Serial killer movies have long enthralled audiences, delving into our deepest fears and invoking a sense of morbid curiosity. In 2024, Longlegs has served as the latest movie in the genre to make a positive stir. With scream queen Maika Monroe at the forefront and Nicolas Cage giving possibly the most disturbing rendition of his career, the movie is shaping up to be a horror classic.
Although Longlegs serves up a unique twist on the serial killer genre, its influences from other iconic movies in the same realm can be felt. Through its subtle homages to its eerie tone, the film strikes a similar note to many legendary serial killer movies and some underrated ones too. So, if you enjoyed Longlegs, here’s our pick of 6 movies to watch next.
6. The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
In the 2018 thriller The Clovehitch Killer, a family’s idyllic life in West Virginia is turned upside down when the son of the family discovers a series of cryptic notes and symbols that hint at a dark secret from his father’s past. As the family’s patriarch, Don (played by Dylan McDermott), becomes increasingly distant and erratic, his son Tyler (played by Charlie Plummer) begins to uncover the shocking truth: Don is the notorious Clovehitch Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized the region in the 1990s. What follows is a tense and unsettling exploration of the blurred lines between family and horror, as Tyler grapples with the monster he thought he knew as his father. The Clovehitch Killer is an underrated gem in the serial killer genre, showcasing a side of Dylan McDermott that audiences haven’t seen before – a menacing and calculating killer with a talent for manipulation.
Watch The Clovehitch Killer on Netflix
5. Copycat (1995)
The 1995 movie Copycat bears a similar tone to Longlegs due to its portrayal of a female detective dedicating her life to stopping a notorious serial killer. The film focuses on a brilliant but agoraphobic psychologist, Dr. Helen Hudson (played by Sigourney Weaver), who teams up with a seasoned detective, M.J. Monahan (played by Holly Hunter), to take down a serial killer who is copying the modus operandi of infamous murderers from the past. As the killer’s gruesome crimes escalate, Helen’s unique expertise and M.J.’s street smarts make for a formidable partnership, but their contrasting personalities and personal demons threaten to derail their investigation.
Despite being overshadowed by the Oscar-winning classic The Silence of the Lambs, which was released just a few years prior, Copycat remains a hidden gem in the murder mystery genre. Weaver shines as Helen, bringing depth and nuance to her complex and troubled character, making her one of the most compelling detectives on screen. With its twisty plot and strong female leads, Copycat is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers.
4. The Little Things (2021)
The Little Things is a serial killer movie that received mixed reviews upon its release. Many criticised the movie for its slow pace, however, its performances were widely praised, particularly that of Jared Leto, who received a a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. Directed by John Lee Hancock, The Little Things follows Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington), who returns to Los Angeles to assist in the investigation of a killer. However, when he believes the crime has a connection to a case from his past, he relentlessly tracks down the killer alongside fresh-faced LA policeman Jim Baxter (Rami Malek).
The Little Things may have fell under the radar at first due to its different formula than most serial killer movies. At its core, the film is much more a character study, exploring themes of loss of time, regret, guilt, and shame. Although the movie was at first panned by critics, it has gained a second wind thanks to its presence on streaming sites like Netflix. To that, it serves as an underrated gem in the serial killer cinematic realm.
Watch The Little Things on Max
3. Frailty (2001)
Frailty is another hidden gem in the serial killer genre that deserves much more attention than it has garnered. With its themes exploring family units and satanic beliefs, it strikes a similar chord to Longlegs. In the 2001 thriller, the late Bill Paxton made his directorial debut and starred as Mr Meiks, a stern father whose life starts to unravel as he seems to lose his mind. The story focuses on Adam (Matthew McConaughey), a mysterious man who appears at the offices of FBI Agent Wesley Doyle (played by Powers Boothe) with a twisted tale to tell.
As Adam recounts his childhood to the skeptical agent, it becomes clear that his father was a devout Christian who believed he received visions from God, instructing him to hunt and kill people who were actually innocent civilians. Adam claims that his father’s actions were motivated by a warped sense of righteousness, and that he himself was forced to participate in the gruesome murders. As the story unfolds, Frailty raises questions about faith, morality, and the blurred lines between good and evil. With its unique blend of psychological tension and suspense, Frailty is a gripping and unsettling exploration of the destructive power of fanaticism, showcasing Paxton’s impressive range as a director and actor.
2. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher‘s 2007 film Zodiac marks a return to the serial killer genre that brought him success with Se7en, but this time he tackles a true crime story that remains unsolved to this day. Based on the book by Robert Graysmith, Zodiac tells the story of the infamous Zodiac killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s, sending cryptic letters and codes to local newspapers and law enforcement agencies. Fincher masterfully crafts a tense and atmospheric thriller that immerses the viewer in the world of investigative journalism and law enforcement as three men – two reporters from the San Francisco Chronicle and a detective from the Vallejo Police Department – become obsessed with capturing the killer’s identity. With its meticulous attention to detail and David Fincher‘s characteristic dark visuals, Zodiac is a gripping and unsettling portrayal of the psychological toll that pursuing a serial killer can take, and serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with true crime stories.
1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
No serial killer movie list would be complete without the Oscar-winning classic, The Silence of the Lambs. To that, the 1991 masterpiece can be felt in Longlegs due to its plot focusing on a female FBI agent who is obsessed with putting the stop to a vicious killer. The Silence of the Lambs is widely regarded as the greatest serial killer movie ever made, and its enduring influence on popular culture is a testament to its mastery of suspense, tension, and psychological complexity.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she seeks the advice of imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, who is abducting and murdering young women. As Clarice delves deeper into the case, she must navigate the treacherous world of serial killers and confront her own dark past, all while being manipulated by the cunning and charismatic Lecter. Despite being a horror movie, The Silence of the Lambs defied the odds and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, becoming only the second horror film in history to do so. The film’s success can be attributed to its masterful direction, outstanding performances, and its ability to balance suspense with intelligent storytelling and character development. Want to read more about this iconic movie? Here’s the story behind Anthony Hopkins’ Best Actor win for his role.
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