13. Hans Beckert (M)
German filmmaker Fritz Lang's M tells the story of Peter Lorre's Hans Beckert as he goes around the city murdering children. And though not explicitly stated in the film (given the fact that it was made in the 1930's) it can be safely assumed these crimes are also sexual in nature. Beckert is a small, sneaky and sly man, casually whistling the tune of
In the Hall of the Mountain King while he stalks his prey. He is arguably the first great serial killer ever portrayed in cinema.
Why We Can't Help But Love Him: His impassioned speech that closes out the end of the film manages to divert judgment from himself, leaving the audience feeling almost sympathetic for the man, with their hatred and ire now equally divide among the murderer himself and the gang attempting to exact vigilante justice.