There was so much hype about Squid Game when it was released. It set so many records, including being the most-watched original series with 111 million viewers tuning into at least a part of the show. And it’s no surprise that the show’s recently released second season did not disappoint either!
If you’ve finished bingeing Squid Game and are left craving more suspenseful and thrilling content, you’re in luck! Japan has an incredible collection of movies and TV shows that offer a similar blend of tension, high stakes, and emotional depth. Whether inspired by manga, video games, or original concepts, these 8 picks are sure to keep you hooked.
Japanese Movies and TV shows to Watch After Squid Game
1. Takeshi’s Castle
The first thing that came to mind when I watched the Squid Game trailer was the iconic Japanese TV show, Takeshi’s Castle. Airing between 1986 and 1990, this series, hosted by the comedian Takeshi Kitano, challenges contestants to tackle a range of hilariously difficult obstacle courses. Players must overcome extravagant setups like paper rings, mazes, and water cannons to reach the final showdown and claim the grand prize of one million yen.
Takeshi’s Castle went viral worldwide, inspiring versions in countries like Australia, the United States, and France. For many, it’s a nostalgic staple of childhood entertainment. Packed with humour and thrills, it’s a lighter yet equally engaging alternative to the darker themes of Squid Game. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out!
2. Assassination classroom
For fans of dark twists and moral dilemmas, Assassination Classroom offers an intriguing narrative. This Japanese manga-turned-TV series introduces a powerful creature who threatens to destroy Earth in a year. However, he offers humanity a bizarre chance: he’ll become a junior high school teacher, and his students will learn to assassinate him.
Narrated by Nagisa Shiota, one of the students, the story evolves from simple assassination attempts to an exploration of skill, growth, and teamwork. Like Squid Game, it masterfully combines suspense with character development, creating a deeply compelling experience.
3. Alice in Borderland
If you loved the high-stakes games in Squid Game, Alice in Borderland should be next on your list. Produced by Netflix and based on a manga series, this 2020 release transports Arisu and his friends into a parallel world where survival hinges on winning dangerous games.
From brain-teasers to physical challenges, the tension never lets up. The series also delves into the characters’ backstories, tugging at your heartstrings while keeping you on edge. Set in Tokyo, it’s a visual feast for fans of Japan, offering stunning CGI and recognisable landmarks.
4. Danganronpa
For those who enjoy murder mysteries with psychological twists, Danganronpa delivers a unique spin. Adapted from a video game, this 2013 animated series traps a group of high school students in their academy, where they must kill each other to escape. Overseen by the sinister robotic bear, Monokuma, the stakes are as high as in Squid Game.
The show’s structure—where murderers must evade detection to survive—echoes the strategy and suspense of games like Among Us. Despite its dark premise, Danganronpa stands out for its intricate character development, making it more than just a thriller.
5. Battle Royale
Before Squid Game shocked audiences worldwide, the 2000 film Battle Royale had already explored similar themes of survival and human desperation. In this cult classic, a group of high school students is taken to an island and forced to fight to the death under the guidance of their former teacher.
Fast-paced and intense, the film is gripping from start to finish. Like Squid Game, it uses flashbacks to add depth to its characters and their motivations. While it’s gruesome at times, the storytelling ensures it’s much more than just a spectacle of violence.
6. As the Gods Will
If you were captivated by Squid Game’s twisted versions of childhood games, As the Gods Will will feel eerily familiar. Adapted from a manga series, this 2014 film follows Takahata Shun and his classmates as they’re forced to play deadly versions of games like “Red Light, Green Light.”
Each game ramps up the stakes, and as alliances form, the story delves into the dynamics of trust and betrayal. Thrilling and full of mysteries, this film brings a uniquely Japanese twist to the survival-game genre.
7. Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler
Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler shares Squid Game’s themes of desperation and life-or-death stakes. Released in 2009, the film follows Kaiji Fujiwara, a part-time worker drowning in debt, as he’s drawn into high-stakes gambling games aboard a luxurious cruise ship.
Like Squid Game, the games are brutal and the stakes personal. Kaiji’s journey is both harrowing and captivating, offering a gritty portrayal of survival in the face of crushing debt.
8. The Werewolf Game
If psychological strategies and mind games are what you enjoyed most about Squid Game, The Werewolf Game is a perfect match. Based on the popular party game, this movie series sees participants divided into villagers and werewolves, with the latter secretly hunting their prey.
In the film, abducted characters must navigate alliances and betrayals to survive. Although it centres on a single game, its depth and character focus make it thoroughly engaging.
Ready for Your Next Thrilling Watch?
What do you think of this list? With options ranging from TV shows to movies, and stories inspired by manga and video games, there’s something here for everyone. If Squid Game left you wanting more, give these Japanese titles a go—you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re interested, we’ve also got detailed blog posts about Japanese movies, TV shows and books, and Japanese food and drinks at home you can make. Be sure to check them out!
Recent Comments