Ted Bundy

Ted Bundy

Year: 2002

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Bright

BiographyDramaThrillerCrime

During the 1970s, a relentless serial killer terrorized America, targeting unsuspecting victims along highways. As the investigation intensifies, determined Detective Kathleen McChesney and FBI profiler Robert Ressler collaborate to track down Ted Bundy, the infamous figure behind the widespread fear. The story details the intense manhunt and the efforts to bring Bundy's reign of terror to a definitive conclusion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ted Bundy yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Ted Bundy (2002)

Trace every key event in Ted Bundy (2002) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ted's double life begins

Ted Bundy is a law student at Seattle University and works at a crisis center, while maintaining a long-term girlfriend, Lee. He hides his sadistic impulses as he begins his killing spree, starting with the murder of a hotline caller and violating her body. He soon escalates to breaking into homes, luring victims to his car or through deception, and abducting and murdering them, all while using his knowledge of law enforcement to evade detection.

1974 Seattle, Washington
2

First wave of killings expands

He habitually breaks into the homes of young women and lures them to his car by faking disabilities or impersonating a police officer. He incapacitates, abducts, and drives them to a location where escape is impossible, where he rapes and murders them. He evades authorities because of his knowledge of law enforcement and his ability to avoid fitting offender profiles; witnesses circulate facial composites and his nickname.

1974
3

Tina Gabler's escape sparks arrest

In Murray, Utah, 1975, Tina Gabler escapes from Bundy's moving car and is rescued by another driver. Months later, based on her description, a Utah Highway Patrol officer stops Bundy, arresting him and finding a rape kit in his trunk. Tina testifies against Bundy, and he is convicted of kidnapping; authorities recognize the ongoing serial-killer pattern, while Bundy tells Lee that charges cover multiple murders and predicts he won't be convicted.

1975 Murray, Utah
4

Tina's testimony and Bundy convicted of kidnapping

Ted testifies at his trial and is convicted of kidnapping. Authorities are alerted and investigate further, ultimately concluding he is the serial killer they have been seeking. Ted tells Lee that the charges are for multiple murders, but claims there is no hard evidence and that he will never be convicted, prompting Lee to end the relationship.

1975 Utah
5

Trial in Aspen and courtroom escape

In 1977, Bundy represents himself at his trial and gains access to the Pitkin County Courthouse law library. He promptly escapes by jumping from an upper-story window.

1977 Pitkin County Courthouse, Aspen, Colorado
6

Aspen Mountain auto theft attempt and recapture

Six days after the escape, Bundy attempts auto theft at Aspen Mountain and is arrested, returning him to prison.

1977 Aspen Mountain, Aspen, Colorado
7

Second escape and FBI Most Wanted

Months later, Bundy escapes again and becomes one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.

1977 USA
8

Florida spree begins: Chi Omega attacks

Bundy relocates to Florida and, in Tallahassee, begins a murder spree, assaulting four women at the Chi Omega sorority house and killing two of them.

1978 Tallahassee, Florida
9

Rape and murder of Suzanne Bruster

Over a month later, Bundy rapes and murders 12-year-old Suzanne Bruster. Shortly after, he is arrested and beaten by a Pensacola police officer.

1978 Pensacola, Florida
10

Death sentence in Florida

He is tried at Dade County Circuit Court and sentenced to death in the electric chair at Florida State Prison. The trial presents the state’s case for multiple murders and seals Bundy’s fate with a death sentence.

1979 Dade County Circuit Court, Florida
11

A decade of appeals

Over the next ten years, Bundy makes several appeals that delay the execution, but he loses each one. The legal process stretches on as his sentence hangs over him.

1980s Florida
12

Execution day

On the day of his execution, Bundy is dragged from his cell to the death chamber and executed in the electric chair at Florida State Prison. His execution is witnessed by the victims' families, and the executing officer is a young woman.

1989 Florida State Prison
13

Aftermath and a haunting question

As Lee watches the news coverage with her husband, she wonders who he really was. The ending leaves the question hanging about his true nature and how a person like Bundy could exist alongside the life she believed she knew.

1989 Lee's home

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Ted Bundy

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ted Bundy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ted Bundy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ted Bundy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ted Bundy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ted Bundy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ted Bundy

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Ted Bundy. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ted Bundy

More About Ted Bundy

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ted Bundy: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ted Bundy

Similar Movies to Ted Bundy

Discover movies like Ted Bundy that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.