10 Mind-Blowing Manga Like Alice in Borderland You Can’t Miss Right Now!

Summary

Death game manga genre gaining popularity, similar to Squid Game.
Alice in Borderland turned into a cult classic as the genre becomes trendy.
Manga recommendations for fans of Alice in Borderland, including King’s Game and Real Account.

The Death Game genre, once confined mainly among horror manga enthusiasts, has gained broader recognition due to the surge in popularity of series like Squid Game. In the realm of manga, Alice in Borderland stands out as a notable title within this subgenre.

The graphic novel “Alice in Borderland,” penned and illustrated by Haro Aso, initially garnered modest success upon its 2010 release. Over time, as the “death game” genre gained popularity, this work evolved into a cult favorite. If you’re a fan of the series and are seeking more edge-of-your-seat, intellectually challenging survival tales, here are some top manga recommendations for readers who enjoy “Alice in Borderland.

7. King’s Game

Follow the Order of the King

Japanese Title: Ousama Game
MyAnimeList Score: 6.37
First Published: 2010

The narrative of King’s Game derives inspiration from a well-known party game sharing the same title. In this game, an individual is chosen as the ‘King,’ and everyone else within the group must adhere to the King’s commands or face consequences. This dynamic is mirrored in the series as well.

One day, Nobuaki and all his classmates received a text from something called the King’s Game. The message contained instructions that certain students had to carry out, for example, Student Number 4 was told to kiss Student Number 19. If these commands weren’t obeyed within the specified time, the appointed students would face a gruesome death.

6. Real Account

Sword Art Online x Death Game

Japanese Title: Real Account
MyAnimeList Score: 7.06
First Published: Jan 9, 2014

In his leisure hours, Ataru finds himself immersed in “Real Account,” Japan’s leading social media platform, when, unexpectedly, he is drawn into the application, much like countless other users of “Real Account.” The ensuing events unfold as a series of harsh yet captivating games where the players are compelled to risk their lives. In this digital realm, losing a game translates to losing one’s life in reality.

In essence, “Real Account” shares a similar concept with “Sword Art Online,” but instead of battling monsters with enchanted swords, players in “Real Account” must employ their intelligence and innovative thinking to navigate the lethal challenges presented by the games within it.

5. Btooom!

Death Game combines with Battle Royale

Japanese Title: Btooom!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.27
First Published: Oct 4, 2012

Upon regaining consciousness, Sakamoto discovers himself stranded on a tropical island, only possessing the garments he wore and an assortment of miniature explosives. A harrowing encounter with bombardments from a madman nearly claimed his life, which made him understand the dire predicament he was in. It appears that Sakamoto is ensnared in a lethal competition where he must eliminate others who find themselves in the same perilous position, relying solely on explosives for combat.

In the anime titled “Btooom!“, we find a combination of survival games and intense battles known as battle royales. These subgenres, typically found within horror and thriller categories, are skillfully integrated here. What sets this series apart from others is its high level of action due to the influence of battle royale elements. Additionally, strategic maneuvers, a hallmark of death games, can also be observed in “Btooom!“.

4. As the Gods Will

Deadly Children Games

Japanese Title: Kamisama no Iutoori
MyAnimeList Score: 7.35
First Published: Feb 9, 2011

Shun spends his routine days at school with his peers, until suddenly their teacher’s head explodes. Unaware of it then, within half an hour, all his classmates would lose their heads. As survivors from other classes join him, they are compelled to play traditional Japanese children’s games, but these games bring lethal repercussions.

Much like “Alice in Borderland,” “As the Gods Will” is a standout in the genre of death games, often hailed by fans. What sets this series apart are its rapid pace and the intricate nature of the games themselves. Initially, each game in “As the Gods Will” may seem straightforward, but as we delve deeper into their mechanics, they prove to be complex and thought-provoking.

3. Darwin’s Game

A Real-Life Death Game RPG

Japanese Title: Darwin’s Game
MyAnimeList Score: 7.57
First Published: Dec 12, 2012

Kaname, a high school student, unexpectedly receives a text message inviting him to participate in an enigmatic smartphone game titled “Darwin’s Game“. Intrigue piqued, he downloads the game only to realize later that he’s unwittingly entered into a deadly competition between players. The victors stand to gain massive monetary rewards, while the vanquished face the grim reality of losing their lives.

In essence, the storyline of Darwin’s Game shares some resemblance with other death game narratives found here. However, what sets it apart are two distinct features. Firstly, instead of traditional methods, an app is employed for recruiting new participants and providing details about who to battle and the points accumulated – much like a supplementary app for role-playing games (RPGs). Secondly, each player possesses unique special abilities that aid them in their objective of eliminating other players.

2. Tomodachi Game

A Cruel Game of Lies and Betrayals

Japanese Title: Tomodachi Game
MyAnimeList Score: 7.72
First Published: Apr 6, 2022

In the anime titled “Tomodachi Game,“, a band of companions finds themselves abducted and woken up simultaneously in a puzzling location where they’re compelled to participate in bizarre contests. What they don’t realize is that the intention behind these games is to shatter their friendships. Prepare for deceit, treachery, emotional turmoil, and mental strain in this series. However, what sets “Tomodachi Game” apart is the rule that no physical violence is permitted during these games.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that delve deep into the intricate web of human relationships and deceit, then I’d highly recommend giving Tomodachi Game a try. Unlike other series on this list, it doesn’t just focus on the death aspect, but rather explores the social and psychological ramifications of the game, making it more about betrayal than a traditional death game. So if you enjoy stories that keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, don’t miss out on Tomodachi Game.

1. Gantz

Death Game Combines with Action and Science Fiction

Japanese Title: Gantz
MyAnimeList Score: 8.09
First Published: Jul 13, 2000

A high school student named Kei Kurono, known as K, meets an unexpected fate when he’s struck by a speeding train. Or so it seemed. In an instant, upon contact with the train, K finds himself materializing in a modest Tokyo apartment room. Alongside him are other individuals and a large, ominous black orb occupying the center of the space.

It’s interesting to note that everyone in that room has faced death at least once, similar to Kei, and now they are compelled to join an alien chase. Inside that large, dark orb lies all the data required for the chase, powered armor, and weapons to combat the aliens. When the moment arrives, they will all be teleported to the alien’s whereabouts, marking the start of the official chase. However, what they don’t grasp is that this chase has a two-way nature. Not only are they chasing the aliens, but the aliens are also hunting them and have the capacity to brutally eliminate them.

Gantz” is an iconic manga series known for seamlessly blending a deadly game with pulse-pounding action and thought-provoking science fiction ideas. The narrative is as gripping as it is violent, much like “Alice in Borderland“. If you’re intrigued by what you witness in “Alice in Borderland“, I highly recommend checking out “Gantz” for a similar experience.

2025-04-28 06:56