true terror

10 Serial Killer Shows & Documentaries As Unsettling As Dahmer

Evan Peters’ Jeffrey Dahmer portrayal is a haunting reminder that the psychology of serial killers is both bewildering and truly, unspeakably awful.

by Simone R. Johnson
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Netflix

Everyone is talking about Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story right now, making it a stark reminder that the psychology of real-life serial killers is genuinely haunting. Here are 11 other serial killer shows and documentaries that explore true crimes — and shine a light on victims' stories.

Cr. Courtesy Of Netflix © 2022

Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes | 2019

This documentary series consists of four 60-minute episodes sourced from over 100 hours of interviews and archival footage of American serial killer Ted Bundy. Also featured are interviews with those related to his crimes, including surviving victims.

Courtesy of Netflix

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile | 2019

Once you’ve seen the Ted Bundy documentary series, you might want to see the scripted version. In it, Zac Efron matches the narcissistic killer’s intensity to an uncanny degree.

Brian Douglas

Lost Girls | 2020

This heartbreaking based-on-a-true-story series follows a mother's dogged search for her missing daughter — and how her efforts and determination helped unveil the nine victims of the Long Island Serial Killer.

Jessica Kourkounis

The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness | 2021

In 1970s New York, serial killer David Berkowitz was dubbed the Point 45-Caliber Killer, as it was his weapon of choice. This docuseries explores how Berkowitz allegedly had accomplices, and his seemingly random killings may have been connected to satanic worship.

Courtesy of Netflix

The Serpent | 2021

After watching this scripted series, you’ll be shocked you’ve never heard of Charles Sobhraj before. A terrifying man, he was a murderous thief who used his seductive tactics to lure his victims traveling along Asia's hippie trail in the 1970s.

Courtesy of Netflix

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer | 2021

This series tells the real-life story of detective Gil Carrillo and homicide investigator Frank Salerno, who worked together to stop a serial killer who committed several murders and sexual assaults in 1985 Los Angeles.

Cr. NETFLIX © 2021

Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes | 2021

Meet Dennis Nilson, one of Britain's most notorious serial killers. In a collection of creepy audio tapes, he speaks from his jail cell about his life and crimes of carnage.

Courtesy of Netflix

Catching Killers | 2021

This 10-part series covers several high-profile criminals from around the world. It breaks down each killer's life and crimes through the accounts of police officers and prosecuting attorneys from each case.

Courtesy of NETFLIX

The Ripper | 2020

This series tells the story of British officers' struggle to identify and capture the infamous serial killer the Yorkshire Ripper during the 1970s. The Ripper is both a real-life cliffhanger and a horrific tale of unchecked horror.

Courtesy of Netflix

Conversations With A Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes | 2022

Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer confesses to his horrific crimes in a series of interviews. This true crime show not only gives you an inside look into the life of Dahmer beyond the headlines but an in-depth view into his cannibalistic behavior.

Cr. Netflix © 2022

Mindhunter | 2017 - 2019

Based on the 1995 true-crime book by the same name, this series follows two FBI agents and a psychologist who launch a research project to try to understand the psychology of serial killers — it was the beginning of “profiling.”

Netflix

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