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Squid Game

Squid Game

2021
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
TV Series
55m
Seasons: 1, Episodes: 9 Episode List
Hundreds of people who are struggling financially are invited to join a mysterious competition promising a huge payday to the winner. After joining players compete in a series of simple children's games, but now with their own survival at stake.
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Squid Game

2021
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
TV Series
55m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 55.29% from 1650 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1650)
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Rated 05 Oct 2021
30
5th
The only somewhat menacing dystopian aspect of 'Squid Game' is Netflix's ability to completely dominate pop culture with this cookie cutter material.
Rated 11 Oct 2021
50
19th
I'd just like to use this space to extend my sincere thanks to everyone on Criticker. This is a site I've happily browsed and posted on for over a decade, and it has been important part of discovering my personal taste and cementing my love of film. As I've drifted away from other increasingly cliquey online spaces, I'm glad that we have kept it casual and friendly here for so long. I enjoy reading all your blurbs and I hope that mine are are positive part of your day too, in whatever small way.
Rated 05 Oct 2021
72
47th
Great absurdist premise made human, but also feels like an anime turned live action 1:1. The detective arc is rather unnecessary and the ending (starting from episode 7) is overlong and quite dissatisfying, however human it might be to not be able to let go of a trauma, even when it looks like you have all the means in the world to do so. The acting is great and good fun, until Americans join the cast as "VIPs", killing the atmosphere and - judging from their dialogues - some of the show writers
Rated 09 Oct 2021
59
39th
[through season 1] Interesting to watch at first, but the final episodes decide that rather than writing an ending to a clearly-at-its-end story, it would rather just create a bunch of loose threads as bait for a season 2. Really unfortunate.
Rated 28 Oct 2021
64
47th
Hwang can't handle western capitalist themes (let alone western capitalist characters, jeez, those VIPs are student film-level bad), so this amalgamation of decades worth of survival-game-type movies isn't exactly revolutionary. The spin on the genre (kids games) is well designed, but who exactly pays billions to watch grown men play marbles? Let's say it's a decent enough time sink with good production value, but ultimately a letdown, and a second season can only get wor......red hair?!?!?!?!?!
Rated 04 Nov 2021
5
2nd
Unbelievably stupid and shitty, and its popularity is a testament to the extremely low standards of the Netflix generation.
Rated 23 Oct 2021
65
66th
Almost ruined by the terrible ending promising an unnecessary second season.
Rated 24 Sep 2021
90
99th
Easily one of the best new shows I've seen in a long time! It's Battle Royale meets Big Brother. The story is engaging, funny, heartbreaking, intense, bloody, sadistic and never boring. It takes the time to craft the story and makes you feel for the characters, all while raising the stakes with each passing episode. Very enjoyable and I truly hope that enough people watch for them to warrant another season
Rated 26 Sep 2021
59
34th
There are a lot of nice ideas but overall the Characters are very cartoony and shallow. The Conclusion was very uncreative and boring.
Rated 02 Oct 2021
75
45th
The fact that this is such a well crafted piece of entertainment is bothersome to me. There are minor quibbles with the story but all in all, they manage to create a series that looks good and knows how to play your emotions. The problem lies in that almost perfect commercial appeal. Subject matter as sadistic as this ought to feel harrowing but the creators hold back and, as it's popularity shows, it ends up being more of a shocking thrill ride than a sobering look at the horrors on display.
Rated 26 Oct 2021
80
68th
1) look up your currency to won conversion before you start, it helps 2) the VIPs had to be written by a 12 year old, by far the worst part of the show 3) through the first 6 episodes, I thought they did a great job giving proper time for main plot, side plots, and character development. Episodes 7-9 were ok but noticably more flawed. I dislike the ending because I don't need Squid Game season 2. Maybe I'm wrong and they make something good. I just like the idea of high quality, 1 season shows
Rated 24 Sep 2021
8
75th
Highly enjoyable.
Rated 04 Oct 2021
50
43rd
"Spielen macht frei" could have been the slogan. Another film that seems to gesture towards the tripartite structure of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (prehistory and the inception of war; the journey through reason and technics; rebirth and a new mission), with some connection to EYES WIDE SHUT as well (but when the English-language parts appear, the dialogue and performances suddenly seem very unsubtle, perhaps concealed earlier on from the non-Korean speaker by the language barrier).
Rated 01 Nov 2021
70
44th
It’s not original but there’s nothing wrong with that. It offers up moments of entertainment, brutality and sadness. By the end, however, the poor character arcs, loose ends, plot holes and contrived twists/reveals begin to compound themselves to completely undermine whatever compelling moments were to be found within the games and the game itself to the point where I wondered “what was the fucking point?”
Rated 08 Jan 2022
79
61st
An excellent narrative anchored by compelling acting that peters out in the final few episodes. To be fair, it's difficult to wrap up a series season and I will give Hwang credit of at least trying to do something different. It doesn't really work nor does it make much sense, but, hey, at least it wasn't as cliche as it could have been. In all, the first handful of episodes are immaculately shot, filled to the brim with anxiety-inducing tension. Too bad it runs out of steam in the end.
Rated 06 Feb 2022
60
44th
I like the concept and visual design of games and locations. But the story would gain so much from being more streamlined - brothers story doesn't go anywhere interesting, half of the games are rather lame and uneventful (cookies/marbles/squid) and sequel-bait ending sucks. A bit of a wasted potential, would be awesome as a 2,5 hour movie.
Rated 16 Oct 2021
72
78th
It's solid enough during the actual game parts, aside from a few asspull contrivances. But in terms of narrative, the characterization comes across as spastic and juvenile while its major twists come across as being pointless. The portrayal of class divide is superficial, with the way the poor and rich are compared coming across as incredibly non-sensical. I would hope a second season may make up for a lot of this shows awkward narrative decisions, but I guess we'll wait and see?
Rated 03 Jan 2022
60
57th
Totally not what I was expecting but so worth it. What a ride.
Rated 07 Oct 2021
20
37th
Though the series doesn't really ever get more exotic than the excellent pilot episode and the initial air of mystery disappates with each passing episode, Squid Game is still worth a look.
Rated 07 Oct 2021
20
7th
şaka yapmayın bilader silin şu komik puanları, özellikle koyu yeşil olanları. ne persona ne bilmem neye verdiğiniz oyunuz ciddiye alınır. taşak malzemesi olmayın. bu beşinci sınıf hollywood'dan bozma sıfır mantık dizilere okey miyiz artık?
Rated 29 Sep 2021
65
29th
completely unoriginal
Rated 01 Oct 2021
75
79th
Started out very strong up until episode 6, then went downhill with all the VIP stuff and plot twists and turns that undermined characters and story stuff earlier on. Has great production values and acting. Episode 6 was the best one by a mile, but the last three eps were pretty weak and dragged it down. 8/10 for Season 1.
Rated 03 Oct 2021
64
52nd
Starts of strong with a lot of momentum to keep you engaged. But starting from game 4 the show lost my interest and the twists and turns presented were just boring. There's some good stuff in there, but eventually it's all just shameless plugging for a next season
Rated 09 Oct 2021
60
62nd
Gets a bit repetitive and drops off in quality around the 6 episode. But still a nice show that looks good
Rated 09 Oct 2021
60
33rd
Standard Korean thriller stuff with a garbage last 3 episodes. There are way better shows and movies out there with similar concepts that don't try to shove their "subtle" hints of plot down your throat.
Rated 10 Oct 2021
1
17th
Starts out promising, but gradually you realise there is actually less to this series than meets the eye. Introduction of VIP's is a low point, but even before that the writing gets predictable and forced.
Rated 10 Oct 2021
5
40th
Parasite themed battle royale. It was alright. Dragged on for too long, with too much filler. The actors were pretty good at their craft.
Rated 10 Oct 2021
55
26th
There's a killer concept here, no pun intended, but aside from the set up and most of the games there's a huge amount of character filler here that generally doesn't go anywhere or pay off in any satisfactory manner. Seems like something that would have made a much better standalone movie rather than dragging it out for nearly 9 hours. While worth watching for the curious it doesn't live up to the global hype although maybe that's because I'm less shocked by Korean productions than most others.
Rated 11 Oct 2021
55
56th
Character archetypes, themes and overall design are good. Like most of these edgy dystopias, does not put much effort into counterbalancing its fantastic premise with somewhat believable plot mechanics.
Rated 11 Oct 2021
70
75th
Apart from the last episode, this was an awesome idea and well executed series. Although cliche at times, and some awful acting in the rich white people, a gripping show. But with its ending, it did not spark that much interest in me for season 2.
Rated 11 Oct 2021
85
51st
The first 6 Episodes are Amazing but the last 3 are a bit slow and this Show deserves an Epic, better Climax
Rated 18 Oct 2021
68
63rd
Daft fun, with a likeable cast. Messy ending.
Rated 05 Nov 2021
77
82nd
Very entertaining. I think what's most impressive is that it actually gets some really emotional moments. Usually those kinds of moments ring a bit hollow in films and shows that are this dark. It doesn't quite stick the landing and it does feel like it wanted to be deeper than it was, but it's a thrilling ride to get there nonetheless.
Rated 08 Nov 2021
73
60th
Lot's of good bits, an interesting commentary using a familiar framing device. The end is somewhat weak though. Worth a watch, maybe not worth the fuss it's being given.
Rated 29 Dec 2021
80
77th
Great grasp of tone, compelling social commentary, and an extremely charismatic cast. The show doesn't take the easy way out with any of the games and constructs many tense moments and surprises throughout. The denouement is the only major misstep. A character references the actor Lee Byung-hun in the episode before Lee Byung-hun shows up playing a different character. How bizarre is that? That would be like if Vincent in Collateral mentioned he was going to see the new Tom Cruise movie.
Rated 11 Jan 2022
70
80th
Episodes 1-5 are intriguing and gripping. Everyone saw episode 6 coming, but it absolutely elevates the series. Unfortunately it stumbles after that to the finishing line. Sequel bait at the end is nonsensical. Had it been trimmed to 7 or 8 episodes without the detective side story and unnecessary last two plot twists (that really in the end do nothing), it would have been more effective. Detective could have been replaced by a soldier starting to feel empathy towards one specific player.
Rated 15 Feb 2022
50
24th
Isn't this just a re-hash of Kaiji?
Rated 30 Sep 2021
78
59th
Part of me thought this was stupid and pedestrian while another part found it beautiful and fascinating, enough to want to watch the entire series in one sitting, which I did. On one hand, it's about as tedious as a kid telling you about the dream they had last night, while on the other it's told so goddamn well that you can't help but not tune out. I wouldn't recommend it, but I commend its ability to manipulate my senses and keep me enthralled. It's Snowpiercer meets Black Mirror via Tarantino
Rated 01 Jan 2022
70
0th
Over hyped and predictable
Rated 08 Nov 2021
90
89th
a well written and acted thriller driven by the terror of capitalism. great soundtrack and visual design. the sequel bait non-ending sucks but whatever
Rated 18 Nov 2021
62
13th
wasko
Rated 05 Oct 2021
3
64th
Starts strong but loses momentum and creativity fast. The last episode is a setup for second season instead of an ending for the first.
Rated 26 Sep 2021
95
89th
Squid Game is an intelligent and well-made show. It is extremely violent (literally hundreds of people die in nine episodes), but the intriguing plot kept me watching it. The characters' fate is heart-wrenching. Especially Episode #6 will bring tears to your eyes. The actors are outstanding. Squid Game is a commentary on social structure, ethics, greed, humanity, and modern society. Contrasting classical music and colorful children games with violence and suffering is well thought out.
Rated 03 Oct 2021
83
88th
Engaging although the plot twists are predictable and the story is not all that original, it is still executed very well. Great acting and costume/set design.
Rated 03 Oct 2021
62
56th
These violent Korean movies are so seductive in how they juxtapose brutality with innocence and empathy.
Rated 04 Oct 2021
80
90th
Great
Rated 07 Oct 2021
50
30th
I wish it had something a bit more behind it.
Rated 08 Oct 2021
50
23rd
Entertainment: 4. Spirit: 0.5. Sustainability: 0.5. Family: 0.
Rated 11 Oct 2021
90
85th
It excels at providing tense and visualy interesting games. They're basically like a cross between a Japanese game show and a less torture-y Jigsaw trap. They're fun to watch. Except of course when they're not fun to watch at all. Then they're just devastating.
Rated 11 Oct 2021
2
46th
I'm as anti-capitalist as the next comrade but, goodness this was clunky, Handmaid's Tale level subtelty. I've read the anglo version toned it down even.
Rated 13 Oct 2021
75
89th
Aesthetically pleasing and generally satisfying to watch. The gore is a positive. Really, Squid Game is a refreshing show with some minor flaws. I was impressed.
Rated 15 Oct 2021
70
61st
There's definitely some questionable decisions in this series - everyone's talking about the ending (which I though was fine if not spectacular) but personally I found the second episode the most inexplicable. And yes, a killing game isn't the most original narrative in 2020. Nevertheless, the characters here, each lovable in their own way while still representing the various extremes of human desperation and depravity, really make the show shine.
Rated 16 Oct 2021
66
45th
I'm sick to death of The Blue Danube
Rated 17 Oct 2021
95
99th
Unreal series. The only thing that prevented this show from getting 100 from me was the English speaking actors. Otherwise magnificent acting and writing.
Rated 17 Oct 2021
83
77th
Extremely entertaining and captivating! The games are very clever and the production/costume design really sells the show. Those pink jumpsuits will be iconic. Some moments were on the slower side but I didn't have a problem with it, unlike some others. I especially fell in love with the Jun-ho storyline, which made things interesting. I'm looking forward to season 2.
Rated 21 Oct 2021
40
19th
Childish and cliché imagination about rich people. The end seems to be designed just for making a sequel.
Rated 21 Oct 2021
75
62nd
You always knew the Korean version of "I'm a Celebrity, get me out of here" would 'up the ante' a bit; instead of people watching TV and gaining ghoulish delight in others peoples distress, we have VIPs paying for the pleasure; that's supposed to be different, I suppose. This is nothing new, but for the most part it was very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A few unecessary plot lines, some forced emotions, and a weak ending left me in 2 minds whether I would watch a second series
Rated 23 Oct 2021
71
69th
can't believe people actually talk like a 장삐쭈 video. fun, but i'd trade it all for a good episode of taskmaster.
Rated 23 Oct 2021
80
73rd
Dubbing is awful, do subtitles if you can. Show grew on me every episode
Rated 24 Oct 2021
45
8th
Boring, predictable, uninspired. There are so many better shows, movies, games, books, hell, even anime that do this concept so much better. Never trust the internet hype machine.
Rated 24 Oct 2021
70
41st
Overall good show will keep you entertained and the Concept is very intriguing. Has good action and good emotional beats but not a masterpiece. Don’t walk into it thinking it is the best show ever made and you will have a good time with it.
Rated 24 Oct 2021
80
74th
Season 1: 80
Rated 25 Oct 2021
70
45th
às vezes é legal viver o zeitgeist
Rated 26 Oct 2021
3
33rd
Solidly executed for the most part, I guess, but I don't think it has anything new to say or even really to do.
Rated 27 Oct 2021
8
62nd
A bit of Hunger Games, a bit of Battle Royale. I was afraid this would be all hype but actually enjoyed it. While the initial premise of 'deadly game show' is straightforward, the show does a fine job of using it as a backdrop to sort of touch on the complexities of desperation, morality, inequality and the ruthless, competitive nature of capitalism. The show also does a solid job of steadily layering on mysteries that keep you guessing about the games and the island it takes place on.
Rated 30 Oct 2021
60
8th
It's literally the Hunger Games meet Parasite as Ben Shapiro said (literally the only thing I've ever agreed with him on...). It's also too "brutal" and "anxiety-inducing" for me and I had to skip over tons of scenes just to see if my faves were still alive. Tbh I didn't watch most of it because of that, so this review is pretty trivial.
Rated 31 Oct 2021
50
10th
This show was overhyped.. Good but not great at all
Rated 11 Nov 2021
5
88th
The attention to detail in writing is superb.
Rated 16 Nov 2021
83
85th
Actually, this Is a new and up to date version of "And then there were none" by Agatha Christie.
Rated 26 Dec 2022
65
22nd
it keeps you on the edge, watching one episode after other. But there are lots of filler scenes and dragged out scenes, I don't think it's worth the time. it's also predictable. one merit it has is a very unique visual style. other than that, you could definitely live without seeing this one. if you have time to waste go ahead (like when you're sick laying with little energy, though keep in mind it's pretty dark).
Rated 03 Dec 2021
4
82nd
Surprisingly deep. Well done.
Rated 12 Dec 2021
3
36th
p shallow and childish, but i can't begrudge this gen getting its BATTLE ROYALE, a film that owned my 13 y.o. mind for months. pros here are the visual style, production design, undeniable game 4 and the appropriately unsatisfying finale (sequel baiting aside, but that's netflix for ya). other cons are how easy it is to predict developments ahead of time (i nailed the final twist during episode 1), and everything involving the VIPs, which may be the most rancid shit i've seen in the past decade.
Rated 16 Dec 2021
85
87th
A convincing indictment of our current system that something like this can be presented as an appealing alternative (even if it's ultimately a microcosm of it). Not sure how to feel about some of the reveals in the latter half but this was still smartly written and emotionally affecting. Killer set design too.
Rated 19 Dec 2021
67
21st
Season 1: Starts promising, ends with mediocre-at-best writing and really unnecessary not-even-twist twists.
Rated 21 Dec 2021
60
43rd
The whole concept and the metaphor for capitalism is great. But the execution results in an unfortunately mediocre show with plenty of filler, cliches, and character behavior that makes no sense and is only meant to progress the plot forward.
Rated 22 Dec 2021
90
90th
A fun thriller if you exclude episode 7. It uses your knowledge of the tropes to mess with your expectations. The B-plot with the cop was a strange choice.
Rated 29 Dec 2021
80
70th
Enjoyable tv show
Rated 09 Jan 2022
75
39th
Pretty fun but the overall story arch is nothing special. The games are entertaining and the production values are top notch though.
Rated 21 Feb 2022
65
20th
What could have been quite interesting, the over the top gore effects distract from the story.
Rated 21 Feb 2022
90
99th
I probable should have done better research before putting this one for the entire family because the kids ended up seeing some of this. While a little on the deadly side for them, they've been playing Squid Game games on Roblox ever since. Kids today. Anyway, we all loved these gambling horrors.
Rated 27 Feb 2022
52
52nd
Why does Battle Royale need to be remade every decade?
Rated 18 Apr 2022
75
36th
The English subtitles in Netflix are very wrong. They don't get the context. The show is great however, I recommend it
Rated 19 May 2022
68
0th
Yüklü bir bütçe ayırıldığı kesin. Ama olaylar hiç gerçekçi değil ve senaryoya kafa yorulmamış. Ayrıca olay örgüsü insanı şaşırtmıyor bile, aksine her şey tahmin edilebilir. Abartıldığı kadar güzel değil.
Rated 05 Jul 2022
85
50th
I liked it. It got a bunch of stuff right about capitalism, especially how the philosophy of the game was about 'equality' and 'an even playing field', which it really was not. The actual games were quite tense and some really great character moments sprinkled in there. That marble game was really quite effed up.
Rated 26 Jul 2022
0
3rd
terrible dog ass
Rated 11 Sep 2022
0
1st
Bu tiktok senaryosuna sahip diziyi öve öve bitiremeyenlere 5 sene sonra dizi ne anlatıyordu diye sorduğumuzda 3 cümlelik cevap bile veremeyeceklerinden eminim
Rated 09 Oct 2022
8
73rd
I liked it! I think I'm stupider than most of these reviewers. But I'm easy, and yes the marble scene makes me cry every time. Yes the English-language scenes are unwatchable, but if you watch S Korean movies, you already knew that.
Rated 20 Nov 2022
84
84th
There was hype for this series before I ever watched it. It was solid, don't get me wrong, but I think it falls short of what it could have been. Much preferred Alice in Borderlands, which has a similar "game" premise. And the last man standing aspect reminds me a lot of Battle Royale, which is also superior. The script got a bit cluttered with unnecessary elements that took away from the drama unfolding among the players, and they could have told the story fully from their perspective.
Rated 27 Nov 2022
80
54th
Very sad. Very bleak.
Rated 01 Dec 2022
75
61st
Mantık hatalarına rağmen beğendim ve başıma bir şey gelmeyecekse görece yüksek puan veriyorum. ^^ Çok sürükleyici, sürprizlerle dolu. Klişelerle dolu olduğu eleştirilerine de katılmıyorum, zira benim Kore sinemasına olan extra sevgimin ve zaafımın nedenlerinden biri de, filmlerinin klişelere nanik yapan gidişata sahip senaryolardan oluşması. Hep söylüyorum, Amerikan Sineması şunların en burun kıvırılan işlerinin bile bokunu yesin. ^^
Rated 10 Jan 2023
88
94th
Money will kill you
Rated 15 Mar 2023
80
86th
The conclusion was a bit too eccentric and self-serving for me. It felt like it was setting up a sequel that will be completely unnecessary. But otherwise it's an engaging story that hits close to home for most people.
Rated 29 Mar 2023
30
16th
This is just a cheap, heartless reboot of Battle Royale, without the character depth or soulful bittersweetness.
Rated 04 May 2023
7
0th
Very entertaining…definitely had some flaws, especially in the last few eps.
Rated 29 Jun 2023
20
3rd
excessively overrated
Rated 09 Jul 2023
70
53rd
S1: 70/100
Rated 12 Nov 2023
98
65th
Relatable

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