In recent years, the Korean survival drama Squid Game has taken the world by storm, becoming one of Netflix's most popular series. Its unique premise and intense storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. If you're a fan of Squid Game and looking for similar shows and films, here are seven Japanese survivor game-based productions that you might enjoy.
1. Battle Royale
Battle Royale is a highly acclaimed Japanese film that gained international recognition for its gripping storyline and intense violence. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, the movie is set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian government forces 42 ninth-grade students to fight to the death on a desert island. The film's controversial nature led to its ban in several countries, adding to its intrigue.
2. Liar Game
Liar Game is a popular Japanese drama series based on Shinobu Kaitani's manga. The story revolves around Nao Kanzaki, a naive college student who is given ¥100 million to participate in a mysterious game. She must outsmart her opponents and avoid being swindled out of her money. The series gained significant attention and even spawned a successful Korean adaptation.
3. Kaiji
Kaiji is a manga series by Nobuyuki Fukumoto that has amassed a cult-like following. It tells the story of Kaiji Itō, a character in desperate financial straits who takes up high-stakes gambling to overcome his debts. The series was later adapted into a live-action film trilogy, with the first film titled Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler. The movies have been well-received by fans of the manga .
4. Gantz
Gantz is a manga series by Hiroya Oku that has garnered a dedicated fan base. The story follows two college students, Masaru and Kei, who are killed in a train crash and transported to another world. There, they must hunt down and kill aliens to earn points for a chance at resurrection. The series has been adapted into live-action films, an anime series, and a 3D CGI animated film titled Gantz: O.
5. As the Gods Will
As the Gods Will is a 2014 film directed by Takashi Miike that revolves around children's games. The movie's opening scene features a game similar to Red Light, Green Light, where participants risk getting their heads blown off if they move. While there are similarities to Squid Game, director Hwang Dong-hyuk clarified that any resemblances are purely coincidental.
6. The Incite Mill
The Incite Mill is a psychological thriller directed by Hideo Nakata, known for his work on films like The Ring and Dark Water. The movie is based on Honobu Yonezawa's novel and draws inspiration from Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Ten strangers are invited to a secluded location to participate in a week-long psychological experiment, with a large sum of money at stake. However, as the days pass, the participants realize that their lives are in danger.
7. Alice in Borderland
Alice in Borderland is a dystopian thriller based on Haro Aso's manga. The story follows Ryohei Arisu, a video game-obsessed protagonist, and Yuzuha Usagi, a talented mountain climber, as they navigate a parallel Tokyo where they must play sadistic games to survive. The series gained significant popularity on Netflix and has been renewed for a second season .
These seven Japanese survivor game-based shows and films offer thrilling and intense storylines that fans of Squid Game are sure to enjoy. From Battle Royale's dystopian world to Liar Game's strategic gameplay, each production brings its own unique twist to the genre. So, if you're looking for more thrilling survival dramas, be sure to check out these Japanese offerings.
Note: The information provided above is based on available sources and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.