If you were captivated by the chilling true-crime horror of 'Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield' (2007), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similarly disturbing movies and shows that delve into the dark minds of infamous killers, psychological horror, and gruesome true stories. Whether you're a true-crime enthusiast or a horror fan, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Psycho (1960)
Description: A classic horror film that explores the psyche of a disturbed individual with a violent and unpredictable nature. The movie's shocking twists and psychological depth set a benchmark for the genre.
Fact: The famous shower scene took seven days to shoot and features 77 different camera angles. The film's score, composed by Bernard Herrmann, is iconic and has been widely imitated.


Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Description: This gritty, realistic portrayal of a serial killer's life is unflinching in its depiction of violence and psychological torment. The film's documentary-style approach adds to its unsettling authenticity.
Fact: The movie was based loosely on the crimes of real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. It was initially given an X rating due to its graphic content and was banned in several countries.


The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: This psychological thriller delves into the mind of a cannibalistic serial killer, exploring themes of manipulation, horror, and the dark side of human nature. Its intense atmosphere and focus on criminal psychology make it a compelling watch for fans of disturbing narratives.
Fact: The film is one of only three movies to win the 'Big Five' Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. The character of Hannibal Lecter was inspired by real-life serial killers, including Ed Gein.


Se7en (1995)
Description: A dark and gritty crime thriller that explores the twisted mind of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. The film's bleak atmosphere and shocking twists make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film's title is stylized with a '7' in place of the 'v' to represent the seven deadly sins. The ending was kept secret from the cast until the day of filming to preserve its impact.


American Psycho (2000)
Description: A dark satire that delves into the mind of a wealthy, narcissistic serial killer. The film's blend of horror, black comedy, and social commentary makes it a unique and disturbing watch.
Fact: The film's infamous business card scene was improvised by the actors. The novel it's based on was initially considered unfilmable due to its extreme violence and controversial themes.


Dahmer (2002)
Description: A chilling biopic that chronicles the life and crimes of one of America's most notorious serial killers. The film's focus on the killer's disturbing behavior and psychological unraveling makes it a harrowing experience.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a very low budget. Jeremy Renner, who plays Dahmer, reportedly stayed in character throughout the entire shoot to maintain the role's intensity.


The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Description: A brutal and unrelenting horror film that follows a family of sadistic killers on the run. The movie's raw violence and dark humor create a uniquely disturbing experience.
Fact: The film is a sequel to 'House of 1000 Corpses' but takes a much darker and more realistic tone. Many of the characters' names are references to classic rock songs.


Wolf Creek (2005)
Description: A harrowing survival horror film based on real-life crimes, focusing on the terror inflicted by a sadistic killer in the Australian outback. The film's realistic approach and intense violence make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The film's antagonist, Mick Taylor, was inspired by real-life Australian serial killers Ivan Milat and Bradley Murdoch. The movie's low budget and guerrilla filmmaking style added to its gritty, authentic feel.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous and suspenseful exploration of the hunt for a real-life serial killer. The film's attention to detail and psychological tension create an immersive and unsettling experience.
Fact: Director David Fincher insisted on using as much real-life evidence and details as possible, even recreating crime scenes with forensic accuracy. The film's runtime is over two and a half hours, reflecting its thorough approach to the subject matter.


The House That Jack Built (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling film that follows the life of a highly intelligent and meticulous serial killer. The movie's graphic violence and philosophical undertones make it a challenging yet thought-provoking experience.
Fact: The film was met with walkouts and controversy at its Cannes Film Festival premiere due to its extreme content. Director Lars von Trier included several autobiographical elements in the protagonist's character.
