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Alice in Borderland is coming back for season 3 this year! Netflix Japan just confirmed the release of the upcoming season and shared the first teaser and poster in February 2025.

On Twitter, Netflix confirmed that Alice in Borderland season 3 will arrive in September 2025. The streamer did not share the release date for season 3 yet, but that's pretty normal for this kind of thing. We're still so far from the actual release date.

You’re not ready for the final game.

Alice In Borderland Season 3...

Netflix has revealed its 2025 slate of Japanese films and television series, with the streamer offering a rich mix of period series, action films and intriguing unscripted offerings.

The standout highlight from the lineup, and a potential breakout global hit, is the period series Last Samurai Standing. The series hails from filmmakers Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi and Toru Yamamoto and could appeal to fans of both FX’s Shogun and Netflix’s Squid Game with its survivalist premise and period setting. Junichi Okada leads the cast in this story that takes place at the tail end of the samurai era in Japan and is about 292 warriors who are invited to compete to the death for a cash prize. Last Samurai Standing is an adaptation of Shogo Imamura’s novel Ikusagami, which has already been adapted into a popular manga series.

‘Last Man Standing’

Hirokazu Koreeda’s Asura is among the streamer...

Japan movies and series have not consistently reached the heights of interest on Netflix that Korean projects have, but Japan is not far behind. Recently released Asura makes for fabulous viewing, for instance. One soon-to-be-released action film also appears to be on that track.

The good news is there are a vast number of Japanese items coming to your favorite streaming service in 2025. That includes the return of potentially one of your favorite series on Netflix. (It should be anyway.)

So what projects are arriving and when? The list is below. Some of the exact dates are even known!

Slate of Japanese movies and series coming to Netflix in 2025 is excellentDemon City (February 27)

A pure live-action thriller, the source material comes from manga where a hitman goes on a revenge tour after he has lost his family. "Lost" is quite terminal, sadly. It seems to be a bit John Wick...

After Alice in Borderland season 2's shocking cliffhanger ending, a third season felt inevitable. Why reveal the Joker card if not to tease what's next? Well, fans' wishes came true in September 2023 when Netflix announced to the world that the hit thriller series would be returning with a third season.

Unfortunately, details on the new season had been scarce. But now, we finally have more information. Previously confirmed for a 2025 release, Alice in Borderland season 3 finally has an official premiere month. Plus, Netflix has dropped an exciting new teaser to hype up the show's long-awaited return. All of this was revealed at the streaming giant's recent Next on Netflix event on Feb. 12.

Get ready to have a fantastic September because that's when Alice in Borderland season 3 is set to be released on Netflix. The last two seasons of the thriller series came out later in the year as well, so...

Netflix has revealed fresh details of its upcoming slate from Japan, including a three features and an epic samurai period drama.

At an event in Tokyo today (February 12), the streaming giant said it would release manga adaptation Demon City this month, action remake Bullet Train Explosion in April and “boys love” (Bl) drama 10Dance in December. All have previously been announced.

Demon City, based on the manga Oni Goroshi and written and directed by Seiji Tanaka (Melancholic), is about a hitman played by Toma Ikuta who awakens from a long coma and embarks on a bloody, revenge-inspired killing spree. The...

Netflix has added a trio of unscripted series to its Japanese slate.

Final Draft, Badly in Love and Welcome Now, Get Lost were announced at a Next on Netflix event today, and will sit on a Netflix Japan slate for this year also comprising the likes of Romantics Anonymous, 10Dance and Alice in Borderland Season 3.

Final Draft is billed as Netflix’s first survival reality series and will feature former professional athletes, who seek to knock the others out of the game by competing in a series of near-impossible competitions that take them to the brink. The winner of a 30 million yen prize will use the money to fund a second career. Show is from The Far Eastern TV Entertainment Inc. and the showrunner is Kazuaki Hasimoto.

Badly in Love comes from Megumi, and is billed as a “wildly authentic romance reality show” in which outsiders, who love their friends and hometowns,...

‘Alice in Borderland,’ one of Netflix’s biggest Japanese-language series, is set to return for a highly anticipated third season. Fans have been eagerly waiting for updates, and excitement has only grown throughout 2024 as they hope for an official release date.

The series follows a young man and his friends who find themselves trapped in a mysterious parallel world. To survive, they must compete in high-stakes, life-or-death games. Despite its popularity, the show has only released 16 episodes across its first two seasons over the past four years.

Netflix officially confirmed Season 3 in September 2023, which is also when filming began. However, dedicated fans had already spotted clues about the renewal, including posters in Tokyo teasing the next chapter. The show has been a massive hit, with Season 2 becoming the most-watched Netflix title in Japan when it premiered in 2022.

Now the first teaser for the show’s season 3 has been released and...

A new video highlighting Netflix's upcoming slate of Japanese live-action films and series released today featured footage of Alice in Borderland Season 3 and confirmed that the acclaimed adaptation of Haro Aso's action thriller manga will return in 2025 . Alice in Borderland director Shinsuke Sato's post on X (formerly Twitter) specifies that the third season will begin streaming in September. Related: Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective Live-Action TV Drama in the Works Direced by Shinsuke Sato and starring Kento Yamazaki as Ryohei Arisu, Alice in Borderland first premiered in December 2020 and was followed by a second season in December 2022 after the series reached Top 10 streaming in over 70 countries. Netflix streams the series worldwide and described the previous sequel as such: Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) and Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya) try to unravel the mysteries of Borderland to return to the real world. In a place they believe holds the key to uncovering these mysteries,...

Netflix has unveiled its Japanese content slate for 2025, headlined by “Last Samurai Standing,” a period drama featuring 300 samurai warriors gathered at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, lured by the promise of a 100 billion yen prize. The series stars Junichi Okada, who serves as lead actor, producer and action choreographer.

“When most people think about samurai, they think about this very glamorous period in Japanese history,” says Netflix Japan content head Kaata Sakamoto. “But what a lot of people don’t realize is that, towards the end of the Edo period, the samurai lost a lot of their glamour and their power. ‘Last Samurai Standing’ is about what would happen if these warriors — the toughest and best in Japan — all of a sudden became common people and had to fight for their lives. Think ‘Shōgun’ meets ‘Squid Game.'”

The streaming giant’s lineup includes “Alice in Borderland” returning for its third season in September,...

Crunchyroll is announcing today that Colombian singer J Balvin will voice a character in the current season of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise From the Shadow- . The Grammy®-nominated artist will lend his voice to both the English and Spanish versions of the show. J Balvin shared his thoughts on the announcement: I’m beyond thrilled to join the cast of Solo Leveling! This series has such a passionate fanbase and getting the chance to be part of the anime world, after being a fan for such a long time, is an absolute honor. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on! Related: The Most Hype Moments of Solo Leveling So Far Based on the web novel by Chugong, Shunsuke Nakashige directs the currently airing Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise From the Shadow- anime at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by...

Squid Game draws people in for all kinds of different reasons. Maybe you like the Battle Royale aspect of it, with people fighting for survival in deadly games. Maybe you love the drama that unfolds as people attempt to survive, or the imaginative set design, or the social commentary.

We're between seasons of Squid Game now, with the third and final batch of episodes arriving on Netflix on June 27. When it comes to filling the void, you’ll want to find something that can offer similar vibes. The good news is there are a lot of options out there. You can turn to other K-dramas or international films and shows, but there are also some excellent options from the United States.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with these seven movies and shows like Squid Game.

Battle Royale

We have to start with the movie. This...

The unflinching brutality of a survival show had everyone captivated in 2021. The Netflix show Squid Game has returned with a more powerful presence in its second season. This Korean phenomenon is making waves on international waters.

Netflix show Squid Game | Credit: Netflix

As Netflix’s most-watched series, Squid Game has garnered numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. While it may look like an overnight success, in reality, it is not. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk faced tremendous challenges before achieving this level of global recognition.

It took him 12 long years to secure approval from scriptwriters and production houses. After countless rejections, Netflix finally emerged as the lifeline for his vision.

Squid Game took 12 years to get made

While viewers can binge-watch a season in a matter of hours, behind the scenes lies a decade of relentless effort. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk openly discussed his arduous journey, revealing that he conceived...

Netflix executives warned several times that a price increase could be on the way soon over the course of 2024.

Throughout 2024, streaming customers watched with horror as service after service announced new price increases. All kept one eye fixed on Netflix, which held off on price hikes throughout 2024. That reprieve has ended, however; when Netflix announced its fourth quarter 2024 earnings on Tuesday, it also dropped the news that it was raising subscription prices on all three of its available plans in the United States. As The Streamable predicted a few weeks ago, Netflix is now the first streamer in 2025 to announce its rates are going up.

Key Details: Each Netflix plan is rising in price between $1 to $2.50 per month. Company executives say the streamer’s 2025 content slate is more than ample justification for the increase. Netflix has added live NFL games and weekly WWE wrestling, and more recently, Sign Up $7.99+ / month netflix.

Netflix said it added a record 18.91m paid global subscribers in the fourth quarter as its recent foray into live sports and the debut of Squid Games 2 helped raise the total to 301.6m.

As previously announced, staring in April’s earnings call the platform will no longer provide quarterly subscriber updates as it focuses on financials, although it will offer milestone updates. That said, co-ceo Ted Sarandos said they will release a biannual engagement report with Q2 and Q4 earnings. Shares climbed by more than 14% in after hours trading

Revenue crossed $10bn for the first time in the company’s history on $10.2bn,...

In addition to the ongoing second season of the anime by A-1 Pictures, a live-action Solo Leveling drama is now confirmed to be in the works, according to Kakao Entertainment. The company shared general plans for the future of Solo Leveling , in a post on their website, taking the opportunity to briefly note that the live-action project is currently in various stages of planning and development. Details on a release date, staff, cast and others were not revealed at the time of reporting. Related: Solo Leveling Season 2 English Dub Reveals Cast & Crew, Release Date Based on the web novel by Chugong, Shunsuke Nakashige directs the currently airing Solo Leveling anime at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Noboru Kimura ( Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture ), character designs by Tomoko Sudo ( Alice in Borderland ) and music by Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan ). Crunchyroll describes the story: They say whatever doesn...

The Japanese Film Festival, Philippines (Jff), previously known as Eigasai, returns on January 30, 2025 until February 9 at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinema, Ortigas City. Like in recent years, Jff will also have regional screenings.

For North Luzon, the festival will be at Sm City Baguio from February 7 to 16, while for Visayas, it will be at Sm City Iloilo and Sm Cebu from February 14 to 23, 2025. The final round of screenings is scheduled at Sm City Davao in Mindanao and Sm North Edsa, Metro Manila from February 21 to March 2, 2025.

This year’s 12- film lineup consists of award-winning titles, fan favorites, crowd pleasers, and those highly anticipated by Japanese cinema enthusiasts.

Among the critically-acclaimed films is Monster, a coming-of age drama directed by Hirokazu Koreeda and written by Yuji Sakamoto. It won Best Screenplay in the 76th Cannes International Film Festival and was the last movie scored by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Lewis Carroll's beloved children's novel, Alice in Wonderland, is set to join the world of Japanese anime. The first-ever anime adaptation of the classic tale, titled Alice in Wonderland -Dive in Wonderland-, has been officially announced, much to the delight of fans worldwide. Scheduled to premiere on August 29, 2025, this ambitious project is being led by acclaimed director Toshiya Shinohara, with the script penned by renowned writer Yuko Kakihara. Studio P.A. Works, known for its stunning animation, will bring this re-imagining of Wonderland to life in breathtaking detail.

According to @SugoiLITE on X, this anime adaptation of Alice in Wonderland promises to combine Lewis Carroll’s whimsical and surreal world with the unique storytelling and artistic flair that anime is celebrated for. While maintaining the heart of the original story, Dive in Wonderland aims to bring a fresh perspective on Alice's adventures. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how...

Ready for the next stage of Jinwoo's evolution? The depths of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- 's English dub officially open on Crunchyroll on Saturday, January 18 with the below cast and crew in tow! Solo Leveling Season 2 English Dub Cast Sung Jinwoo voiced by Aleks Le Han Song-Yi voiced by Emi Lo Sun Jinah voiced by Rebecca Wang Kim Chul voiced by Patrick Seitz Park Heejin voiced by Trina Nishimura Woo JInchul voiced by SungWon Cho Hwang Dongsoo voiced by Matthew David Rudd Choi Jong-In voiced by Ian Sinclair Go Gunhee voiced by Kent Williams Baek Yoonho voiced by Christoper R. Sabat Ahn Sangmin voiced by Cory Yee Hyun Kichul voiced by Anthony Bowling Go Myunghawn voiced by Geoff Bisente Teacher voiced by Sally Vahle Students voiced by Monica Flatley, Kirsty Johnson B-Rank Members voiced by Bryson Baugus, Aiden Call, Ethan Gallardo, Brandon Acosta C-Rank Member voiced by...

Alice in Borderland season 3 was officially announced around a year after the second season dropped on Netflix, which was surprising given how season 2’s finale seemed to be the end of the show. Based on Haro Aso’s manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland premiered on Netflix in December 2020. While Alice in Borderland received a short anime adaptation in 2014, the live-action series helped the franchise achieve new heights and became a streaming hit. Unlike other live-action adaptations of manga and anime, Alice in Borderland was successful among both fans of the manga and new viewers.

Starring Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya as Arisu and Usagi, respectively, Alice in Borderland took the battle royale trope to the next level by placing its characters in an alternate version of Tokyo where they have to play deadly games to survive. Given that Squid Game premiered on Netflix a year later, comparisons...

Courtesy of the anime's official accounts (and Kim Chul), a brand-new visual unveiled after Solo Leveling Season 2's second episode gives us another look at Jinwoo's latest Shadow addition named Iron. Solo Leveling Season 2 Iron Shadow Visual Related: Solo Leveling Season 2 Anime Releases Opening, Ending Song Videos Based on the web novel by Chugong, Shunsuke Nakashige directs Solo Leveling at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Noboru Kimura ( Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture ), character designs by Tomoko Sudo ( Alice in Borderland ) and music by Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan ). Crunchyroll streams the series and describes the story: They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter Sung Jinwoo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way.

Squid Game Season 2 has taken the world by storm since its release, gaining global recognition for its gripping and intense story. However, with several months ahead before Netflix's release of Squid Game’s third season, now is the perfect time to introduce fans to a similar title to enjoy in the meantime. Fortunately, anime has plenty of options for high-stakes game series that are sure to please any Squid Game fan looking to hold onto the survival atmosphere for a little longer.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Squid Game’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, even admitted being inspired by iconic survival death game mangas like Liar Game, Kaiji, and Battle Royale. Nonetheless, one anime that shares a similar premise and tone and is a must-watch for every Squid Game fan is Tomodachi Game. Tomodachi Game is a short anime with only 12 episodes that not only shares themes with...

Survival thrillers have taken over after the pandemic, and we’ve had two break-out shows that have kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Japan’s Alice in Borderland and South Korea’s Squid Game, are series that center around high-stakes games.

Still from Squid Game | Credits: Netflix

It’s a life-or-death situation in both shows, but their approach to storytelling and a lot of other things are quite different. Even though Squid Game is the more popular one among the two, Alice in Borderland outdoes it on multiple parameters, and here’s a breakdown of the same.

Alice in Borderland has complex and varied games Alice in Borderland | Credits: Robot Communications Inc.

The games in Alice in Borderland are a masterclass on how to feature diverse and complex playthroughs that truly challenge the players. They are categorized by playing card suits and every single game tests different...

Netflix’s latest Japanese order is My Melody & Kuromi, a stop-motion animation based on Sanrio characters.

The series, directed by Tomoki Misato (Pui Pui Molcar), will roll out in July, and will center on My Melody, a straightforward, cheerful girl who bakes cookies with her mother and cares deeply for her younger brother. Shuko Nemoto is the writer.

My Melody & Kuromi comes from Toruku, which is part of Wit Studio. For Toruku, it marks a first stop-motion animation.

My Melody debuted in Japan in 1975, while Kuromi was added in 2005 as a trouble-making rival to My Melody who is actually softer than she appears. Since her debut, she has been a top-three ranked Sanrio character.

“I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi,” said Misato. “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together,...

Netflix has a treat in store for global fans of Japanese kawaii culture. The company revealed Thursday that production is underway on My Melody & Kuromi, a Japanese stop-motion animated series devoted to two of the most beloved characters from Sanrio, world-famous as the creator of Hello Kitty. Directed by visionary stop-motion artist Tomoki Misato, the series will launch on Netflix in July.

The characters My Melody and Kuromi have been favorites in Japan for decades. Sanrio launched My Melody in 1975 and describes the character as “a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother” and “enjoys baking cookies with her mother.” Kuromi is a more recent addition to the Sanrio pantheon of cute, having launched in 2004. My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, Kuromi is often pitched as a lovable but adorable troublemaker. Both characters are widely considered Sanrio favorites.

“I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in...

Netflix is expanding its Japanese animation slate with “My Melody & Kuromi,” a new stop-motion series featuring “Hello Kitty” creator Sanrio’s beloved characters, set to debut globally in July.

The series features My Melody, who since her debut in 1975 has continued to be loved by a wide range of fans, and Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival. My Melody is a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother and enjoys baking cookies with her mother. Kuromi, who may seem like a troublemaker, is actually quite feminine and has ranked in the Top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking.

“Pui Pui Molcar” director Tomoki Misato helms the project. “I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi” Misato said. “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together,...

The second season of the world-famous Squid Game series has been a massive hit with audiences for the last few days. Its engaging plot, relatable characters, and ingenious challenges have kept viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting for more. It is undoubtedly one of Netflix’s biggest successes and has brought attention to the survival games genre.

Nonetheless, there is another incredible show, adapted from on one of the most popular thriller manga that Squid Game fans should watch: Alice in Borderland. This incredible series includes many of the themes that have helped Netflix’s hit show impress audiences. Best of all, there is also a live-action adaptation of Alice in Borderland that viewers can enjoy right now on the same streaming platform.

Alice in Borderland Takes Squid Game’s Concept to the Max The Games and Tortures in This Series Are Beyond Memorable

Squid Game is a...

The stats for Netflix's top 10 non-English TV shows list from the final week of December (Dec. 30 - Jan. 5) are in, and you won't believe what older yet beloved Japanese show made the cut. It's none other than Alice in Borderland, often referred to by some as the Japanese Squid Game.

In a new Netflix press release, the streamer shared all 10 non-English shows that earned a spot. The series that made the list were the most popular non-English shows during the period of Dec. 30 to Jan. 5. As expected, at the No. 1 spot sat Squid Game season 2 with 58. 2 million views for that week. Since the brand-new second season had just recently come out, many people were also going back to rewatch the first season. This is why Squid Game season 1 ended up ranking at the No. 2 spot with 13.6 million views.

Next, the drama miniseries La Palma took the No. 3 spot, followed...

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Squid Game is a South Korean survival horror thriller series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The Netflix series follows Seong Gi-hun, a single father in a huge amount of debt, who is invited to compete in a series of children’s games to win huge sums of money. The only caveat is that if anyone loses the game, they are killed then and there. Squid Game stars Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, and Lee Byung-hun. So, if you loved the social commentary, thrilling story, and compelling characters in Squid Game, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The 8 Show (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

The 8 Show is a South Korean dark comedy torture thriller series created by Han Jae-rim. Based on the Naver webtoons Money Game and Pie Game by Bae Jin-soo, the Netflix series revolves around...

Squid Game may have led the pack for survival thrillers when it first debuted in 2021, but 2025 will see a lot more from this genre than just the Squid Game season 3. Squid Game shattered viewing records for Netflix when it premiered in 2021. The South Korean series had a unique blend of dark plot, humor, and creativity that made it stand out on a global stage. However, the show was not the first of its kind.

In fact, the death game genre of shows is extensive, and stretches much further back. Many of the earliest entries into this genre also take the form of anime shows, but there have been live-action versions that gained some degree of popularity, with one of these shows actually coming out on Netflix nearly a year before Squid Game. And, just like Squid Game, Alice in Borderland season 3 will air in 2025.

Alice In Borderland Season 3 Also Premiers...

Two of the most powerful voices in anime music join forces! Featuring "ReawakeR feat. Felix of Stray Kids" by LiSA ( Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Op) and "Un-apex" by Tk from Ling tosite sigure ( Tokyo Ghoul Op), respectively, creditless versions of Solo Leveling Season 2's opening and ending song sequences are now available to watch below. Solo Leveling Season 2 Opening Video Solo Leveling Season 2 Ending Video An Igrit 'shadow visual' was also unveiled. Related: Crunchyroll Explores Rise of Solo Leveling in 2-Part Documentary Based on the web novel by Chugong, Shunsuke Nakashige directs Solo Leveling at studio A-1 Pictures, with series composition by Noboru Kimura ( Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture ), character designs by Tomoko Sudo ( Alice in Borderland ) and music by Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan ). Crunchyroll streams the series and describes the story: They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not...

Alice In Borderland, one of Netflix's biggest Japanese-language series, is expected to return for Season 3 in the not-too-distant future.

Hype for Alice In Borderland Season 3 built up consistently through 2024 as the fandom anxiously awaits news on a potential release date for new episodes.

The series highlights a young man and his friends trapped in a parallel universe, in which they have to compete in a deadly set of games in order to survive. However, as exciting as Alice In Borderland has been, only 16 episodes have been released in its two seasons over the last four years.

Read full article on The Direct.

2025 is going to be one of the biggest years for Netflix and that’s not an exaggeration. The year ahead will bring with it new seasons of some of the biggest Netflix shows ever including a few final seasons that are sure to generate quite a bit of buzz for the streamer in the months ahead.

Netflix has been more than transparent in promoting the titles coming in the year ahead with a list that includes countless must-see favorites. This list includes the following just to name a few of the confirmed titles coming across 2025:

Alice in Borderland season 3Big Mouth season 8Black Mirror season 7Cobra Kai season 6 part 3Ginny & Georgia season 3Love is Blind season 8Monsters season 3Physical: 100 season 3Squid Game season 3Stranger Things season 5Sweet Magnolias season 4The Night Agent season 2The Recruit season 2The Sandman season 2The Watcher season 2The Witcher season 4Wednesday season 2Xo, Kitty...

With the end of Squid Game season 2, and season 3 set to conclude the series for good, it's time to look at other shows for fans of the Netflix hit to enjoy. Squid Game initially debuted on Netflix back in 2021, and despite all odds, the South Korean thriller shattered records for the streamer. The show's unique visual style, intense and dramatic storyline, and the dystopian setting resonated with audiences, and the show was renewed for a second season.

Three years later, Squid Game finally delivered the second season, which saw Gi-hun try to investigate the mysterious games and get some answers. However, after just seven episodes, season 2 leaves the story with some immense cliffhangers, which may leave audiences desperate to indulge in another death-defying dystopian series. Or perhaps something that delivers a similar level of tension, intensity, and unique storytelling. Below are some of the best shows worth watching while waiting...

The sophomore season of the hit Korean dystopian survival series returned Thursday with seven new episodes.

Netflix’s “Squid Game” is back with a vengeance. The record-setting, culture-changing Korean survival series returned for its long-awaited Season 2 on Dec. 26 after three years with new games alliances, and old foes. Led by creator/director/writer Hwang Dong-hyuk, series star Lee Jung-jae, new cast members including Park Sung-hoon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, and Kang Ae-shim, the new batch of episodes sees Gi-hun, a.k.a. Player 456, return to the deadly competition with a plan to end its trail of carnage from the inside— if he can best the shadowy Front Man at his own game.

Netflix released the full second season early on Thursday morning… unfortunately, the full second season is only seven episodes (down from Season 1’s nine), and you, like me and many, maybe in that end-of-the-year sweet spot where you...

From the highly-anticipated third and final season of Netflix’s industry-defining Squid Game series, to the sequels for thought-provoking breakout shows like Taiwan’s The World Between Us and Indonesia’s Santri Pilihan Bunda, here are the shows out of Asia to look out for in 2025. Add your own thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.

‘Squid Game’ Season 3 (Netflix)

Korea

Even before the second season of Netflix’s most successful series premiered on December 26, the streamer announced that a third and final season of the Korean series is already in the works and will release in 2025. The second season of the drama sees Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who was Player 456 in the first season, searching for the people behind the brutal survival game, three years after winning the ₩45.6 billion prize bounty. Who knows what Season 3 might entail. Though reviews have been mixed, another run so close behind is an exciting prospect.

In the second season of Squid Game, Gi-hun warns a fellow contestant about the game’s deceptive promises. “Last time I was here,” he says, “someone said the exact same thing.” Watching Squid Game 2, now on Netflix, one might think the same. Much of this season reworks Season one, with tweaks but few innovations.

Squid Game makes you play games from your childhood | Credit: Netflix

The 2021 original dazzled with its critique of capitalism, visual panache, and iconography -the killer doll, the jumpsuits, and the piggy bank. Season 2 dutifully recycles these. Gi-hun, once a hapless Everyman, returns as a hardened avenger determined to dismantle the murderous game.

The resounding global success of Squid Game in 2021, however, not only brought Korean dramas to the forefront but also sparked conversations about the lengths people will go to for survival. For someone who’s looking for a similar taste but a different dish, here...

Alice in Borderland season 3 has the chance to give us the Chishiya and Arisu moment that the show has been teasing since the first season. While Alice in Borderland is about Arisu – he is the “Alice” trapped in a different reality after all – Chishiya stole the show and became one of the Netflix live-action series' most popular characters. Netflix’s version of Chishiya was slightly different from the one in Haro Aso’s manga, but all the changes worked and made for a very interesting character that ranged from a potential villain to a beloved antihero.

Apart from Kuina, there was no one in Alice in Borderland Chishiya would trust. The other characters soon learned now to trust Chishiya either, including Arisu. That said, toward the end of season 2, Chishiya went through a life-changing experience during the King of Diamonds game. After beating the “Beauty Contest,” Chishiya reevaluated how he...

10Dance, a popular Japanese manga series set in the world of competitive dancing, is set to be adapted as a feature film by Netflix and will launch on the streaming platform in 2025.

It will star Ryoma Takeuchi, seen recently in Prime Video series Like A Dragon Yakuza, and Keita Machida of Netflix series Alice in Borderland and YuYu Hakusho. Takeuchi is also known for the Kamen Rider Drive series and won newcomer of the year at the Japan Academy Awards in 2017 for his role in Teiichi: Battle Of Supreme High.

The manga, written and illustrated by Inouesatoh, falls into the...

Alice in Borderland season 3 is bound to answer the one question that neither the first two seasons nor the original manga did. Netflixs Alice in Borderland is based on a manga of the same name by Haro Aso, which also received a brief anime adaptation. Alice in Borderland made some changes to the source material, but the Netflix live-action show was relatively faithful to the manga. However, now that Alice in Borderland season 3 is happening, the show will deviate further than ever from the original story.

Alice in Borderland season 2s finale covered the final chapters of Haro Asos manga. In other words, there are no stories left for the Netflix show to adapt. The only exception is Alice in Borderland: Retry, which is set a few years after the main story and sees Arisu returning to the Borderland as Usagi is about to give birth to their child. However,...

The world took the stage in Los Angeles this week at a special event celebrating Netflix’s wide variety of films and series from creators and filmmakers around the globe. The international showcase, led by Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria, presented a lineup of returning hits, including Squid Game and Alice in Borderland, and coming attractions, like an adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, which script consultant Maria Camila Arias described at a recent Q&a as “a history of civilization and also of Colombia.” The Next on Netflix: International event also saw the unveiling of some future favorites, including Love Is Blind: France and Physical: 100 Asia, and shined a spotlight on some of the most anticipated films and series from around the world that will hit Netflix in the coming months.

From Korea to Brazil and from Norway to Colombia, these global offerings...

Netflix has announced the creation of Troll 2, the sequel to its globally acclaimed Norwegian monster movie, which will be released in 2025. The news follows the original film’s success, which enthralled international audiences and broke streaming records.

The first Troll film, which aired in December 2022, was a watershed moment for Netflix. It grossed an incredible 103 million views and became the platform’s most-watched non-English language film. Roar Uthaug, who developed the concept over two decades, will return to direct the sequel.

The film will have a new ensemble cast, including Sara Khorami, Jon Ketil Johnsen, and Gard B. Eidsvold. While precise narrative details remain unknown, the original film’s idea revolved around a huge 150-foot troll rising in the Norwegian highlands and destroying the country’s capital.

“The first film deliberately left room for further exploration,” said producer Kristian Strand Sinkerud, who had previously hinted at a possible sequel.

Alice in Borderland now stands as one of Netflix's top series, but that is hardly a surprise. Years ago, the high-stakes drama got its start in print as Alice in Borderland's manga went live. Now, Netflix has turned characters like Arisu into household heroes, and it has big plans for the future. Alice in Borderland season three is on the way, and Netflix has confirmed the show's release window.

According to Netflix, Alice in Borderland season three will be released in 2025. The streaming service confirmed the news via Tudum as part of an international spotlight. At this time, Alice in Borderland does not have a firm release date for season three, but we know it will not launch until next year. Currently, the live-action series has its first two seasons streaming, making Alice in Borderland one of several successful anime adaptations on Netflix.

Alice in Borderland Season 3 Will...

Netflix gave a sneak peek at its 2025 line-up of non-English programming yesterday with shows such as The Leopard (Italy), Last Samurai Standing (Japan), The Empress S2 (Germany), El Refugio Atómico (Spain), Senna (Brazil), Alice in Borderland S3 (Japan), and even this year’s One Hundred Years of Solitude (Colombia).

“People like the authenticity of local stories,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said.

“When you try to make something that appeals to everyone, you just end up making something that appeals to no one.” It’s why Bajaria encourages her teams to be ambitious and support the vision of creators with the “goal to make shows and films that resonate in their home country first.”

Netflix shouted out the stat that they dub in 36 languages and subtitle shows in 33 languages. Bajaria also said that 80% of Netflix subs watch Korean content.

Bajaria at Netflix’s International Showcase

Alcaraz (Spain)

Docuseries

Alcaraz...

Netflix leadership have touted the streamer’s upcoming slate of local-language film and television including the Japanese feature Bullet Train Explosion and Troll 2, Roar Uthaug’s sequel to his most-watched non-English-language film on the platform.

Chief content officer Bela Bajaria and her team of regional executives held a press presentation at the company’s first International Showcase at Tudum Theatre in Hollywood on Monday.

“People like the authenticity of local stories,” Bajaria said, adding that, as she has said before, the “goal is to make shows and films that resonate in their home country first”. She added, “When you...

Netflix is teaming with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment for an untitled series that will mark his son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut. The series was unveiled at the streamer’s International Showcase on Monday.

“Set against the backdrop of the film industry, this multi-genre project promises an audacious, unabashed, entertaining ride through the adventures of a charming, ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood,” according to a description provided by Netflix. “The series blends a high-stakes narrative with self-aware humor, featuring blockbuster cameos and larger-than-life characters for an unforgettable, tongue-in-cheek take on Indian cinema.”

“We are excited to present this new series with Netflix that offers a refreshing look into the glamorous cinematic world and what it takes to succeed as an outsider,” said Shah Rukh Khan. “It’s a unique narrative brought to life by Aryan, many passionate minds and the team at Red Chillies Entertainment.

Netflix leadership have touted the streamer’s upcoming slate of local-language film and television including the Japanese feature Bullet Train Explosion and Troll 2, Roar Uthaug’s sequel to his most-watched non-English-language film on the platform.

Chief content officer Bela Bajaria and her team of regional executives held a press presentation at the company’s first International Showcase at Tudum Theatre in Hollywood on Monday.

“People like the authenticity of local stories,” Bajaria said, adding that, as she has said before, the “goal is to make shows and films that resonate in their home country first”. She added, “When you...

Netflix touted the fruits of its massive international content expansion, promising a vast slate of upcoming films and television series from across the globe.

Chief content officer Bela Bajaria, along with content executives from around the world, gathered in Los Angeles for the streamer’s first international showcase Tuesday. Along with debuting footage for major titles like “Squid Game” Season 2 from South Korea — Netflix’s most-watched series ever, returning Dec. 26, and already renewed for a third and final season — Colombia’s anticipated adaptation of “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” and more, Bajaria also celebrated how Netflix’s investment in fostering local talent and production internationally has lent to the creation of hits that resonate globally.

“It’s about trying to find the best version of every genre, rather than focusing on only one demo or sensibility,” Bajaria said during the presentation Tuesday, highlighting her approach to programming for an audience of 650 million people.

Netflix shared what’s coming next in terms of its global offerings, with the company highlighting its diverse slate at its first international showcase held Monday morning at its Los Angeles office.

The streaming giant used the showcase to reiterate its strategy behind original global content, and also took the opportunity to announce a slew of new titles and significant renewals. “Many people assume that the easiest way to program for such a huge audience is to make global hits that everyone can enjoy,” Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria told the audience.

“Once in a rare while, that’s the goal, but mostly it’s not,” Bajaria continued, emphasizing that Netflix’s goal remains making films and shows that resonate with the content’s home country first.

International success is still very much part a secondary focus — Bajaria shared that more than 70 percent of all viewing on Netflix...

Alice in Wonderland was a beloved Disney movie released in 1951 based on Lewis Carroll's novel that has inspired numerous stories and been adapted in countless formats, but there's an anime version that has been forgotten, overshadowed by the popularity of the Walt Disney adaptation. Known in Japan as Fushigi no Kuni no Alice, this adaptation was broadcast in 1983 with 52 episodes, and unfortunately, it wasnt available to stream on any platform. However, fans of Alice now have the opportunity to acquire a physical copy of this lovely series.

Alice in Wonderland gained recognition in several European countries, receiving an English dub upon its airing in America, and now Amazon is listing a DVD release for this great adaptation, which is sure to please any nostalgic fan looking to binge-watch the series again or discover their next favorite classic anime.

Alice in Wonderlands DVD Is A Must-Have For Any Classic Anime...

Alice in Borderland season 3 is inbound at Netflix, and while there's little known about the next chapter of the story after the season 2 finale, there's already a great deal of anticipation for the show's return. As Arisu and the others imagined, beating all the Face Card games in Alice in Borderland was the key to getting more answers about that world. Alice in Borderland season 2's finale saw the main characters waking up in the real world, a shocking reveal that could have wrapped up the show.

Arisu and Usagi's story on Netflix isn't over yet though, as it's been confirmed that Alice in Borderland season 3 is on the way. Alice in Borderland season 2's finale was quite faithful to the original manga, which also ends with Arisu and the others waking up in the real world after spending precisely one minute with their hearts stopped. Alice in Borderland...