'Handsome Devil: Charming Killer' and 4 Other TV Series About Real-Life Maniacs
Real stories that are more terrifying than any fiction.
Paradoxically, fraudsters, mafiosi, and serial killers are often celebrated despite the brutality of their crimes.
The phenomenon of "celebrity maniacs" intrigues filmmakers and viewers alike. We've recalled five projects that don't romanticize violence but instead attempt to explain how these monsters came to be.
1. 'Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes', 2019
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
The first season of the documentary series Conversations with a Killer tells the story of Ted Bundy. In the mid-1970s, he operated in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho.
Bundy was a successful university graduate and even attempted a career in politics. Among all known killers, Bundy stood out for his physical attractiveness and social graces – he was friendly, sociable, and smiling, seemingly incapable of cruelty.
In reality, Bundy had over 30 victims – and that's according to official sources only.
2. 'Happy Face', 2025
IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Happy Face, a classic true crime procedural from Paramount+, centers on serial killer Keith Jesperson, who operated in the early 1990s.
Jesperson earned the nickname the Happy Face killer for leaving smiley faces in his messages to police. He primarily targeted women – neighbors, casual acquaintances, or fellow travelers – for the opportunity to attract public attention.
After his arrest in 1995, Jesperson confessed to 185 murders, most of which he was not connected to.
3. 'Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer', 2021
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
This sinister true crime documentary from Netflix is dedicated to the life of Richard Ramirez, one of the most notorious serial killers.
The events unfold in Los Angeles in the 1980s. Panic grips the city as an unknown assailant murders and rapes people at random. His victims are women, men, the elderly, and teenagers.
For a long time, the police are unable to connect the crimes, as it seems as if they were committed by different people. However, over time, a pattern begins to emerge – the serial killer primarily acts at night, and a pentagram is always left at the scene.
4. 'Handsome Devil: Charming Killer', 2026
IMDb Score: 6.2/10
The documentary series focuses on Florida resident Wade Wilson, who gained meteoric online popularity after brutally murdering two women and being arrested.
His mugshot – showing a young man with short hair and gothic facial tattoos – quickly went viral on social media.
Through the efforts of thousands of female fans, an online community called Wade's Wives was formed. There, women openly professed their love for Wilson and planned to have children with him.
5. 'World's Most Wanted', 2020
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
This Netflix true crime documentary explores some of the most dangerous criminals in history. Each episode tells the story of an individual who has been on a long-running international wanted list.
We recommend checking out the episode featuring Matteo Messina Denaro, the former boss of the Sicilian Mafia, Cosa Nostra, who evaded justice for 30 years.
Like a character from The Godfather, Denaro grew up in an environment of all-consuming crime – his family was part of a powerful Mafia clan, and his father was its leader.
