13 Absolutely Incredible Stars Who Have Played History's Most Heinous Serial Killers
They were chilling to watch.
We can all agree that serial killers aren't exactly the type of people you'd easily give the benefit of the doubt. They're also not the type of individuals you'd want to be hanging out with alone on a Saturday night in an abandoned alley or in your apartment.
Just hearing the term "serial killer" can cause many people to feel a spike of fear. In fact, the names of many of the most infamous serial killers in history are often spoken with disgust, fear, and even anger.
And yet, for some absurd reason, many people are fascinated by these individuals. Generally, we're curious about who they were as people and how they managed to evade capture for so long.
That's why, even though some serial killers have long been dead, people continue to create books and shows about them. We still watch these productions because, well, they are interesting.
When you think about it, from a cinematic standpoint, it can be quite challenging for actors to portray these real-life figures. To accurately depict them, they must enter a specific headspace, learn mannerisms, and, to some degree, embody individuals who have been branded as evil by society.
These roles are difficult to take on, and the celebrities who have accepted them deserve applause. Here are the stars who have portrayed serial killers.
1. Zac Efron (Ted Bundy)
Just before his execution in 1989, Bundy confessed to 30 homicides committed in the 1970s. Zac Efron portrayed him in the 2019 film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.
Bettmann/Getty Images; Brian Douglas/Netflix2. Jeremy Renner (Jeffrey Dahmer)
2002's Dahmer featured Jeremy Renner playing the serial killer known for killing and dismembering nearly 20 men and boys between 1978 and 1991.
EUGENE GARCIA/AFP via Getty Images; Peninsula Films3. Chad Michael Murray (Ted Bundy)
Murray also stepped into Bundy's murderous shoes for the 2021 film Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman.
Getty Images, Dark Star Pictures/Voltage Pictures
4. Joshua Jackson (Dr. Christopher Duntsch)
Jackson starred as the Texan neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Duntsch in the 2021 series Dr. Death, which was inspired by the podcast of the same title.
Scott McDermott/Peacock/Dallas County Sheriff's Office
5. Ross Lynch (Jeffrey Dahmer)
In the 2017 film My Friend Dahmer, Lynch portrayed serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer during his high school years.
Bureau of Prisons/Getty Images; Ibid Filmworks/Kobal/Shutterstock
6. Darren Criss (Andrew Cunanan)
For the film The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Darren Criss stepped out of his Glee suit to portray Andrew Cunanan. This role earned him an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award.
Shutterstock
7. Damon Herriman (Charles Manson)
Damon Herriman stepped into the shoes of the infamous cult leader not once, but twice. He portrayed Manson in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood and in an episode of Mindhunter, where he acted opposite Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany.
AP/Shutterstock; Sony
8. Evan Peters (Charles Manson)
In American Horror Story: Cult, the Manson family murders were recreated, with AHS lead Evan Peters channeling the cult leader Charles Manson.
FX, Everett/Shutterstock
9. Cameron Britton (Ed Kemper)
On Mindhunter, Cameron Britton delivered a chilling performance as Ed Kemper.
Bettmann/Getty Images; Courtesy of Netflix
10. John Cusack (Robert Hansen)
In 2012's The Frozen Ground, John Cusack portrayed Robert Hansen, also known as the Butcher Baker, who was arrested and convicted in 1983 after abducting, raping, and murdering at least 17 women.
Anchorage Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images; Lionsgate
11. Brian Dennehy (John Wayne Gacy)
In a two-part television special in 1992, Brian Dennehy stepped into the shoes of John Wayne Gacy, a sex offender who murdered at least 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978.
Bettmann/Getty Images; Creative Entertainment Group/Getty Images
12. Charlize Theron (Aileen Wuornos)
Charlize Theron underwent a significant transformation to portray serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who killed seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990, in the 2003 film Monster. The film also starred Christina Ricci as a character based on Wuornos' ex-girlfriend, Tyria Moore.
Lafayette/Kobal/Shutterstock; Moviestore/Shutterstock
13. Zach Villa (Richard Ramirez)
Richard Ramirez, also known as the Night Stalker, terrorized San Francisco and Los Angeles between 1984 and 1985. He died in prison in 2013 and was portrayed by Zach Villa in the ninth season of American Horror Story.
John Mabanglo/AP/Shutterstock; Kurt Iswarienko FX
Many of these stars delivered stellar performances, providing us with bone-chilling portrayals of these serial killers. We know it's not the easiest job in the world to get into the headspace of such complicated individuals.
Additionally, some of them even underwent a complete transformation to accurately portray their characters. This dedication demonstrates their commitment to delivering award-worthy performances.
Which portrayal was your favorite?
