Films about killers delve into the dark and often complex minds of individuals who commit heinous crimes, exploring the motives, methods, and consequences of their actions. These movies range across various genres, including thrillers, dramas, and horror. They often challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, justice, and the human psyche. Below is a list of notable films about killers, encapsulating a wide array of interpretations and storytelling approaches.
“Zodiac”, 2007
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher, this film is based on the true story of the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The movie focuses on the obsession of journalists and detectives as they attempt to identify the murderer.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey Jr., Chloë Sevigny, John Carroll Lynch, Brian Cox, Elias Koteas, Dermot Mulroney, Donal Logue;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: thriller, detective, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 158 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Zodiac” on the website imdb.com
“Se7en”, 1995
Director: David Fincher
Another masterpiece by David Fincher, this film stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as two detectives tracking a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motif. Known for its dark themes and shocking finale.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, R. Lee Ermey, John C. McGinley, Richard Schiff, Richard Roundtree, Mark Boone Junior, Reg E. Cathey;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
More information about the film “Se7en” on the website imdb.com
“American Psycho”, 2000
Director: Mary Harron
A dark, satirical psychological thriller film based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel. Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banking executive who hides his psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.
Starring: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Josh Lucas, Reese Witherspoon, Cara Seymour, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto, Chloë Sevigny, Samantha Mathis, Matt Ross;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, crime, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “American Psycho” on the website imdb.com
“Halloween”, 2018
Director: David Gordon Green
Directed by John Carpenter, this horror classic introduces Michael Myers, a psychopathic killer who escapes from a sanitarium and returns to his hometown to stalk and kill unsuspecting townsfolk. The film is a seminal work in the slasher genre.
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, James Jude Courtney, Nick Castle, Haluk Bilginer, Will Patton, Rhian Rees, Jefferson Hall, Toby Huss;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: horror, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Halloween” on the website imdb.com
“No Country for Old Men”, 2007
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Coen Brothers' adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel, featuring a merciless hitman Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem) chasing a hunter who stumbled upon a drug deal gone wrong and took a suitcase full of money. Known for its stark violence and philosophical underpinnings.
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Kelly Macdonald, Woody Harrelson, Beth Grant, Garret Dillahunt, Tess Harper, Barry Corbin, Stephen Root;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, western;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “No Country for Old Men” on the website imdb.com
“Monster”, 2003
Director: Patty Jenkins
A biographical crime drama about Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute turned serial killer. Charlize Theron underwent a dramatic transformation to play Wuornos, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress for her powerful performance.
Starring: Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen, Annie Corley, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Marco St. John, Marc Macaulay, Scott Wilson, Rus Blackwell;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”, 1974
Director: Tobe Hooper
A horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, featuring a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals and their chainsaw-wielding killer, Leatherface. It's noted for its realistic horror and is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time.
Starring: Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow, Gunnar Hansen, John Dugan, Robert Courtin;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: horror;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
“Seven Psychopaths”, 2012
Director: Martin McDonagh
A black comedy crime film that tells the story of a struggling screenwriter who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu. The film explores the concept of killers with a humorous twist.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson, Tom Waits, Abbie Cornish, Zeljko Ivanek, Michael Pitt, Michael Stuhlbarg;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
In conclusion, films about killers delve into the darkest corridors of human nature, exploring themes of morality, justice, and the complexity of the human psyche. This genre has evolved over time, from early psychological thrillers to contemporary cinematic masterpieces that challenge our perceptions and provoke deep introspection. These films do not merely entertain; they serve as mirrors reflecting the multifaceted aspects of humanity, pushing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about society and themselves. Through masterful storytelling, captivating performances, and innovative filmmaking, this genre continues to captivate and horrify audiences, securing its place as a vital and intriguing part of cinematic history. Whether through the eyes of the killer or the pursued, these films remind us of the fragility of life and the profound impact of human actions, leaving an indelible mark on the psyche of viewers and the annals of film lore.
