The release of Squid Game changed the game literally. This South Korean sensation wasn’t just a global hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. With its deadly children’s games, grim social commentary, and raw human emotion, Squid Game proved that survival thrillers can be both brutally entertaining and thought-provoking. But what do you watch after you've binged all nine episodes and are left wanting more?
If you're craving series with the same high-stakes drama, sinister games, twisted rules, and characters pushed to the brink—look no further. We’ve curated a list of 10 thrilling web series like Squid Game that will grip you from the first scene and keep you on the edge of your seat until the last episode. Whether it’s a dystopian death match or a psychological pressure cooker, these shows are tailor-made for fans of chaos, suspense, and survival.
Alice in Borderland
If Squid Game was a rollercoaster, Alice in Borderland is a full-blown survival marathon. This Japanese sci-fi thriller follows Arisu, a bored gamer who suddenly finds himself trapped in an abandoned Tokyo where he must compete in deadly, logic-based games to survive. Each challenge corresponds to a playing card hearts represent psychological warfare, spades are physical games, and so on. What makes Alice in Borderland special is its blend of gritty visuals, clever game design, and character development. The stakes feel higher with every game, and the tension rarely lets up. Season 2 expands the world even further, offering answers while raising new questions—making it a must-watch for any Squid Game fan.
3% (2016–2020)
Set in a dystopian future Brazil, 3% revolves around a society divided into the impoverished “Inland” and the elite paradise known as “Offshore.” Every year, 20-year-olds get one chance to take “The Process”—a brutal and manipulative selection test with psychological and physical trials. Only 3% make it through. This series is more than just survival; it’s a sharp critique of class, privilege, and how far people will go to escape oppression. With smart pacing, powerful performances, and layered storytelling, 3% shows that the most dangerous enemy might not be the game—but the people playing it.
Sweet Home
Sweet Home swaps death games for monster horror, but the emotional intensity and survival theme make it feel right at home for Squid Game fans. Set in an apartment building during a mysterious outbreak that turns people into monsters, a group of residents must band together—or tear each other apart—to survive. The show is brutal, chaotic, and deeply emotional. Every character has a tragic past, and the moral dilemmas run deep. The monster design is excellent, and the suspense builds with each episode. If you liked Squid Game’s focus on flawed, desperate characters, Sweet Home delivers that in a darker, more supernatural form.
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
Don’t let the anime format fool you—Kaiji is one of the most intense, psychologically rich series in the survival genre. The story follows Kaiji, a down-on-his-luck man forced into high-stakes gambling games by debt collectors. These games are often rigged, and losing means indentured servitude—or worse. What makes Kaiji so compelling is the way it turns simple games into mind-bending battles of wits. The animation style is gritty, the soundtrack is haunting, and the internal monologues are unmatched in intensity. This is Squid Game on steroids and it came out years before it.
Liar Game
In Liar Game, an innocent college student is dragged into a secret tournament where deception is the only way to win. Each round tests the contestants’ ability to lie, manipulate, and betray. She gets unexpected help from a genius ex-convict, and together they try to beat a system designed to exploit human weakness.
This Japanese series is a brilliant psychological thriller, featuring elaborate mind games and a deeper philosophical question about trust and morality. It’s more brain than blood, but the stakes feel just as deadly.
Also Checkout: Top 10 modern psychological thriller's
Kingdom 2019
Imagine Game of Thrones mixed with World War Z, and you get Kingdom. Set during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, this historical drama follows a crown prince uncovering a horrifying secret: a mysterious plague is turning people into flesh-hungry zombies. Political conspiracies and class warfare make survival even harder. Though not centered on games, the social commentary, brutal realism, and “anyone can die” vibe align perfectly with Squid Game’s essence. Plus, the cinematography and costume design are absolutely stunning.
The Purge
Based on the hit film franchise, The Purge TV series explores what happens during the infamous 12-hour crime spree where all laws are suspended. The show dives deeper into the emotional and societal consequences of a night without rules, following different characters as they fight to survive. Like Squid Game, this series questions the nature of violence, justice, and inequality. You’ll find yourself rooting for unlikely heroes, fearing every corner, and wondering what you would do in their shoes.
Battle Royale (2000)
Before Squid Game, before The Hunger Games—there was Battle Royale. This cult-classic Japanese film is often considered the origin of the death-game genre. A class of high schoolers is taken to a remote island and forced to kill each other until only one remains. The only rule? Don’t get too attached. It’s raw, violent, and emotionally devastating. While not a series, Battle Royale is essential viewing for Squid Game fans who want to explore the roots of survival storytelling.
Panic (2021)
Set in a quiet Texas town, Panic centers around a secret annual competition where graduating seniors face increasingly dangerous dares to win a life-changing cash prize. But this year’s game is different—riskier, deadlier, and more mysterious than ever. It’s a mix of thriller and teen drama, with plenty of plot twists and interpersonal tension. While it leans more toward a YA audience, it still delivers that Squid Game-style suspense where trust is a luxury and fear is currency.
All of Us Are Dead
Another K-drama hit, All of Us Are Dead follows a group of students trapped in their school during a zombie outbreak. With no way out, they must survive not just the infected, but each other. The show balances high-octane horror with moments of heartbreak, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Much like Squid Game, this series doesn’t shy away from killing major characters and breaking your heart. The emotional depth and character arcs elevate it from typical zombie fare into something truly impactful.
Final Thoughts:
Squid Game redefined what survival thrillers could be brutal, meaningful, and addictively watchable. These 10 series carry that same legacy in unique ways, whether through dystopian futures, psychological mind games, or full-blown monster apocalypses. They dive deep into human nature, morality, and the thin line between survival and savagery.
So if you're still haunted by the Red Light, Green Light doll or cheering for underdogs trapped in impossible situations, these shows are your next must-watch list.
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