Similar shows like Death’s Game are the biggest question among fans following the end of the series. The story is so incredibly unique that fascinated the fans thoroughly. Moreover, the supernatural twist and the philosophical themes resonated very much with the fans.
The South Korean web series Death’s Game (이재 곧 죽습니다) premiered on December 15, 2023 on Prime Video. Part 2 of the series was released on January 5, 2023. Adapted from a 2019 Naver webtoon of the same name written by Lee Won-sik and illustrated by Ggulchan, the series features Seo In-guk and Park So-dam in lead roles. Directed and written by Ha Byung-hoon, the storyline revolves around an individual embarking on a new life entangled with frustration and death.
The series is set to consist of 8 episodes, and the first four episodes of the series have been released on the platform. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 50-60 minutes. Although it is originally shot in Korean, the series is available with English subtitles.
Shows Like Death’s Game
Guardian The Lonely and Great God
The series, created by renowned writer Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, introduces a captivating narrative that weaves together the lives of a goblin, an immortal being cursed with eternal life, and his destined bride, a high school student with the ability to see ghosts. Goblin excels in its ability to balance elements of humour, romance, and fantasy and introduce the Grim Reaper from a different perspective, which is similar to Death’s Game.
The exquisite cinematography, stunning visuals, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack called Stay With Me by Chanyeol and Punch contribute to the drama’s immersive experience. Furthermore, the stellar performances by the cast, including Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, add depth to the characters, making them relatable and endearing.
Tomorrow
Featuring the former SF9 member Kim Seok-woo, widely recognized by his stage name Rowoon, this gritty drama revolves around Choi Jun-woong’s relentless job search. Following a tragic accident, he finds himself entangled in both the realms of the living and the dead, ultimately landing the job he had long yearned for. As a novice on a crisis management team led by the determined grim reaper, Koo Ryeon, their primary mission is to prevent suicides. Drawing parallels with similar dramas, both narratives involve a protagonist facing unemployment and suicidal tendencies, navigating either the afterlife as a grim reaper tasked with preventing suicides or engaging in a high-stakes multiple-lives game intertwined with death.
Moving
Featuring Ryu Seung-ryong and Han Hyo-joo in leading roles, this supernatural drama revolves around three high school students and their parents who unexpectedly acquire superpowers. Despite each series portraying distinct character backgrounds and lives, they share a striking resemblance, not through characters physically moving into each other’s worlds, as seen in Yi-jae’s actions in Death’s Game. The overall atmosphere, editing style, and storytelling approach are remarkably similar between the two. Although Moving and Death’s Game diverge significantly in terms of their narratives, watching one after the other provides a fresh and enjoyable viewing experience.
See You in My 19th Life
Featuring Shin Hye-sun, Ahn Bo-hyun, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Ahn Dong-goo in key roles, the plot revolves around Ban Ji-eum, a girl caught in the cycle of reincarnation for almost a millennium, retaining memories of all her past lives. When her eighteenth life is abruptly ended by a tragic incident, she resolves to reunite with the man from her preceding life in her nineteenth reincarnation. While both series share the common theme of reincarnation, they diverge in their perspectives on death and the afterlife. Additionally, both tackle similar themes but employ distinct storytelling approaches, providing a refreshing perspective.
Mystic Pop-up Bar
The series narrates the tale of an enigmatic bar, managed by the short-tempered Weol-ju, aided by the innocent part-timer Han Kang-bae and the former afterlife detective Chief Gwi. Together, they venture into customers’ dreams to help untangle their problems. Kang-bae possesses a unique skill that proves invaluable to Weol-ju – a mere touch allows him to extract people’s deepest troubles. This becomes particularly crucial for Weol-ju, who strives to resolve the lingering grudges of 100,000 souls. Notably, both dramas are adapted from webtoons, each presenting a distinct narrative. While one sheds light on the harsh realities of life, the other concentrates on the art of resolving these intricate issues.