10 Best Shows Like ‘The Horror of Dolores Roach’, Ranked by IMDb Score
I’m a huge horror genre fan, but I also enjoy good comedy. Combine those two, and you enjoy dark humor more than either of the two genres individually. The Horror of Dolores Roach is one such show that recently came out and blew audiences away (at least until the season finale, but it’s a story for another day).
There’s a bit of everything there; a ton of nightmarish plots like human-meat empanadas, serial killers, and heinous crime, but there’s also a ton of dark humor and comedy that’ll have you laughing out loud. The show was awesome enough for me to want more of something similar, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Therefore, I’m bringing you an epic list of the ten best shows, like The Horror of Dolores Roach, ranked only by their IMDb scores. Some focus on the horror aspect more, while others are more comedic, but there are a few gems in here that strike the perfect middle-ground, so there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Enjoy!
10. Room 104 (2017-2020)
IMDb score: 6.1/10
What it’s about: In this anthology series, you’ll see different stories about people who stayed in room 104 at a seemingly ordinary American motel and how that room changed their lives forever. There’s something mysterious about the room, and everyone learns that in their own fantastic way.
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: I loved Room 104 despite the marginal IMDb score. Sure, some episodes were better than others, but the story overall was quite interesting and amusing. You’ll enjoy the fact that some episodes take a hilarious direction while others horrify you to the bone. It’s a cool show and certainly worth your time.
9. The Crowded Room (2023-)
IMDb score: 7.1/10
What it’s about: In 1979, a young man is arrested in Manhattan for a brutal crime, but the case is not as cut-and-dry as it seemed. A young investigator is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Through a series of interviews, we learn a lot about the young man’s past, how it shaped him, and how he must come to terms with what actually happened that day…
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: The Crowded Room is more of a crime drama than horror, and there’s basically nothing funny about it. However, I found the main character’s journey quite captivating, as his life – much like Dolores’ – is determined by his past and a crime he may or may not have actually been involved with.
It’s Tom Holland’s most complex role so far, and I can’t wait to see where it goes, as the last three episodes of the show’s first season still haven’t premiered at the time of writing this article.
8. Based on a True Story (2023-)
IMDb score: 7.2/10
What it’s about: Three people team up to take advantage of the true-crime game after realizing how deeply obsessed people are about it. Their efforts will suddenly take a hilarious turn and hit way too close to home…
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: There’s basically no horror here, and the show is pure comedy, but I loved the plot’s angle revolving heavily around true crime and people’s fascination with it.
Remember, in The Horror of Dolores Roach; there’s this guy who’s always walking around with a microphone, trying to find juicy stories for his podcast to capitalize on the human obsession with true crime and anything similar. Well, that’s exactly what our main characters in Based on a True Story are doing…
7. You (2018-2024)
IMDb score: 7.7/10
What it’s about: Joe Goldberg is a book clerk who has a slight problem. He gets obsessive over women he loves, and when he is obsessed over a girl, he stops at nothing – that is, nothing – to get her. That unfortunate character flaw leads Joe down a dark path across the world, trying to be a better man while only making things worse.
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: We often hear Dolores’ inner monologues throughout the show – the same as we hear Joe Goldberg’s in You. They’re both serial killers, desperate to change their ways but being incapable of doing so before simply embracing what they are.
You isn’t as comedic as The Horror of Dolores Roach, but the lack of comedy is more than made up for with the complexity of the plot, and the sheer number of cool, well-developed characters, along with countless twists you’ll never see coming.
6. Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
IMDb score: 7.8/10
What it’s about: Joel and Sheila are your typical suburban married couple working as real estate agents. Their semi-boring but blissful life is turned upside down when Sheila seemingly dies but then comes back, only being able to digest human meat. Not wanting to break their moral compass, the couple decides they’ll only have the most evil people on Sheila’s menu…
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: If you think Muy Loco human-flesh empanadas are ridiculous, wait until you watch Santa Clarita Diet. They took it to the extreme, but this show is downright hilarious regardless of the gore and the ‘ickiness’ of eating human meat.
It takes a minute to get into the plot and get acquainted with the characters, but once you settle in, it’s three seasons of pure horror comedy joy.
5. Yellowjackets (2021-)
IMDb score: 7.8/10
What it’s about: A girl soccer team crashes with a plane deep into the Canadian wilderness. Most survive, but for how long? As the story moves forward, we get to see how the lives of the survivors turned out nearly three decades later – and how their past is still there to haunt them as we jump back and forward from the past to the present.
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: Scratch the comedic angle if you plan on watching Yellowjackets – this show will shake you to the core. There are elements of horror and mystery here, but the thing about the show that shocks me the most is actually a question – what would you be willing to do – or eat – to survive?
4. Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
IMDb score: 8.1/10
What it’s about: Piper Chapman gets convicted of a decade-old crime related to drug trafficking, or better said, transporting drug money for her ex-girlfriend. She is sent to a minimum-security prison, but things on the inside are nothing like she thought they’d be. The sentence – and the people she’ll meet while serving it – will change her life forever.
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: Moving away from eating people and pure horror a bit, Orange is the New Black has a comedic angle that makes it quite similar to The Horror of Dolores Roach. Also, in subtext, it speaks about the same issue that’s subtly brought up in Dolores Roach.
That issue is the criminal system, female prisons, and the nearly-impossible reintegration into society of former convicts once they get out. The show is awesome, the characters are well-developed, and some moments are just plain hilarious in there—definitely a must-watch TV series.
3. Hannibal (2013-2015)
IMDb score: 8.5/10
What it’s about: A young FBI criminal profiler is haunted by his almost-supernatural ability to empathize with serial killers. We dive head-first into the early days of his relationship with Hannibal Lecter, a renowned psychiatrist who, himself, has a secret which the FBI profiler might empathize with…
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: We all know the story of Hannibal Lecter – the most famous cannibal ever. This show is more about horror and drama than it is about comedy – there’s nothing funny about it, actually – but it revolves around a similar topic.
That being said, Hannibal is simply a phenomenal show. The first few episodes were a bit slow and almost lost me, but once you get into the atmosphere and the plot thickens, it’s one of the best shows ever made. Every season finale will blow your mind, and the performance of Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal is almost as unforgettable as Anthony Hopkins’.
2. What We Do in the Shadows (2019-)
IMDb score: 8.6/10
What it’s about: A documentary crew is following a group of four vampire roommates, getting an insight look into their lives on Staten Island, where they have lived together for over a century.
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: I’m not going to lie – this is, above and beyond, my favorite show on the list and by far the best horror comedy series I’ve ever seen. The humor is intelligent yet ridiculous. The characters are insanely dimwitted, cruel, and vampires – but they are so lovable and hilarious.
You’ll find yourself having trouble determining who’s your favorite, as each of them is unique, with their own kinks, perks, and personalities. And it’s the perfect time to start watching the show, as Season 5 is just premiering on Hulu as we speak!
1. Dexter (2006-2013)
IMDb score: 8.7/10
What it’s about: Dexter Morgan is a blood spatter analysis forensic expert who solves crimes during the day. During the night, however, he’s an emotionless, sociopathic, but charming serial killer who picks only the worst kinds of people as his victims. How long can Dexter use his forensic expertise to hide his tracks? Maybe even forever…
Why it’s like The Horror of Dolores Roach: Dexter is widely considered one of the best crime/horror shows ever, although there are subtle hints of dark comedy throughout the show – making Dexter such an interesting character.
Dexter and Dolores have a lot in common – like being serial killers, hiding in plain sight, and simply acknowledging that they cannot stop. I absolutely love Dexter, and it very well deserves such a high IMDb score.