They’re usually cold-blooded psychopaths who have absolutely no problem taking another human’s life, often for no other reason than their own pleasure. Among these unfortunately many serial killers throughout history, some have managed to stand out. Either because they have never been caught (Jack the Ripper, The Zodiac Killer, etc.), because they were untypical killers (Ted Bundy, etc.), or due to their inhumane modus operandi (Ed Gein, Jeffrey Dahmer, etc.). But the following list ranks and focuses on those serial killers that have killed the highest number of people.
Note: Only people who have directly killed people are counted here. Leaders of countries who have commanded the deaths of sometimes millions of people (Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, etc.) are therefore NOT included in the ranking. Serial killers who were doctors and medical professionals and have deliberately killed their patients (most notably Harold Shipman) are also NOT included in this list of serial killers.
The 10 Biggest Serial Killers in History (by number of victims):

1. Elizabeth Bathory

2. Gilles de Rais

3. Peter Niers

4. Amelia Dyer

5. Pedro Lopez

6. John Johnson

7. Herman Mudgett

8. Daniel Camargo

9. Luis Garavito

10. Thug Behram

The 10 Biggest Serial Killers in History
The 10 Biggest Serial Killers in History: |
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1. ELIZABETH BATHORY ~ 650 murders |
2. GILLES DE RAIS ~ 600 murders |
3. PETER NIERS 544 murders |
4. AMELIA DYER ~ 400 murders |
5. PEDRO LOPEZ ~ 350 murders |
6. JOHN JOHNSON ~ 300 murders |
7. HERMAN MUDGETT ~ 200 murders |
8. DANIEL CAMARGO ~ 150 murders |
9. LUIS GARAVITO ~ 140 murders |
10. THUG BEHRAM 125 murders |