Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk,Squid Gamebecame a global phenomenon after its release on Netflix in 2021. The show follows a group of financially struggling individuals who are lured into a mysterious and deadly competition, where they must participate in childhood games with deadly consequences. The narrative skillfully weaves elements of survival, drama, and social commentary, exploring themes of economic inequality, desperation, and the dehumanizing impact of unchecked capitalism.
The Korean series received widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and the impactful performances of the cast, particularly Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon.Squid Gameshocked the world with its unpredictable plot twists, stark social commentary, and the visceral examination of human nature under extreme circumstances.
As fans patiently await the upcoming second season, the show has once again become the topic of conversation thanks to the recent release of thecontroversialSquid Game: The Challenge,a British reality TV series inspired by the Netflix drama. If this still isn’t enough to tide you over until the show returns, we recommend checking out the following movies, which we think fans ofSquid Gameswill love.
Squid Game
In Squid Game, a mysterious invitation to join a competition is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. Four hundred fifty-six participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games to win 45.6 billion won. Games are selected from traditional Korean children’s games, such as Red Light and Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. To survive, competitors must choose their alliances carefully - but the further they go in the competition, the more likely betrayal will rear its ugly head.
10Battle Royale (2000)
Battle Royale
The dystopian action movie Battle Royale takes place in a future Japan, where a group of high school students fight to the death in a deserted island until only one survivor remains. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, the 2000 film gave rise to a whole genre of similar stories such as the Hunger Games books and movies, as well as the video game Fortnite.
How It’s Like Squid Game
Battle Royaleshares thematic similarities withSquid Game,as both involve a deadly game orchestrated by a higher authority. In both narratives, individuals are pitted against each other in a fight for survival, and betrayal among participants becomes a central element. The exploration of power dynamics, the impact of authority on human behavior, and the ethical dilemmas faced by characters inBattle Royaleis certain to tickle the fancy of those enthralled bySquid Game.Rent on AppleTV
9The Belko Experiment (2016)
The Belko Experimentis apsychological horror filmdirected by Greg McLean. Set in a high-rise corporate office in Colombia, the movie takes a sinister turn when employees are coerced into a deadly social experiment. As the characters grapple with moral dilemmas and the brutality of their situation, the film delves into the darker aspects of human nature under extreme stress. With its tense atmosphere and unexpected twists,The Belko Experimentprovides a chilling exploration of how people might behave when pushed to their limits.
Similarly toSquid Game,The Belko Experimentplaces individuals in a controlled space where they are compelled to partake in a deadly game with life-or-death consequences. The theme of societal manipulation and the examination of human behavior under extreme pressure are dominant in both narratives. Both works delve into the darker aspects of human nature, depicting how ordinary people may resort to desperate measures when faced with dire circumstances, and how the moral lines blur in the pursuit of self-preservation.Rent on AppleTV
8Cube (1997)
In Vincenzo Natali’s 1997 cult classicCube, a group of strangers wakes up in a maze of deadly traps, navigating through a series of interconnected cubic rooms. The film unfolds as a suspenseful puzzle, blending elements of science fiction and horror.
Cubeengages audiences with its minimalist setting, relying on tension and character dynamics to create a gripping experience. As the characters grapple with paranoia and distrust, the movie raises questions about the nature of authority and the human response to a seemingly arbitrary and lethal environment.
CubemirrorsSquid Gamein its premise of strangers finding themselves trapped in a lethal environment, where teamwork, betrayal, and strategic thinking play crucial roles in survival. Both stories introduce a mysterious and deadly setting that forces characters to confront their innermost fears and make life-altering decisions. The psychological pressure and suspenseful atmosphere create a parallel between the two, offering viewers an intense exploration of human behavior in extreme situations.Stream on Tubi
7The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games
Based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel,The Hunger Gameswas released in 2012 to critical acclaim. The film is set in a dystopian future where young people from impoverished districts are selected to participate in a televised battle known as the Hunger Games. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a powerful performance as Katniss Everdeen, the film’s protagonist.
The movie effectively balances action, social commentary, and emotional resonance, garnering praise for its compelling narrative and strong cast performances, including those of Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson.The Hunger Gameswas abox office success, grossing over $694 million worldwide, and it became the first film in a highly successful franchise.
The Hunger Gameswould appeal to fans ofSquid Gamedue to its shared exploration of survival, strategic thinking, and the moral complexities faced by individuals in extreme circumstances. Both narratives thrust characters into life-or-death situations, emphasizing the primal instincts and adaptability required for survival.
Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen, much like the characters inSquid Game, navigates a treacherous environment where alliances form, loyalties are tested, and participants must grapple with difficult decisions. The films tap into the psychological toll of these high-stakes scenarios, offering viewers a gripping experience that goes beyond the surface-level competition.Stream on Starz
6Oldboy (2003)
Directed by Park Chan-wook,Oldboyis aSouth Korean psychological thrillerthat follows Oh Dae-su, a man mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and released without explanation. The film weaves a complex narrative of revenge, redemption, and moral ambiguity. With its intense cinematography and unexpected twists,Oldboyis a gripping exploration of the consequences of one man’s quest for vengeance and the psychological toll it takes on him and those around him.
Beyond both hailing from South Korea,Oldboydiffers in its narrative focus, but still shares similarities withSquid Game, in that both explore the psychological toll of operating under extreme circumstances and the unpredictable consequences of one’s actions. Both works navigate morally gray areas, and the characters grapple with the ramifications of their choices. The dark and intense atmospheres of both stories contribute to a sense of unease, engaging viewers in a thought-provoking exploration of human nature.Buy on AppleTV
5The Running Man (1987)
The Running Man
Adapted from a Stephen King novel,The Running Manis a sci-fi action film set in a dystopian future, where a wrongly convicted man participates in a deadly televised game show. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, the movie, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, combines thrilling action with satirical social commentary.
Fans ofSquid Gameare bound to love the plot similarities toThe Running Man,where individuals are thrust into deadly games, facing perilous challenges that test their survival instincts. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the protagonist, Ben Richards, inThe Running Manmirrors the resilience and determination seen in the lead characters ofSquid Game.
The film similarly explores societal critiques, presenting a world where the powerful exploit the vulnerable for entertainment. The intense action sequences, moral quandaries, and the exploration of resistance against oppressive systems make it an ideal choice for those seeking a gripping narrative with thematic depth akin to the complexities found inSquid Game.Stream on Prime Video
4Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’sParasiteis an intense South Korean thriller with a dark comedy undercurrent that explores the class divide through the lives of two families. The film masterfully blends genres, delivering social commentary with unexpected twists. It received widespread acclaim for its sharp storytelling, compelling characters, and nuanced exploration of socioeconomic issues, and was the first non-English-language movie to win the Best Picture award at the Oscars.
ParasiteandSquid Gameare linkedby their examination of societal disparities and the impact of economic inequality on individuals. Both narratives showcase the lengths people are willing to go to escape their dire circumstances. WhileSquid Gameis focused on a deadly competition,Parasiteexplores the theme through a darkly comedic lens, emphasizing the consequences of a society divided by class.
Beyond their thematic links, the shared intense tone and strong focus on character development and unique storytelling is bound to keep fans ofSquid Gameon the edges of their seat while watchingParasiteeagerly awaiting the shocking outcome.Stream on Max
3The Condemned (2007)
The Condemned
Released in 2007,The Condemnedis an action film that follows a group of death row prisoners forced to participate in a deadly reality show. Starring “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the movie explores themes of morality, media manipulation, and the lengths people will go to for survival.The Condemnedcombines intense action sequences with a critique of society’s appetite for voyeuristic and violent entertainment.
Both narratives center around a group of individuals forced into a deadly competition for the amusement of others. The participants in both stories grapple with moral dilemmas, as they are compelled to make difficult choices in a bid for survival. The tone in both productions is intense, with a focus on the psychological and physical toll that the games take on the characters. Themes of societal voyeurism and the dehumanization of individuals for entertainment purposes are central to both narratives.
The exploration of power dynamics and the consequences of desperation in the face of life-threatening situations creates a thought-provoking parallel between the lesser knownThe Condemnedand the mega-hit seriesSquid Game, offering viewers a gripping experience that delves into the darker aspects of human nature.Rent on AppleTV
2Circle (2015)
Circleis a hidden gem of a science fiction thriller directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione. The movie unfolds as a group of strangers wakes up in a mysterious room and realize they are part of a deadly game. With its minimalist setting and a focus on moral decision-making, it explores the complexities of human nature, and the choices individuals make when faced with life-or-death situations. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and thought-provoking premise contribute to its appeal.
Like many others on this list, inCircle,individuals must make life-or-death decisions within a controlled environment, echoing the tense dynamics ofSquid Game. Both works explore the psychological impact of group dynamics and the difficult choices faced by individuals when their lives are at stake. The themes of morality, trust, and betrayal stand strong in both narratives, making for a thrilling and intense viewing experience in both cases.Stream on Netflix
1The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
The Most Dangerous Gameis a classic in the survival thriller genre. Based on Richard Connell’s short story, the film follows a man shipwrecked on an island where a wealthy hunter pursues humans for sport. Starring Joel McCrea and Fay Wray, the movie captivates audiences with its atmospheric setting and suspenseful narrative.
The dense jungle becomes a sinister playground, and the hunter-prey dynamic is skillfully explored, raising ethical questions about the value of human life.The Most Dangerous Gameis celebrated for its contribution to the survival thriller genre, offering a tense and thought-provoking cinematic experience that has left a lasting impact on subsequent adaptations and works within the genre.
The Most Dangerous Gameserves as a precursor to the survival game genre that spawnedSquid Game. Both stories involve wealthy individuals orchestrating deadly games for their amusement, emphasizing the power dynamics between the hunters and the hunted. The moral questions surrounding the value of human life and the consequences of turning survival into a form of entertainment are central to both narratives.
While some may not be used to classic,black and white movies, if you’re able to put those reservations aside, the movie is well worth a watch, if not just to witness one of the originals responsible for popularizing an entire subgenre that most of the movies in this list fall under.Stream on Prime Video
