Top 8 Ranked Episodes of Squid Game

Overview

The gripping season 2 finale highlighted the players’ rebellion and delivered exhilarating action but left audiences clamoring for more.
Season 1’s standout episode “The Man With The Umbrella”introduced the iconic game of Ppopgi and infused the storyline with dramatic elements of betrayal.

Squid Game, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, has become a cultural phenomenon, evolving into one of the most celebrated and critically acclaimed series worldwide. Its appeal surged even further following the highly anticipated release of its second season.

This series consists of 16 hour-long episodes that delve into intricate character arcs, resonate with relatable themes, maintain suspenseful narratives, and critique the harsh realities of capitalism, all while featuring a variety of brutally violent games. While each episode brings something different, a selection stands out as the finest among the series thus far.

8 Friend Or Foe

An Action-Packed Season Finale That Left Viewers Wanting More

Seong Gi-Hun gets arrested in the season finale.

Season: 2
Episode: 7

The dramatic finale of Season 2, titled Friend or Foe, served as the long-awaited climax for viewers who had been anticipating this moment for two seasons. After enduring numerous brutal deaths and hardships, Seong Gi-Hun and his companions took a stand against the Pink Soldiers, making their way to the control room to dismantle the ruthless games once and for all.

Contrasting the series’ typical slow-burn storytelling, the action sequences in Friend or Foe were expertly executed, showcasing characters like Jung-bae and Gi-Hun in powerful moments. However, the standout performance came from Cho Hyun-ju, who spearheaded the rebellion with exceptional bravery. Unfortunately, the episode’s unexpectedly abrupt ending left it feeling more like a mid-season pause rather than a conclusive season finale.

7 One More Game

Cho Hyun-ju threatens to kill the shaman woman if she doesn't play the game.

Season: 2
Episode: 5

The episode One More Game serves as the thrilling conclusion to the six-legged pentathlon introduced previously. After witnessing the complexity and challenge of the five games, audiences were eager to see the new main characters step into the action, and the payoff was undoubtedly rewarding.

Cho Hyun-ju’s unexpected rise as team leader adds significant value to the episode. It wraps up with an amusing montage showcasing Gi-Hun’s team navigating through challenges successfully, although a last-minute twist from Player 001 almost derailed their victory, subtly hinting at the true motives of the cunning antagonist.

6 The Man With The Umbrella

Who Knew That Playing with Candy Could Be So Intense?

Seong Gi-Hun takes a look at his Dalgona.

Season: 1
Episode: 3

Among the many iconic episodes in Season 1, The Man With The Umbrella stands out, marking a key narrative moment with the introduction of the game Ppopgi. Participants had to meticulously extract a stamped shape from the Dalgona cookie in just ten minutes to avoid elimination.

The simplicity of this premise heightened the tension, drawing viewers towards the edge of their seats as they anxiously watched the characters struggle with this seemingly innocuous challenge. Gi-Hun’s clever strategy and Cho Sang-woo’s underlying betrayal amplified the emotional stakes, fostering a growing sense of distrust among the players.

5 Bread And Lottery

Kicking Off The Second Season With A Ruthless New Game

The recruiter threatens Gi-Hun's goons with a game of Russian roulette.

Season: 2
Episode: 1

The return of familiar faces like Seong Gi-Hun and Hwang Jun-ho created an intriguing atmosphere, but the true highlight of Bread and Lottery was the sinister recruiter. Gi-Hun’s relentless pursuit of the recruiter, along with the latter’s disturbing experiments on the homeless and a nail-biting Rock, Paper, Scissors game, showcased the series’ continued brilliance, setting a suspenseful tone right from the start.

The episode masterfully emphasized that tense and violent challenges could thrive outside the main event, especially as the climactic game of Russian roulette between Gi-Hun and the recruiter revived the stakes for the protagonist.

4 Red Light, Green Light

The Simple Game That Started It All

The Red Light, Green Light Statue in Season 1.

Season: 1
Episode: 1

Launching the series with a captivating first episode was essential, and Red Light, Green Light delivered impeccably, capturing the essence of what makes Squid Game so engaging. The episode effectively established the characters and their financial struggles before immersing them in deadly games.

This initial challenge introduces viewers to the show’s unique concept while rapidly transitioning into its darker nature. By juxtaposing childhood simplicity with horrific stakes, the episode compels audiences to consider the lengths characters will go for financial relief, urging them to continue watching for answers.

3 001

A Fresh New Take On The Iconic Opening Game

Thanos jumping around as people around him die in Red Light, Green Light.

Season: 2
Episode: 3

After two lengthy episodes building anticipation, Season 2 ignited the games with episode three titled 001, where contestants faced another round of Red Light, Green Light—but this time, under the watchful gaze of Seong Gi-Hun, the previous winner and survivor from the first season. Quickly taking charge, Gi-Hun sought to protect the new contestants despite their initial skepticism.

Gi-Hun’s strategy initially allowed the new characters to display their distinct personalities until chaos erupted with escalating violence. The chilling montage of chaos, set to a remixed version of “Fly Me to the Moon,”becomes one of the most unforgettable scenes of the series. This episode solidified the brutal nature of the newer games, culminating in a shocking twist unveiling the Front Man’s involvement to sabotage Gi-Hun from within.

2 Hell

Showcasing The Harsh Reality Behind The Games

Seong Gi-Hun, Cho Sang-woo, Kang Sae-byeok and Ali Abdul are waiting to be picked up for the games.

Season: 1
Episode: 2

Following the shocking brutality of Red Light, Green Light, players were granted the choice to exit the games, only to return to a stark reality devoid of solace. Struggling with persistent hardships, debts, and despair, they quickly realized life outside the games was not improved.

Hell brilliantly illustrated the stakes of the game, capturing the essence of why characters risk their lives for a chance at wealth. The episode’s title cleverly reflects the more profound hell of their everyday lives, rather than the games themselves. The final scene echoing their return to the games serves as one of the series’ most haunting moments.

1 Gganbu

A Heartbreaking Episode That Proved Nobody Was Safe

Season: 1
Episode: 6

Throughout the first five episodes, Squid Game effectively misled the audience into believing the main characters were safe from the show’s lethal consequences. However, Gganbu shattered these illusions as characters were paired for the fourth game, revealing the heartbreaking twist that they would have to compete against each other in a game of marbles.

This episode is strikingly memorable, illustrating the series’ capacity for deep emotional impact. The exceptional writing and performances make it a poignant watch, especially as we see the beloved characters facing their greatest fears. The tragic deaths of Oh Il-nam and Ji-yeong left viewers reeling, but the heart-wrenching betrayal of Ali by Sang-woo elevated the emotional stakes to unprecedented levels. Many viewers were emotionally affected, demonstrating the profound impact this episode had on the series’ legacy.

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