The global phenomenon of Squid Game has captivated audiences with its brutal depiction of desperate individuals battling for survival in a series of deadly games. If you’re left craving more of this high-stakes, psychological thriller experience, the world of manga offers a treasure trove of similar narratives. Here are 10 of the best death game manga that will keep you on the edge of your seat, exploring themes of human nature, morality, and the will to live.
Diving into the Death Game Genre
The “death game” genre, as it is often referred to, presents narratives where characters are forced to participate in dangerous or fatal contests. These stories typically examine human behavior under extreme pressure, often involving complex psychological tension and betrayals. The manga listed below each offer a unique take on this trope, providing intense narratives that rival the thrills of Squid Game.
Top Death Game Manga
1. Alice in Borderland
Alice in Borderland follows Ryohei Arisu, a listless high school student who finds himself transported to a deserted, post-apocalyptic Tokyo with his friends. Here, they are forced to compete in a series of deadly games to earn “visas” which, if expired, lead to their demise. The series has garnered critical acclaim for its intense psychological battles and creative, often gruesome, game designs. Its popularity has also led to a successful live-action adaptation on Netflix.
2. Tomodachi Game
Tomodachi Game centers on Yuuichi Katagiri, a high schooler who values friendship above all. However, when he and his friends are drawn into a mysterious game to settle a debt, their bonds of friendship are pushed to their breaking point. This manga masterfully explores the fragility of trust, showcasing how easily friendships can be manipulated in high-pressure situations. The complex games and mind-bending betrayals are sure to keep you guessing until the very end.
3. Liar Game
Nao Kanzaki, a naive and overly honest college student, is thrust into the dangerous Liar Game tournament. She must learn to deceive and manipulate her opponents to win large sums of money. With the help of a genius swindler, Shinichi Akiyama, Nao navigates the high-stakes games, where deception and psychological warfare are paramount. Liar Game is renowned for its intricate game designs and its exploration of human psychology and dishonesty.
4. Darwin’s Game
Kaname Sudou, an ordinary high schooler, unknowingly enters a deadly mobile game called Darwin’s Game where participants fight each other using unique superpowers known as “Sigils.” This action-packed manga combines a battle royale premise with supernatural elements and strategic combat. With over 10 million copies in circulation as of 2024, this series is a fan-favorite for its captivating storyline and thrilling action sequences.
5. As the Gods Will
Shun Takahata is an ordinary high school student whose life is thrown into chaos when his class is forced to play deadly children’s games by mysterious supernatural beings. This manga is known for its graphic depictions of violence and shocking twists. As the Gods Will offers a disturbing and intense reading experience that challenges the boundaries of the death game genre.
6. Battle Royale
A classic of the genre, Battle Royale is adapted from the novel of the same name by Koushun Takami. A class of students is taken to a remote island and forced to kill each other until only one remains. The manga is a visceral and violent depiction of survival that examines the breakdown of societal norms under extreme pressure. Battle Royale is a seminal work in the death game genre, inspiring many subsequent series.
7. Life is Money
In Life is Money, seemingly innocent settings are corrupted by greed and desperation. This manga uses psychological horror to explore the lengths to which people will go for money. Similar to Squid Game, the series features a corrupt system where the poor are exploited, making it a compelling commentary on social inequality.
8. Btooom!
Ryouta Sakamoto, an unemployed gamer, finds himself trapped on a tropical island where he must use his skills to survive a real-life version of his favorite video game, Btooom!. The participants must use bombs and other weapons to eliminate their opponents. This series is full of intense action and suspense, highlighting the psychological impact of a deadly survival game.
9. Kaiji
Kaiji tells the story of a debt-ridden man named Kaiji Itou who is forced to participate in a series of high-stakes gambling games. This manga is known for its dramatic tension and the intense internal monologues of its protagonist as he navigates dangerous situations. The games in Kaiji are entertaining, often involving strategy, deception, and psychological warfare.
10. Deadman Wonderland
Ganta Igarashi is framed for the murder of his entire class and sentenced to Deadman Wonderland, a privately owned prison that functions as a twisted theme park where inmates must perform dangerous acts for entertainment. This manga stands out with its unique blend of action, horror, and a compelling storyline, showcasing the brutal nature of survival in a corrupt system.
Exploring Beyond Death Games
For those looking for other series that explore psychological thrillers and suspense, Monster, 20th Century Boys and Psychic Detective Yakumo offer mind-bending narratives and intricate plots. These series delve into the darker aspects of human nature and create an atmosphere of suspense and unease, which are similar themes explored in the “death game” genre. Death Note, The Promised Neverland and Tokyo Ghoul are also exceptional thrillers that provide intense and engaging storylines.
The Enduring Appeal of the Death Game Genre
The popularity of Squid Game has ignited renewed interest in the death game genre. The themes of desperation, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to for survival make these stories highly compelling. Whether you prefer psychological battles, strategic combat, or dark social commentaries, there is a manga in this genre that is certain to captivate you and keep you engrossed until the very last page.
