What to Watch Next if You Liked Alice in Borderland

Alice in Borderland follows deadbeat Arisu Ryohei as he’s transported to an apocalyptic country where he must compete in games in order to survive. These games all have difficulties and genres based on card suits, and most are designed to psychologically and physically torture the participants. The worst part? If a citizen refuses to participate, their visa expires, and a laser shoots down through the sky into their skull. Game over.

The series just wrapped up its second and final season on Netflix. So, like us, you probably have an Alice in Borderland-shaped hole in your heart. And once you’ve rewatched it three times plus binged the manga, that hole is only going to get bigger.

Still, never fear! If you find yourself needing something new to watch, we’re breaking down our recommendations right here. Each section includes careful attention to the similarities and differences between these pieces of media and Alice in Borderland. Read our list below, and see if you happen upon your next favorite show or film.

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Squid Game

Similarities: Life-threatening survival games, social commentary

Differences: Korean, lots of gore

Squid Game brings together desperate, impoverished contestants of all walks of life with an alluring cash prize. All they have to do is compete in children’s games such as freeze tag. However, the stakes are deadly, and the players are as cutthroat as the game masters.

This series mixes gruesome horror, pastel color palettes, and incredible acting for one seriously entertaining — yet also very disturbing — ride. Exploring the impact money has upon humanity, Squid Game season 1 impressed critics and viewers alike. It will be returning for a second season on Netflix, although there is no confirmed release date at this time.

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Rurouni Kenshin

Similarities: Live action, based on a manga, cast members (Nijiro Murakami and Tao Tsuchiya)

Differences: Film series, historic

The original Rurouni Kenshin movies were released in the early 2000s. Our titular protagonist, Kenshin, wanders Japan with a backwards blade that can’t be used to kill. But he made many enemies in his past, all of whom come back to haunt him as he struggles to find where and with whom he belongs. That past comes to light in Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (2021), a modern installment with incredible action sequences, higher production value, and emotional scenes that will leave you gasping.

Likewise, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021) finishes Kenshin and company’s story in the most satisfying way possible. All of these movies will have you on the edge of your seat, enthralled with Kenshin’s perseverance, heart, and fighting skills. The supporting characters all shine as well, solidifying this saga as a must-watch for martial arts movie fans.

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Attack on Titan

Similarities: Dystopian/apocalyptic setting, found family dynamics

Differences: Anime, stronger fantasy/horror elements

Attack on Titan takes place in a future where man-eating Titans have forced humanity to retreat behind massive walls. Income inequalities soar, and Titan attacks upon the barriers are frequent. To combat the latter threat, there are Scouts, the most courageous and skilled people the world has to offer. After his family is slaughtered in a Titan attack, our protagonist Eren Yeager resolves to become one of these Scouts.

Now, that’s the basic premise. But Attack on Titan is so much more than that. There’s political intrigue, secrets, lies, betrayals, and a major twist — on top of all those other twists! — that’s still blowing viewers’ minds to this day. You can catch up on the current four seasons now using Netflix, Hulu, or Crunchyroll. Then, join the rest of us as we eagerly await information about the final part.

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Cherry Magic

Similarities: Cast (Keita Machida), Japanese series

Differences: Romantic comedy, lighthearted, LGBTQ

In a complete tonal shift, we’re also putting Cherry Magic on this list. The television miniseries focuses on a socially awkward office worker named Adachi. On his 30th birthday, he wakes up with the ability to read the minds of people who touch him. Because of this power, Adachi discovers that the coolest, suavest guy at his job has a massive crush on him.

What follows is many episodes of hilarity, misunderstandings, and genuine human connection under the backdrop of a seriously silly premise. But here’s the thing — it really works. And it allows for an almost omniscient narrative that’s accomplished creatively and cutely. So give it a shot! Press play on season 1, available now through Crunchyroll.

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Alice in Wonderland

Similarities: Characters, literary symbols

Differences: English, Disney movie, much lighter tone and plot

Let’s go back to where it all began! Alice in Borderland is very clearly inspired by the book Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, as well as his related poetry and stories. Thus reading the book — or watching either the classic Disney cartoon or live action remake — will give you a greater understanding of the characters and themes.

Plus, it’s fun to discuss which person you think matches each Wonderland denizen. Usagi, who is closest to Arisu and whose name translates to “rabbit” in English, is one of the dead giveaways. But as you wander further down the rabbit hole that is Alice in Borderland, some of the identities get trickier. Watch Alice in Wonderland for a refresher, and then get to analyzing!

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Will you be adding any of these to your to-watch list? Get even more recommendations from other TV and film fans at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!