Movies and Shows Like Maze for Edge-of-Your-Seat Drama

Description: Set in a dystopian future where criminals are hunted for sport in a televised game. The high-stakes survival scenario and the manipulation by powerful entities align with the themes.

Fact: The film is loosely based on a Stephen King novel written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Arnold Schwarzenegger performed many of his own stunts.

Description: Depicts a group of students forced to fight each other to the death on a remote island. The brutal survival game, psychological intensity, and social commentary are key similarities.

Fact: The film was controversial upon release and was banned in several countries. It is based on a novel by Koushun Takami, which was initially rejected by publishers for its violent content.

Description: Follows death row inmates forced to fight to the death on a remote island for a live-streamed audience. The brutal survival game and the exploitation of participants for entertainment are central themes.

Fact: The film was shot in Queensland, Australia, and faced criticism for its violent content. It was one of the first films to explore the concept of reality TV taken to deadly extremes.

Description: Focuses on a deadly competition where assassins hunt each other in a confined urban environment. The high-stakes, last-person-standing premise and the intense action sequences are key similarities.

Fact: The film features a diverse international cast and was shot in various locations across the UK. It includes elaborate action choreography inspired by classic martial arts films.

Description: Involves a group of office workers forced into a brutal survival game within their workplace. The confined setting and the moral dilemmas faced under extreme duress mirror the intense, life-or-death scenarios.

Fact: The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, to take advantage of tax incentives. The script was written by James Gunn, who also directed 'Guardians of the Galaxy.'

Description: Centers around a group of people subjected to a psychological and physical test under extreme pressure, with hidden rules and deadly consequences. The claustrophobic setting and mind-bending challenges create a tense atmosphere.

Fact: The entire movie was shot in a single room over 12 days. The script was inspired by the writer's own experiences with job interviews and psychological testing.

Description: Revolves around a dystopian society where young people are forced to fight to the death in a controlled environment. The survivalist theme, psychological tension, and manipulation by unseen forces are strong parallels.

Fact: The book series was inspired by reality TV and ancient Roman gladiator games. The film's success helped popularize the young adult dystopian genre in cinema.

Description: Involves a group of people forced to participate in a deadly race with unknown rules and fatal consequences. The survivalist theme, mysterious overseers, and relentless tension are strong parallels.

Fact: The film was made on a very low budget, with many of the actors also working as crew members. It was praised for its creative use of limited resources to create a gripping narrative.

Description: Features a group of individuals trapped in a mysterious and deadly environment, forced to navigate complex challenges to survive. The high-stakes, survival-driven narrative and the sense of isolation and mystery are key similarities.

Fact: The film is based on the first book of James Dashner's young adult dystopian trilogy. The maze scenes were filmed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, using a combination of practical sets and CGI.

Description: Follows participants trapped in a series of deadly escape rooms, each with its own lethal twist. The puzzle-solving under extreme pressure and the high stakes of survival align closely with the themes.

Fact: The film's production design included practical sets for the escape rooms, enhancing the immersive experience. It was originally conceived as a standalone film but later expanded into a franchise.