6 Thrilling TV Series Like Squid Game You Need to Binge

Since the highly anticipated third season of Squid Game is coming out this month,  fans have been yearning for more intense psychological thrillers, dystopian nightmares, and morally complex dilemmas. 

We've rounded up six incredible TV series that share Squid Game's DNA, each offering its unique brand of suspense and societal critique. Get ready to add these to your watch list!

1. Alice in Borderland (Netflix)

If the deadly games and intricate puzzles of Squid Game left you wanting more, then Alice in Borderland is your next obsession. Based on a Japanese manga, this series plunges its protagonists into an alternate, deserted Tokyo where they must compete in a series of increasingly brutal and ingenious games to survive.

Each game is represented by a playing card, with the suit determining the genre of the game (e.g., Spades for physical games, Clubs for team battles, Hearts for psychological manipulation). The blend of action, mystery, and profound character development makes this a must-watch for fans of high-stakes survival.

2. All of Us Are Dead (Netflix)

While Squid Game explores human depravity under pressure, All of Us Are Dead unleashes a different kind of horror: a full-blown zombie apocalypse occurs in the South Korean fictional town of Hyosan, and a group of high school students fight to survive it. 

What makes this series similar is the brutal struggle for survival, the moral compromises characters are forced to make, and the stark reality of how quickly society can crumble. The students must navigate treacherous hallways, make impossible choices, and confront the darkest aspects of human nature, echoing the desperate fight for life seen in Squid Game.

3. Hellbound (Netflix)

Delving into themes of divine judgment and societal chaos, Hellbound offers a thought-provoking and equally disturbing alternative to Squid Game's visceral thrills.

When supernatural beings begin appearing to condemn individuals to hell, a new religious cult gains power, challenging existing social structures and moral codes. Like Squid Game, Hellbound examines how people react under extreme pressure and the terrifying ways in which power can be manipulated, forcing viewers to question justice, faith, and humanity.

4. The 8 Show (Netflix)

New on the scene, The 8 Show immediately draws comparisons to Squid Game with its premise: eight individuals trapped in a mysterious building, competing for a large sum of money. The catch? The money accumulates based on how long they stay, and every purchase they make within the facility costs 1,000 times its normal price.

This K-drama leans into social hierarchy, class disparity, and the psychological toll of prolonged confinement and competition, making it a compelling watch for anyone who enjoyed Squid Game's critique of capitalism and human nature.

5. Night Has Come

If you're looking for another series where a group of individuals is forced into a deadly game with unknown rules and consequences, Night Has Come delivers. This South Korean series features a group of high school students who are suddenly forced to play a real-life "Mafia" game, where one by one, they are eliminated.

The paranoia, suspicion, and desperate attempts to uncover the "mafia" among them create a truly intense and gripping viewing experience, reminiscent of the psychological tension in Squid Game.

6. Panic (Amazon Prime Video)

While not a Korean drama, Panic offers a distinctly American take on the "deadly game" genre, perfect for those who enjoyed the youthful desperation and high stakes of Squid Game.

Set in a forgotten rural town in Texas, graduating seniors risk their lives in a series of dangerous challenges, believing it's their only way to escape their circumstances and win a life-changing sum of money. The series explores themes of poverty, ambition, and the lengths people will go to for a chance at a better future, echoing the core motivations of many Squid Game participants.

These six series provide a rich tapestry of survival dramas, psychological thrillers, and dystopian tales that are sure to satisfy your craving for high-octane storytelling like Squid Game. 

This article was previously published on saudimoments. To see the original article, click here