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- Hannibal
- NBC

The Greatest Fictional Serial Killers

Mark Holmes

Updated August 8, 2024 305.9K views 40 items

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74.0K votes

8.4K voters

31 reranks

Voting Rules

Only those meeting the FBI's definition of 'serial killer' - i.e. no masked lunatics just killing whoever stumbles into their barns.

Serial killers have long fascinated audiences with their dark allure and chilling personas. Among the most compelling are the best fictional serial killers that inhabit the worlds of television and film. These characters, often depicted with unsettling calmness or sheer madness, engrosses viewers with their malevolent intelligence and gruesome acts. The intrigue lies in their complex psyches, as they blur the lines between sanity and insanity, drawing us into their twisted mindsets. From cunning manipulators to deranged sadists, these fictional serial killers have made an indelible impact on pop culture.

When considering the best fictional serial killers, names like Hannibal Lecter, Dexter Morgan, and Patrick Bateman immediately come to mind. These serial killers characters are crafted with meticulous detail, each bringing something distinct to the table. From Hannibal Lecter's chilling sophistication to Dexter Morgan's moral ambiguity, the spectrum of personalities offers the audience a glimpse into the darker sides of human nature. The diverse nature of these characters means there's often a moral quandary or thrilling chase that keeps viewers glued to their screens.

Take Hannibal Lecter, for instance, a character whose sophistication and cannibalistic tendencies send shivers down the spine. Played by Anthony Hopkins and Mads Mikkelsen, Lecter's intellect and sinister charm define a new level of psychological horror. On the other hand, Dexter Morgan, the forensic expert with a penchant for exacting vigilante justice, offers a morally ambiguous take by killing only those who escape the law’s grasp. Portrayed by Michael C. Hall, Dexter blurs viewers' moral lines. Similarly, Patrick Bateman, the suave and psychopathic investment banker from "American Psycho", played by Christian Bale, delves into the madness hiding beneath a yuppie's facade. These characters exemplify the twisted brilliance that elevates them as the best fictional serial killers.

In the grander scope, these notorious figures underscore a deeper fascination with the dark recesses of human psychology. Their stories provide a stark look at the human potential for evil, mixed with a complex backstory that garners an eerie form of empathy or curiosity. The perennial popularity of these serial killers hints at society's ongoing obsession with the macabre, encouraging both creators and viewers to continually push the boundaries of what makes a great villain. Through beautifully warped narratives and unforgettable portrayals, these fictional serial killers continue to horrify, mesmerize, and astonish, cementing their legacy in the annals of entertainment history.

Most divisive: Mickey Knox

Over 8.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Fictional Serial Killers