When talking about serial killer movies, the 1990s were one of the best decades for horror. The industry’s fascination with twisted slashers was clear, as filmmakers churned out a series of dark, psychological thrillers that had a penchant for getting under one’s skin. From gritty crime dramas to chilling horror stories, the ’90s produced some of the greatest serial killer movies in the history of cinema. However, with so many similar tropes being released at the same time, many hidden delights got lost in the shuffle.
- 5 Letter Words Starting With BARG, List of 5 Letter Words Starting With BARG
- Mayar Sherif Religion What Religion is Mayar Sherif? Is Mayar Sherif a Muslim?
- Where Is Jesse Lingard Now? Jesse Lingard Transfer News, New Team and More
- Denzel Washington’s 10 Best Moments In Gladiator 2
- PS Plus Free Games August 2023, All New Free PlayStation Plus Games
It’s important to point out that, the titles in question, like many of their higher-praised peers, didn’t give us just killers. They gave us movie villains that are still terrifying today and stories we still think about before falling asleep, which is the ultimate reason these underrated gems are a must-see for any movie buff looking to dive deeper into the dark heart of ’90s best horror films.
You are watching: 10 Underrated Serial Killer Movies From The 1990s You Probably Haven’t Seen
10
The Bone Collector (1999)
Directed by Phillip Noyce
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Bone Collector
R
ThrillerDramaCrimeMystery
The Bone Collector is a crime thriller directed by Phillip Noyce, starring Denzel Washington as a quadriplegic detective and Angelina Jolie as a young patrol officer. The film follows their efforts to solve a string of brutal murders in New York City, with Washington’s character guiding Jolie’s through the investigation from his immobilized state. The suspense-driven narrative explores themes of determination and partnership.
Release Date
November 5, 1999
Runtime
118 minutes
Cast
Denzel Washington
, Angelina Jolie
, Queen Latifah
, Leland Orser
, Michael Rooker
Director
Phillip Noyce
The Bone Collector doesn’t get nearly as much love as it should, but the 1999 thriller is more than worth watching. It stars Denzel Washington as a paralyzed forensic detective, Lincoln Rhyme, and Angelina Jolie as a rookie cop drawn into a terrifying hunt for a sadistic killer. The pair’s on-screen chemistry is palpable throughout, making for one of the movie’s strongest elements.
Related
Denzel Washington’s 10 Most Underrated Movies
Denzel Washington has made a career out of Oscar-winning performances and films, but he has starred in many underrated films that need more love.
Posts
1
While fairly similar to some of the other titles of the era, such as Kiss the Girls, The Bone Collector is not ashamed to be a straightforward, well-rounded crime thriller with just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and unsettling violence. It doesn’t try to reinvent the genre and delivers what is expected, which is an intricate cat-and-mouse game filled with grisly clues and an uncanny vibe. Notably, NBC adapted The Bone Collector into a TV series in 2020, but the film remains the definitive classic.
9
Urban Legend (1998)
Directed by Jamie Blanks
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
7.5/10
Urban Legend
R
HorrorMysteryThriller
Urban Legend is a 1998 horror film directed by Jamie Blanks. Centered on a series of gruesome murders at a New England university, the film follows a group of students as they unravel the connection between the killings and various urban legends. The ensemble cast includes Jared Leto, Alicia Witt, and Rebecca Gayheart, weaving suspense and fear through its exploration of modern folklore.
Release Date
September 25, 1998
Runtime
99 Minutes
Cast
Jared Leto
, Alicia Witt
, Rebecca Gayheart
, Michael Rosenbaum
, Loretta Devine
, Joshua Jackson
, Tara Reid
, John Neville
Director
Jamie Blanks
The 1990s had their way with serial killers and the mythos, but Urban Legend still holds up today. While it wasn’t groundbreaking and came after teen slasher hits like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this underrated title is intriguing, clever, and scary. The film leans into the horror tropes of its era but still manages to stand out with its creative premise and just the right amount of self-awareness.
Along with starring Alicia Witt, Rebecca Gayheart, and Jared Leto, Urban Legend also features Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) in a smaller role, adding a touch of horror nostalgia. Beyond the nods to pop culture, the film keeps the viewer on their toes with its constant twists, turns, and red herrings, rewarding those who pay close attention. Despite being overshadowed by its genre peers, this campy flick is definitely a slasher legend worth revisiting.
8
Kalifornia (1993)
Directed by Dominic Sena
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Kalifornia
R
CrimeDramaThriller
Kalifornia, directed by Dominic Sena, follows a journalist and his partner as they embark on a journey to visit notorious murder sites, accompanied by two travelers, unaware that one of them is a serial killer. Released in 1993, the film delves into themes of violence and psychological unraveling.
Release Date
September 3, 1993
Runtime
117 Minutes
Cast
Brad Pitt
, Juliette Lewis
, David Milford
, David Duchovny
, John Zarchen
, David Rose
, Kathy Larson
, Michelle Forbes
Director
Dominic Sena
Surprisingly, Brad Pitt’s horror movies mark some of his best (or, at least, creepiest) performances of all time, and Kalifornia is no exception. The Hollywood A-lister brought an alarmingly eerie feeling to his character, Early Grayce, who, paired with Juliette Lewis’ Adele, was a ticking time bomb from the very start of the film. The duo makes for the perfect example of why one shouldn’t trust weird strangers, even after you’ve gotten to know them.
The physiological tension is dialed up to the max in Kalifornia, making it the ideal movie choice for anyone who enjoys thrillers and horrors but can’t really stomach gore. Sure, there are moments of violence, but it’s the lingering dread that does most of the work here. It’s one of those rare movies that doesn’t need a body count to keep you on edge, which might be the scariest version possible.
7
Copycat (1995)
Directed by Jon Amiel
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Copycat
R
DramaMysteryThriller
Copycat is a psychological thriller directed by Jon Amiel. The film stars Sigourney Weaver as a criminal psychologist who becomes the target of a serial killer. Holly Hunter co-stars as a detective working to catch the killer. The story delves into themes of fear, crime, and the mind of a murderer.
Release Date
October 27, 1995
Runtime
123 Minutes
Cast
Sigourney Weaver
, Holly Hunter
, Dermot Mulroney
, William McNamara
, Will Patton
, John Rothman
, J. E. Freeman
, Harry Connick Jr.
Director
Jon Amiel
If you haven’t seen Copycat, you’re seriously missing out. It’s an unsung hero of the serial killer genre that ticks all the right boxes for a tense, cerebral, and downright creepy ride. The story is a neat twist on the quintessential “cop and criminal” formula, with a deep dive into the psychology of both the victims and the killers. Ultimately, at its core, this Jon Amiel film is more of an exploration of fears than just another heart-pounding movie.
The bathroom scene, where Sigourney Weaver’s character gets attacked, took eight days to shoot.
Copycat is just clever. The idea of a serial killer mimicking the most infamous criminals of all time was ahead of its time, and the film’s exploration of fear, trauma, and obsession would still easily work today. With the relatively recent true crime boom on social media, Copycat’s sharp commentary on society’s strange fascination with evil could serve as a gentle critique, at the very least.
6
Audition (1999)
Directed by Takashi Miike
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Audition
R
HorrorMysteryDrama
Widower Shigeharu Aoyama holds a mock audition to find a new wife, captivated by the mysterious Asami. Their budding romance takes a dark turn as Asami’s true, disturbing nature is revealed. The story descends into a chilling exploration of obsession, deception, and unimaginable horror.
Release Date
March 3, 2000
Runtime
115 minutes
Cast
Miyuki Matsuda
, Eihi Shiina
, Tetsu Sawaki
, Jun Kunimura
, Ryo Ishibashi
Director
Takashi Miike
Audition sealed the serial killer chapter of the 1990s with a bang. Directed by Takashi Miike, this Japanese horror is so much more than its shocking finale. It’s a slow-burn psychological nail-biter that builds its tension in a way few films manage, which is likely one of the reasons it’s Quentin Tarantino’s favorite horror movie.
Related
10 Best Japanese Horror Movies
Japan has cemented itself as an amazing producer of horror films, with many classics that stand the test of time, like Ringu, House, and Kwaidan.
Posts
Granted, it might be easy to overlook Audition amid the ’90s serial killer flicks that stole the spotlight, but it truly deserves credit. On the surface, it seems like a standard love story. However, as it progresses into much darker territory, audiences are treated to some of the most brutal, stomach-churning scenes in horror history. While it certainly doesn’t cater to the mainstream horror crowd, Audition is on a completely different level of brilliance, making it a must-watch for anyone who thinks they’ve seen it all in the serial killer realm.
5
Freeway (1996)
Directed by Matthew Bright
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Freeway
R
ComedyCrimeThriller
Freeway is a dark comedy thriller that reimagines Little Red Riding Hood in modern-day America. The film follows Vanessa Lutz as Vanessa, a teenage girl who is trying to visit her grandmother in a nearby town. Along the way, she encounters Bob Wolverton, a charming but sinister stranger played by Kiefer Sutherland.
Release Date
August 23, 1996
Runtime
105 Minutes
Cast
Kiefer Sutherland
, Reese Witherspoon
, Wolfgang Bodison
, Dan Hedaya
, Amanda Plummer
Director
Matthew Bright
After watching Freeway, it might be surprising to realize that Legally Blonde was filmed only a few years later. Reese Witherspoon delivers one of her best performances to date in this 1996 gem, proving why she’s one of Hollywood’s best. It’s a blend of dark comedy, crime thriller, and psychological horror, all wrapped up in a twisted retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood.” Yes, it’s as weird as it sounds, but so masterfully done that it’s shocking that Freeway doesn’t get more recognition.
While there are several reasons why Freeway is an underrated film, it was perhaps too many steps ahead. The story was unlike anything else in the ’90s, making it hard to pin down. Nonetheless, even though the movie doesn’t quite center around a serial killer in the traditional sense, it still captures the chilling essence of the genre in a refreshing way.
4
The Exorcist III (1990)
Directed by William Peter Blatty
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
7/10
The Exorcist III
R
HorrorMysterySupernatural
The Exorcist III is a supernatural horror film written and directed by William Peter Blatty. Set over a decade after the events of the original Exorcist film, The Exorcist III Follows Lieutenant Kinderman as he investigates a murder that shares similarities to a killer who was executed fifteen years earlier – and a patient at a local psychiatric ward claims to be that same man.
Release Date
August 17, 1990
Runtime
110 Minutes
Cast
George C. Scott
, Ed Flanders
, Jason Miller
, Scott Wilson
, Nicol Williamson
, Brad Dourif
Director
William Peter Blatty
Franchise(s)
The Exorcist
When most people think of The Exorcist, they think of the iconic 1973 film that redefined the horror genre. The Exorcist III, however, is the sequel that often gets overlooked despite arguably being a great movie night pick. Directed by William Peter Blatty, it takes a different approach compared to its predecessor. Instead of focusing on graphic demon possession, the franchise’s third installment leans more into the psychological aspects of fear.
“[William Peter] Blatty also seems to understand a concept that very few directors have ever been able to grasp. What makes a movie scary is not what you show; it’s what you don’t show.” – Screen Rant’s The Exorcist III review
Whether one is a fan or not, The Exorcist III objectively deserves praise for its cinematography and Blatty’s directorial approach. His choice to focus on atmosphere and tension rather than shock value resulted in a deeply unsettling movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. If only for the infamous hallway scene, which remains disturbing to this day without doing much, don’t skip the third chapter when watching The Exorcist movies.
3
Nightwatch (1997)
Directed by Ole Bornedal
See more : P1 Harmony 2024 P1ustage H: UTOP1A Tour, How to Get Tickets to P1harmony’s 2024 North American Tour?
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Nightwatch
R
DramaHorrorMysteryThriller
Nightwatch is a thriller film starring Ewan McGregor as a law student who takes on the role of a night watchman at a morgue. As he settles into his new job, he becomes entwined in an investigation where he finds himself a suspect in a string of murders.
Release Date
January 31, 1997
Runtime
102 minutes
Cast
Ewan McGregor
, Patricia Arquette
, Josh Brolin
, Lauren Graham
, Nick Nolte
, Anais Evans
, Erich Anderson
, Lonny Chapman
, Scott Burkholder
, Brad Dourif
, Michael Matthys
, Alison Gale
, Robert LaSardo
, Mongo Brownlee
, Candy Ann Brown
, Michelle Csitos
, Alix Koromzay
, Larry Cedar
, Lennie Loftin
, Nicholas Cascone
, Ben Skorstad
, JF Davis
, Bradley Gregg
, Sandra Hess
, Nicholas Sadler
Director
Ole Bornedal
Expand
When Nightwatch was released in 1997, it garnered mixed reviews and didn’t capture a massive audience. Despite the movie being a remake of a relatively well-known Danish thriller from 1994, Nattevagten, it mostly flew under the radar. Nightwatch is one of the three horror movies Ewan McGregor starred in, and being his first, it likely gets overlooked because the actor was still early in his career.
That said, Nightwatch is a grossly underrated title that deserves all the love. It’s not scary in the typical horror sense, but it’s unsettling enough to make you want to pull the covers over your eyes while watching. However, the hard-to-categorize moment seems to take more away from Nightwatch than it adds, as the movie has a disappointing 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, it’s still a solid choice for those who enjoy cerebral, moody crime stories.
2
Citizen X (1995)
Directed by Chris Gerolmo
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
TV Show
My Favorite TV Shows
My Watchlist
Success!
Citizen X
R
CrimeDrama
Citizen X is a crime drama based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who targeted over 50 victims, mostly under 17. The film explores challenges faced by a detective due to bureaucratic obstacles in the communist state while investigating these crimes. Released in 1995, it stars Stephen Rea and Donald Sutherland.
Release Date
February 25, 1995
Cast
Donald Sutherland
, Stephen Rea
, Max von Sydow
, Jeffrey DeMunn
, Joss Ackland
, John Wood
, Radu Amzulescu
, Imelda Staunton
, András Bálint
, Géza Balkay
, László Váradi Balogh
, Zsolt Biro
, Ion Caramitru
, Balázs Csapo
, Imre Csuja
, Zoltán Dózsa
, Jozsa Elek
, Marton Elek
, Murray Ewan
, Klára Falvay
, Erika Fenyes
, Zoltan Galbacs
, Balázs Galkó
, Zoltán Gera
, Jono Gero
Producers
David R. Ginsburg
, Laura Bickford
, Matthew Chapman
Expand
Not only is Citizen X a made-for-TV film you probably haven’t seen, but it’s also one of the rare serial killer movies that was based on a true story. The 1995 title dives into the dark, real-life story of Andrei Chikatilo, one of the Soviet Union’s most notorious serial killers, who murdered over 50 women between the ’70s and ’90s. While not in the lead, the movie features Donald Sutherland in one of his most underrated roles to date.
Related
15 Horror Movies That Are Based On A True Story
Horror movies are scary enough on their own, but stories inspired by real events are all the more horrifying.
Posts
Unlike many serial killer movies that prioritize shocking the viewer with gruesome kills, Citizen X is a slow-burn psychological thriller. The tension doesn’t come from graphic violence but rather from the relentless string of killings and the bureaucratic and political barriers that enable them. Despite receiving critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy wins, Citizen X remains an almost forgotten movie from the 1990s that should instead be celebrated.
1
Dr. Giggles (1992)
Directed by Manny Coto
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
See more : How to Get Free Dice Rolls on Monopoly Go? How to Get Extra Rolls?
Your comment has not been saved
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Dr. Giggles
R
ComedyDramaHorrorMysteryThriller
Dr. Giggles, directed by Manny Coto, is a 1992 horror film about Evan Rendell, who escapes a mental institution 35 years after his father’s lynching. Returning to his hometown, Rendell seeks revenge, targeting residents and focusing on Jennifer, who shares his late mother’s heart condition.
Release Date
October 23, 1992
Runtime
95 minutes
Cast
Larry Drake
, Holly Marie Combs
, Cliff De Young
, Glenn Quinn
, Keith Diamond
, Richard Bradford
Director
Manny Coto
Anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned slasher movie will more than appreciate Dr. Giggles, a campy blend of horror and dark humor that’s criminally underrated. The 1992 movie is not the classic killer-on-the-loose tale, even though it features one in the lead. Starring the legendary Larry David, the story follows a psychotic surgeon, Dr. Evan Rendell, who breaks free from a mental institution. Armed with sharp surgical tools and even sharper one-liners, he goes on a deadly spree.
|
Title |
Letterboxd score |
|---|---|
|
The Bone Collector |
3.2 / 5 |
|
Urban Legend |
2.8 / 5 |
|
Kalifornia |
3.2 / 5 |
|
Copycat |
3.3 / 5 |
|
Audition |
3.8 / 5 |
|
Freeway |
3.5 / 5 |
|
The Exorcist III |
3.6 / 5 |
|
Nightwatch |
3.0 / 5 |
|
Citizen X |
3.5 / 5 |
|
Dr. Giggles |
2.8 / 5 |
David delivers a standout performance as the deranged Dr. Rendell, giving birth to one of the most memorable horror movie villains of the 1990s. Overall, the film pays homage to classic slasher tropes but adds its own comedic flair, making it a unique experience. Thanks to Rendell’s inventive murders and a playful approach, Dr. Giggles earns its place as a hidden gem of absurd horror.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment