Upcoming Survival Thrillers on Netflix: Squid Game Season 3 and Another Must-Watch in 2025

Squid Game certainly set a high standard for survival thrillers when it premiered in 2021, but fans can expect a surge of new content in this genre in 2025, including the highly anticipated season 3 of Squid Game. The South Korean series captured global attention and broke viewership records for Netflix upon its debut, thanks to its intriguing blend of dark storytelling, humor, and innovation. However, it’s essential to note that this is not the first series to dive into this intense genre.

The death game genre has a rich history predating Squid Game and spans various formats, including both anime and live-action series before the show made its mark. In fact, one notable predecessor, Alice in Borderland, launched almost a year earlier on Netflix and will also return for season 3 in 2025. This indicates a growing trend of such gripping narratives on streaming platforms.

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Also Premiering In 2025 On Netflix

A Compelling Japanese Series in the Death Game Genre

Chota Karube Character in Alice in Borderland

Alice in Borderland, a Japanese sci-fi thriller, is another prominent title in the death game genre that gained traction after Squid Game. It debuted in December 2020 and, while it didn’t have the same massive impact initially, it garnered enough success to be renewed for a second season in December 2022. With both shows having completed their second seasons, they are set to continue the narrative in 2025.

It’s worth noting that while Squid Game’s third season is positioned to conclude the series, Alice in Borderland has not confirmed a finale with its third season. This opens up a unique opportunity for fans to explore Alice in Borderland in depth ahead of the new season, with the potential for further storylines should it meet Netflix’s renewal criteria. Given the genre’s rising popularity, it appears promising that Alice in Borderland will maintain its momentum.

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Confronts Similar Challenges As Squid Game Season 2

Pioneering New Narratives

Initially, the creators of Alice in Borderland were not planning to extend the story beyond its first two seasons. Based on a well-known manga, the series completed its main storyline in those two seasons. Moving forward into season 3, the narrative will require innovative storytelling techniques to maintain viewer engagement, particularly as the original game arc has been resolved. Similarly, Squid Game faces analogous hurdles, as it must extend its familiar premise into new territory.

Although Squid Game offers an original narrative, the conclusion of its first season leaves the series needing to innovate to keep audiences connected, especially since a significant number of characters meet their demise. Such outcomes can sometimes alienate viewers from subsequent seasons. However, similar to Squid Game’s approach in its second season, there exists the potential to explore stories involving secondary characters, thereby enriching the world of the series.

A Comparative Analysis: Alice In Borderland vs. Squid Game

Shared Themes with Unique Twists

Both Alice in Borderland and Squid Game delve into the intense themes of a deadly game system that results in grim fatalities. However, a key difference lies in their thematic execution: Squid Game is grounded in a contemporary thriller narrative, while Alice in Borderland layers on an extra dimension of science fiction. The contestants in both shows enter their respective challenges unaware of the circumstances, but Alice in Borderland adds an air of mystique, with many tasks being governed by technology.

In Alice in Borderland, the absence of a fixed number of games compels players to earn time on their “visas,” which if expired, leads to execution. While both series feature brutal competitions with numerous deaths, they each present unique interpretations that cater to different audience segments. Notably, fans of Squid Game are likely to appreciate the storytelling approach of Alice in Borderland, enhancing the anticipation for both shows as their third seasons approach in 2025.

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