Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer is a gripping true-crime documentary series that delves into the chilling story of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, Richard Ramirez. If you’re a fan of the true-crime genre and are looking for more movies that offer a similar spine-tingling experience, you’re in for a treat. Below is a list of 20 movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. Zodiac
Zodiac is a thriller based on the real-life case of the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized San Francisco in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Directed by David Fincher, the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo.
2. Se7en
Directed by David Fincher, Se7en follows two detectives, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, as they hunt down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. The film is known for its dark atmosphere and shocking twists.
3. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a Netflix series that explores the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as FBI agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think.
4. Silence of the Lambs
In Silence of the Lambs, FBI trainee Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster, seeks the help of imprisoned cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, to catch another serial killer on the loose.
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This thriller, directed by David Fincher, follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the disappearance of a wealthy patriarch’s niece 40 years earlier. Starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara.
6. The Bone Collector
The Bone Collector stars Denzel Washington as a quadriplegic detective and Angelina Jolie as a young police officer who team up to track down a serial killer. The film is a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game.
7. Prisoners
In Prisoners, Hugh Jackman plays a desperate father who takes matters into his own hands after his daughter and her friend go missing. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as the detective assigned to the case.
8. Gone Girl
Directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl is a psychological thriller about a man who becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike deliver compelling performances.
9. The Snowman
The Snowman stars Michael Fassbender as a detective investigating the disappearance of a woman whose scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman. The film is based on Jo Nesbø’s novel.
10. Nocturnal Animals
Nocturnal Animals, directed by Tom Ford, is a psychological thriller that tells the story of an art gallery owner who is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel. The film stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal.
11. The Silence
In The Silence, a deaf teenager and her family seek refuge from terrifying creatures that hunt by sound. The film stars Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka.
12. The Black Dahlia
The Black Dahlia is a neo-noir crime film directed by Brian De Palma, based on the infamous unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short. The movie stars Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, and Hilary Swank.
13. American Psycho
American Psycho is a dark satire that follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. Christian Bale delivers a chilling performance in the lead role.
14. Monster
Monster is a biographical crime drama that tells the story of Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute who was executed for murdering six men. Charlize Theron won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Wuornos.
15. The Poughkeepsie Tapes
This horror film is presented as a documentary that examines the murders of a serial killer in Poughkeepsie, New York. The movie is known for its disturbing and realistic portrayal of the killer’s tapes.
16. Summer of Sam
Summer of Sam, directed by Spike Lee, is a crime thriller set during the 1977 New York City blackout and the reign of terror by the Son of Sam killer. The film stars John Leguizamo and Adrien Brody.
17. The Lovely Bones
In The Lovely Bones, a young girl watches over her family from the afterlife after being murdered by a neighbor. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, and Stanley Tucci.
18. Copycat
Copycat stars Sigourney Weaver as a criminal psychologist and Holly Hunter as a detective who team up to catch a serial killer imitating notorious murderers. The film is a tense and thrilling ride.
19. The House That Jack Built
Directed by Lars von Trier, The House That Jack Built follows the life of a highly intelligent serial killer over a span of 12 years. The film stars Matt Dillon in a chilling performance.
20. Mr. Brooks
Mr. Brooks stars Kevin Costner as a successful businessman who harbors a dark secret: he is also a serial killer. The film explores his double life and the detective, played by Demi Moore, who is on his trail.
