7 Asian Squid Game-esque TV Series With Mind And Death Games
Let's get your brains moving.
If you are a Squid game lover, you are most likely a fan of the survival/mind games genre. Whether there is a bloodbath or not, the main attraction of these projects always lies in the way people try to outwit each other.
From Japanese sci-fi thrillers to South Korean reality shows, Asian television has plenty to offer fans of tactical maneuvering and strategic thinking. Here are our top picks.
Alice in Borderland (2020-present)
A troubled teenage computer game fan and his friends are suddenly transported to a place that looks like Tokyo in a post-apocalyptic future. There, along with other people trapped in the city, they must play various bloody games in order to survive another night.
The Netflix Japanese sci-fi thriller is currently in production for a third season.
Gantz (2004)
The Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name, followed by two live-action horror films released in 2011, tells the story of a group of high school students who died but are resurrected by a mysterious entity that wants them to kill aliens. As they participate in missions, they earn points that can help them return to a normal life.
Liar Game (2007 and 2014)
A naive girl agrees to participate in a tournament where players must steal game money by deceiving each other. When the protagonist immediately fails and finds herself in debt to the game masters, she seeks the help of a con artist genius who helps her turn the game to her advantage.
The Japanese series has a South Korean remake that adds many new mind games.
Kakegurui (2018-2019)
The two-season Japanese drama is set in a private academy where students are ranked by their winnings in various games. To get to the top, they must not only master the games, but also learn to manipulate and trick each other.
The show was followed by a movie. Both are available on Netflix.
The Devil's Plan (2023)
If you enjoy games where you have to strategize and use your brain to win, it makes sense to check out various reality shows like Netflix's The Devil's Plan.
The South Korean reality follows twelve celebrity contestants as they compete in both team and solo games to win a large cash prize.
The Genius (2013-2015)
Another South Korean reality show with a compelling concept, The Genius consists of four seasons, each of which features thirteen contestants competing against each other in various challenges.
The Time Hotel (2023)
This newer South Korean game show has a premise that will keep you glued to the screen. Ten guests check into a hotel where they can buy everything they need to survive. But instead of money, they use time, and when it runs out, they lose.