10 Best Survival K-Dramas If You Miss All of Us Are Dead

If the heart-stopping excitement of All of Us Are Dead left you craving more survival drama, we've got you covered. Here's a thoughtful list of the top 10 K-dramas that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat while delivering the perfect blend of suspense and adrenaline.

1. Sweet Home (2020)

Adapted from a popular webcomic, the series revolves around Cha Hyun-soo, a socially awkward person who moves into a cheap apartment complex after losing his family. The story takes a dark turn when monsters begin to appear, posing a survival challenge to the residents.

Packed with suspense and stunning transformations, the series is a rollercoaster ride of fear and survival in an isolated setting, evoking tension and suspense as the characters grapple with the monstrous threat to humanity.

2. Seoul Station (2016)

For fans of animated horror, Yeon Sang-ho's Seoul Station offers a chilling prequel to the director's 2016 live-action Train to Busan, exploring the origins of a zombie outbreak and taking you on a thrilling journey through the chaos that unfolds in Seoul.

Beyond the action, the gripping narrative delves into personal struggles, offering a stark reflection of society's darker side and provoking reflection on social cruelty.

3. Dark Hole (2021)

A unique survival drama unfolds as black smoke from an unidentified sinkhole turns people into monsters. Led by Yoo Tae-han, the series features a strong female lead and a well-crafted plot.

Despite modest ratings, K-drama enthusiasts praise the series as one of the most exciting to watch, keeping you on the edge of your seat with suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists as survivors fight to remain human in a chaotic world.

4. Zombie Detective (2020)

By injecting humor into the survival theme, Zombie Detective is a breath of fresh air in the genre. The series centers on Kim Moo-Young, who has been a zombie for two years with no memory of his past. Mimicking human behavior, he meets Kong Sun-Ji, a former romance novelist turned part-time detective.

While the series may not appeal to those looking for a more serious take on the genre, its unique blend of mystery, comedy, and the undead promises entertaining and hilarious results.

5. D-Day (2015)

This survival drama follows a medical team as they race against time to save lives after a massive earthquake strikes Seoul, leaving the city in ruins. Weaving a compelling narrative that blends exceptional storytelling and gripping performances, D-Day portrays doctors as heroes navigating through the chaos, demonstrating the resilience and unbreakable spirit to save lives in the face of natural disasters.

6. Happiness (2021)

This near-future apocalyptic thriller, which follows the outbreak of a mysterious infectious disease in a high-rise apartment, explores the desperate struggle to survive in a sealed-off urban environment. The show features well-written characters and a gripping storyline, led by Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik.

With a beautiful score, Happiness stands out as a suspense drama that tends towards mind-bending, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer mystery to action in the post-apocalyptic genre.

7. Hellbound (2021)

Another masterpiece directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Hellbound is a gripping South Korean dark fantasy streaming TV series inspired by the director's webtoon of the same name. This six-episode survival K-drama delves into a world where supernatural beings unexpectedly appear and claim the lives of humans.

This unearthly phenomenon is interpreted by humans as a divine decree that punishes those who commit crimes by banishing them to hell. At the center of the narrative is the New Truth cult, which uses the situation to manipulate people, fueling fear and hatred.

8. Duty After School (2023)

This mini-series takes place at Seongjin High, where senior students are thrust into a battle against mysterious creatures that rule the skies. Faced with a desperate situation, the high schoolers are drafted into the military as a reserve army and forced to wield rifles against the insect-like invaders.

The narrative, similar to All of Us Are Dead, weaves the challenges of protecting one's life with the added pressure of earning extra points for college entrance exams in the wake of an unpredictable alien threat.

9. Squid Game ( 2021)

A global phenomenon, Squid Game took the world by storm in 2021, becoming the most Googled show and dominating Netflix, surpassing even Bridgerton. This survival K-drama thrust 456 players into deadly traditional Korean games, with a colossal prize of 45.6 billion driving their decisions.

Against an initially vibrant backdrop, the narrative explores a spectrum of human emotions such as friendship, betrayal, and love, before turning dark with the blood of the participants. If you missed this world phenomenon, you are lucky to get the chance now.

10. Kingdom (2019)

This Korean drama set in the Joseon period reveals the fall of the king, who is rumored to have died of smallpox. However, Crown Prince Lee Chang discovers a grim reality — the king has turned into a "monster," also known as a modern-day zombie.

Lee Chang embarks on a quest for answers, facing the double threat of the spreading outbreak and family members who want him dead. What sets Kingdom apart is its portrayal of the main character's complete isolation, emphasizing his role in protecting the nation with no family to rely on.