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Alice in Borderland

Alice in Borderland

Life is a game, you should enjoy it more.

2020–2025Ended3 seasons22 episodes~50 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all shows

With his two friends, a video-game-obsessed young man finds himself in a strange version of Tokyo where they must compete in dangerous games to win.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Alice in Borderland?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Alice in Borderland streaming on Netflix.

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Highlights

What stands out about Alice in Borderland?

Alice in Borderland earns 9 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Binge-worthy.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Content

Reception

Is Alice in Borderland worth watching?

Alice in Borderland's Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all shows, from 168K ratings across 4 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

89th percentile

Better received than 89% of shows

86th percentile among Action91st percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

79 /100

84th percentile of all shows

85th percentile among Action87th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

Approval

How many liked it

88% liked it

89th percentile of all shows

86th percentile among Action91st percentile among 2020s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 78% · Audience 79%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Reach

How many have seen it

99th percentile

168K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 25% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Seasons 1 and 2 are widely praised as thrilling survival drama with inventive games and strong characters, while Season 3 is almost universally considered a disappointing, unnecessary continuation that undermines the series' strengths.

Fans praised

  • Creative and brutal survival games with clever strategies
  • Emotional character depth, especially Arisu and Usagi's relationship
  • Visually stunning empty Tokyo and high production values

Detractors panned

  • Season 3 feels like a forced cash grab with illogical plot and wasted potential
  • Inconsistent character behavior, especially Usagi's regression and nonsensical motivation
  • Poorly designed games in later seasons lacking the ingenuity of earlier ones

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive82

Hauntingly empty Tokyo and surreal game world create strong immersion

TensionDivisive80

High-stakes games keep viewers on edge; S3 lacks same urgency

OriginalityDivisive72

Fresh take on survival genre with game variety; later seasons seen as derivative

Emotional impactDivisive72

Early seasons deliver gut-wrenching moments; S3 fails to resonate

ActingDivisive68

Strong lead performances (Yamazaki, Tsuchiya) but uneven supporting cast; some critics note overacting and stiff delivery

CharactersDivisive65

Well-written arcs for Arisu, Usagi, Chishiya in early seasons; S3 characters called flat or regressed

Plot and storyDivisive60

Intriguing mystery in S1-S2 but riddled with plot holes; S3 criticized as aimless and illogical

PacingDivisive50

Strong first episodes; mid-season lulls and dragged-out scenes in S2 and especially S3

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Episodes

3 seasons

Season 3 · 2025 · 6 episodes · 7.1 average across 6 rated episodes

  • S3E1

    Episode 1

    Sep 25, 202562 minTMDB rating 7.5Season best
  • S3E2

    Episode 2

    Sep 25, 202556 minTMDB rating 7.2
  • S3E3

    Episode 3

    Sep 25, 202563 minTMDB rating 7.3
  • S3E4

    Episode 4

    Sep 25, 202562 minTMDB rating 7.2
  • S3E5

    Episode 5

    Sep 25, 202578 minTMDB rating 6.6
  • S3E6

    Episode 6

    Sep 25, 202577 minTMDB rating 7.0Finale

Watch experience

What is Alice in Borderland like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseDreadThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Brutal · 3% of shows
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedOne continuous story
ToneThe series treats its deadly games and emotional breakdowns with utmost seriousness, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe show maintains high tension and dread throughout, with intense spikes during games; the emotional weight peaks in later seasons as the existential questions come to the fore.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward chronological arc across three seasons, with no structural gimmicks.
Episode formatEpisodes form a continuous narrative, each building on the last toward the overarching goal of escaping the Borderland.
Season formatEach season continues the same story, with season 2 introducing the Face Cards and season 3 dealing with the after-effects and deeper mysteries.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingHaunting · 9% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves viewers pondering existential questions about life, death, and identity long after the final episode.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

18% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe series centers on characters forced to play lethal games orchestrated by unseen masters, with survival and uncovering the truth as the central conflict.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9% (this title): Survival 12% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% (this title) · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Survival

Survival · 12% of showsGrief · 4% of showsPurpose
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe show centers on physical survival in lethal games, but equally on the psychological reckoning with guilt, loss, and finding meaning in a cruel world.
StanceThe series interrogates survival and the meaning of life through its brutal games, questioning whether survival alone is worth it and what constitutes a meaningful existence.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score
SettingAn empty, game-filled alternate Tokyo where survivors are forced to compete in deadly challenges.
MusicThe score blends orchestral swells with electronic pulses, heightening the tension of the games and the emotional weight of character moments.

Content guide

Is Alice in Borderland okay for kids?

TV-MA

Alice in Borderland is rated TV-MA. As of August 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (92/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at moderate (39/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at severe (90/100). Overall it is heavier than 73% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Austria16
  • Czechia18+
  • FinlandK16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • IDD
  • IndiaA
  • MexicoC
  • MY18
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland16
  • Portugal16
  • ROAP
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporeR21
  • Spain16
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA16+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 86% of all showsHeavier than 73% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for a TV-MA show
heavier than 93%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 49%
Profanity
Moderate
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 8%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 22%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for a TV-MA show
heavier than 94%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what TV-MA shows usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Alice in Borderland have?

MovieCove's classifier found 9 depicted content warnings in Alice in Borderland: Gore or body horror (severe), Gun violence (severe), Sexual violence (severe), Torture (severe), Sexual harassment or grooming (moderate), Addiction or relapse (mild), Animal cruelty (mild), Animal death (mild), Medical procedures (mild). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horrorGun violenceSexual violenceTorture
ModerateSexual harassment or grooming
MildAddiction or relapseAnimal crueltyAnimal deathMedical procedures

Cast and crew

Who is in Alice in Borderland?

Cast

Kento Yamazaki
as Ryohei Arisu
Tao Tsuchiya
as Yuzuha Usagi
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Daniel Rindress-Kay
as Ryohei Arisu
Eleanor Noble
as Yuzuha Usagi
Claudia Besso
as Announcer
Nijirô Murakami
as Shuntaro Chishiya
Rising: A short career with a standing when this show came out above the median working actor today.
Aya Asahina
as Hikari Kuina
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Juliette Gosselin
as Hikari Kuina
Liz MacRae
as Ann Rizuna
Ayaka Miyoshi
as Ann Rizuna
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.

More like this

What are shows like Alice in Borderland?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Alice in Borderland include Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table (2026), The Future Diary (2011) and Tomodachi Game (2022).

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What other shows share a tag with Alice in Borderland?

32 other shows share the rarest tag below, premise: death game. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.