8 gripping shows to watch if you loved Alice in Borderland
If Alice in Borderland had you hooked with its high-stakes games, psychological twists, and fight-for-survival intensity, you're not alone. The Japanese thriller has carved out a niche for fans who love stories where ordinary people are thrown into extraordinary — and often deadly — situations. Here are 8 gripping series (and one iconic film) that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping experience — and might just become your next obsession.
Squid Game (Korean, Netflix) In a mysterious competition, people in dire need of money compete against one another in lethal versions of kid-friendly games. It's a must-watch for fans of moral quandaries and high-stakes survival drama because of its vicious twists and social commentary.
Sweet Home (Korean, Netflix) A group of flat dwellers must band together to survive after a mysterious incident turns people into monsters. Similar to the tense survival tone of Alice in Borderland, this horror-thriller combines powerful action, eerie atmosphere, and emotional storytelling.
Tomodachi Game (Japanese Anime, Crunchyroll) To pay back an enigmatic debt, a group of friends from high school are coerced into playing a psychological game. In a gripping story full of turns and psychological warfare, friendships are put to the test as lies and betrayals transpire.
Darwin’s Game (Japanese Anime, Netflix/Crunchyroll) Unknowingly, a high school student signs up for a lethal mobile app game that gives users superhuman powers. It's fast-paced, full of cunning tactics and rising stakes, and it offers the same deadly competitive thrill as Alice in Borderland.
The 8 Show (Korean, Netflix) Eight people stranded in a high-rise are made to take part in an odd reality show in exchange for cash; the longer they stay, the more they get paid. However, it becomes a sinister social experiment due to psychological breakdowns, mind games, and isolation.
Liar Game (Japanese Drama) Contestants must deceive others in order to win a sizable sum of money, but losing results in debt that can change a person's life. If you enjoyed Alice in Borderland's puzzle-style games, this game is ideal for you. It is strategic, intelligent, and manipulative.
3% (Brazilian, Netflix) Only 3% of applicants in a dystopian society advance to a privileged paradise after a harsh, multi-phase selection process. An international hit with strong Hunger Games and Borderland vibes, it features moral conflict and high emotional stakes.
Battle Royale (Japanese Movie, Prime Video or rental) This cult classic greatly influenced the survival game genre, despite not being a television program. The government forces a class of students to fight to the death. Gritty, unvarnished, and eerie, it helped create shows like Alice in Borderland.
