As a huge movie and TV buff, I’ve been thinking about dystopian futures lately, and two shows really stand out. If you’re into that kind of fiction – you know, imagining chaotic times ahead – then you absolutely have to check out Squid Game and Snowpiercer. They both paint incredibly unique, but equally unforgettable, pictures of what could happen if things really fall apart. One shows people competing in deadly games, the other a world frozen over and rigidly divided by class, but both really drive home the idea of what an extreme endgame looks like after society collapses.
The success of shows like Snowpiercer and Squid Game shows people are fascinated by stories that warn about the dangers of extreme wealth gaps. Viewers connect with these narratives because they reflect real-life worries, often presented in dramatic and intense ways. But for those who enjoy these themes, there’s another option that’s gaining attention and offers a similarly compelling experience.
3% is a Netflix series that combines the best parts of Squid Game and Snowpiercer, offering a frightening look at what society could become. It explores intense competition and the deep divide between social classes, making it a great watch for anyone who enjoyed either of those shows – in fact, it’s a must-see for fans.
3% Mixes Snowpiercer’s Class Struggle With Squid Game’s Deadly Competition
A Brutal Dystopia Where Survival Depends On Beating The System
The series 3% is set in the near future, depicting a divided society. People live either in a struggling, impoverished area called the Inland, or a luxurious, advanced world known as Offshore. Once a year, twenty-year-olds get a single opportunity to compete in The Process – a grueling series of tests that push them to their mental limits. Only 3% of applicants succeed, earning a place in the idyllic Offshore, while the vast majority are left to continue their lives in the Inland.
The premise immediately brings to mind Squid Game, with characters facing extreme risks for a chance at a better future. Like Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game, the main character in 3%, Michele Santana (Bianca Comparato), joins because the hardships of her current life are worse than the dangers of The Process itself. The show builds tension not only from wondering who will succeed, but also from seeing how far the characters are willing to go to achieve their goals.
Both 3% and Snowpiercer examine strict social hierarchies. In Snowpiercer, Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) rebels against a system where the wealthy live comfortably while those below them struggle. 3% similarly challenges the idea that the privileged Offshore truly deserves its status, suggesting it may be founded on unfairness and deception.
What’s truly interesting about 3% is how it brings these concepts together. The competition isn’t simply about who survives; it’s a way for those in charge to keep things unequal. The Process itself becomes a method of control, making people believe they have a chance at success while actually preserving the existing power structure.
What sets 3% apart from shows like Squid Game and Snowpiercer is its ability to blend thrilling drama with insightful social commentary. It doesn’t focus on just one or the other; instead, it uses intense situations to examine difficult questions about deservingness, justice, and how systems can be unfair.
It’s Criminal How Obscure 3% Is
Netflix’s Most Underrated Dystopian Series Deserves A Wider Audience
Even though it debuted years before popular shows like Squid Game and Snowpiercer, the Brazilian sci-fi series 3% hasn’t gotten as much attention. It was Netflix’s first original series in Portuguese, launching in 2016, and a very early attempt at creating original science fiction, but it didn’t reach the same international success as other dystopian dramas that came later.
It’s surprising this show isn’t more widely known, considering how captivating 3% is throughout each season. The series has earned praise for its clever writing, well-paced story, and willingness to push boundaries. Each new season expands on the world and the central conflict between the Inland and Offshore societies, while also exploring themes that feel relevant and human, making this dystopian setting truly compelling.
One of the best parts of 3% is its characters. While Michele Santana is a strong lead, the show features a fantastic supporting cast. Actors Fernando Carvalho, Rafael Moreira, and Joana Coelho each play complex characters with unique motivations for going through The Process, which keeps the story unpredictable and engaging.
Beyond its exciting premise, 3% stands out because it prioritizes thought-provoking ideas and compelling characters over flashy visuals. The challenges in the selection process are usually more about mental and moral struggles than physical strength, forcing participants to make difficult choices. This gives 3% a unique feel, even though it shares some similarities with shows like Squid Game. While both explore a competition for survival, they differ greatly in how they tell their stories.
If you enjoyed shows like Squid Game or Snowpiercer on Netflix, you’ll likely be hooked by 3%. It’s a fantastic show that doesn’t get enough recognition, and once you start watching, you won’t want to stop.
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2026-04-16 18:54