10 Best Manga Like The Hunger Games for Fans of High-Stakes Survival

If you love The Hunger Games and are craving more action-packed, dystopian, and survival-based stories, manga has plenty to offer. These series feature intense battles, gripping stories, and high-stakes survival scenarios that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it’s brutal death games, oppressive governments, or desperate fights for freedom, these manga are must-reads for fans of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games.

For more manga recommendations that explore similar themes of survival and gripping narratives, check out this post on manga to read if you loved Twilight, or dive into must-read manga in 2025 for the latest trending manga you shouldn't miss.

1. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami & Masayuki Taguchi

Arguably the blueprint for modern survival stories, Battle Royale takes place in a dystopian Japan where a class of students is forced to fight to the death by the government. The intense psychological battles, moral dilemmas, and brutal action make this a perfect read for The Hunger Games fans.

2. Darwin’s Game by FLIPFLOPs

In Darwin’s Game, Kaname Sudou is invited to play a mysterious mobile app game that turns out to be a real-life battle for survival. Each player gains a unique ability, and the stakes are lethal. With its mix of strategy, suspense, and mystery, this manga will appeal to fans of Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival.

3. Alice in Borderland by Haro Aso

Imagine waking up in an abandoned Tokyo and being forced to participate in deadly games to survive. Alice in Borderland follows Arisu and his friends as they navigate a cruel world filled with life-or-death challenges. This manga’s intense action and gripping mystery will keep you hooked.

4. Deadman Wonderland by Jinsei Kataoka & Kazuma Kondou

After being framed for a mass murder he didn’t commit, Ganta Igarashi is sent to Deadman Wonderland, a brutal prison where inmates must fight for survival in twisted games for the entertainment of the masses. The dystopian setting and rebellion theme align well with The Hunger Games.

5. Btooom! by Junya Inoue

Ryouta Sakamoto, a top-ranked player in the online game Btooom!, wakes up on a deserted island where he must play a real-life version of the game using explosive weapons to survive. This manga combines strategic battles with deep psychological elements, similar to the tension in The Hunger Games.

6. Gantz by Hiroya Oku

A group of recently deceased individuals is forced to participate in deadly missions under the control of a mysterious black sphere known as Gantz. The intense action, unpredictable twists, and moral dilemmas make this a thrilling read for fans of high-stakes survival stories.

7. Terror in Resonance by Shin Kibayashi & Seimaru Amagi

While not a traditional survival game, Terror in Resonance follows two teenage terrorists who challenge the government through a series of high-risk games and puzzles. Its themes of resistance and oppression echo the rebellion aspect of The Hunger Games.

8. Judge by Yoshiki Tonogai

A group of strangers wakes up trapped in an eerie courtroom, forced to participate in a deadly trial where they must judge each other. Judge delivers the same tension and psychological drama as The Hunger Games, with a mystery that keeps readers guessing.

9. King’s Game (Ousama Game) by Nobuaki Kanazawa & Hitori Renda

A high school class is forced to obey deadly orders from an unknown “King,” with those who refuse facing horrifying punishments. The combination of suspense, horror, and survival elements makes this a gripping read.

10. Blue Lock by Muneyuki Kaneshiro & Yusuke Nomura

Though not a death game, Blue Lock features an intense survival competition among Japan’s top soccer players, where only one can become the ultimate striker. The series captures the high-pressure, do-or-die atmosphere seen in The Hunger Games.

Final Thoughts

These manga series are perfect for readers who enjoy The Hunger Games’ themes of survival, rebellion, and high-stakes competition. Whether you prefer dystopian settings, deadly games, or psychological thrillers, there’s something here for everyone. If you're looking for more thrilling manga, don’t forget to check out **manga to read if you loved Twilight** or **must-read manga in 2025**. Let us know in the comments which of these manga you’ve read—or if you have any other recommendations!