If Squid Game left you craving more high-stakes survival dramas and thought-provoking social commentary, you're in luck. Netflix offers a variety of intense shows that capture similar themes of desperation, human behavior under pressure, and the ultimate fight for survival. Here are seven gripping series you should add to your watchlist—with one non-Korean exception that deserves a special mention.
1. All of Us Are Dead
If the tension of survival and the bonds between characters kept you hooked in Squid Game, All of Us Are Dead delivers similar thrills in a zombie-infested high school. This series takes the survival genre to another level, where students must rely on their wits and each other to survive. It mirrors Squid Game in its exploration of moral dilemmas and group dynamics, keeping viewers on edge as alliances shift and the odds of survival dwindle.
2. Sweet Home
In Sweet Home, residents of an apartment complex are thrust into an apocalyptic scenario as humans begin transforming into monsters. Much like Squid Game, this series delves into the darker sides of human nature and the lengths people will go to survive. With its mix of horror and psychological drama, it’s an excellent pick for fans of intense, character-driven stories.
3. Kingdom
What happens when political intrigue meets a zombie outbreak? Kingdom offers a historical twist on the survival genre, set in Korea’s Joseon period. Like Squid Game, it highlights class struggles and the desperation that comes from facing impossible odds. Fans of Squid Game will appreciate the show’s layered storytelling and the crown prince’s fight to save his people while uncovering a deadly conspiracy.
4. Hellbound
What if supernatural beings began condemning people to hell, shaking society to its core? Hellbound explores this chilling premise while diving into themes of morality, societal fear, and cult-like obedience. Just like Squid Game, it examines human behavior in extreme circumstances and offers a sharp critique of societal systems. The psychological tension is palpable, making it a must-watch.
5. Happiness
Confined spaces and life-or-death stakes are hallmarks of Squid Game, and Happiness follows suit. Set in an apartment complex under quarantine due to a deadly virus, the series explores how fear and desperation bring out both the best and worst in people. The show’s intense moments and moral quandaries will feel familiar to fans of Squid Game, while offering its unique take on survival drama.
6. The Silent Sea
If you’re drawn to themes of resource scarcity and high-stakes missions, The Silent Sea takes these to a sci-fi setting. This series follows a team sent to retrieve mysterious samples from an abandoned lunar base. Like Squid Game, it critiques societal greed and exploitation while delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense. The confined setting and life-or-death decisions echo the intensity that made Squid Game unforgettable. PLUS, you might notice that the maid male actor lead in this movie is Gong Yoo, known as the Ddakji Man in Squid Game.
7. Alice in Borderland
Although not a K-drama, this Japanese series deserves an honorable mention. Alice in Borderland thrusts its characters into a deserted Tokyo where they must participate in deadly games to survive. With its creative and often brutal challenges, the show shares Squid Game’s fascination with psychological games and the cost of survival. While the setting and tone differ, fans of Squid Game will appreciate its intense pacing and strategic tension.
Why These Shows Work for Squid Game Fans
Each of these series captures elements that made Squid Game a global phenomenon: high-stakes survival, moral dilemmas, and a spotlight on human behavior under pressure. Whether it’s fighting zombies, escaping monsters, or surviving deadly games, these shows offer compelling narratives that explore the lengths people will go to survive.
So grab your popcorn and prepare for more binge-worthy thrills—just don’t forget to breathe!
Oh, and do you remember the iconic first round of Squid Games 'Red Light, Green Light?' In fact, the the Korean version of the lyrics go "Mugunghwa flower has bloomed." The Mugunghwa flower which is the Rose of Sharon, is actually Korea's national flower. In spirit of that, we made an amazing design based off of the Mugunghwa. You'll definitely like the comfy oversized fit with a sleek minimalistic logo and a drop of Korean calligraphy on the back!
BIROSO Calligraphy Hoodie (Mugunghwa Design)
