7 Gripping Movies to Dive Into After Watching To Catch a Killer!

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To Catch a Killer is trending on Netflix after recently arriving on the streaming platform, and the ending has left some viewers wanting more. The 2023 crime drama stars Shailene Woodley as Eleanor Falco, a Baltimore police officer tasked with rooting out a relentless sniper wreaking havoc across city. During the manhunt, Eleanor collaborates with FBI Special Agents Geoffrey Lammark (Ben Mendelsohn) and Jack McKenzie (Jovan Adepo). Director Damián Szifron’s movie generated just $3.1 million in its limited international release, causing it to fall under the radar of the mainstream movie landscape. Nonetheless, To Catch a Killer‘s Netflix debut has greatly boosted its popularity, and the film is a satisfactory watch for any fan of mysteries and crime stories.

If you liked the thrill of “To Catch a Killer,” here are some other movies featuring serial murders and detective work that might appeal to you:

1. Zodiac
2. Seven
3. The Silence of the Lambs
4. Se7en
5. Copycat
6. Mindhunter
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

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These films should keep your interest in crime-solving and murder mysteries piqued!

Zodiac

David Fincher’s 2007 movie, titled “Zodiac“, provides a gripping account of real-life crime history. It centers around the intense manhunt for the infamous Zodiac Killer in Northern California throughout the late ’60s to early ’80s. Jake Gyllenhaal portrays a tenacious cartoonist-turned-detective, relentlessly pursuing the killer, while Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Brian Cox, and John Carroll Lynch complete the star-studded cast. “Zodiac” offers a captivating glimpse into the persistent quest for an elusive serial killer who remained undiscovered. The emotional decline Gyllenhaal’s character experiences as the investigation lingers is chilling, and the other acting performances are equally compelling. Skillfully directed by Fincher, “Zodiac” creates a tangible sense of tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats despite minimal action sequences. If you’re a fan of engrossing mysteries rooted in actual events, you’ll find “Zodiac” an immersive viewing experience.

Prisoners

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The movie “Prisoners,” directed by Denis Villeneuve in 2013, is a gripping tale centered around a father’s desperate search for the person who abducted his six-year-old daughter. Starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, with the latter playing the detective investigating the case, this film combines elements of crime drama and psychological thriller. The captivating plot and numerous unexpected turns keep audiences hooked until the movie delivers a shocking, powerful finale. Remarkable performances by Jackman and Gyllenhaal greatly enhance the film’s character-driven narrative, making it impossible for viewers to look away. If you enjoyed the crime-solving aspects of “To Catch a Killer,” you’re in for an even more exhilarating experience with “Prisoners.

Prisoners is streaming on MAX.

Boston Strangler

2023’s “Boston Strangler” film, similar to “To Catch a Killer,” explores the serial murder theme but focuses on Loretta McLaughlin, a Boston Record American reporter, portrayed by Keira Knightley, who exposed the real-life killer in the 1960s. The movie presents an authentic account of the Boston Strangler murders, shedding light on the sexism faced by female journalists during that time while creating an intriguing portrait of the actual events. Knightley and Carrie Coon deliver compelling performances as McLaughlin and her colleague Jean Cole, respectively. Fans of “To Catch a Killer” will find the engaging plot involving evidence collection and suspect evaluation captivating.

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Boston Strangler is streaming on Hulu.

Se7en

Prior to “Zodiac”, director Fincher had already delivered an exceptional crime thriller titled “Se7en”. This film follows the partnership of Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt as detectives, pursuing a murderer whose crimes are based on the seven deadly sins. What sets “Se7en” apart from typical crime dramas is its daring concept, with each grisly murder scene leaving the detectives with a chilling puzzle to solve. The movie’s tension is palpable, and the shocking finale of “Se7en” will undoubtedly linger in the minds of viewers for quite some time. Compared to “To Catch a Killer”, “Se7en” offers intriguing clues for true crime enthusiasts while ramping up the suspense and gore for those who enjoy a more horror-infused serial killer movie experience.

The Silence of the Lambs

1991’s “The Silence of the Lambs” is an outstanding cinematic work that delivers a serial killer story hard to surpass. This film, inspired by Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel, focuses on Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who seeks aid from incarcerated multiple murderer Hannibal Lecter in tracking down another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. The chilling exchanges between these characters create a haunting ambiance throughout the movie. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins make an excellent lead duo in “The Silence of the Lambs,” with Hopkins’ terrifying portrayal of Hannibal earning him a place among the most infamous screen villains ever. Those who enjoy crime-solving films, such as “To Catch a Killer,” will be captivated by the unsettling case and characters in “The Silence of the Lambs.

Memories of Murder

Bong Joon Ho, the director behind the acclaimed Best Picture-winning thriller “Parasite”, also made the compelling crime film “Memories of Murder” in 2003, which is highly recommended for fans of police procedurals like “To Catch a Killer”. This movie follows two detectives as they investigate a string of rapes and murders in the 1980s. Featuring Kim Sang-kyung and Song Kang-ho from “Parasite”, “Memories of Murder” blends satire with edge-of-your-seat suspense throughout its captivating narrative. With stunning visuals and powerful performances, this film effectively develops a complex set of cases for its protagonists to explore. Endlessly engaging and filled with thought-provoking content, “Memories of Murder” is a hard film to forget, and repeated viewings never seem stale. This masterpiece will enthrall viewers who appreciated the tense plot of “To Catch a Killer”.

Memories of Murder is streaming on Tubi.

Manhunter

Michael Mann’s 1986 movie “Manhunter” excellently captures and enhances the finest aspects of “To Catch a Killer.” Based on Thomas Harris’ novel “Red Dragon,” published in 1981, the film revolves around Will Graham, a retired FBI criminal profiler who is reinstated to help with a new serial killer case at the behest of an old superior. William Petersen portrays Graham, as he chases a ruthless murderer known as the Tooth Fairy. The acting in “Manhunter” is top-notch, with Brian Cox delivering a standout performance as Hannibal Lecktor before Anthony Hopkins played the role in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Unlike “To Catch a Killer,” Mann’s film offers a sense of suspense and depravity that elevates its mystery above common crime dramas.

Manhunter is streaming on Prime Video.

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2025-02-26 20:10