7. The Deliberate Stranger (1986)
Just as Threads was a TV movie, so this US four hour investigation into Ted Bundy finds its way on the list. Many might ask why a forgotten film starring NCIS' Gibbs should be here at all but if you look at the idea of the nightmare movie, this fits perfectly. Many films based on real life killers tend to be awful but this one, by being able to take its time, builds up the tension and the nightmare that anyone, anyone at all could be a killer waiting to strike. The story of Ted Bundy is well-documented. A handsome law graduate based in Salt Lake City, he had it all. Involved in local politics, a beautiful girlfriend and with a great future. What no-one knew, however, was that he would abduct and murder college girls at regular intervals. After several years, the police only caught him because he was pulled over by a traffic cop for a minor infringement and his 'rape kit' was found in the boot. He was then put in prison...only to escape and go straight to the nearest sorority house. It is a truly horrific tale which plays on all of the nightmare themes in the other films on this list, only this one is true. Mark Harmon, who plays Ted, was ear-marked for the role in Hollywood that Tom Cruise eventually got but he is perfect casting here. He has the million dollar smile, is handsome and, with the flick of a switch, his glittering eyes turn to black as 'Ted' takes over and the violence begins. Yes, it has the feel of a 1986 television movie, but it is one of the best depictions of the horror that your spouse or friend could be a murderer, that has been seen and, in Harmon, a star was born.