As Squid Game Season 2 comes to a close many of us are missing the talent, the drama, the twists, turns and shocks that Korean horror brings. Don’t worry, I’ve been binging some incredible shows, some arguably BETTER than Squid Game and if you don’t agree I’m sure you’ll at least be thoroughly entertained.
These shows are sublime, the plots, the character arcs, the depth of emotion, the puzzles and cryptic way in which good, and bad people learn their lessons. The games, the dystopian backdrops, the art and special effects. Some have ended, some are promising new seasons and I’m so excited, more excited than I was for Squid Game season 2.
I promise, if you love Squid Game on Netflix, you will love these too.
Alice in Borderland
This is the lethal gameshow most closely related to Squid Game and one I dare you not to love if you binged Squid Game season 2. It starts in a time that seems like ours but as with all of these Netflix recommendations there is a dystopian edge. I don’t want to give spoilers, quite frankly, I’m jealous that you get to watch these shows for the first time and don’t want to ruin your experience of them but Alice in Borderland is game focused, with lives being at stake. It’s clever, has a lot of twists and turns and has characters you’ll love and hate. Just when you’ve become comfortable an event will happen that will shock you to the core and make you choke on your popcorn. The games aren’t childhood games like Squid Game and so skill, intelligence plus luck and popularity are required to survive. You will find yourself working out the answers to the quizzes and betting on who makes it through which adds a unique interactive edge to it. Keep an eye out for the King of Hearts and let me know on social media or in the comments if you agree or disagree with my choice. You will love it. There are two entire seasons and rumours of a third.
Hellbound
Imagine being told the day, time, minute and second you’re going to die. It could be next week, it could be in ten years, either way there’s no escaping it and if you’ve received the notification you’re not only going to die, you’re going directly to hell. That’s the premise of this show but it’s much more than that as it weaves clever character arcs, plot points and explores the best and worst of humanity under duress. Season 2 has just landed on Netflix and it’s just as binge worthy as the first. Will anyone escape their death date? If so, how?
The Girl From Nowhere
I adored the two seasons of this. Each episode stands alone but it flows better if you watch them in a row. The Girl From Nowhere is the show for anyone who’s wanted to reap revenge on bullies, rapists, thieves, liars, cheats, misogynists, awful geography teachers. In the goriest but also most intelligent way the protagonist finds subtle but often deadly ways to reap revenge on those who deserve it. She’s a scary character but also likeable, definitely not lovable, turning up when there’s a strong lesson to be learned, whether the incident happened to her or someone vulnerable who needs protecting. Vanity and greed, play no part in this world, there are consequences for giving into these human sins. It’s shocking at times at just how far it goes but it is also original, thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining. Although season 2 aired in 2021 it has stayed with me and pops into my head whenever I encounter bad behaviour from adults.
Have you discovered a Korean show on Netflix that rivals Squid Game? Is there a show I’m missing or can you recommend what to watch next? Connect with me on X, Facebook or LinkedIn (I’m old school) and let me know. It’ll be a welcome reprieve from my true crime binges on Amazon Prime!
Would you like more television reviews? More Netflix reviews? Try these and let me know what you like to watch.