deliver its scares and has been regarded as a great example of how found footage can be done right. The success of the first film has led to other installments that continue the story of Josef and his twisted encounters with unsuspecting victims.