Horror and suspense are among the most captivating film genres for movie lovers… especially when it comes to serial killer series and movies. If you’re passionate about these stories, admit it—you’ve probably thought at least once that you might have some psychopathic tendencies. But relax! Psychology has spoken, and it has some reassuring answers for you. Here’s what it says.

Why do you like serial killer series and movies, according to psychology?

Over the years, iconic films like Hannibal, Halloween, Scream, Friday the 13th, and Mindhunter have become fan favorites among lovers of slasher and suspense cinema. They all have one thing in common: a serial killer. So yes, maybe watching someone get stabbed or chased seems a bit twisted, but there’s an explanation for everything.

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And no, it doesn’t mean you have murderous tendencies (take it easy). According to psychology, the fascination with serial killer series and movies can be explained by four factors that have nothing to do with deviant behavior. These are:

1. Human curiosity: The desire to understand the world around us, including the darkest facets of human behavior, is part of our nature. Throughout history, crime stories have served as cultural tools to help us reflect on justice, ethics, and danger. From a psychological perspective, interest in serial killer series is a modern expression of that same ancestral curiosity.
2. Fear as a safe experience: One reason these productions are so captivating is that they allow people to experience fear in a context with no real consequences. Watching fictional crimes from a safe place activates brain mechanisms related to danger, but without actual risk. This controlled simulation helps train our threat response and strengthens our sense of safety.
3. Empathy and moral values: Viewers typically identify not with the criminals, but with those who suffer or investigate the crimes. Emotions like anger at injustice, compassion for the victims, or satisfaction when justice is served are normal responses that reinforce our ethical principles. This type of content, far from promoting violence, usually encourages critical thinking and a desire to understand—not justify—the violence.
4. Passion for the criminal mind: Forensic psychology and criminology have progressed thanks to the interest in understanding how criminal minds work. This knowledge is essential for preventing crime and improving investigations. Many people find these topics educational and analytical, without it indicating any dangerous or morbid tendency.

The 10 best serial killer movies

According to fans of this genre, here’s the top 10 list of the best serial killer movies (perfect for weekend viewing):

1. Seven (1995)
2. Dirty Harry (1971)
3. Memories of Murder (2003)
4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
5. Cure (1997)
6. Manhunter (1986)
7. Cruising (1980)
8. Zodiac (2007)
9. Dick Tracy (1945)
10. Angel Dust (1994)

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The 10 best serial killer series

Here is the top 10 list of the best serial killer series, according to fans of the genre:

1. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
2. Mindhunter
3. Dexter
4. You
5. Hannibal
6. True Detective
7. The Fall
8. Slasher
9. The Alienist
10. The Valhalla Murders

The most famous serial killers in history

Sometimes, reality surpasses fiction—and over the years, several individuals have become infamous for their horrific crimes. Here’s a list of the most famous serial killers in recent history:

• H. Holmes
• Patrick Kearney, the Freeway Killer
• Charles Cullen
• Fred and Rosemary West
• Gilles de Rais
• Jack the Ripper
• Albert Desalvo, the Boston Strangler
• Ed Gein, the Butcher of Plainfield
• Elizabeth Bathory
• Jeffrey Dahmer

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