Top 10 Biopics on Serial Killers

Description: This film recounts the investigation into the Boston Strangler, Albert DeSalvo, providing a historical look at one of America's most infamous serial killers. It's a classic in the genre, offering a glimpse into the era's investigative techniques.

Fact: The film was one of the first to deal with the topic of serial killers in a mainstream way.

Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film features Hannibal Lecter, a character inspired by real-life killers like Ed Gein. It's included for its psychological depth and the chilling portrayal of a serial killer's mind.

Fact: Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins both won Oscars for their roles, and the film is one of only three to win the "Big Five" at the Academy Awards.

Description: This film delves into the life of Aileen Wuornos, one of America's most notorious female serial killers. Charlize Theron's transformative performance brings to life the complex psyche of Wuornos, making it a must-watch for understanding the human side of a killer.

Fact: Charlize Theron gained 30 pounds for the role and won an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Description: David Fincher's meticulous film about the Zodiac Killer captures the fear and fascination surrounding this unsolved case. It's less about the killer's life and more about the investigation, but it's a compelling watch for anyone interested in the psychological impact of serial killers.

Fact: The film's script was based on Robert Graysmith's books, and the real-life Graysmith appears in the movie.

Description: This film follows the decades-long hunt for Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer. It provides a detailed look at how technology and forensic science evolved to finally catch him after years of evasion.

Fact: The film was released just months after Rader's arrest, making it one of the quickest biopics to hit the screen after a real-life event.

Description: This film tells the story of Andrei Chikatilo, the Soviet Union's most prolific serial killer. It's a gripping tale of how a detective's persistence led to the capture of a killer amidst bureaucratic resistance.

Fact: Stephen Rea won a Golden Globe for his role as the detective.

Description: Jeremy Renner stars as Jeffrey Dahmer, offering a chilling portrayal of the Milwaukee Cannibal. This film focuses on Dahmer's life, his crimes, and the psychological factors that led to his actions.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual apartment building where Dahmer lived.

Description: This Australian film explores the Snowtown murders, one of the country's most horrific cases. It's a grim, unflinching look at how a community can be manipulated by a charismatic killer, offering insights into the social dynamics that can foster such violence.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual house where some of the murders took place.

Description: This film focuses on the manhunt for John Wayne Gacy, offering insight into both the killer's mind and the efforts to bring him to justice. It's a compelling narrative of one of America's most prolific serial killers.

Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of the real-life detective who caught Gacy.

Description: Mark Harmon stars as Ted Bundy in this chilling portrayal of the charismatic killer. The film provides a detailed account of Bundy's crimes and the investigation that eventually led to his capture.

Fact: The film was based on a book by Richard W. Larsen, who covered the Bundy case for the Seattle Times.