Hwang Dong-hyuk’s exciting Korean drama titled Squid Game has become incredibly popular on Netflix. It’s famous for its intense games, interesting characters, and shocking deaths. Squid Game is the first Korean show ever to reach the top of Netflix’s US charts.
In Squid Game, people from different backgrounds who need money are taken to a secret place to play children’s games for a big prize. But if they lose, they’re killed. It’s an amazing survival story that’s worth watching.
If you haven’t seen Squid Game yet, you should check it out. And if you have and want more, there are other shows with similar themes. We’ve made a list of the seven best shows like Squid Game for you to enjoy more thrilling survival stories.
Also Read: Top 10 TV Shows Like Netflix’s One Piece!
1. Alice In Borderland (2020-Present)
Similar to Squid Game, Alice in Borderland features a game-like premise, but it adds complexity with its intricate game structures and sci-fi elements. Unlike Squid Game, there’s no promised reward for players, and their main goal is simply survival.
While the characters may not be as relatable as those in Squid Game, they’re still engaging. Watching the protagonists tackle challenging puzzles is thrilling. This series is perfect for gamers and those who enjoy heroes with exceptional intelligence.
2. Extracurricular (2020)
Extracurricular is a show about students from different backgrounds. The main character, Ji-soo, is a smart student who runs an illegal business to make money. His classmate, Gyu-ri, discovers his secret and forces her way into the business.
The show explores the challenges of class differences and the extremes people go to for money. It’s not as violent as Squid Game and focuses more on drama and character growth. The series, directed by Kim Jin-min, debuted on Netflix on April 29, 2020.
3. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007-2011)
After Squid Game became popular, many people on the internet compared it to a series titled Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a manga created by Nobuyuki Fukumoto that began in 1996 and is still ongoing. It was turned into an anime in 2007.
The main character of Kaiji, KaijiItō, shares similarities with SeongGi-hun from Squid Game. Both are caught up in gambling problems and owe money to dangerous people. Also, many believe Kaiji influenced shows like Squid Game, making it a good choice if you enjoyed Squid Game.
4. 3% (2016-2020)
This show, which is titled “3%”, is a Brazilian series on Netflix. It’s about a future world where there are two groups of people: the poor people living in the Inland and the rich people living in a place called Offshore. When Inland people turn 20, they can try to pass a tough competition called the Process to go to Offshore.
But only a very small number succeed. It’s similar to Squid Game, with a lot of excitement and focus on issues like class differences and poverty. The show started in 2016 and has four seasons.
5. Liar Game (2007)
“Liar Game” is a Japanese TV show based on a manga series. It’s like Squid Game because people play intense games for a lot of money. The creator of Squid Game was inspired by Liar Game.
In Liar Game, contestants get 100 million yen (about US$1 million) and have to cheat to take others’ money. The show started in 2007 and had two seasons, a movie in 2010, and a separate movie and a Korean series later on.
6. Sweet Home (2020-Present)
Sweet Home is a Korean drama on Netflix. It’s not about games or class issues. Instead, it’s about surviving in a world where people turn into monsters. The main character is Cha Hyun-soo, a high school student.
After his family dies, he moves into an apartment. When people turn into monsters, Hyun-soo and his neighbors must work together to stay safe. The show has supernatural elements and started in December 2020.
7. Hellbound (2021-Present)
Netflix followed the huge success of Squid Game with another popular Korean drama which was titled Hellbound, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for Train to Busan.
In Hellbound, supernatural beings called angels decide when people will die and take them to hell when the time comes. Similar to Squid Game, Hellbound is also a thrilling show where characters face serious consequences for their actions.
8. Drawin’s Game (2020)
Darwin’s Game is a 2020 anime series where 17-year-old KanameSudō is invited to play a game called Darwin’s Game. In this game, players with unique powers called Sigils fight each other in real-life battles with deadly consequences.
When Kaname’s friends die in the game, he decides to clear it and find the Game Master to seek justice. The show has a darker twist on the excitement of multiplayer games like Pokemon GO, as players use their Sigils to fight for their lives. Based on a manga by FLIPFLOPs, it was directed by YoshinobuTokumoto.
9. Red Rose (2022)
Red Rose is a scary story about a group of teenage friends in Bolton, England. They find a frightening game that makes them do dangerous things or risk losing their lives. It’s similar to Squid Game, with dark and mysterious elements.
The characters face life-or-death challenges, and even though it can be a bit predictable, it’s interesting for young people or horror fans. The exciting plot, good actors, and the setting in Bolton make it appealing.
10. All of Us Are Dead (2022-Present)
“All of Us Are Dead” is an exciting South Korean series like Squid Game. It starts as a typical high school drama with love and bullying. But soon, it turns into a gripping zombie thriller that keeps you hooked until the end.
Just like Squid Game, it combines intensity and emotion, making you care about the characters. Watch it if you enjoyed Squid Game’s thrilling situations and story.
