By: Krystine L. Malveda
To say that Netflix’s Squid Game has made an impact on viewers is an understatement. The South Korean series was not only well-received, but has also leapt to the top of Netflix’s global rankings and is on track to be the streaming platform’s most popular show ever.
If you just finished binge watching Squid Game and are looking for thrilling shows or movies that can make your heart pound, then you’re in luck. Here are our High Five show and movie recommendations if you liked Squid Game.
“Hunger Games” (2012)
Despite premiering almost a decade ago, Hunger Games has definitely left a mark in pop culture, kickstarting the trend of dystopian teen fiction in the 2010s. The first movie in a quadrilogy, Hunger Games revolves around Katniss Everdeen, one of 24 “tributes” chosen to participate in an annual survival competition called Hunger Games. Each of the tributes use whatever means possible to fight for their lives, leading to unexpected partnerships, betrayals, surprises and heart-wrenching results. This Jennifer Lawrence-led movie and its sequels are definitely worth watching if you crave intense scenes and thought-provoking themes.
“Sweet Home” (2020)
Sweet Home was topping the webtoon charts in 2019; who could’ve known that in a year’s time it would top the Netflix charts as well? The 10-episode drama is based on the webtoon by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan and follows characters from different walks of life as a mysterious event causes people to turn into monsters. The ensuing panic causes the ragtag group to become stranded in an apartment building, and with no way out, they have to fend for themselves as monsters threaten their lives. Sweet Home delivers action, thrills, gore and a whole lot more, so give it a shot and catch it on Netflix.
“3%” (2016 – 2020)
This Brazilian series is set in a dystopian version of São Paulo where impoverished “Inland” citizens can earn the right to improve their living conditions. When Inlanders turn 20 years old, they can participate in “The Process” where they face rigorous physical and psychological challenges for the chance to spend the rest of their lives as part of the affluent “Offshore” society and live in their own island paradise. However, the odds are stacked against them as only 3% of candidates can succeed. While this show has your standard dystopian premise, it brings a lot of focus to character development, making it feel unique compared to other high concept science-fiction works.
“Alice in Borderland” (2020)
Another live action Netflix adaptation, Alice in Borderland is based on the manga by Haro Aso and follows a group of friends – Arisu, Chota and Karube – as they are forced to participate in a series of time-limit games to stay alive. With death always looming over the trio as they fight for their lives, you’re sure to be at the edge of your seat with every episode. After the success of its first season, people can’t wait for more of this live-action adaptation of the cult-favorite manga.
“Circle” (2015)
Circle is a science fiction psychological horror film written and directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione. 50 strangers awaken inside a circular room and horror ensues as they begin dying one by one, seemingly at random. The group tries to find out the rules of the room in the hopes of surviving, but soon discovers that there’s only one way to make it out alive – by being the only person left. Circle differentiates itself from other entries on this list as it explores morality deeper than your typical death game film, tackling politics, religion and social issues in a provocative manner that will keep the viewers thinking long after the credits have finished rolling.
What are your thoughts on our list? Do you have any movies to recommend for fans of Squid Game? Share it with us in the comments section below!