11 Shows Like 'Squid Game' to Watch, From Reality Competitions to Dystopian Thrillers

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Jun 30th, 2025 by People

Alice in Borderland (2020 - Present) Alice in Borderland is a Japanese series that, like Squid Game, places its characters in life-or-death games. The show follows Ryohei Arisu, a gamer who finds himself in an abandoned Tokyo, forced to participate in deadly games to survive. The series is noted for its intense action sequences and psychological depth, much like Squid Game. The games in Alice in Borderland are varied and often require strategic thinking, adding a layer of complexity to the survival narrative.

Sweet Home (2020 - Present) Sweet Home is another South Korean series that delves into survival themes. It focuses on a group of residents trapped in an apartment complex as they face monstrous transformations among their neighbors. The series combines elements of horror and thriller, with a strong emphasis on character development and the moral dilemmas faced by the survivors. Like Squid Game, Sweet Home explores the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths people will go to survive.

The 8th Night (2021) The 8th Night is a South Korean horror series that, while not directly involving games, shares Squid Game's intense atmosphere and focus on survival. The plot revolves around a group of people trying to prevent the resurrection of a demon, blending supernatural elements with psychological tension. The series is praised for its gripping narrative and the way it builds suspense, similar to the tension in Squid Game.

Hellbound (2021 - Present) Hellbound is a South Korean series that, like Squid Game, offers a critique of society. It follows the chaos that ensues when supernatural beings begin to condemn people to hell, leading to the rise of a new religious movement. The series explores themes of justice, morality, and societal control, resonating with Squid Game's commentary on capitalism and inequality. Hellbound's dark and thought-provoking narrative makes it a compelling watch for fans of Squid Game.

All of Us Are Dead (2022 - Present) All of Us Are Dead is a South Korean series that combines elements of survival and horror, much like Squid Game. It follows a group of high school students trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. The series is noted for its fast-paced action and the way it delves into the dynamics of group survival, drawing parallels to the competitive nature of Squid Game. The show also explores themes of friendship and sacrifice, adding emotional depth to the survival narrative.

The Silent Sea (2021) The Silent Sea is a South Korean sci-fi thriller that, while set in a different genre, shares Squid Game's focus on high-stakes situations and moral dilemmas. The series follows a team of astronauts sent to retrieve a mysterious sample from an abandoned lunar base. The tension and suspense in The Silent Sea are reminiscent of Squid Game, as the characters face life-threatening challenges and must navigate complex relationships within their team.

Kingdom (2019 - 2020) Kingdom is a South Korean historical drama that, like Squid Game, combines elements of survival and social commentary. Set during the Joseon period, the series follows a prince investigating a mysterious plague that turns people into zombies. The show is praised for its blend of historical accuracy and horror, as well as its exploration of political intrigue and societal issues. Kingdom's intense atmosphere and focus on survival make it a fitting recommendation for Squid Game fans.

Mouse (2021) Mouse is a South Korean crime thriller that, while not directly involving games, shares Squid Game's focus on psychological tension and moral dilemmas. The series follows a detective trying to catch a serial killer, delving into the nature of evil and the impact of trauma. Mouse's gripping narrative and complex characters make it a compelling watch for those who enjoyed the psychological depth of Squid Game.

Beyond Evil (2021) Beyond Evil is a South Korean crime thriller that, like Squid Game, explores themes of morality and justice. The series follows two detectives investigating a series of murders, uncovering dark secrets and facing moral dilemmas along the way. Beyond Evil's intense atmosphere and focus on psychological tension make it a fitting recommendation for fans of Squid Game.

My Name (2021) My Name is a South Korean action thriller that, while not directly involving games, shares Squid Game's focus on survival and revenge. The series follows a woman seeking to avenge her father's murder by infiltrating a criminal organization. My Name's intense action sequences and exploration of themes like loyalty and betrayal make it a compelling watch for those who enjoyed the high-stakes drama of Squid Game.