The return of Dexter Morgan in Dexter: New Blood has revitalized interest in the crime thriller genre. Michael C. Hall’s iconic role is considered to be an apex predator whose methods and character progression remain remarkable to watch. Fans generally take to aspects like Dexter’s reclusive personality, his dynamic with the likes of James Doakes and love interests, and his descent into darkness.
While Dexter’s return is certainly welcome, there are multiple other characters in movies and other TV shows that deliver similar entertainment. Those who love to check out Dexter’s experiences will definitely get a kick out following the mix of anti-heroes and villains that feature a take on his personality traits.
Walter White: Breaking Bad (2008-13)
- Stream on Netflix
Dexter goes down a worse path than he started on, which resulted in a rabbit hole where he had to escape constantly to evade the police. Walter White had much of the same dilemma, going from an unassuming high school teacher to the drug lord named Heisenberg.
Fans of Dexter will enjoy Walter’s turn into villainy, as he slowly sheds his humanity when he starts to enjoy the control he has over his empire. Unlike Dexter’s original ending, Walter does end up paying for his crimes, which most viewers saw as a fitting end to a gripping character.
Joe Goldberg: You (2018-)
- Stream on Netflix
It’s become something to behold how so magnificently. An obsessive sociopath, Joe latches on to women he deems desirable and goes to enormous lengths to attain them. Fans of Dexter will like Joe’s relationship with Love most, however.
Dexter saw the titular character enter associations with equally unhinged Hannah, Lumen, and Miguel, and Joe’s destructive marriage with fellow killer Love is absolutely alluring. It’s also a treat to get an insight into Joe’s mind, which somehow manages to be devious yet sympathetic to an extent.
Amy Dunne: Gone Girl (2014)
- Stream on Hulu
The genius of the movie has led to Gone Girl since its release, and Amy’s character deserves chief credit. A diabolical mastermind, she orchestrated her own capture and pinned the murder she committed as self-defense to turn public favor her way.
Dexter did something similar to James Doakes where he framed the latter as the Bay Harbor Butcher, so fans will be invested in how Amy works her magic in this movie. It’s interesting to see how her attitude completely changes from a seemingly innocent woman to a haunting killer - akin to Dexter’s own dark enger.
Anthony McCoy: Candyman (2021)
- Rent On Alamo
Anthony is a unique case in that he’s presented as a reluctant villain of sorts in the movie. However, he had a deep obsession with the macabre legend of the Candyman, to the point where he reveled in the slasher history that came with it.
Fans of Dexter will find Anthony’s character a worthy venture into the supernatural, as the burden of the Candyman on him is similar to Dexter’s inability to shake off his dark enger. The characterization of his girlfriend is also somewhat like Dexter and Debra’s dynamic, with Anthony’s love interest staying by him during his ordeal.
Tom Ripley: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
- Stream on Fubo TV & Showtime
Dexter is an expert in hiding his identity and taking on a new life, as is the premise of New Blood. Matt Damon’s Tom Ripley has stolen identity as the backdrop to his story, with Tom killing anyone who got in the way of his obsession with Dickie Greenleaf.
Much like Dexter, who completely shed his aromantic personality when he fell in love with Hannah, Tom also went all-in when he fell in love with a man named Peter. The cat-and-mouse game Tom falls in when his crimes start to catch up is riveting stuff and fans of Dexter know of its entertainment quality all too well.
Raymond Reddington: The Blacklist (2013-)
- Stream on Peacock & Fubo TV
While Dexter never directly helped the police catch criminals when he worked for them, he did have keen insight into the mind of a killer. Reddington is a master criminal who works with the FBI to catch other high-profile people on the most wanted list.
There’s always another plan at the back of Reddington’s mind that is revealed by the end of the season, which are the kind of twists Dexter had in store. Reddington’s gradual development into caring for those around him is also similar to Dexter’s growth in emotions and it’s worth checking out Reddington’s mastery in action.
Elliot Alderson: Mr. Robot (2015-19)
- Stream on Amazon Prime
Dexter is usually considered as fans will enjoy because of the similarities in the protagonists. Elliot suffers from an identity crisis of his own due to his inability to perceive emotions like others, thereby channeling his talents into being a vigilante hacker.
Elliot makes many morally questionable decisions over the years, which occasionally borderline on him to be regarded as something of a villain. Dexter took quite a few innocent lives himself over the years, and the constant battle of Elliot’s pull to the darkness and light is his character’s main hook.
Villanelle: Killing Eve (2018-)
- Stream on Hulu & Fubo TV
There have been notable moments where has been scary and funny, which is an aspect that Villanelle thrives upon. An international assassin with a psychopathic dangerous streak, Villanelle has a dynamic with the titular character where both become extremely intrigued with one another.
Eve’s attempts to capture Villanelle ultimately draw the two close, and it will sound similar to Dexter’s relationship with James Doakes. Doakes’ obsession with catching Dexter remains a series highlight, so Villanelle’s many successful attempts at staving off Eve’s capture but baiting her forward more is something that fans would love to follow.
Earl Brooks: Mr. Brooks (2007)
- Stream on Amazon Prime, Fubo TV & Showtime
This movie is about “The Thumbprint Killer,” whose real identity is Earl Brooks. The character is perhaps the closest killer to Dexter’s modus operandi, as Brooks meticulously plans and stalks his victims, has conversations with Marshall, his dark enger, and is a family man whose child has murderous tendencies as well.
The hook to Brooks is his attempts at keeping his addiction to killing at bay, which is reminiscent of Dexter’s arc in season 2 - right down to Brooks attending a self-help program. Brooks’ partnership with Mr. Smith is another aspect similar to Dexter’s association with Miguel.
Hannibal Lecter: Hannibal (2013-15)
- Stream on Hulu
Widely regarded as among the best TV serial killers alongside Dexter, Hannibal Lecter is an interesting antagonist who manages to be a fan favorite. Hannibal’s obsession with FBI profiler Will Graham is reciprocated, as the two men become fascinated and ultimately attracted to one another.
Hannibal is basically what Dexter would be like if he didn’t have Harry’s code to abide by, while his dynamic with Will is how Dexter could have corrupted Doakes. Viewers will enjoy seeing Hannibal’s no-holds-barred persona and unrepentant attitude, coupled with the ingenious ways he traps the authorities on his trail in his web of danger.