Have you ever found yourself captivated by a character who walks a razor's edge between charm and chilling darkness? It's that potent mix of charisma and creepiness that makes shows like 'You' so addictive. If you're hunting for more series that delve into the minds of morally ambiguous, or downright villainous, protagonists, you've landed in the right place. We're exploring compelling narratives where obsession, manipulation, and dark desires take center stage, offering a thrilling escape from the mundane.
The Allure of the Dark Protagonist
There's an undeniable fascination with characters who operate outside societal norms, especially when they possess a veneer of normalcy. These individuals, much like Joe Goldberg in 'You,' often hide a disturbing reality beneath a charming exterior. The appeal lies in their complexity, the psychological dance they perform, and the sheer audacity of their actions. These are the shows like 'You' to watch when you want to explore the darker corners of human nature from a safe distance.
1. The Fall (2013 - 2016)
Jamie Dornan stars as Paul Spector, a seemingly ordinary family man by day and a meticulous serial killer by night. While not strictly the protagonist, Spector is central to this gripping crime drama, co-leading with Gillian Anderson's determined Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. The series masterfully builds tension as Gibson hunts the clever and elusive Spector through the streets of Belfast, showcasing a psychological battle of wits. The palpable danger and intricate cat-and-mouse chase make it a must-watch for fans of suspenseful narratives.
Stream The Fall on Peacock and Prime Video.
2. Chloe (2022)
Becky Green, a lonely and unassuming woman, becomes fixated on her deceased childhood friend, Chloe. After Chloe's apparent suicide, Becky crafts a new identity to infiltrate Chloe's inner circle, discovering a far more exciting life than her own. However, her quest for belonging unravels a web of secrets surrounding Chloe's life and death, particularly involving Chloe's enigmatic widower. This series offers a chilling look at obsession and the lengths one might go to escape their own reality.
Stream Chloe on Prime Video.
3. Ripley (2024)
Based on Patricia Highsmith's iconic novels, this neo-noir thriller follows Tom Ripley, a struggling grifter hired to convince wealthy Dickie Greenleaf to return home from Italy. Andrew Scott delivers a mesmerizing performance as the ambitious Ripley, whose obsession with Dickie's privileged life soon blurs into a dangerous fixation on Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge. Filmed in stunning monochrome, the series masterfully builds suspense, revealing the darkness simmering beneath Ripley's calculated charm. It's a slow burn that perfectly captures the psychological descent into moral ambiguity, making it one of the most compelling shows like 'You' to add to your list.
Stream Ripley on Netflix.
4. Dexter (2006 - 2013)
What if a serial killer was also a hero? Michael C. Hall stars as Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician who moonlights as a vigilante killer, targeting those who have escaped the justice system. Dexter adheres to a strict code, ensuring his victims are indeed guilty, which ironically makes him more sympathetic than many other characters in this genre. His internal struggles and meticulous methods provide endless fascination, leading to multiple spin-offs that explore his dark legacy.
Stream Dexter on Paramount+.
5. Hannibal (2013 - 2015)
Bryan Fuller's adaptation of Thomas Harris's novels brings a lavish, operatic style to the chilling tale of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Mads Mikkelsen embodies the sophisticated psychiatrist with terrifying precision, while Hugh Dancy portrays FBI profiler Will Graham. Their complex, evolving relationship forms the dark heart of the series as they hunt other serial killers, all while navigating Lecter's own sinister machinations. The show is renowned for its stunning visuals, dark humor, and intense psychological depth, making it a standout among shows like 'You' to discover.
Stream Hannibal on Prime Video.
6. The Glory (2022)
This critically acclaimed South Korean drama offers a different perspective on vengeance. Song Hye-kyo plays Moon Dong-eun, a former victim of horrific school bullying who meticulously plans her revenge years later. Now a teacher, she orchestrates a long game targeting the children of her former tormentors. The series unflinchingly portrays the trauma Dong-eun endured and the consuming nature of her quest for retribution. While her methods are questionable, the show compels viewers to grapple with the complexities of justice and the lasting impact of violence.
Stream The Glory on Netflix.
7. Candy (2022)
Jessica Biel shines as Candy Montgomery, a suburban housewife accused of brutally murdering her neighbor, Betty Gore, with an axe. The miniseries delves into the events leading up to the murder, exploring the affair between Candy and Betty's husband, Allan. It masterfully navigates the ambiguity surrounding the crime, leaving viewers to question whether it was a crime of passion, self-defense, or something far more calculated. Biel's performance is a captivating portrayal of a woman pushed to her absolute limit.
Stream Candy on Hulu.
8. Bates Motel (2013 - 2017)
Long before Norman Bates became a cinematic icon, this series explored his formative years. Freddie Highmore is chillingly brilliant as the young Norman, alongside Vera Farmiga as his possessive mother, Norma. The show charts their descent into madness as they establish a motel in a seemingly idyllic town. It's a compelling character study that builds suspense with impressive development and surprising twists, even for those familiar with the original story of Norman Bates.
Stream Bates Motel on Prime Video.
9. The Devil's Hour (2022 - )
This haunting series blends psychological thriller with supernatural horror. Jessica Raine plays Lucy Chambers, a social worker whose life is unraveling, marked by a recurring 3:33 a.m. wake-up call. Peter Capaldi is terrifying as a mysterious, seemingly prophetic killer connected to numerous unexplained deaths. The show weaves together intricate plotlines and chilling atmosphere, exploring themes of fate, guilt, and the unknown. It offers a unique, darker twist on the psychological crime genre, making it one of the more compelling shows like 'You' to watch for a supernatural edge.
Stream The Devil's Hour on Prime Video.
10. The Creep Tapes (2024 - )
Returning to the found-footage style of the Creep films, this series brings back Mark Duplass as the unforgettable Josef (or Peachfuzz). In an anthology format, Josef manipulates unsuspecting individuals into interviewing him on camera, often documenting their own demise. The show retains the original films' dark humor and unsettling charm, making Josef's manipulative nature both terrifying and strangely compelling. It's a perfect example of a charismatic antagonist who draws you in before revealing his true, dangerous nature.
Stream The Creep Tapes on Shudder.
The Lingering Echo
These series, much like 'You,' tap into our fascination with the darker aspects of human psychology. They explore characters who challenge our perceptions of morality and sanity, offering complex narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. If you're looking for shows like 'You' to binge, this curated list promises to deliver the suspense, intrigue, and compellingly flawed characters you crave.
