25 of the most memorable fictional serial killers from the world of pop culture…
The Evil Withinis a game that blends serial killer drama with supernatural scares.
(They arent so much serial killers as movie monsters, right?)
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It makes sense to start here, given that this is what kicked us off.
After being disfigured in a fire, Ruben was kept in a basement by his father.
He eventually escaped and killed both of his parents, becoming the villainous Ruvik in the process.
Michael Rooker stars in John McNaughtons 1986 crime/horror flickHenry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer.
A hugely controversial film on its original release, and one that time hasnt really dampened.
A career best performance from Michael Rooker, too…
When hes not ending lives, hes often engaging in some unenthusiasticdancing with his mum.
As a bigSawfan, it pains me to say this.
But lets be honest, Tobin Bells John Kramer is very much a serial killer.
If teaching life lessons was all he wanted to achieve, the traps wouldnt be nigh-on impossible.
In the opening scene, we see him walking away from the bloodied remains of his family.
Bloodletting, of course, ensues.
Both films are inspired by, but not explicitly based on, the real life killer John List.
TheStill Lifegaming trilogy made up ofPost Mortem, Still LifeandStill Life 2 has no shortage of killers.
All of these killers targeted sex trade workers, and wore dark cloaks, silver masks and top hats.
We wont spoil the surprise here unless you fancy playing the games.
Alfred Hitchcocks 1943 masterworkShadow Of A Doubtremains one of the finest movies based on a serial killer.
The film begins with Kyung-chul offering some roadside assistance, which leads to a spot of light dismembering.
Its very much seeking this film out, if you havent already.
We couldnt leave Patrick Bateman off the list, could we?
And youll come out of it with some music recommendations, too.
Leland Vanhorn, aka Serial Killer X, is an antagonist in theCondemnedseries of games.
Thats an MO with some serious cinematic potential if you ask me.
If you havent seen Ben WheatleysSightseers,you really need to.
Social justice/boredom/coveting a rival couples dog rank among their motivators for killing.
Theres plenty of fun to be had with this one, if youve got an ear for dark comedy.
When sci-fi meets crime, there can be wonderful results.
Who knew a piece of computer code could be so scary?
(Again, were trying not to spoil things here.)
Heres the gamplay trailer for The Evil Within 2…
Both films are psychological thrillers, following two men torturing and ultimately murdering families on their holidays.
Both films are worthy your time, if you enjoy being thoroughly creeped out.
Torques serial killer status depends on how you play, and the games morality system.
But if you guide Torque down a non-violent path, youll find out that he was framed.
An interesting one, this.
Michael Myers plays Charlie, and Nancy Travis portrays his new significant other, Harriet.
Again, we wont spoil the surprises of this one for you.
(No spoilers here, dont worry!)
The Origami Killers MO is a particularly unsettling one.
He has killed eight young boys by drowning them in rainwater.
He always dumps the bodies in wastelands, leaving some origami in their right hand.
Not only was Halls performance top notch, but the premise was an absolute beaut.
Its no wonder that managed to squeeze eight seasons of blood splatter out of it.
As we mentioned at the start, this list isnt necessarily ranked.
(What score card would you use to rate psychopaths, anyway?)
But we did save a few of our favourites for the end.
Even that still image is giving me the creeps.
David Finchers film, if youre unfamiliar, features a string of killings linked to the seven deadly sins.
And finally, the big daddy of pop culture serial killers.
Gaspard Ulliel then played a younger version inHannibal Rising,and Mads Mikkelsen owned the role in TVsHannibal.
And thats youre lot 25 screen serial killers!
If you need us, well be enjoying a nice chianti…
The Evil Within 2 reaches shops on Friday the 13th of October.