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.

It’s important to point out that, the тιтles 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.

10

The Bone Collector (1999)

Directed by 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.

While fairly similar to some of the other тιтles 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

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 тιтle 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

When Nightwatch was released in 1997, it garnered mixed reviews and didn’t capture a mᴀssive 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 тιтle 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

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 тιтle 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.

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

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 psycH๏τic surgeon, Dr. Evan Rendell, who breaks free from a mental insтιтution. Armed with sharp surgical tools and even sharper one-liners, he goes on a ᴅᴇᴀᴅly spree.

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.