There’s something undeniably gripping about survival stories where you can’t look straight, but you can’t help but look. These adrenaline-pumping shows transport us to the edge, and Netflix is home to several such shows that can make for the perfect weekend binge.
Survival stories showcase the human spirit’s unyielding tenacity in the face of extreme, often unimaginable adversity while offering a profound exploration of our vulnerability, resilience, and sometimes the human condition.
If you’re looking for a weekend of heart-pounding drama and suspense, Netflix has a treasure trove of survival series that are nothing short of essential.
Here are five must-watch survival series to binge on Netflix this weekend.
Five essential series to binge on Netflix:
Kaala Paani
Kaala Paani, an Indian Hindi-language survival drama, takes viewers on a thrilling journey to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where a mysterious plague threatens the lives of its inhabitants and the thousands of tourists who have descended upon its shores for a mega festival. The remote island setting intensifies the feeling of isolation and desperation, making it a perfect choice for survival series enthusiasts.
Created by Sameer Saxena and written by Biswapati Sarkar, Nimisha Misra, Sandeep Saket, and Amit Golani, Kaala Paani stars the likes of Mona Singh, Ashutosh Gowariker, Amey Wagh, Vikas Kumar, and others.
Squid Game
Squid Game has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. This South Korean survival drama uses childhood games and twists them with dystopian themes and life-and-death consequences. Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game revolves around a group of people participating in a deadly competition to win a life-changing amount of money. With each game growing progressively more lethal, contestants are forced to make gut-wrenching decisions.
Squid Game immerses viewers in a relentless battle for survival, where alliances form and break, and moral boundaries blur in the pursuit of wealth.
Snowpiercer
Based on the 2013 film of the same name and the 1982 French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, Snowpiercer offers a chilling vision of a post-apocalyptic world. The last remnants of humanity survive aboard a colossal, perpetually moving train, the Snowpiercer, in a frozen wasteland. With a rigid class system, political intrigue, and rebellion at bay, Snowpiercer takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the harsh realities of life in a confined, dystopian environment.
Snowpiercer redefines the survivalist genre by plunging viewers into a microcosm of society on the brink. The fight for survival on the train is a reflection of the eternal struggle for power and resources, making it a compelling choice for fans of survival stories.
The 100
The 100 is a science fiction drama that begins 97 years after a nuclear apocalypse wiped out most of humanity. The story follows a group of juvenile delinquents who are sent down to Earth from a space station to determine if the planet is habitable again. As they navigate a hostile and unfamiliar world, they encounter various challenges, including conflicts with other survivor groups and the mysteries of a mutated Earth.
The 100 is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, as these young adults must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to survive and rebuild society. It combines elements of survival with post-apocalyptic drama.
Sweet Tooth
Sweet Tooth offers a unique take on the survival genre. It’s set in a world where a deadly virus has decimated the population and simultaneously caused the birth of hybrid children, who are part human and part animal. The story follows Gus, a young deer-boy, as he embarks on a journey to find safety and answers.
Sweet Tooth explores the concept of survival through the lens of innocence and the struggle to find one’s place in a world forever changed. It’s a beautifully crafted series that blends elements of survival with heartwarming storytelling.
