If you're a fan of true-crime thrillers like Mindhunter or Zodiac, you owe it to yourself to check out the film that started it all. Fritz Lang's 1931 masterpiece M is now streaming for free on JustWatch TV, the new platform currently in beta that will officially launch this October. With nearly 1,000 titles already available, it's the perfect place to discover a piece of cinema history.
M is a landmark of German Expressionism and film noir, telling the story of a child murderer (played with chilling intensity by Peter Lorre) and the desperate manhunt to catch him. It was Lang's first sound film, and its innovative use of music—particularly the recurring motif of "In the Hall of the Mountain King"—remains iconic. That same piece would later be famously used in David Fincher's The Social Network, a nod to Lang's enduring influence.
Lang, who also directed the sci-fi classic Metropolis, crafted M during the rise of the Nazi party in Germany. The film's exploration of evil and justice was ahead of its time, and its impact on the serial killer genre is immeasurable. From Fincher's Se7en to the Swedish adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the DNA of M is everywhere. In fact, Fincher himself has cited Lang as a major inspiration, and you can see it in the meticulous procedural elements of Zodiac and Mindhunter.
Despite its dark subject matter, M holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising it as "a landmark psychological thriller with arresting images, deep thoughts on modern society, and Peter Lorre in his finest performance." It's a must-watch for any serious film fan, and now it's easier than ever to access.
JustWatch TV is quickly becoming a haven for classic cinema. Alongside M, you can find other timeless titles like the classic western series and the Flash Gordon serial that inspired George Lucas. If you're in the mood for more mysteries, check out our list of the best whodunit movies for newcomers.
So why not dive into a piece of cinematic history? M is not just a great thriller; it's a masterclass in suspense and a cornerstone of the genre that continues to thrill audiences today. Stream it for free on JustWatch TV and see where your favorite serial killer stories began.
