‘Squid Game‘ took the world by a storm, following 456 people in debt competing for money in a set of deadly South Korean children’s games in 2021. The show’s second season achieved similar success when it came out in December and ranked No. 1 in 92 countries in its first three days, according to Netflix.
A third and final season in on the way but won’t see release until later in 2025. While waiting, fans can enjoy the following six shows with a similar premise.
6. King’s Game (2017)
Photo Credit: IMDb
Nobuaki Kanazawa finds himself in a deadly scenario after transferring to a new school. A mysterious figure called ‘The King’ sends text messages with commands that all students must follow. Nobuaki, having survived the game before, knows the harsh decisions ahead: protect himself or save his classmates.
5. Zero: Ikkaku Senkin Game (2018)
Photo Credit: IMDb
Zero Ukai is a middle school teacher with a secret life as a modern-day Robin Hood. He steals money from criminals and returns it to their victims. His actions attract the attention of a wealthy man who forces him into a life-or-death game at an amusement park, with 100 billion yen on the line.
4. 3% (2016-2020)
Photo Credit: Neflix
This dystopian Portuguese series explores a high-stakes selection process. Each year, 20-year-olds take tests to compete for a spot on the Offshore, a luxurious island paradise. Those who fail are condemned to live in poverty, though they avoid violent deaths. Only 3% make it through, adding great pressure to the competition.
3. Liar Game (2007-2010)
Photo Credit: Fuji TV/YouTube
‘Liar Game’ throws its contestants into a world of deception and strategy. A college student becomes part of a reality show where participants must outsmart and betray each other to win a large cash prize. It’s a battle of psychological manipulation with twists at every turn.
2. Kaiji (2007-2011)
Photo Credit: Prime Video
The series, based on the famous manga, follows Kaiji Itou, a man stuck in debt due to his gambling habit. He agrees to take part in a shady high-stakes gambling event aboard a cruise ship. The games include psychological battles like rock-paper-scissors and Mahjong, with the added twist of deadly consequences for losers.
1. Alice In Borderland (2020)
Photo Credit: Netflix
This show follows Arisu, a gamer who wakes up in a lifeless Tokyo. To survive, he must compete in deadly games controlled by an unknown force. Winning extends his ‘visa,’ allowing temporary safety, but he must keep returning to the games that brings alliances, betrayals, and many twists.
