Dahmer

Rape, horror, graphic violence, nudity Rated on: 21 September 2022

Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Dahmer

What’s it about?

This series explores the motive and methods of the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. It details how he murdered 17 boys and young men and avoided being arrested for more than a decade.

The series highlights issues around racism and policing, and is often told from the point of view of Dahmer’s victims.

The facts

  • Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan
  • English language
  • Based on true events

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Rape and sexual violence

Throughout the series sexual violence is shown and talked about in detail.

Dahmer lures teenage boys and men to his apartment often with the expectation of sex. Dahmer drugs and murders his victims, and is depicted sexually assaulting and touching their bodies in a sexualised way both before and after he has killed them. These scenes are uncomfortable, upsetting and disturbing.

Horror and graphic violence

There is a sense of threat and violence through the series.

Dahmer horrifically murders his victims, shows no remorse and even eats parts of their corpses. There are frequent depictions of the murders and aftermath. There are discussions and scenes about decomposed bodies, dismembered body parts and Dahmer performing experiments on his victims like drilling into their skulls. These scenes are confronting, detailed and disturbing.

Nudity and sexual themes

Frontal male nudity is shown for a very short amount of time while most scenes show men nude from behind.

In multiple scenes Dahmer masturbates and sometimes in public. He has to think about killing in order to remain aroused. He also takes pictures of his victims usually just in their underwear both before and after he has killed them.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

01 July 2025

Nudity, sexual violence themes

This documentary uncovers claims of toxic workplace culture, inappropriate behaviour, and harsh working conditions at the company run by CEO Dov Charney.

Read more

24 June 2025

Suitable for general audiences

When evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel capture Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the gang head into the real world on a daring rescue mission.

Read more