Hey Wavies!
So… you finished Squid Game and now you’re sitting there thinking, “What now? How do I possibly move on from that rollercoaster of a show?” Yeah, I’ve been there. That kind of drama doesn’t just end—you carry it with you for a while. The tension, the heartbreak, the shocking twists… it leaves a void.
But guess what? There are some seriously good shows out there that can give you that same rush, that same sense of “I can’t stop watching this.” And no, I’m not just throwing random thrillers at you. I’ve carefully picked six dramas (and not all of them are from Korea!) that bring similar vibes—survival games, social commentary, moral dilemmas, and that addictive unpredictability. Let’s jump right in!
1. Alice in Borderland
Let’s start off with a bang. Alice in Borderland is basically Squid Game’s Japanese cousin—and a wild one at that. It throws you into an empty, eerie Tokyo where our main guy Arisu and his friends suddenly find themselves stuck in a life-or-death game zone. They have to survive twisted, terrifying games just to keep breathing.
What I love about this one is that it’s not just about survival—it’s about why we survive. Arisu’s growth is emotional, the visuals are insane, and the games? Next-level. And when I tell you Season 2 just goes harder? Believe me, you’ll be glued to your seat.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. The 8 Show
You want something that screams modern-day Squid Game? Here it is. The 8 Show came out in 2024, and honestly, it’s a whole social experiment disguised as a drama. Eight strangers, eight floors, one building—and the longer they stay, the more money they make. Sounds simple, right? Oh, just wait.
It’s a full-on psychological battle, and it hits HARD on capitalism and greed. The tension builds every single episode, and you never really know who to trust. If Squid Game made you sit there questioning everyone’s motives, The 8 Show will have you doing that and then some.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Night Has Come
High schoolers. A school trip. A game gone horribly wrong. Night Has Come turns the classic Mafia game into a literal fight for survival, and I was NOT prepared for how intense this would get. Imagine being a student, and suddenly you’re told you have to vote on who dies next… and then that person actually dies?
It’s dark, suspenseful, and honestly kinda disturbing—but in that addictive K-drama way that keeps you watching. The group dynamics shift every episode, and nobody is safe. This one will mess with your head, just like Squid Game did.
Where to watch: Viki or K-drama platforms
4. 3%
Okay, hear me out—this isn’t a K-drama, but it belongs on this list. 3% is a dystopian Brazilian series where people get one chance to leave poverty and join a better society called “The Offshore.” But to do that, they have to go through The Process—a brutal, intense competition that only 3% of people actually survive.
This show is SO underrated. The moral decisions people make under pressure? Yikes. It’s a powerful reflection of inequality and survival, and you can’t help but compare it to the setup of Squid Game. If you want a drama that’s just as thought-provoking but totally different in setting, this one is a must-watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. The Pyramid Game
Okay, Wavies… this one? It’s mean girl hierarchy meets psychological warfare, and it’s honestly terrifying in the best way. The Pyramid Game is set in an all-girls high school where students vote monthly to rank each other from A to F. And guess what happens to the girl who ends up in F? Bullying. Harassment. Social exile. Yeah, it’s brutal.
Our main girl, Sung Su-ji (played by Bona from WJSN), transfers into the school and quickly realizes how twisted this ranking system is. But instead of staying quiet, she decides to fight back—and that’s when the real mind games begin. This drama tackles bullying, mob mentality, and survival in a way that feels way too real. If Squid Game showed you how society breaks people down, The Pyramid Game shows you how it starts at school.
Also, visually? It’s GORGEOUS. Soft pastels, eerie quiet classrooms, and then BAM—emotional chaos. It’s unsettling and addictive and will have you questioning everything about popularity and power.
Where to watch: TVING (you can use a VPN if you’re outside Korea)
6. Death’s Game
Now this one is a bit different, but oh man, it hits deep. Death’s Game is about a man who takes his own life, only to be punished by Death—literally. She sends him back to Earth to experience death over and over again, but in different people’s bodies. Each time, he has a chance to change fate, or die trying. Again.
This show? It’s a gut punch. Every episode feels like a moral test, and you start to realize how interconnected life and death really are. It’s beautifully acted (shoutout to Seo In-guk and Park So-dam!), and while there’s no official “game,” the stakes are just as high. You’ll cry, you’ll question your existence, and you’ll want to rewatch it immediately.
Where to watch: TVING (Korea)
7. Sweet Home
Okay, time for something with a horror twist. Sweet Home is not a game show setup—but it IS all about survival. Set in a rundown apartment complex, people begin turning into monsters based on their inner desires. Yes, it’s just as creepy as it sounds.
But what really hits here is the emotional side. Our lead, Hyun-soo, is dealing with trauma, isolation, and grief—and then suddenly, boom, monster apocalypse. He and the other residents have to protect each other, even when the real enemy might not be outside, but within. If you loved Squid Game for its raw emotion and survival instincts, Sweet Home delivers that with a supernatural twist.
Where to watch: Netflix
Final Thoughts
So if you’re still haunted by Squid Game and don’t know what to watch next, these six shows are the perfect fix. They’ve got high stakes, shocking twists, deep emotions, and that addictive “just one more episode” energy we all secretly live for.
Already seen some of these? Planning to start one tonight? Or maybe you’ve got a hidden gem I missed? Let’s talk in the comments—I’m always ready for more drama recs.
Till next time, Wavies. Stay curious, stay bold, and maybe… don’t play any suspicious games, okay? 💜
