Introduction
Alice in Borderland is one of Netflix’s most intense survival thrillers, praised for its fast-paced action, mysterious world-building, and emotional stakes. But not everyone agrees. While fans adore the show’s mind-bending games and psychological drama, others find it frustrating or overrated.
So, why do some viewers hate Alice in Borderland? Let’s break down the most common criticisms — and see if they’re truly justified.
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Constant Comparison with Squid Game
One of the most talked-about controversies is the unavoidable comparison between Alice in Borderland and Squid Game. Although Alice premiered first, Squid Game went viral globally, setting a benchmark that influenced how people viewed other survival-themed shows.
Critics often say Alice in Borderland is:
- Too complex
- Less emotionally relatable
- More action-heavy than message-driven
As a result, viewers expecting a similar emotional journey as Squid Game were disappointed.
Overly Complicated Plotlines
Alice in Borderland is rich in puzzles, layered storytelling, and mysterious symbolism. However, this depth comes at a cost.
Many casual viewers find it:
- Hard to follow
- Too many characters and subplots
- Rules of the games aren’t always clear
Compared to the simpler structure of Squid Game, Alice in Borderland demands more attention — which not every viewer is willing to give.
Lack of Emotional Attachment
Although the show dives into personal backstories, some viewers claim the characters feel distant.
While fans of Arisu and Usagi are deeply connected, others feel:
- Deaths lack emotional buildup
- Supporting characters aren’t fleshed out enough
- Emotional moments get overshadowed by action
For some, the emotional payoff feels weak, especially compared to shows that focus more on moral struggles.
Unrealistic Action Sequences
Alice in Borderland delivers jaw-dropping visuals and over-the-top game mechanics, but that’s also where some people draw the line.
Complaints include:
- Characters surviving impossible odds
- Perfect strategies under extreme pressure
- Physics-defying stunts
Those looking for grounded realism may find the exaggerated action too much to believe.
Slow Pacing in Season 2
Season 1 was a wild ride of suspense. But Season 2?
Some call it a philosophical detour.
- Focus on themes like life, death, and consciousness
- Less adrenaline, more introspection
- Fewer games, more dialogue
While many loved the emotional exploration, others missed the non-stop thrills of Season 1.
Underdeveloped Side Characters
The spotlight often stays on Arisu, Usagi, and Chishiya — which is great — but it leaves others in the shadows.
Critics point out:
- Side characters often get rushed arcs
- Emotional moments feel unearned
- Some deaths feel meaningless due to lack of depth
This makes the show feel imbalanced, especially when a character dies and the audience doesn’t feel the loss.
The Confusing Ending & Unanswered Questions
Even die-hard fans were divided by the finale of Season 2.
In the end, it’s revealed that the Borderland is a kind of “near-death limbo”, where characters are stuck between life and death after a massive meteor crash.
While the twist was bold, criticisms include:
- Too many philosophical metaphors
- A feeling of emotional detachment
- The final card tease left people confused and annoyed
Some viewers expected a clearer closure, while others felt the finale raised more questions than it answered.
Final Verdict: A Polarizing Masterpiece?
Despite all criticism, Alice in Borderland is undeniably a bold, cinematic experience. It dares to explore complex ideas and blends action with psychological depth. Also, after the release of final season of Squid Game, viewers don’t like the way it ends. Yeah, it’s heartbreaking but still most of the people didn’t love it.
So, you can watch Alice in Borderland on Netflix
But it’s unusual pacing, layered plot, and cerebral storytelling make it more of a niche favorite than a mainstream crowd-pleaser.
What Do You Think?
Do you love Alice in Borderland — or do you side with the critics?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re curious about more Netflix thrillers or anime-style survival dramas, explore our recommendations.