David Berkowitz sent New York City into a panic after his attack on Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti kickstarted a series of seemingly random murders spanning the mid-1970s. Dubbing himself Son of Sam, Berkowitz taunted and eluded police until his arrest in 1977. Berkowitz confessed to the crimes, but with the caveat that he was following the orders of a demonic spirit that took the shape of his neighbor's dog, Sam. While the case is technically solved, the ongoing debate about Berkowitz's motive and the possibility of an accomplice has kept it firmly planted in the cultural zeitgeist for almost 50 years.
With Netflix debuting Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, renewed interest circles one of America's most notorious serial killers. Those hoping to learn more about Berkowitz, his allegedly supernatural motives, and the victims who don't deserve to be forgotten, streaming offers plenty of options. Here are the best movies and TV shows about Son of Sam for true crime fans to delve into.
Summer of Sam (1999)
Summer of Sam might be a dramatized movie about the Son of Sam murders, but it's still very much worth watching, especially for people who like Spike Lee's trademark style. Here, Lee transports audiences to the hot summer of 1977 when the hunt for the then-unknown killer is at an all-time high. Instead of focusing on the killer, though, Summer of Sam pans out, delving into the chaos, panic, and fear generated by the manhunt among a tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood. Those wanting an intimate look into Berkowitz's mind won't get there here. What you'll get instead is a juicy character-driven story that cautions against the dangers of mob mentality.
The Bronx Is Burning (2007)
If you're searching for a documentary about Son of Sam, this isn't that. Like Summer of Sam, The Bronx Is Burning is a fictional series that actually places David Berkowitz in the background as opposed to the front. Still, those who enjoy a good sports show will find The Bronx Is Burning standouts as a unique offering in the often "feel-good" subgenre. Set in that famous summer of 1977, the mini-series follows the tense rivalry between Yankees player Reggie Jackson and his manager, Billy Martin. As the drama plays out, the series also chronicles law enforcement's pursuit of Son of Sam, whose random attacks generate all kinds of panic among New York City residents.
The Lost Tapes: Son of Sam (2016)
The Lost Tapes is a Smithsonian Channel offering that spotlights numerous and core-shaking moments in American history, from the world-changing attacks on Pearl Harbor to the more intimate and bizarre case of the Patty Hearst kidnapping. Season 1, Episode 4 dedicates itself to the Son of Sam murders. While Berkowitz's 1977 killing spree and ensuing capture typically steal the focus of other documentaries and series, The Lost Tapes ensures coverage of Berkowitz's early (and often overlooked) violent crimes that began as early as 1975. At only 51 minutes long, those who want to learn more about the killer without committing to a multi-episode docuseries will find their best match here.
Son of Sam: The Killer Speaks (2017)
Similar to Conversations With a Killer, Son of Sam: The Killer Speaks lets you learn about the Son of Sam murders from Berkowitz's very own mouth. The TV special features an interview between Berkowitz and CBS journalist Maurice DuBois, where they discuss everything from Berkowitz's dark past to his alleged interactions with demonic forces. Now a born-again Christian since 1987, Berkowitz speaks about forgiveness, penance, and faith. Whether it's a true change or manipulation is up for debate among many, but for those wanting an up-close-and-personal account of Berkowitz can't do better than The Killer Speaks.
Son of Sam: The Hunt For a Killer (2017)
For those interested in learning more about Berkowitz's mind, Son of Sam: The Hunt For a Killer is a solid watch. Using interviews and archival footage, this two-part documentary delves into the chaotic manhunt of Summer '77. However, a good chunk of the film seeks to uncover Berkowitz's true motivation, especially with Berkowitz's flip-flopping on his story over the years. Although it might not be as narratively engaging as other documentaries on the killer, it's certainly thorough and informative for those looking to learn more.
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Another Netflix favorite, Mindhunter is the show for those disturbed, terrified, and oddly fascinated by the psychology of serial killers. Set in the late '70s, the fictional-but-inspired-by-real-events series chronicles the early days of the FBI's Behavior Science Unit and the even earlier beginnings of criminal profiling. While Season 1 primarily features serial killer Edmund Kemper, Season 2 introduces other notorious names like Elmer Wayne Henley, Charles Manson, and, of course, David Berkowitz. Still largely considered one of the best TV shows of all time, Mindhunter is an excellent watch for those interested in the profiling side of killers as a whole.
The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness (2021)
Netflix has the best true crime offerings around, and The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness spotlights that wonderfully. With David Berkowitz behind bars, you'd think there wouldn't be anything new to discover about the case. However, journalist Maury Terry dedicated the better half of his life trying to prove Berkowitz didn't act alone. This new spin on one of America's most notorious crimes is compelling and thought-provoking. If you think you know everything about Berkowitz, think again. Descent into Darkness is sure to offer something fresh to even the most experienced true crime watchers.
Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes (2025)
Netflix's latest true crime offering and the fourth installment in the Conversations With a Killer series turns its sights on David Berkowitz. The Son of Sam Tapes includes newly unearthed audio interviews between Berkowitz and reporter Jack Jones in the closed-off walls of Attica Correctional Facility in 1980. Coupled with compelling interviews from law enforcement, survivors, and journalists, the series continues Conversations With a Killer's tradition of offering the most well-rounded looks into infamous crimes to date.
Where To Watch Son Of Sam Movies And TV Shows Online
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