If you were a part of the 1.85 billion hours of Squid Game that was viewed in its first 28 days of release, it’s safe to assume that you’re itching for a continuation of the story that captivated so many. With Netflix itself establishing the show as its biggest ever, fans are far and wide.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to wait for Season 2 of the smash hit to scratch your itch for the dark, twisted world of ojingeo (that’s Korean for Squid Game). We’ve managed to compile our top TV shows just like Squid Game that will keep you on the edge of your couch, bed, or wherever you binge Netflix from.
'Alice in Borderland'
Arguably the most popular Squid Game alternative, Alice in Borderland is set in a wasteland version of Tokyo, where a group of gamers is forced to compete in a series of life-or-death games. Surviving a game grants you a ‘visa’ for a few days, in which you then have to return to play another life-or-death game.
Alliances are formed, betrayals are made, and friendships are tested — but overall, the premise mirrors the dark horror and violence seen in Squid Game. If that’s your cup of tea, Alice in Borderland is definitely worth a watch.
'Hellbound'
If Squid Game has made you a new K-drama enthusiast, then check out Hellbound. It’s the perfect depiction of what Korean dramas do best — dystopian horror that somehow also manages to hit a little too close to home.
Created and directed by Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, the show is a shameless blend of horror with morality. Angels descending to earth, religious cults, and questioning of what's right and wrong — the show seems like one thing, then becomes another, making it an extremely intriguing watch.
'Dr. Brain'
Delving further into the K-drama world, we have a psychological sci-fi thriller that streams exclusively on Apple TV+. Enter Dr. Brain — a brain scientist who devises a way to transfer memories between people to investigate a family tragedy.
The show deals with tapping into the minds of the dead, the minds of the living, and visualizing what it may look like. The answer? A psychedelic nightmare, all from the comfort of your living room. Dr. Brain is rooted in the emotion that drives the story - a solid choice for anyone invested in the interrelationships between the Squid Game characters.
'Sweet Home'
Another strong contender for matching the interpersonal drama seen in Squid Game is Sweet Home. Another K-Drama, the fantasy horror series focuses on a group of people locked in an apartment building when the entire outside world turns into monsters. There’s a twist, however — these monsters reflect their inner demons.
Whilst there isn’t an evil corporation behind all of the darkness in the show, the turmoil both within and between the characters is plenty to drive the story. Plus, there’s a heck of a lot of monster fights — and who doesn’t love a good ol’ monster fight?
'The Purge'
There aren’t any life or death games played in USA Network’s The Purge, based on the movie franchise. If there was though, at least they wouldn’t be illegal! The series show what would happen to the world if all crime was legal — and the answer? Absolute chaos.
The show isn’t perfect, but it manages to capture a comparable level of mayhem that was present in Squid Game. If this was your main enjoyment of the show, you’ll love The Purge.
'The Walking Dead'
Okay, we’ll bite. Chances are, if you’re a Squid Game enthusiast, you’ve already seen The Walking Dead. But if you haven’t, or if you’re just due for a rewatch — we couldn’t recommend it enough! A group of survivors finds themselves having to navigate a zombie apocalypse — it’s loaded with violence and filled with shocking deaths.
The show is special in the sense that it focuses just as much on why and how people interact, as well as the violence of the zombies themselves. If you are yet to watch the show and are itching for some apocalyptic action - The Walking Dead is the show for you.
'Darwin’s Game'
If you’re a cross between a massive Squid Game fan and an anime enthusiast, we’ve also got you covered. Darwin’s Game is an anime series that centers around Sudou, the protagonist, who starts playing a mysterious mobile phone game, only to discover he cannot quit it.
Based on a Japanese manga series of the same name, the show carries many parallels with Squid Game in terms of the protagonist’s hatred for the game at hand. Plus, the show being an anime means that it conveys violence that only cartoons can manage — taking the violence of Squid Game to a brand new level.
'Panic'
There’s something for everyone on this list — even those who are a fan of the traditional teen drama action, combined with something a little edgier. Panic revolves around the small Texas town of Carp, where high school seniors participate in the elusive and potentially dangerous competition of Panic to win a $50,000 prize.
Panic is made up of characters who desperately need this money for a better life — sound familiar? An Amazon Prime Original, the show takes the darker, more desperate elements of Squid Game and combines it with your standard teen drama trope seamlessly.
'Liar Game'
Another show based on a manga series of the same name — Liar Game comprises a young woman who finds herself drawn to the game, as each player is given a sum of money and then encouraged to manipulate other players into handing over their money.
Comprised of three seasons, the suspense and intrigue will have you on edge, with the mystery and intrigue of the show only growing as the show unfolds. If you were a fan of the tragic marble episode of Squid Game where manipulation ran high, you’ll love Liar Game.
'Extracurricular'
This is another Netflix original series, filled to the brim with themes and storylines that mirror Squid Game. Determined to escape his dead-end life, a high school student at the top of his class decides to turn to a life of crime to ensure his college funds.
The story takes a turn when one of his classmates finds out about his secret, and chaos soon ensues. Extracurricular has surprisingly amusing moments, wrapped up in a twisted story about keeping secrets and doing anything to get to the top.