Introduction

Netflix has given us many live-action adaptations of various manga and anime series: Cowboy Bebop, One Piece, Death Note, and so on. Are they good adaptations? Debatable. But one I can confidently say is a very good adaptation is 2020’s Alice in Borderland. Originally a manga by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland had two seasons on Netflix and both were incredible. I always found myself comparing it to series like Battle Royale, Squid Game, and Cube, which is actually why it was such a solid series. After the second season—which released in 2023—it took another two years before we finally got a third season, this time adapting the sequel manga, Alice in Borderland: RETRY. The big question though: did we need a third season of Alice in Borderland? Time to lay our cards on the table and find out in my review of Alice in Borderland Season 3. Warning: there will be spoilers for the first two seasons but none for season 3!

Story

Taking place five years after the meteor hit Japan, Arisu and Yuzuha Usagi have survived the Borderland games and are now enjoying life in the real world once more. The two have married, and Arisu is finally trying to find his way in life, interning at a counseling center to help those who survived the meteor strike. Unfortunately, a college professor named Ryuji Matsuyama becomes obsessed with those who claimed to have entered another world after surviving strange games. His fascination quickly spirals out of control, and he drags Usagi into it. Once more, Arisu must return to the Borderland to survive the deadly games inside and save his wife, who is also carrying their child.

Alice in Borderland Season 3 didn’t need to happen. I’ll be upfront—I wasn’t expecting a third season after how the last one ended. Yes, I was aware of the manga spin-offs, an OVA, and a sequel—but season 2 ended things strongly enough to feel conclusive. Now, after finishing season 3, I can honestly say I’m glad it happened. The story does a great job of pulling us back into the Borderland while skipping most of the clichés I worried about. Characters quickly regain their memories, Arisu steps back into his role, and the games are deadlier than ever. It earns my praise for avoiding filler and just getting to the point.

The new games this season are solid. One of them—adapted from the OVA—is brutal, while others mix mind games with themes of trust and betrayal. The earliest game is a little dull despite its twists and gruesome deaths, but the later ones deliver epic tension and character moments. For a shorter season, season 3 still manages to bring intense new challenges for Arisu, Usagi, and their allies.

The biggest question for fans: does this ending provide a true finale? Honestly, it’s up in the air. No spoilers, but the conclusion feels like it could set up another season or spin-off. Personally, I hope this is the true ending, but if they did expand it, I wouldn’t complain—though it isn’t necessary.

Acting and Cast

I already knew Kento Yamazaki (Arisu) and Tao Tsuchiya (Usagi) would deliver, as they nailed their roles in the first two seasons. My concern was whether the new cast, given only six episodes, could shine. To my surprise, the new characters impressed me. Kento Kaku, playing Professor Ryuji Matsuyama (known as Akira Nishikiyama in Like a Dragon: Yakuza), brought real intensity to the role. Another standout was Hiroyuki Ikeuchi as Kazuya, a yakuza who joins Arisu’s team—fans may recognize him from Ip Man. The cast overall exceeded expectations, and I only wish they had more time to develop their roles further.

Cinematography and Direction

Alice in Borderland season 1 and 2 earned awards for their cinematography and effects. Season 3 had a lot to live up to, and while it didn’t always match the bar, it came close. A few visual effects—like a train jump sequence—looked goofy, but the big set-piece moments were breathtaking. Director Shinsuke Sato (known for live-action adaptations like Inuyashiki, Bleach, and Gantz) once again proves he knows how to frame tension. Each scene felt focused and impactful, and I loved nearly every shot.

Comparison to the Manga

I’m glad with how season 3 approached its adaptation. Yes, it differs heavily from the original manga and pulls in some games from the OVA. Alice in Borderland: RETRY, as decent as it was, annoyed me because it felt unnecessary. Arisu’s return to the Borderland in the manga didn’t feel justified. In season 3, however, the story provides a stronger reason for his return, tying in more smoothly with the events of the previous seasons. Die-hard manga purists may be disappointed with the deviations, but this was absolutely the best route for the live-action and it works well.

Conclusion

Alice in Borderland Season 3 might not have been necessary, but I’m glad we got it. The new cast adds fresh energy, the games are brutal and engaging, and the pacing kept me binging faster than I expected. While some effects fall short and the ending leaves too many doors open, this season proves there was still some fuel left in the tank. Whether this is the true finale or not, it’s a worthy addition to the franchise.