"Squid Game," a South Korean dystopian thriller television series, follows the story of Gi-hun, a financially desperate man facing numerous challenges in life. Deeply in debt and struggling to make ends meet, Gi-hun is given a mysterious invitation to participate in a survival game called "Squid Game," promising a chance to win a massive cash prize.

Curiosity and desperation lead Gi-hun to accept the invitation and join hundreds of other contestants at a secluded location. Little does he know that the stakes are much higher than he could have ever imagined. As the games commence, the participants find themselves engaged in deadly childhood games that quickly turn into ruthless battles for survival.

"Squid Game" takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster while exploring the harrowing consequences of societal inequality. As the contestants battle for their lives, the series offers a . With its suspenseful storytelling, complex characters, and gripping commentary on the harsh realities of life, "Squid Game" has become a global sensation and peaked as one of the best survival game movies.

Release: 2021

Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Yasushi Iwaki

IMDB Score: 8/10

"I Saw the Devil" centers on Kim Soo-hyun, a highly skilled and devoted secret agent, and his relentless pursuit of a sadistic serial killer named Jang Kyung-chul. When Jang murders Soo-hyun's fiancée, Ju-yeon, the secret agent is consumed by grief and anger. Instead of seeking justice through conventional means, Soo-hyun embarks on a personal mission to make the killer suffer in the same way he made his victims suffer. He becomes a "devil" on a mission of vengeance.

Soo-hyun tracks down Jang and starts playing a psychological, survival cat-and-mouse game with him, taking advantage of his skills as an investigator to repeatedly capture and release the sadistic killer. Each time Jang is set free, he becomes bewildered and fearful, not knowing when Soo-hyun will strike again.

Throughout the film, "I Saw the Devil" presents graphic and unsettling scenes of violence and brutality, forcing viewers to confront the consequences of vengeance and the potential for it to consume even the noblest of intentions. The line between hero and villain becomes blurred as the characters' motivations and actions are put under scrutiny.

Thanks to its powerful performances, masterful direction, and thought-provoking themes, "I Saw the Devil" has gained critical acclaim and has become a memorable entry in the psychological thriller genre. The movie challenges viewers to question their own beliefs about justice and the lengths they would go to seek revenge if pushed to the brink.

Release: 2010

Stars: Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan

IMDB Score: 7.8/10

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian science fiction film set in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem. The totalitarian government, known as the Capitol, exercises control over twelve districts by hosting an annual televised event called the Hunger Games. Each district must send a male and female tribute, known as "tributes," to participate in a fight-to-the-death competition as punishment for a past rebellion.

The plot revolves around Katniss Everdeen, a strong-willed and skilled archer from District 12, and her younger sister Primrose. When Prim is chosen as the female tribute for District 12, Katniss volunteers to take her place, knowing the dangerous fate that awaits her. Alongside her male counterpart, Peeta Mellark, Katniss is taken to the Capitol to prepare for the brutal games.

Once in the Capitol, the tributes are trained and showcased to entertain the elite citizens before the deadly competition begins. Katniss forms an alliance with Rue, a young tribute from a different district, and the two bond over their shared struggles. However, the alliances are temporary, as only one tribute can survive.

"The Hunger Games" digs deep into themes of oppression, rebellion, and the power of the media in shaping public perception. Aside from its captivating portrayal of the struggle that Katniss has to go through, the film is also packed with satisfying action sequences and dynamic supporting characters, making it one of the most influential works in the survival game genres.

Release: 2012

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth

IMDB Score: 7.2/10

In, "Nerve," the audience is introduced to Vee Delmonico, a high school senior who is usually reserved and cautious. Feeling overshadowed by her more daring best friend, Sydney, Vee decides to step out of her comfort zone and join the popular online game called Nerve.

In Nerve, players can either be "Watchers" or "Players." Watchers pay to watch the players complete various dares, which get riskier and more lucrative as the game progresses. Players, on the other hand, must complete the assigned dares to earn cash rewards and gain popularity among the online audience.

Vee is initially assigned harmless and entertaining dares, which excite her and bring newfound excitement to her life. However, as she gains popularity and thrill-seeking confidence, the dares become increasingly dangerous. She is paired with another player named Ian, and the two quickly become a duo attached to the hip, taking on riskier challenges together. As the film progresses, the line between reality and the digital world blurs, and Vee realizes the sinister and manipulative nature of the game.

"Nerve" delves into the darker side of online culture and the allure of instant fame and fortune, while also raising questions about the potential consequences of our actions in the pursuit of validation and excitement in the digital age. Its fast-paced action, suspenseful challenges, and interesting themes worth exploring keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.

Release: 2016

Stars: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Emily Meade

IMDB Score: 6.5/10

"The Condemned" is about Jack Conrad, a former military operative who finds himself unwillingly thrust into a deadly reality TV show. The film begins with Conrad waking up in a grimy, makeshift prison in a secluded and desolate location. As he gathers his bearings, he discovers that he is not alone – nine other death row inmates from various countries are also imprisoned.

The mastermind behind this twisted game is a wealthy TV producer named Ian Breckel. He has chosen these ten prisoners to participate in a brutal survival competition called "The Condemned." The rules are simple: the contestants must fight to the death, and the last person standing wins his or her freedom and a substantial cash prize. Breckel has installed tiny cameras on each participant, capturing every moment of the deadly game to broadcast it live on the internet for a global audience hungry for bloodsport entertainment. Conrad, a man with a violent past, knows he must play along if he wants any chance of survival.

"The Condemned" is not just a mindless bloodbath but rather an exploration of the human condition under extreme circumstances. Heart-pounding and adrenaline-fueled, it also raises ethical questions about the exploitation of human life for entertainment through intense action sequences, unexpected twists, and amazing performances from the cast.

Release: 2007

Stars: Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Nathan Jones

IMDB Score: 6/10