The massive global success of Squid Game wasn’t just a one-time viral hit — it opened the floodgates for a wave of intense survival dramas from South Korea and Japan. With its high-stakes gameplay, psychological tension, and commentary on class and society, Squid Game struck a nerve in a post-pandemic world where viewers crave not just entertainment, but a reflection of real fears and dark truths.

Now, fans are hungry for more. If you're one of those still haunted by red-light-green-light nightmares, you're in luck. There's a growing list of equally twisted and thrilling shows that mirror the brutal intensity and emotional stakes of Squid Game. These shows tap into the same survival horror genre, blending suspense, action, and raw human psychology. Some introduce games with deadly consequences; others throw people into post-apocalyptic chaos where the rules of society no longer apply.

In this blog, we'll dive deep into five must-watch shows like Squid Game — each unique in concept, but united by their ability to grip your attention and leave you questioning human nature. Whether it’s the neon-lit arenas of Alice in Borderland or the eerie tension of Night Has Come, these series are not just binge-worthy — they're unforgettable.

Let’s explore what makes each of these survival dramas worth your screen time.

If you're looking for a show that channels the same game-based death match vibes as Squid Game, Alice in Borderland should be at the top of your list. This Japanese sci-fi thriller takes the "deadly game" concept to a surreal level, dropping its characters into an abandoned version of Tokyo where they must play for their lives.

The protagonist, Arisu, finds himself in a parallel world along with two friends, only to learn that survival depends on winning sadistic, often psychologically torturous games. The brilliance of Alice in Borderland lies in its variety — from puzzles to strategy-based challenges and physical endurance tests, no two games are alike. As Arisu becomes more entangled in this deadly system, the stakes grow higher and the moral lines blur.

The show blends thrilling action sequences with deeply emotional storytelling, offering viewers a journey that's as cerebral as it is brutal. It also examines human behavior under extreme pressure, just like Squid Game. What happens when survival becomes the only goal? Who do you trust? And who do you betray?

Visually, the show is a masterpiece. The dystopian Tokyo setting adds a surreal, dreamlike quality that intensifies the suspense. But what really sets Alice in Borderland apart is its heart — the emotional bonds between characters and the philosophical questions it raises keep the story grounded, even as the world around them collapses.

Fans of psychological horror, sci-fi, and survival thrillers will find this series gripping from start to finish.

The 8 Show is one of the newest entries in the genre of survival-based K-dramas. Though not yet as widely known as Squid Game or Alice in Borderland, this series is quickly gaining traction for its unique concept and chilling execution.

The setup is deceptively simple: eight individuals are trapped in a mysterious building, each on a different floor, and are paid based on the time they spend inside. But there's a catch — everything they do is broadcast, and they must entertain viewers to stay relevant and keep earning. As time passes, the line between performance and reality dissolves, revealing deep-rooted insecurities, ambitions, and dark truths.

Unlike Squid Game, which emphasizes physical games and consequences, The 8 Show explores psychological warfare. It's less about brute strength and more about manipulation, mental endurance, and emotional breakdowns. The tension builds slowly but surely, as alliances are formed, broken, and twisted into something unrecognizable.

The show serves as a biting critique of capitalism and media culture. How far would someone go for fame, money, or approval from strangers? How does the constant gaze of an unseen audience alter behavior?

What makes The 8 Show a standout is its claustrophobic setting and minimalistic approach. It thrives on dialogue, body language, and atmosphere. For fans of Squid Game looking for a slower-burn psychological thriller with similar themes of greed and survival, this is a must-watch.

While Sweet Home shifts away from the game format, it still fits perfectly into the genre of shows like Squid Game for its raw tension, graphic violence, and emotional character arcs. Set in a crumbling apartment complex, the show follows residents trying to survive a terrifying monster apocalypse that turns people into their darkest desires.

What makes Sweet Home different is its focus on internal as well as external battles. The monsters are not just physical threats — they’re symbolic of the characters’ inner fears, guilt, and trauma. Each transformation is linked to a personal weakness, making the horror deeply psychological.

As the world outside falls apart, the tenants must either band together or turn on each other. There’s a similar social tension as in Squid Game, where survival often comes at the cost of morality. Who deserves to live? Who can be sacrificed? How far are you willing to go?

Sweet Home is also visually stunning. With top-tier CGI, stylized bloodshed, and eerie lighting, the show creates an immersive atmosphere that keeps you on edge. But beneath the horror and gore lies a deeply human story about grief, redemption, and the need for connection in the face of despair.

If you enjoyed the unpredictable nature and emotional beats of Squid Game, Sweet Home will hit just as hard — with monsters that represent more than just physical danger.

All of Us Are Dead brings the survival genre into a familiar setting — a high school. But this is no ordinary teen drama. When a mysterious virus turns students into zombies, chaos erupts, and classmates must fight not only the undead but their own fears, biases, and betrayals.

What makes this series particularly compelling is how it merges coming-of-age themes with extreme survival. The characters, most of whom are teenagers, are forced to grow up in a matter of hours. Friendships are tested, first loves are shattered, and moral lines are crossed — all in the name of survival.

The show captures the same emotional rollercoaster that made Squid Game so addicting. There’s fear, loss, bravery, and unexpected sacrifice. And just like in Squid Game, every character matters — no one is safe, and death comes suddenly.

Beyond the gore and jump scares, All of Us Are Dead tackles bullying, inequality, and systemic neglect. It asks important questions about who gets saved and why. In moments of crisis, the failings of adults, institutions, and society become even more visible.

If you're a fan of fast-paced, emotionally charged thrillers with strong ensemble casts, this one is for you.

Night Has Come is a newer series that quietly entered the survival drama scene but deserves recognition for its psychological depth. A group of students on a school trip finds themselves trapped in a deadly role-playing game where each "night" someone dies, and the others must figure out who the killer is — or risk being next.

Blending mystery, thriller, and horror, Night Has Come explores paranoia in a confined space, much like Squid Game. Every night brings a new twist, and trust evaporates quickly. Friends become enemies, and accusations lead to tragic consequences.

What sets this show apart is its eerie quietness. The horror is not in jump scares, but in slow-building dread, eerie silences, and glances that mean more than words. It’s as much a psychological drama as it is a survival story.

Themes of guilt, betrayal, groupthink, and identity are all woven into the narrative. The small cast allows for deeper character development, making each death more impactful. If you're someone who appreciated the moral dilemmas and mental games in Squid Game, Night Has Come will keep you guessing until the very end.

The world of survival K-dramas and thrillers has grown far beyond Squid Game, introducing fresh ideas, deeper psychological conflicts, and bolder storytelling. Whether you prefer dystopian game settings, monster-infested buildings, or emotionally charged zombie outbreaks, these shows deliver edge-of-your-seat intensity while making you think about human nature, society, and survival instincts.

If you're ready to dive into the next wave of mind-bending TV, these five shows — Alice in Borderland, The 8 Show, Sweet Home, All of Us Are Dead, and Night Has Come — are your perfect binge-worthy lineup.

The games may be different, but the stakes are just as high.