5 Most Popular Fictional Serial Killers

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Serial killers have always been a chilling but fascinating part of movies, books, and TV shows. While they’re scary, many people are drawn to their stories because of the mystery, drama, and dark psychology behind their actions. Fictional serial killers often leave a lasting impression on audiences—and some even become pop culture icons.

These characters are known not just for their crimes, but for their unique personalities, clever minds, and the fear they create. Whether they are calm and calculated or wild and unpredictable, they each bring something unforgettable to the screen or page. They keep viewers guessing—and sometimes rooting for the hero to catch them.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 of the most popular fictional serial killers in entertainment. These characters have shocked, thrilled, and entertained millions of fans around the world.

Michael Myers is a silent and relentless serial killer featured in the Halloween film series. He first appeared in the 1978 classic directed by John Carpenter.

Michael is known for his white mask, jumpsuit, and his seemingly supernatural ability to survive almost anything. He is a symbol of pure evil and has terrorized the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, for decades.

Hannibal Lecter is a highly intelligent and cultured serial killer, as well as a brilliant psychiatrist. He is the main antagonist in Thomas Harris' novels and has been portrayed by various actors in films and television series.

Lecter is known for his cannibalistic tendencies and his affinity for fine dining, making him one of the most iconic and complex fictional killers.

Dexter Morgan is a forensic blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. He only targets other murderers, seeking to fulfill a code of ethics instilled in him by his adoptive father. The character is featured in both the Dexter book series by Jeff Lindsay and the television series.

Patrick Bateman is the protagonist and antagonist of Bret Easton Ellis's novel "American Psycho," which was later adapted into a film. Bateman is a wealthy and successful Wall Street investment banker who hides his sadistic and murderous tendencies behind a mask of charm and sophistication. He's infamous for his obsession with materialism, his brutality, and his nihilistic worldview.

Jigsaw, also known as John Kramer, is the central character in the "Saw" film series. He is a mastermind who devises elaborate and deadly traps to test the moral character of his victims.

Jigsaw believes he is teaching them the value of life by putting them in life-or-death situations. His character has appeared in numerous sequels and has become an enduring figure in the horror genre.