Most horror movies are suspenseful enough on their own. However, there is one aspect that makes them downright terrifying – the true stories behind them.
Citizen X
A Russian police detective faces almost insurmountable odds in his search for the most savage serial killer of modern times, Andrei Chikatilo, who viciously murdered 52 women and children.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
Zodiac
Based on the true story of the notorious serial killer and the intense manhunt he inspired, Zodiac is a superbly crafted thriller form the director of Se7en and Panic Room. Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo and Chloë Sevigny, Zodiac is a searing and singularly haunting examination of twin obsessions: one man’s desire to kill and another’s quest for the truth.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown
A Texas Ranger hunts for a hooded serial killer terrorizing the residents of a small town, set in 1946 Texas. Loosely based on a true story.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, and iTunes.
To Catch a Killer
A true gruesome story of John Wayne Gacy – a good friend and helpful neighbour, a great child entertainer, a respectful businessman, and a violent serial killer who raped and murdered over 30 young boys.
Watch it on Netflix.
10 Rillington Place
Based on Ludovic Kennedy’s investigative book, 10 Rillington Place is the true and horrifying story of serial killer John Christie, chillingly played by Richard Attenborough.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
In Cold Blood
Based on Truman Capote’s best-selling novel, In Cold Blood is a powerful true story of a callous murder from the minds of the criminals who performed it.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
Monster
Model-turned-actress Charlize Theron leaves her glamorous image behind for this gritty drama, in which she plays a disturbed prostitute Aileen Wuornos who becomes a serial killer.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, and iTunes.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
Although the title makes Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer seem like a cut-rate slasher flick, the movie is actually one of the most disturbing and terrifying examinations of mass murderers ever filmed. Based on the story of Henry Lee Lucas.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
Helter Skelter
The made-for-television mini-series Helter Skelter is based on the true story of the search for and prosecution of Charles Manson and his “family” after the brutal murder of actress Sharon Tate. Based on the book by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, the film is intense, frightening and gripping.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix and iTunes.
Manhunt: Search for the Night Stalker
Based on the true story of the “Night Stalker” Richard Ramirez who terrorized California in 1985, Manhunt: Search for the Night Stalker portrays the two Los Angeles police detectives who try to track him down.
Watch it on Youtube.
The Deliberate Stranger
Based on a true story, this film depicts the life of Ted Bundy.
Get it on Amazon.
Summer of Sam
Spike Lee’s take on the “Son of Sam” murders in New York City during the summer of 1977 centering on the residents of an Italian-American Northeast Bronx neighborhood who live in fear and distrust of one another.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Vudu and iTunes.
The Boston Strangler
Based on the true story of self-confessed serial killer Albert DeSalvo, “The Boston Strangler” portrays a series of brutal murders in Boston sparks a seemingly endless and increasingly complex manhunt.
Watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
Zero Day
Two troubled teenagers organize a massacre at their school along the lines of the Columbine tragedy, referring to themselves as “the Army of Two.”
Watch it on Netflix.
My Friend Dahmer
A young Jeffrey Dahmer struggles to belong in high school.
Watch it on Amazon.
