‘Squid Game’: A Trailblazer in Survival Dramas
When ‘Squid Game’ premiered on Netflix in 2021, it quickly transformed from an emotional drama into a gripping survival thriller, captivating billions of viewers globally. Its unique blend of a dystopian setting with deadly children’s games captured audiences’ imagination, leading to its recognition as Netflix’s most-watched series in 2021. Even years after its debut, ‘Squid Game’ continues to influence viewers’ appetite for lethal game-themed shows. While fans eagerly await the second season, there are several series that can quench their thirst for similar content.
10. ‘Alice in Borderland’: A Parallel Tokyo Adventure
“Alice in Borderland” is a faithful adaptation of Haro Aso’s Manga, where characters are trapped in a survival game in a parallel Tokyo. The series mirrors ‘Squid Game’ in its blend of fun, mystery, and thrilling elements, delving into the psychological impacts of such perilous games.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: The show shares a similar premise with ‘Squid Game’, offering a gripping narrative that explores themes of friendship, trust, and self-discovery under extreme conditions.
9. ‘Red Rose’: A Teenage Horror Drama
“Red Rose” focuses on a group of teenagers embroiled in a sinister game that demands their compliance under threat of death. This horror series parallels ‘Squid Game’ in its dark and mysterious tone, centered around play-or-die stakes.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: The series highlights the dark side of social media and its impact on mental health, akin to the intense, thought-provoking nature of ‘Squid Game’.
8. ‘3%’: A Dystopian Future
“3%” is set in a future where society is divided into two distinct zones. The series features a series of processes that test the characters’ survival skills, similar to ‘Squid Game’s’ high-stakes competition.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: Both shows present characters desperate for a better life, willing to undergo intense, often life-threatening competitions.
7. ‘Hellbound’: A Supernatural Thriller
After ‘Squid Game’s’ success, Netflix introduced “Hellbound”, a series where supernatural entities decide humans’ fates. It shares similarities with ‘Squid Game’ in its high-stakes scenarios and exploration of characters’ choices under extreme pressure.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: Both series fall into the South Korean thriller genre, where characters face dire consequences for their actions.
6. ‘Sweet Home’: A Supernatural Survival Series
“Sweet Home” follows a high school student encountering supernatural events. It parallels ‘Squid Game’ in its survival theme and intense situations.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: Like ‘Squid Game’, the series delves into the characters’ backgrounds and motivations, ensuring an emotional connection with viewers beyond the thrills.
5. ‘All of Us Are Dead’: A High School Zombie Thriller
Based on a webtoon, “All of Us Are Dead” is about high school students trapped during a zombie outbreak. The series mirrors ‘Squid Game’ in its high-stakes situations and emotional depth.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: The show transitions from a high school drama into an intense thriller, akin to ‘Squid Game’s’ ability to blend emotional elements with gripping narrative.
4. ‘Liar Game’: A Reality Show Drama
“Liar Game”, adapted from a Japanese Manga, features a protagonist riddled with debt, participating in a high-stakes reality show. The series shares ‘Squid Game’s’ theme of the desperate pursuit of money under extreme circumstances.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: Both series unveil the lengths people will go for financial gain, focusing on psychological manipulation and strategic thinking.
3. ‘Snowpiercer’: A Post-Apocalyptic Struggle
“Snowpiercer” is set on a perpetually moving train in a post-apocalyptic Earth. The series shares ‘Squid Game’s’ exploration of survival, moral dilemmas, and social inequality.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: Characters in both series are driven by the need for survival and a better life, set against a backdrop of societal issues.
2. ‘Kaiji’: A High-Stakes Gambling Anime
“Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor” follows a character invited to clear his debt through a gambling cruise. The anime parallels ‘Squid Game’ in its depiction of financial desperation and the severe consequences of losing games.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: The anime offers a similar intense, high-stakes psychological drama, making it appealing for ‘Squid Game’ fans.
1. ‘Tomodachi Game’: A Psychological Thriller
“Tomodachi Game” revolves around a group of friends forced to participate in a series of increasingly dangerous games. The series explores similar themes as ‘Squid Game’, focusing on the psychological aspects and the characters’ motivations.
“How It’s Like Squid Game”: The series shares ‘Squid Game’s’ exploration of social games, testing friendships and thrusting characters into challenging scenarios.
Exploring New Realms of Survival Drama
As the legacy of ‘Squid Game’ continues to inspire the genre of survival dramas, these series offer a range of narratives that encapsulate the essence of high-stakes storytelling. Each show, with its unique setting and thematic exploration, provides viewers with a captivating experience akin to the thrill and suspense of ‘Squid Game’. From psychological thrillers to supernatural dramas, these series promise to keep viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats.
