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Alice in Borderland quickly became one of the most talked-about Japanese series on Netflix, thanks to its fresh and captivating premise. It challenged the idea that classic survival games couldn’t be combined with deep human emotion, making it appealing to a global audience. Arisu and his friends are suddenly transported to a bizarre Tokyo, where survival depends on playing deadly games.
The show stood out among Netflix productions due to its high suspense, humorous puzzles, and character development. It gained immense popularity worldwide thanks to its fast-paced, dramatic style that resonated with audiences everywhere. Although often labeled as underrated, Alice in Borderland has steadily built a cult following that admires its mix of action, striking visuals, and emotional storytelling.
Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Here is the list of 7 reasons why Alice in Borderland is winning hearts despite being underrated:
7. Ongoing momentum & anticipation
Alice in Borderland has gained significant traction and kept the fans excited year after year. The release date of Season 3 on Netflix has already been confirmed as September 25, 2025. In a recently released teaser, Arisu reappears after Usagi’s sudden disappearance and the mysterious reemergence of the Joker card. This has sparked huge curiosity because the second season ended with many questions left unanswered.
Fans have been anticipating its continuation for nearly 3 years, showing the show's popularity and Netflix's confidence in its global fan base. The promise of new games and even more intense storylines adds to the anticipation. Viewers are eager to see how Arisu and the others face fresh challenges and if the mysteries of the Borderland will finally be explained.
The announcement of Season 3 proves that the story still has energy and potential. The long wait has only increased the fan base's interest and excitement for what is to come. This ongoing buildup strengthens Alice in Borderland as a series with true staying power.
6. Audience love and quiet smash viewership
Alice in Borderland is a worldwide hit, and its audience ratings reflect this. When Season 2 was launched, it took the number one position on Netflix's Global Non-English TV list with over 61 million hours watched in its first weekend. That success helped it become the most viewed Japanese show ever on Netflix. When both seasons are combined, the show had nearly 80 million viewing hours in that same weekend. It also reached a Top 10 position in 90 countries, including the United States, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and France.
These figures indicate not only is the show a favorite in Japan itself, but it also enjoys an enormous worldwide following. When compared to other Netflix favorites, many believe it is underrated, despite its great performances. “Its ratings remain strong, with both viewers and critics offering positive reviews. That combination of robust viewing with durable positive receptions demonstrates that Alice in Borderland made a profound impression worldwide with viewers.
5. Bingeable pacing that hooks non-anime viewers
Alice in Borderland is easy viewing in extended periods because the pacing is so rapid. The show gets started right away with the characters thrown into the strange world. The action moves quickly in a short amount of time, and the tension builds with each new round. Its tight pacing makes it easy to binge-watch, with no lag or dull moments.
Many viewers say they started watching the show for the action, but stayed for the characters' development. Tight scripting within each episode ensures nothing lags or is stretched out. It caters to those who enjoy mainstream TV shows, manga, and anime.
The blend of mystery, action, and human drama keeps viewers glued throughout. This explains why so many fans watch multiple seasons in a short amount of time. Alice in Borderland is designed to be simple for returning viewers while still providing a thrilling experience for repeat viewers.
4. A respectful and smart manga adaptation
Alice in Borderland is a live-action adaptation of a popular manga, though the show makes certain changes to appeal to a wider audience. In the series, Arisu's friends are portrayed as young adults rather than high school students as in the manga. This makes it easier for international viewers to relate to the main characters. The way the main protagonists arrive at Borderland is also unique. Instead of fireworks, the series introduces a more realistic scene involving chaos and a citywide blackout.
Some of the games were altered or replaced to better suit a live-action format rather than a book or animated series. These adjustments improved the story's pacing and enhanced visual effects. Despite these changes, the core themes of survival, choice, and the meaning of humanity remain intact, making it a compelling story for both newcomers and manga fans. This balance is why many consider Alice in Borderland one of the best live-action adaptations.
3. Striking visuals
Alice in Borderland delivers one of the most striking visual scenes on TV with the empty Shibuya Crossing. The production team built a huge replica of the iconic intersection near Tokyo in Ashikaga city. They recreated the entire area surrounding the road and station entrance using computer graphics and green screens. The result is the famous scene where a busy district instantly becomes a silent ghost town. The result is so lifelike that many fans have expressed their admiration online.
One reviewer said it is one of the most impressive visual feats in recent Japanese production. In Season 2, the team went further and made a lush, overgrown Tokyo. By combining real grass sheets with CGI plants, the team convincingly showed nature reclaiming abandoned buildings. The city felt drowned in vegetation as the story moved outside the wards. These visuals help make the world feel both familiar and eerie. They illustrate how Alice in Borderland employs special effects and intelligent design to transport viewers into its odd realm.
2. Real character growth and an emotional core
Alice in Borderland succeeds not only with its games but with the growth of its characters. The actors bring emotional weight to the story. Usagi displays her strength by utilizing her mountain-climbing abilities to ensure her survival. She supports Arisu and earns the trust of viewers. Chishiya is quiet and smart. He uses logic and hides emotion to win games. That makes him mysterious and compelling. The characters face loss and fear, but still push onward.
The emotional stakes often feel higher than the physical dangers. The friendships and loss create a human connection for the audience. The characters grow not just by winning games but by learning who they are. This emotional core makes viewers care deeply, even when the world is harsh. The series delivers thrills while also making viewers deeply care about the people trapped in its harsh world. Many people find Alice in Borderland remarkable because of this balance.
1. Wildly inventive "death games" that stay tense and clever
Alice in Borderland is renowned for its innovative and hazardous games, which are both suspenseful and fair. One game called Balance Scale/King of Diamonds pits players in a court setting where they must guess a number between zero and one hundred. The game adds up all their selections, averages them, and then multiplies by 8. Whoever is closest wins. If you lose, you lose points and sulfuric acid drips on your head. At minus ten points, the acid kills you. New regulations are added each round, making the game more severe.
Another game called Osmosis is similar to a two-hour tag game. Players wear wristbands and must carefully consider who receives points. Teams need strategy, not just speed. Viewers praise how these games mix action and logic. Alice in Borderland shows that mental pressure and tough choices can feel as deadly as physical threats. These games stand out on TV because they are not just fights but puzzles that test the mind and heart.
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Alice in Borderland showed that Japanese live-action series could achieve global success. It showcased the power of a highly adapted manga combined with strong acting, creative screenplay, and aggressive production design. Viewing hours and the global rankings numbers attested to its far-reaching influence, and the emotional resonance retained the viewers in the plot.
Every season had a way of making the world bigger and providing the fans with more reasons to come back. Although it wasn’t as heavily promoted as other Netflix titles, it steadily built a strong reputation. Alice in Borderland left a lasting impression on audiences and cemented its place as a global classic.
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