10 Movies & Shows Similar to To Catch a Killer (2023)

Description: Like 'To Catch a Killer', this classic features a young investigator seeking help from a brilliant but dangerous criminal to catch another killer, with strong psychological elements.

Fact: Only the third film to win all five major Oscars. Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter appears for only 16 minutes. Jodie Foster initially turned down the role.

Description: Both films are based on real-life serial killer cases and focus on the obsessive nature of criminal investigations, with meticulous attention to procedural details.

Fact: David Fincher's most research-heavy film. Jake Gyllenhaal spent time with the real Robert Graysmith. The film used actual police files from the case.

Description: Similar to 'To Catch a Killer' in its exploration of moral ambiguity and the lengths people will go to for justice, featuring a tense, atmospheric thriller narrative.

Fact: Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal starred together. The script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays. Roger Deakins was the cinematographer.

Description: Both works feature a slow-burning investigation with deep character studies and a focus on the emotional weight of solving violent crimes.

Fact: Based on a Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. The show was canceled twice before getting a proper finale. It popularized the 'one case per season' format in American TV.

Description: Similar to 'To Catch a Killer' in its exploration of the psychological aspects of criminal investigations, though with more surreal and artistic elements in its portrayal of violence.

Fact: Bryan Fuller's vision included making the violence strangely beautiful. The show was canceled despite critical acclaim. Mads Mikkelsen prepared for his role by studying reptiles.

Description: Shares with 'To Catch a Killer' a small-town setting where a brutal crime shakes the community, exploring the ripple effects of violence and the personal struggles of investigators.

Fact: David Tennant and Olivia Colman starred in all three seasons. The show's location became a tourist attraction. The first season's killer was kept secret from most of the cast until filming.

Description: Like 'To Catch a Killer', this series focuses on a cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer, with a strong emphasis on psychological depth and procedural detail.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was inspired by real-life senior investigating officers. The show was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was one of the first BBC dramas to be picked up by Netflix.

Description: Similar to 'To Catch a Killer' in its dark, psychological exploration of crime and the toll it takes on investigators. Both delve into the complexities of human nature and feature intense, character-driven narratives.

Fact: The first season was written entirely by Nic Pizzolatto. The show's opening credits sequence won a Creative Arts Emmy Award. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's performances were critically acclaimed.

Description: Shares with 'To Catch a Killer' a female protagonist investigating crimes while dealing with personal trauma, set against a small-town backdrop with dark secrets.

Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel. Amy Adams learned to play piano for her role. The series features an innovative use of flashbacks and psychological horror elements.

Description: Like 'To Catch a Killer', this anthology series examines what drives ordinary people to commit violent acts, with a focus on psychological unraveling and investigative procedure.

Fact: Based on Petra Hammesfahr's novel. Each season features a different crime and protagonist. Bill Pullman stars in all seasons as the same detective.