Squid Game took the world by storm with its shocking challenges, intense emotions, and fight-for-survival storyline. Many viewers finished it and immediately wanted more shows that capture the same edge-of-your-seat excitement. Luckily, there are plenty of other series out there that explore dangerous games, moral choices, and high-stakes risks. From deadly competitions to psychological battles, these shows keep you guessing at every turn.
Best Survival Shows Like Squid Game
Here are ten thrilling survival shows you must watch if you loved Squid Game
1. Alice in Borderland (Japan)
If you’re into fast-paced action, wild game rules, and twisted logic puzzles, this one is a must-watch.
- A group of friends suddenly becomes trapped in a deserted, alternate version of Tokyo, where survival depends on winning deadly games
- To survive, they must compete in dangerous games that match different playing card symbols
- Every win means more days to live
This show blends science fiction, survival, and emotional depth brilliantly.
2. The Hunger Games (USA)
Although it’s a movie series, not a TV show, The Hunger Games is the perfect fit for any Squid Game fan.
- In a dystopian society, teenagers are chosen to battle each other to the death in a televised event watched by the entire nation.
- Smart strategies, alliances, and brutal betrayals
- Strong social commentary about class and power
Katniss Everdeen’s story will give you chills and make you think about how far people go to survive.
3. 3% (Brazil)
Set in a future where society is split into the rich and poor, this Netflix show presents a life-or-death selection process.
- Only 3% of applicants pass the test to reach the better side of society
- Challenges test physical and mental strength, along with moral values
- It’s a battle of skill, wit, and often betrayal
The plot will have you questioning what it means to be truly deserving.
4. Liar Game (Japan)
This show focuses more on mind games and trust than violence, but it’s just as gripping.
- Players receive a large amount of money and must cleverly outwit their opponents to hold onto it until the end
- Cheating is encouraged, but getting caught has consequences
- Psychological tension builds in every episode
If you enjoyed the manipulative side of Squid Game, this show would blow your mind.
5. Sweet Home (South Korea)
While not a survival game show, Sweet Home brings a strong survival theme through horror and human behavior.
- Residents of an apartment building fight off mysterious monsters
- Every person faces a personal struggle while trying to survive
- Questions what makes someone human or a monster
This series mixes emotional storytelling with terrifying suspense.
6. Battle Royale (Japan)
This is the grandfather of all survival games, and many say it inspired The Hunger Games and Squid Game.
- A class of students is forced to kill each other on an island
- Each is given random weapons and limited time
- Only one can survive
It’s violent, emotional, and full of tension, showing how far people can go under pressure.
7. Panic (USA)
Set in a quiet small town, Panic follows a group of teenagers who enter dangerous secret challenges, all hoping to win a life-changing cash prize.
- Dangerous dares that push physical and emotional limits
- Hidden motives and secrets surface as the game goes on
- It highlights themes of fear, trust, and the desperate desire to break free
It’s more grounded than Squid Game but still filled with drama and tension.
8. Kingdom (South Korea)
Though not a traditional survival game, Kingdom offers intense survival in a historical zombie outbreak.
- Set in ancient Korea during political chaos
- A mysterious plague turns people into the undead
- Royals and peasants alike must survive both monsters and betrayal
If you’re open to a mix of horror and survival, this one is a visual and storytelling masterpiece.
9. The Purge (USA)
Based on the popular movie franchise, this series explores what happens during a 12-hour window where all crimes are legal.
- Survival becomes personal when everyone becomes a target
- Themes of wealth, power, and justice are explored
- High suspense with brutal twists
Like Squid Game, it questions how far people will go when the rules vanish.
10. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (Japan – Anime)
Though it’s an anime, it’s one of the shows that most closely matches Squid Game in tone and structure.
- Kaiji, a desperate man in debt, joins dangerous, high-stakes games to try and win back his freedom
- Strategy, risk-taking, and gambling play key roles
- Emotional highs and devastating losses make it a thrilling ride
If you enjoy mind games more than action, this is a hidden gem.
What Makes These Shows Like Squid Game?
All the shows listed above include one or more of these key elements:
- High-stakes survival scenarios
- Psychological mind games
- Moral dilemmas and social critique
- Unexpected betrayals
- Ordinary people pushed to the edge
Whether you prefer horror, action, drama, or psychological suspense, there’s a survival show here that will give you the same adrenaline rush as Squid Game.
Final Thoughts
Survival shows have a unique way of mixing suspense, emotion, and action. They make us ask deep questions: What would I do in that situation? Could I survive? Would I keep my morals intact? If Squid Game left you craving more thrilling content, these 10 shows will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. So, get your popcorn ready and prepare yourself for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat indulge watching adventure
