Top 10 Exciting Series Similar to Squid Game

As the curtain falls on Squid Game Season 2 and anticipation builds for the concluding Season 3, many fans are eager to explore similar shows that capture the essence of this Netflix sensation. Premiering in 2021, Squid Game defied expectations and quickly became a global phenomenon. Its distinct visual storytelling, gripping narrative, and dystopian themes resonated deeply with viewers, paving the way for a well-deserved second season.

Three years in the making, Season 2 allowed fans to join Gi-hun on a quest for truth about the enigmatic games. For those seeking thrills, suspense, and captivating tales while awaiting the next chapter of Squid Game, here’s a curated list of must-watch alternatives.

10. Snowpiercer

Melanie and Alexandra looking up at the Gemini launch in Snowpiercer Season 4 Episode 10 — Image via AMC+

Snowpiercer is a series that expands upon the 2013 film featuring Chris Evans. Although development delays postponed its airing until 2020, the show managed to capture the audience’s imagination across four thrilling seasons, wrapping up in 2024. Set in a frozen dystopia where humanity survives on speeding trains, the stark class divide aboard the Snowpiercer challenges viewers much like the struggles seen in Squid Game.

9. Strangers From Hell

Jongwoo holding a knife to Moonjo's throat in Strangers from Hell

Featuring a compelling ensemble cast, Strangers From Hell places a young man in a psychologically intense setting, akin to the confined and high-stakes atmosphere of Squid Game. This South Korean thriller is rich in tension and showcases the actors’ talents while navigating a web of unsettling situations.

8. Alice In Borderland

Another Netflix gem, Alice In Borderland, is a Japanese sci-fi thriller adapted from a popular manga. It unfolds a series of life-or-death games, unveiling deep mysteries and psychological drama. The anticipated third season, set for release in 2025, promises more intense challenges and existential intrigue, drawing evident parallels to Squid Game while maintaining its own unique style.

7. All Of Us Are Dead

All of Us Are Dead characters running away from the zombies

All Of Us Are Dead, another South Korean series, debuted in 2022 and has already been confirmed for a second season, expected by 2026. This gripping show plunges a group of high school students into a zombie apocalypse, necessitating collaboration for survival. The youthful cast and the show’s distinct approach create an engaging narrative that, while different, still captures the tension found in Squid Game.

6. Hellbound

Hellbound explores a supernatural dystopia where mysterious beings foretell individuals’ demise. As society grapples with fear and chaos, the narrative escalates, drawing comparisons to the frantic desperation seen in Squid Game. Following a successful debut season, the series expanded with a second season, deepening its chilling premise.

5. Sweet Home

Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang) in Sweet Home Season 3 — Image via Netflix

Released prior to Squid Game in 2020, Sweet Home plunges viewers into an apocalyptic horror scenario. Its dark themes parallel the ominous tone of Squid Game, detailing a survival story where characters face monstrous transformations while grappling with moral dilemmas and societal collapse.

4. Black Mirror

Daniel Kaluuya in Black Mirror looking offscreen

This British anthology series by Charlie Brooker, Black Mirror, takes a hauntingly critical view of technology intersecting with society. Each episode offers a unique narrative that often reflects moral quandaries, paralleling the ethical conflicts portrayed in Squid Game, particularly in the ruthless pursuit of survival and wealth.

3. Money Heist

The robbers from Money Heist with Salvador Dali masks

Money Heist (La Casa De Papel) delves into themes of resistance against oppressive systems, showcasing a group of robbers who defy the status quo. While the aesthetic may echo Squid Game, the narrative focuses on class struggle and moral complexities, making it a worthwhile watch for those captivated by social commentary.

2. The 8 Show

The 8 Show's contestants trying to talk to 8

Debuted in 2024, The 8 Show closely mirrors the premise of Squid Game, featuring contestants entangled in a high-stakes competition with dark psychological undertones. As they navigate their grim environment, secrets unfold, revealing the series’ thrilling nature, making it a top recommendation for fans awaiting the next season of Squid Game.

1. Kaiji

Kaiji experiencing anxiety in Ultimate Survivor

Kaiji, a Japanese anime adapted from the acclaimed manga, serves as a notable inspiration for Squid Game. Despite its animated format, it maintains a striking level of intensity and brutality within its competitive settings. The unique blend of life-and-death stakes and psychological tension makes Kaiji a compelling watch, resonating well with fans of Squid Game.

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