The third season of the anthology series “Monster,” created by Ryan Murphy, premiered in October 2025 on Netflix and was a huge success. “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” follows previous seasons that starred Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, now featuring another infamous US criminal who inspired several films.
This season, the focus is Ed Gein, a murderer, body snatcher and possible serial killer, played by Charlie Hunnam. The plot explores Gein’s life and references films inspired by his crimes.
If you’ve already watched “Monster: The Story of Ed Gein” and are looking for similar films and series, check out the 10 works available on streaming services below.
10 Movies and Series Similar to Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Psycho (1960)
The classic “Psycho” has everything to do with “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” This is because the film, directed by the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, was inspired by the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch, which was in turn based on the real case of Ed Gein.
In the plot, after stealing money from her employer, a woman (Janet Leigh) runs away and ends up in a remote motel. However, the place is run by the strange Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a man under the strong influence of his mother.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Winner of five Oscars, including the major categories (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay), “The Silence of the Lambs” is recognized as a suspense/horror classic.
Adapted from the novel by Thomas Harris, the film is directed by Jonathan Demme. The film’s plot follows a young FBI agent (Jodie Foster) on the hunt for serial killer “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine). In this quest, he turns to the advice of a cannibalistic killer serving time, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).
An interesting “detail” is that Harris used Ed Gein as the basis for creating the character “Buffalo Bill” in his novel.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Under the direction of Tobe Hooper, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is another horror classic that takes inspiration from Ed Gein.
In the plot, young people traveling through the Texas interior become victims of a bizarre family of cannibalistic murderers. The iconic Leatherface, who wears masks made of human skin, was inspired by Gein.
American Horror Story: Asylum (2012)
Also created by Ryan Murphy, “American Horror Story” is a very popular and successful anthology TV series. However, watching “Asylum”, the second season, is a good recommendation for those who enjoyed “Monster: The Story of Ed Gein”.
The season is set in 1964 and takes place in the Briarcliff Manor psychiatric hospital, a place that also houses the criminally insane. The character of Dr. Oliver Thredson (Zachary Quinto) was inspired by Ed Gein.
Con Air: Escape (1997)
Leaving the suspense and horror, “Con Air: Rota de Fuga” is a very playful action film, but tied to the theme of Ed Gein. The story follows the escape of several dangerous prisoners who take control of a plane.
Nicolas Cage, John Cusack and John Malkovich are in the lead roles, but the standout is Steve Buscemi, who plays a serial killer inspired by several infamous real-life criminals, including Ed Gein.
Destro (2006)
One of the most critically acclaimed crime series of recent times is “Dexter.” The attraction follows Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a forensic expert specializing in blood analysis who leads a double life as a serial killer.
The series also received two sequels, “Dexter: New Blood” and “Dexter: Resurrection,” both with Hall reprising the lead role. Apart from them, a prequel, titled “Dexter: Original Sin”, was also released.
Mindhunter (2017)
With David Fincher (“Seven”) as showrunner, “Mindhunter” is an acclaimed series based on the true crime book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker.
The production follows two FBI agents in the 1970s who begin interviewing imprisoned serial killers to understand their minds and create psychological profiles. Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany and Anna Torv star in the series.
Citizen X (1995)
The television movie “Citizen
Based on the non-fiction book “The Killer Department”, the film is set in the 1980s and revolves around USSR detectives trying to catch the criminal. The cast includes Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland and Max von Sydow.
The Body Collector (2009)
In the horror plot “The Body Collector”, an ex-convict (Josh Stewart) plans to rob his new employer’s house.
However, he ends up discovering something sinister: a serial killer has already invaded the place before and has set several traps.
The Man Who Hated Women (1968)
The thriller “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is based on the true story of the Boston Strangler, the name given to the serial killer responsible for the deaths of 13 women in that city in the 1960s.
Tony Curtis plays Albert DeSalvo, the man who confessed to being the killer. The cast also includes Henry Fonda as one of the investigators. Directed by Richard Fleischer (“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”).
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
