15 Best TV Shows Like Squid Game You Need To Watch Next

In simpler terms, despite some controversy surrounding Season 3 of “Squid Game” on Netflix, as Looper criticized it for being a letdown in their review for an initially innovative story, there’s no denying that this South Korean horror-thriller series has become one of the most significant TV sensations ever produced. As it moves forward into its TV afterlife, it will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by legions of fans worldwide.

If you’re one of the enthusiastic viewers who can’t help but feel a void after the finale of “Squid Game,” don’t worry! Here’s a curated list of 15 fantastic series that might just fill that void. Though there are numerous thrillers featuring deadly games, this compilation goes beyond that and includes shows that resonate thematically, stylistically, or in terms of tone with “Squid Game.” So, whether you’re looking for more of the same or something different, these shows offer excellent choices for your next binge-watching marathon.

Alice in Borderland

The Japanese series “Alice in Borderland” is often recommended for fans of “Squid Game.” This shared appreciation isn’t only because of their visual and atmospheric resemblances – both being Netflix shows from approximately the same time period (with “Alice in Borderland” premiering in 2020, a year before “Squid Game,” and having completed two seasons as of now) – but also due to their similar storylines centered on life-threatening games and the characters navigating these dangerous contests.

In this series, a band of individuals discover themselves in an abandoned Tokyo, where they encounter various “game arenas” scattered throughout the city. A threatening laser beam from above forces them to constantly move from one arena to another and participate in games of increasing complexity to prevent their destruction. Despite being less fast-paced and more ominous than “Squid Game,” it still manages to captivate viewers with its equally compelling narrative and mysterious world.

3%

A globally popular Netflix series centered around a lethal competition for improved life conditions is “3%” from Brazil, which shares a similar concept with “Squid Game,” making it essentially a precursor in terms of storyline.

The four-season television series, broadcast from 2016 to 2020, follows a band of young individuals living in a future world where society is segregated between the struggling masses of the “Inland” and the affluent residents of the utopian “Offshore.” Annually, all Inland 20-year-olds are offered the chance to engage in “The Process,” a sequence of games. If they manage to complete these games successfully, they will gain entry into the Offshore society; however, only a mere 3% of participants will succeed.

Similar to “Squid Game,” the series “3%” dramatizes class conflict through intense competitions that are as captivating to watch as they are painfully ironic. As the story unfolds, it moves beyond just the games to delve into the larger political landscape and the growing rebellion against the oppressive ruling body. Additionally, this show offers a fully developed fictional world for viewers to immerse themselves in.

The 8 Show

In essence, if “3%” can be considered a forerunner to “Squid Game,” then “The 8 Show,” set for release in 2024 on Netflix, could be seen as a spiritual offshoot. This series shares a visual similarity with “Squid Game,” primarily by locating much of its action within the confined, intricate maze-like corridors of an enigmatic sealed facility. However, while “Squid Game” employs its deadly games as a narrative device to explore themes of political and economic suppression, “The 8 Show” delves deeper into the social experiment aspect itself.

Eight individuals receive an invitation to participate in a reality program confined within an eight-story concrete structure for 100 days. A grand prize of around 30 million dollars awaits them at the end, to be shared equally among the survivors.

In that setting, they are compelled to purchase essential items at a rate 1000 times the standard price using their potential winnings. As the game progresses, it becomes apparent that players on various levels have significantly disparate levels of advantage. This leads to turmoil, along with a captivating spectacle for the audience, who can witness these eight unique individuals engaging in conflict.

Yellowjackets

As a gamer, I’ve been hooked by two gripping survival thrillers – Squid Game and Yellowjackets. Despite their contrasting storylines, they share a deep spiritual connection that delves into the transformative journeys of humans and relationships under intense pressure.

Both series explore how people can change dramatically when pushed to their limits, while Squid Game also uncovers, from Season 2 onwards, the profound impact trauma and survivor’s guilt have on individuals, reshaping their identities and warping their perception of reality.

In “Yellowjackets,” the seclusion leading to trauma and guilt doesn’t originate from human avarice but rather from an unfortunate, ruthless accident. A plane carrying a New Jersey high school girls’ soccer team named the Yellowjackets crashes in the Canadian wilderness. Stranded from civilization for 19 months, they are forced to adopt drastic survival tactics, even cannibalism, and grapple with the challenging emotions of adolescence amidst their dire circumstances.

As it delves into the hardships experienced, the series simultaneously explores the complicated contemporary lives of multiple survivors. This dual narrative setup, reminiscent of a pair of paintings, enables “Yellowjackets” to delve profoundly into its main themes, all while providing more and more thrilling and boisterous content.

Silo

If two shows serve as the signature pieces for the artistic identities of their streaming platforms, they are “Squid Game” and “Silo.” It’s not far-fetched to describe them as Netflix’s and Apple TV+’s interpretations of the theme of a high-end dystopian isolation thriller set within confined spaces that symbolically represent society, yet also operate independently as unique and intricate systems within their own walls.

Rebecca Ferguson portrays Juliette Nichols, a skilled generator engineer within the colossal, 144-level subterranean complex known as the Silo. Situated in a distant dystopian future, this mammoth structure is home to approximately 10,000 residents who adhere to stringent guidelines and are unaware of life outside or prior to the Silo. They’re led to believe that everything above ground is barren, and their survival depends on following the Silo’s regulations. However, it isn’t long before Juliette stumbles upon secrets about the Silo that could potentially shatter the world she believes she understands.

Although “Silo” may not initially grab attention like a fast-paced game, it is exceptionally captivating among today’s television offerings. Not only is it meticulously constructed in every aspect, but even before its premiere, it made an impressive prediction. What sets “Silo” apart is how it masterfully explores a seemingly monotonous environment – one deliberately devoid of the vibrant hues seen in “Squid Game.” Yet, this minimalistic setting proves to be equally intriguing, presenting us with an engaging labyrinth of mystery.

All of Us Are Dead

Over the past few years, South Korean television thrillers have been thriving, and Netflix has played a significant role in this success. Shows like “Squid Game,” “The 8 Show,” and more recently, “All of Us Are Dead” have all contributed to this momentum. Interestingly, while “All of Us Are Dead” doesn’t feature any games, it does share the same themes as the other two shows – namely, isolation and the struggles of cooperation for survival purposes.

In the imaginary city named Hyosan, the series titled “All of Us Are Dead” is an on-screen version of the comic book by Joo Dong-geun. The plot revolves around the consequences of a zombie outbreak instigated by a disastrous science project executed by a teacher at their school (Kim Byung-chul). The story unfolds from the perspective of students who find themselves imprisoned within the school, cut off from external communication, and the escalating conflicts as they strive to escape while avoiding the rapidly spreading Jonas Virus. To put it mildly, “All of Us Are Dead” is a suspenseful ride that may even surpass “Squid Game” in terms of its unyielding, chaotic fight for survival.

Sweet Home

Debuting on Netflix a year prior to “Squid Game” and spanning over three seasons, the already-completed series “Sweet Home” initially presents a more realistic tone. The story centers around high school dropout Hyun-su (played by Song Kang), who resides in a dilapidated apartment complex called Green Home. Haunted by a past car accident that claimed his family’s lives, Hyun-su grapples with grief, aimlessness, and depression. The series effectively captures the crushing weight of these emotions before delving into its main premise. However, things take a supernatural turn as monstrous creatures make their appearance.

The city has been infiltrated by horrifying superpowered beings, spreading through an unusual virus that transforms people. Hyun-su and other residents barricade themselves inside Green Home, desperately trying to cope with the crisis as it becomes evident that these monsters aim to destroy the world. Despite its brutal and frightening nature, this series stands out among recent South Korean survival thrillers on Netflix due to its powerful emotional impact.

My Name

While there are numerous thriller series that focus on isolation and survival, it’s not necessary for a show to fit this description perfectly to appeal to fans of “Squid Game”. For example, the 2021 series “My Name” may be classified as a crime caper, but its grim atmosphere, intricate storyline, and complex character dynamics would surely satisfy viewers who enjoyed “Squid Game” due to these same elements.

In one month following the release of Season 1 on Netflix, “My Name” unfolds as a story about Yoon Ji-woo (played by Han So-hee). Her father, Yoon Kyung-ho, is brutally murdered before her eyes by an enigmatic masked man. Driven by revenge, Ji-woo seeks to uncover her father’s killer and joins his former gang, led by Choi Mu-jin (portrayed by Park Hee-soon). As the plot thickens, she discovers that her father’s murderer may very well be a police officer. To gather information, Ji-woo adopts a new persona to infiltrate the police force on behalf of Mu-jin’s gang. For now, it’s best to keep quiet about the exciting twists and turns Ji-woo’s dual life takes as you watch the series unfold on your own!

Pyramid Game

While the South Korean series “Pyramid Game,” like “Squid Game,” explores intense competition as its core theme, the nature of the game in this show is dramatically distinct. Reminiscent of a darker version of “Mean Girls” or perhaps a horror-infused reinterpretation of high school social dynamics, this series, set for release in 2024 on Paramount+ in the U.S., draws inspiration from the comic book “Dalgonyak.

At Baekyeon Girls’ High School in Seoul, Soo-ji, the new student, discovers that the school’s unique culture is based on a disturbing tradition: each month, students from classes 2-5 participate in a popularity poll, and the student with the least votes faces acceptance for physical abuse and severe bullying.

In the depths of her struggle and disheartened by the apathy of her peers, Soo-ji decides to spark a change within the school, offering an intriguing perspective for those seeking elements of the “Squid Game” drama in a fresh, captivating scenario.

Kaiji

Among the shows on this list, an anime series comparable to “Squid Game” that deserves mention is “Kaiji.” This Nippon TV series, divided into two seasons titled “Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor” and “Kaiji: Against All Rules,” is based on the manga series by Nobuyuki Fukumoto. While it’s less grim and violent than “Squid Game,” its storyline shares a striking resemblance; for instance, it begins with a character in debt who is given a chance to play a high-stakes game for cash.

In contrast to the complex and perilous plotlines often associated with productions, “Kaiji” presents a more straightforward premise: Essentially, Kaiji finds himself as a high-stakes card player. The series chronicles his struggles to navigate and profit within a bizarre, escalating gambling environment that he’s been drawn into. With numerous unexpected turns and mounting tension, it feels like you’re the one taking part in the game.

Money Heist

One of Netflix’s most successful global productions, the Spanish series “Money Heist,” paved the way for “Squid Game” in several aspects. This includes its distinctive style and rich mythology, but also in breaking down cultural barriers, captivating audiences worldwide with a television show from a non-English speaking nation. Its unique visual style and meticulously crafted world-building may have served as inspiration for “Squid Game” too.

Following the pattern of thrilling close-quarter scenarios, “Money Heist” narrates an intricate plot that involves the audacious attempt to pilfer €984 million (equivalent to over $1.1 billion) from the Spanish Mint, orchestrated by a secretive mastermind known as the Professor (Álvaro Morte). To execute his plan, he gathers a group of eight unidentified robbers and sets them into motion. The nail-biting robbery unfolds in a non-linear manner, frequently shifting between past and present events to heighten the suspense, complexity, and emotional investment in the characters.

First planned as a television series spanning only two seasons, its overwhelming success led Netflix to commission three full seasons, which were further broken down into five distinct segments. Each segment stands out as an exceptional demonstration of thrilling, fast-paced entertainment.

Gyeongseong Creature

Among many fictional narratives and universes on this list, one captivating show stands out for its striking resemblance to “Squid Game,” yet it draws significantly from actual events for its plot – or at least its context – rather than being purely imaginative. Based on a real-life World War II Japanese military unit, “Gyeongseong Creature” is a period drama that serves as a chilling reminder of how all dystopian fictions have their roots in humanity’s actual history of oppression and violence.

The Netflix show is based on events happening in 1945 when Seoul, known as Gyenongseong back then, was under Japanese military control. The story revolves around Tae-sang (Park Seo-joon) and Chae-ok (Han So-hee, from “My Name”), residents of Gyenongseong, who struggle against the atrocities committed by the Imperial Japanese Army. At the same time, they grapple with an enigmatic creature born out of their oppressors’ sinister biological research.

Although its storyline leans towards science fiction and horror genres, “Gyeongseong Creature” offers a somber, reflective, and profound portrayal of a period in Korean history seldom recognized by the Western world. It’s an excellent choice for fans of “Squid Game” seeking another compelling thriller.

Death’s Game

Among the standout and enthralling TV series genres that have emerged in recent years, both domestically in South Korea and globally, is “Death’s Game.” This series is an adaptation from the popular webtoon created by Lee Won-sik and Ggulchan, and it currently spans a solitary two-episode season.

In this scenario, a troubled young man named Yee-jae (played by Seo In-guk) contemplates taking his own life due to persistent unemployment. This action catches the attention of Death, portrayed by Park So-dam, who is known for her role in “Parasite.” Instead of allowing him to die, she sentences Yee-jae to a series of 12 reincarnations. If he can save one of his new lives from an impending demise, he will be granted another chance at existence – this time living as the person he saved. However, if he fails to do so, he’ll be bound for hell.

Similar to “Squid Game,” this series captivates viewers with its intricate plot dynamics within the game world, making it hard to look away from the well-crafted thriller narrative. Writer-director Ha Byung-hoon skillfully navigates through unexpected tonal shifts as the story unfolds, keeping audiences on their toes. Park So-dam’s character, Death, despite her wit and deception, is a mesmerizingly charming figure. Beneath the surface lies a heartwarming tale that explores the essence and worth of human life.

Three-Body

You might be familiar with “The Three-Body Problem,” a major sci-fi series from Netflix, co-created by Alexander Woo along with the renowned “Game of Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Although the American version is entertaining on its own, it doesn’t surpass the original: Released a year earlier in 2023, the Chinese production titled “Three-Body” is an adaptation of Liu Cixin’s novel and executes it with more care and finesse.

In simpler terms, the storyline of this series is intricate and science-focused, particularly noticeable in its Chinese adaptation. It’s challenging to provide a concise synopsis, but essentially, unusual events start occurring on Earth around 2007. A nanomaterials expert named Wang Miao (played by Zhang Luyi) is brought into an investigation that hints at an approaching alien invasion. A virtual reality game might be crucial in revealing the truth about these occurrences. The show shares stylistic similarities with “Squid Game” and shares narrative resemblances through its slow, suspenseful unfolding of a large-scale mystery filled with paranoia.

The Glory

A captivating thriller series similar to “Squid Game” but with a unique narrative is “The Glory,” which premiered on Netflix in 2022-23. This show explores the painful topic of school bullying, focusing on Dong-eun (played by Song Hye-kyo), a teacher at an elementary school who bears the emotional wounds from her own high school bullying experiences.

It’s worth noting that while Dong-eun keeps her intricate revenge plan hidden from everyone, she targets her former tormentors such as Yeon-jin (Lim Ji-yeon), a popular TV weather presenter today. Similar to “Squid Game,” this series delicately handles the provocative concept, stirring genuine emotions for its characters and increasing the drama’s complexity and suspense. Although the bullying scenes can be challenging to watch due to their graphic nature, those who persevere will find it incredibly engaging viewing.

2025-07-12 00:02