Serial killers are real-life nightmares.

Some of the most fascinating people are the evilest. Serial killers have been a widespread phenomenon and dominating news stories for decades. The intrigue of learning the stories behind these renowned criminals has continuously drawn audiences in. With the popularity of Netflix’s Dahmer and books like Helter Skelter, there’s no question that people are hungry for more—and there’s plenty to choose from. 

There are an array of shows, books, documentaries, and more about serial killers real and fictionalized. Read about Jack the Ripper’s anonymous rampage through London in the 1880s or how they finally discovered the identity of the Zodiac Killer in recent years. If you’re a fan of true crime in any capacity, there’s something out there about serial killers for you.

Here are some chilling places to start: 

Peruse the stories before for even more unsettling facts about serial killer.

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26 Serial Killer Movies Based on Real Life (and Death)

These films are hard to watch because you know they’re true.

Burke and Hare: The Anatomy Murderers of Edinburgh

They lured people to their deaths, then sold the cadavers to medical schools.

Ivan Milat, the Australian Backpacker Murderer

Authorities knew they had a serial killer on their hands.

A Killer Revealed: Inside the Twisted Mind of Arthur Shawcross

The subject of Interview with a Serial Killer—streaming on Netflix now—speaks out in his own chilling words.

Meet the Three People Who Helped Catch Ted Bundy

Bundy's girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer, along with two rookie cops, helped take down the serial killer.

8 Twisted Confessions from Ted Bundy That Will Make Your Skin Crawl

These chilling Ted Bundy quotes will grant you access to the mind of one of America's most notorious serial killers.

10 Little-Known Facts About Jeffrey Dahmer

How well do you know the Milwaukee Cannibal?

11 Chilling True Crime Books About Female Killers

From small-town murderers to one of the most prolific female serial killers in American history.

The Woman Who Was Bludgeoned By a Claw Hammer—And Survived

David Gerard believed his criminal past was behind him, and thought his girlfriend, Frankie Cochran, was dead. He was wrong on both accounts.

11 Movies Inspired by Ed Gein’s Hideous Crimes

The killer's creepy crimes have led to a slew of villains based on Gein.

Robert Berdella: The Butcher of Kansas City

Behind his friendly demeanor lurked a deadly obsession with torture and murder.

The Most Dangerous Animal: Is the Zodiac Killer the Next Cold Case to Be Solved?

Investigators hope that new technology will help find justice for the Zodiac's victims.

6 Twisted British Serial Killers

From the Suffolk Strangler to Jack the Ripper, these British serial killers left a grisly trail of death in their wake.