A Look at Every Movie Based on Ted Bundy

In 1980, reporter and author Richard W. Larsen released the book Bundy: The Deliberate Stranger, documenting the incarcerated serial killer’s crimes. As Larsen knew Bundy personally and had even interviewed him prior to his arrest, it provided an interesting look into the murderer’s double life. For many people, it was the first they they were made aware of the horrific nature of Bundy’s murders, and the devious methods he used to lure in new victims.

Six years later, Warner Bros. would adapt the book into a two-part TV movie for NBC. The film doesn’t touch on Bundy’s early life or the start of his murders, picking up when the maniac was deep into his cross-country killing spree. NCIS star Mark Harmon played Bundy in the film, and was so impressive in the role that Bundy’s personal lawyer called the portrayal “stunningly accurate.” Critics agreed, and Harmon was nominated for a Golden Globe for the part.

You can watch a clip from the movie below.

After Harmon’s fantastic portrayal of Bundy, it would be many years before another actor would take the reins. That came in 2002, when veteran TV actor Michael Reilly Burke was cast as the serial killer in the simply-titled biopic Ted Bundy. The film was directed by Matthew Bright, using a screenplay co-written by Bright and Stephen Johnston.

This movie provides more of a complete look at Bundy’s life as a serial killer, beginning shortly before his very first murder. His double life is chronicled in the movie, touching on his relationships with those who have no idea of his true nature, and culminates with Bundy’s execution by electric chair. It’s an intriguing movie as it’s based on the story of a real-life murderer, but it’s not the most accurate portrayal as several creative liberties were taken.

One of the most memorable scenes from the film is when a potential victim escapes from Bundy’s car, and you can watch it now in the video below.

True crime author Ann Rule knew Ted Bundy well, speaking with him before and after being arrested for his many murders. Her knowledge led to the release of the 1980 book The Stranger Beside Me, detailing her relationship with the man she’d one day discover to be a serial killer. Barbara Hershey plays the lead role of Ann Rule in the movie, with Billy Campbell co-starring as Bundy.

This movie is different from the others in the sense that it’s told from Rule’s point-of-view. It’s certainly one hell of a coincidence for the author to just happen to befriend a future serial killer when she was still an aspiring writer. The two worked together for a rape crisis center in Seattle, and when Bundy was first named as a suspect in the murders, Rule had great difficulty believing he was guilty. It was only after the evidence mounted when she realized someone she thought she knew was in actuality a monster.

If you’ve never seen the film before and you have interest in doing so, YouTube has it available to stream for $1.99.

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Directed by Bill Eagles using a script by Tom Towler, the 2004 TV movie The Riverman featured Ted Bundy as a prominent character. However, another serial killer would serve as the primary focus of the story. Based on Robert Keppel’s true crime book The Riverman: Ted Bundy and I Hunt For the Green River Killer, the film takes place after Bundy has been locked up for his murders, with Keppel enlisting his help to track down an unidentified murderer.

Saw star Cary Elwes plays Bundy in the movie, with Bruce Greenwood playing criminology professor Robert Keppel. It details Keppel’s investigation into a Seattle-based serial killer who has yet to be identified, known only as “The Green River Killer.” When Keppel gets a letter from Bundy offering assistance with the case, the professor meets with the serial killer to conduct several interviews. Unbeknownst to Bundy, however, Keppel’s intention is to uncover more details about Bundy’s crimes, in addition to whatever he can find out about his Green River investigation. As it turns out, Bundy isn’t all that helpful in identifying the suspect, although the interviews did lead to Bundy confessing to several killings of his own.

In 2008, Lifetime released a similar movie about a detective tracking the Green River Killer, featuring James Marsters as Ted Bundy. In that film, however, Bundy’s role is limited to a very brief cameo appearance. You can get a peek at The Riverman on YouTube.

Also known as Bundy: An American Icon, this 2008 horror film serves as another biopic for Bundy’s life. Directed by Michael Feifer, the film features Parker Lewis Can’t Lose star Corin Nemec as the titular murderer.

The plot of the biopic touches on Bundy’s traumatic childhood, leading into his life as an infamous murderer. It’s a rather simple movie about the murderer, serving as another retelling of the story seen in other films. Perhaps because it doesn’t offer anything new compared to Bundy biopics from the past, the film went mostly unnoticed upon its release and doesn’t get much attention these days. Still, it’s an entertaining watch for horror fans, and Kane Hodder’s cameo as the prison warden alone makes the movie worth your time to check out.

Watch the official trailer below!

This year will see the release of the newest movie about Ted Bundy, with Zac Efron taking on the role of the notorious killer. Called Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, the film is directed by Joe Berlinger with a screenplay by Michael Werwie. Joining Efron in the cast are Lily Collins, Kaya Scodelario, Jim Parsons, and John Malkovich.

While Ted is a main character in the film, the story is told from the perspective of his girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer (Collins). Its plot focuses on how Kloepfer comes to terms with accepting who her boyfriend really is, after struggling so hard to believe it. It goes to show just how cunning Bundy really was, as he managed to fool those closest to him in addition to all of his other friends and acquaintances. A dead ringer for Bundy, Efron’s performance has been referred to in early reviews as a highlight for the film.

The movie recently had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. You can watch its official trailer below.

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