The perks of watching thriller films can include enjoyment and excitement. Thriller films are also renowned for their suspenseful and fascinating plots, which may provide spectators with an exciting and entertaining experience. Furthermore, by focusing viewers’ attention and fostering their capacity for critical thought, thriller movies can stimulate the brain and improve cognitive performance.

It can be used to investigate and address relevant concerns like crime, justice, and morality. Thriller films have the power to stimulate dialogue and critical thinking by presenting challenging and thought-provoking circumstances.

Here is a list of the top 12 true-crime films that will make you cringe to think about what they have done.

#12 The Black Dahlia (2006)

Elizabeth Short’s murder served as the inspiration for the 2006 crime drama movie “The Black Dahlia.” In the 1940s Los Angeles setting, two police investigators become fixated on the investigation and unearth a network of fraud and corruption involving prominent socialites and an enigmatic millionaire. In addition to examining issues of obsession, corruption, and the shadow side of the American Dream, the movie has magnificent cinematography.

#11 The Night Stalker (2016)

Crime thriller “The Night Stalker” (2016) is inspired by the life of serial killer Richard Ramirez, who plagued Los Angeles in the ’80s. Filmmakers follow detective Gil Carrillo and journalist Frank Salerno as they try to stop Ramirez from killing again. The picture is extremely suspenseful, thanks in large part to Lou Diamond Phillips’s terrifying performance as Ramirez.

#10 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

In the 1974 horror film “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” Leatherface and his family of cannibalistic psychopaths chase down a group of friends who had gotten lost in rural Texas. The film’s extreme gore and bloodshed have made it a classic among horror fans.

#9 Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017)

A 2017 true crime documentary called “Mother Dead and Dearest” chronicles the shocking murder of Dee Dee Blanchard by her daughter Gypsy Rose Blanchard. The film explores the tumultuous and abusive relationship between Dee Dee and Gypsy as well as the circumstances behind the murder. The movie discusses the disastrous effects of Munchausen syndrome through proxy and includes interviews with family members, legal professionals, and medical experts.

#8 Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood (2019)

The film, which takes place in 1969 Los Angeles, tells the tale of fading TV star Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth as they attempt to break back into the movie business. The movie also incorporates the Manson Family killings as real-life events, building to a dramatic and deadly conclusion. The film is a tribute to the Golden Era of Hollywood and has a cast full of A-list talent.

#7 All Good Things (2010)

The real-life story of Robert Durst, a prosperous real estate heir who was accused of committing many crimes, served as the basis for the 2010 mystery-drama movie “All Good Things.” The film, which features Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, centers on the problematic marriage of Durst and his wife as he gets more harsh and inflexible. Durst is the prime suspect after his wife vanishes. The movie looks at issues like control, power, and the shadow side of the American Dream.

#6 My Friend Dahmer (2017)

The 2017 biographical drama film “My Friend Dahmer” is based on the Derf Backderf graphic novel of the same name. The film tells the story of infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s teenage years as seen through the eyes of Backderf, a friend from high school. The film offers a distinctive and unnerving glimpse into the psyche of a serial killer and stars Ross Lynch in a haunting performance as Dahmer.

#5 Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996)

The 1996 documentary “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders in Robin Hood Hills” focuses on the West Memphis Three, a group of three teenage boys who were found guilty of the savage killings of three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. The documentary investigates the contentious investigation, the trial, and the public response to the case.

#4 Scream (1996)

The film centers on a group of high school students who are dealing with the fallout from a local murder when they become the target of “Ghostface,” a masked assassin. The movie combines satirical and horror themes and is renowned for its self-awareness and deft inversion of horror movie clichés.

#3 Monster (2003)

Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute turned serial killer who was executed in 2002, is the subject of the biographical crime drama film “Monster,” which was released in 2003. The story covers the relationship between Wuornos and Selby Wall, a young lady she meets at a pub, as well as Wuornos’ killings and final capture. Charlize Theron plays Wuornos in the film. The movie delivers a terrifying and nuanced look at the life of a killer while examining topics of abuse, trauma, and the psychological effects of violence.

#2 Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)

“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile,” a 2019 biographical crime drama film, chronicles the story of iconic serial killer Ted Bundy. The film investigates how Bundy used deception and charm to conceal his violent behavior, as well as the media frenzy that preceded his conviction. The video examines one of America’s most known serial killers from a new perspective.

#1 Zodiac (2007)

The 2007 film “Zodiac” is based on actual events and depicts the investigation of murders by a cartoonist, a crime reporter, and a police detective as they attempt to identify and apprehend the murderer. The film provides a realistic and in-depth depiction of the investigation, as well as the affect of the murders on the city and the individuals involved.