10 Movies and Shows Similar to Bates Motel (2013)

Description: American Horror Story shares with Bates Motel a love for horror and psychological thrills, often delving into the macabre and the supernatural. Both shows feature strong performances and explore themes of family secrets, mental illness, and the dark side of human nature. The anthology format of AHS allows it to explore different horror subgenres, much like Bates Motel's unique take on the Psycho mythos.

Fact: American Horror Story is created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. The show has featured many recurring actors, including Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson. Each season of AHS is a self-contained narrative with its own setting and characters.

Description: Like Bates Motel, Hannibal is a psychological thriller that explores the complex relationship between a killer and those around him. Both shows delve into the origins of iconic horror characters (Norman Bates and Hannibal Lecter) and feature a mix of horror, suspense, and psychological drama. The visual aesthetics in both series are striking, with a focus on dark, moody tones and intricate character development.

Fact: Hannibal was cancelled after three seasons despite critical acclaim. The show's creator, Bryan Fuller, is known for his visually stunning and thematically rich storytelling. Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is often compared to Anthony Hopkins' iconic performance.

Description: The Fall shares with Bates Motel a focus on the psychology of a serial killer, with both shows providing a deep dive into the minds of their antagonists. The slow-burning tension and atmospheric storytelling are key similarities. Additionally, both series explore themes of obsession, control, and the duality of human nature.

Fact: The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting a serial killer played by Jamie Dornan. The show is set in Northern Ireland, adding a unique regional flavor to its narrative. The Fall was praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and criminal psychology.

Description: True Detective, like Bates Motel, is a dark, character-driven series that blends crime drama with psychological horror. Both shows feature complex protagonists and explore themes of trauma, family dysfunction, and the supernatural. The visual style of True Detective, with its haunting landscapes and atmospheric cinematography, is reminiscent of Bates Motel's eerie setting.

Fact: True Detective's first season is often regarded as one of the best in television history. The show features an anthology format, with each season telling a standalone story. Matthew McConaughey's performance in Season 1 earned widespread acclaim.

Description: Penny Dreadful shares with Bates Motel a gothic aesthetic and a focus on horror and psychological drama. Both shows reimagine classic horror tropes and characters, with Penny Dreadful bringing together figures like Dracula and Frankenstein. The dark, atmospheric storytelling and complex characters are key similarities.

Fact: Penny Dreadful stars Eva Green in a critically acclaimed performance. The show is set in Victorian London and blends historical drama with horror. Penny Dreadful was created by John Logan, who also wrote the screenplay for Gladiator.

Description: Sharp Objects shares with Bates Motel a focus on psychological trauma and family secrets. Both shows feature protagonists returning to their hometowns and confronting dark pasts. The slow-burning tension and atmospheric storytelling are key similarities, as is the exploration of mental illness and its effects on individuals and families.

Fact: Sharp Objects is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. The show stars Amy Adams in a critically acclaimed performance. Sharp Objects was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, known for his work on Big Little Lies.

Description: The Alienist, like Bates Motel, is a psychological thriller that delves into the minds of killers and those who hunt them. Both shows are period pieces that explore the darker aspects of human nature and feature strong, complex characters. The visual style and attention to detail in The Alienist are reminiscent of Bates Motel's meticulous production design.

Fact: The Alienist is based on the novel by Caleb Carr. The show is set in 1896 New York City and follows a team investigating a serial killer. The Alienist was one of TNT's most expensive series at the time of its production.

Description: The Haunting of Hill House, like Bates Motel, is a horror series that focuses on family dynamics and psychological trauma. Both shows use their settings (a motel and a haunted house) as central characters, creating an atmosphere of dread and unease. The exploration of mental illness and the supernatural are key themes in both series.

Fact: The Haunting of Hill House is based on the novel by Shirley Jackson. The show features hidden ghosts in many scenes, adding to its eerie atmosphere. The series was praised for its emotional depth and storytelling.

Description: You shares with Bates Motel a focus on a charming yet dangerous protagonist with a dark secret. Both shows explore themes of obsession, control, and the duality of human nature. The psychological depth and suspenseful storytelling are key similarities, as is the use of a seemingly ordinary setting to hide sinister undertones.

Fact: You is based on the novel by Caroline Kepnes. The show stars Penn Badgley as the charismatic yet terrifying Joe Goldberg. You has been praised for its modern take on the psychological thriller genre.

Description: The Sinner, like Bates Motel, is a psychological thriller that explores the motivations behind violent acts. Both shows feature complex characters and delve into themes of trauma, memory, and identity. The anthology format of The Sinner allows it to explore different cases each season, much like Bates Motel's focus on Norman's evolving psyche.

Fact: The Sinner is based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr. The show stars Jessica Biel in its first season. The Sinner was praised for its gripping storytelling and strong performances.