With the conclusion of the Squid Game era, marked by the unsettling ending of Gi-Hun's tragic demise, we are left with powerful memories of the heart-pounding competition and the unique, poignant stories of its characters. For those wondering what to watch next to satisfy their craving for thrillers, here are some must-watch shows that offer a similar vibe to Squid Game.
The atmosphere of Squid Game is unmatched, featuring extreme brutality, deception, unsettling narratives, and themes of greed and ambition. Here are some shows that closely resemble the essence of this beloved series.
If Squid Game hooked you, Alice in Borderland might force you into an all-nighter. Set in an abandoned Tokyo, players are forced into deadly games with brutal consequences. With higher stakes, stunning visuals, and never-ending tension, this Japanese series available on Netflix is one binge-worthy ride.
This South Korean Zombie thriller blends teen drama with survival horror. When a virus outbreak traps students inside their school, it’s every kid for themselves. Their journey follows themes of friendship, love, deception, and emotional goodbyes. With strong characters, non-stop chaos, and a strangely relatable storyline, this series comes close to Squid Game’s vibe.
If you're seeking high school drama with an emotional storyline and intense action, focusing on themes of bullying, friendship, and justice, this Korean adaptation of a webtoon of the same name is perfect for you. Not exactly a game of survival, but the brutal fight for power at a high school feels just as dangerous. Both parts of the series are now available on Netflix.
When discussing hidden and underrated gems, ‘3%’ definitely gives off a similar vibe to ‘Squid Game’. Set in an imaginary futuristic world where only 3% of people are allowed to live in a paradise, this Brazilian dystopian series available on Netflix portrays the journey of people surviving a harsh, mind-bending competition to get there.
Long before ‘Squid Game’, ‘Battle Royale’ shocked audiences with its savage premise. This Japanese cult classic, inspired by countless survival thrillers, portrays the harsh journey of schoolkids forced to fight to the death on a deserted island. The film, often credited as the origin of the ‘death game’ genre, is available on Prime Video.
‘The Hunger Games’ proved to be a global phenomenon that made death games mainstream. Unlike Squid Game, where doomed adults are approached to participate in the games, The Hunger Games includes choosing teens to fight against each other until one survives. With a ‘death game’ genre like the ‘Squid Game’, ‘The Hunger Games’ provides a gripping thriller adventure similar to the former. This USA-based film series is available on Netflix, Prime Video, and Jio Cinema.
In this eerie Korean drama, residents of a rundown apartment are forced to face terrifying monsters, including their own inner demons. This drama, available on Netflix, blends horror, action, and emotion in a post-apocalyptic setting. It matches the intensity level of Squid Game and is a must-watch for another thrilling journey.
If you are looking for a reality show that has the thriller vibe of Squid Game, then your next watch should be this Korean reality show - The Devil’s Plan - A mind game like no other, which brings together smart contestants to battle it out using logic, strategy, and alliance. Even without physical danger, the tension feels just as real. Available on Netflix, this slow burn is a must-watch for clever game lovers.
Whether you are into thrillers, mind games, or raw survival drama, these gripping titles are perfect for Squid Game fans to binge next.