If you're a fan of spine-chilling suspense and the macabre, then this curated list of horror films about serial killers is just for you. These movies delve deep into the psyche of some of the most terrifying characters ever brought to the screen, offering not just scares but also a psychological exploration of what drives someone to kill. Whether you're looking for a classic slasher flick or a modern psychological thriller, this collection has something to keep you up at night.

Peeping Tom (1960)
Description: A film ahead of its time, exploring voyeurism and the psychology of a killer who films his victims as he murders them.
Fact: Initially panned by critics, it's now considered a landmark in horror cinema for its psychological depth.


Psycho (1960)
Description: Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece that set the standard for psychological horror, featuring the infamous shower scene and the chilling portrayal of Norman Bates.
Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its graphic content. It was also one of the first films to show a toilet flushing on screen.


The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Description: A low-budget horror film that became a cultural phenomenon, introducing Leatherface and his chainsaw-wielding family.
Fact: Despite its title, the film has very little actual gore, relying instead on atmosphere and suggestion.


Halloween (1978)
Description: John Carpenter's classic slasher film that introduced the world to Michael Myers, a silent, emotionless killer with a penchant for stalking teenagers.
Fact: The film was made on a budget of less than $300,000 and became one of the most profitable independent films of all time.


Manhunter (1986)
Description: The first film to feature Hannibal Lecter, focusing on the hunt for the "Tooth Fairy" killer, offering a different perspective on the character.
Fact: Michael Mann, the director, used a unique color palette to differentiate between the killer's world and the investigators'.


Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Description: A disturbingly realistic portrayal of a serial killer, based loosely on the real-life murderer Henry Lee Lucas.
Fact: The film was banned in the UK for nearly 15 years due to its graphic content.


The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: This film not only delves into the mind of a serial killer but also features one of the most iconic villains in cinema history, Hannibal Lecter.
Fact: It is one of only three films to win the "Big Five" Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay.


Se7en (1995)
Description: A dark, gritty exploration of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi, creating a tense and thought-provoking thriller.
Fact: The film's ending was kept a secret from the cast and crew until the last day of shooting to capture genuine reactions.


American Psycho (2000)
Description: A satirical take on the life of a Wall Street yuppie who moonlights as a serial killer, offering a critique on 1980s excess and consumerism.
Fact: Christian Bale lost 30 pounds for the role, and the film's violence was toned down from the book to avoid an NC-17 rating.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: David Fincher's meticulous examination of the Zodiac Killer case, blending fact with fiction to create a gripping narrative.
Fact: The film uses real-life police reports, letters, and interviews to maintain authenticity.
