"The Silence of the Lambs" is widely regarded as a classic in the psychological thriller genre. Released in 1991, it received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, strong performances—particularly by Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling—and its exploration of themes like manipulation and morality. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Its influential storytelling and memorable characters have made it a benchmark in cinema, often cited as one of the greatest films of all time.

"The Silence of the Lambs" features the fictional character Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who is a cannibalistic serial killer. While Lecter is not directly based on a specific real-life individual, elements of his character were inspired by various criminals. The character of Buffalo Bill, another antagonist in the film, was influenced by real serial killers such as Ed Gein, who exhumed corpses and crafted items from their skin. Overall, the film's portrayal of these characters blends fiction with aspects drawn from real criminal psychology.

Jack Nicholson was one of the prominent actors who turned down the role of Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs." Director Jonathan Demme initially sought a big-name star for the part, and Nicholson's name was considered. However, he declined the offer, leading to Anthony Hopkins ultimately being cast, which resulted in a legendary performance that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.