Can I Enjoy Thriller Shows Like Squid Game as a Christian?

Or am I just desensitised and spiritually numb? (Gulp.)

Last week, I accidentally watched four episodes of a dystopian thriller past midnight, told myself “just one more” like an unrepentant liar, and proceeded to wonder the next morning whether I had spiritually compromised myself.

You ever get that?

One moment you’re on fire for God, praying bold prayers, journaling deep confessions, making aesthetic Bible highlights with pastel markers, and the next, you’re watching some morally grey guy take down ten enemies with a fountain pen while you’re halfway through your bag of salted egg potato chips.

And look. I’m not saying watching Squid Game (or any other high-stakes, morally ambiguous, blood-splattered thriller) automatically means you're one step away from the pits of Sheol. But I am saying… it messes with your head. And your spirit. And sometimes your sleep schedule.

So here’s the big, uncomfortable question:

As a Christian, can I still enjoy shows like Squid Game? Or am I basically numbing my soul while pretending I’m “just relaxing”?

Let’s sit in that tension a bit. I promise this won’t be a boring theological lecture. In fact, I think we might both be convicted and comforted by the end.
(And yes, I’ll tell you what I personally decided to do after finishing the last episode.)

The Allure of Death Games and “Let’s See Who Dies Next”

Okay, confession time: I like shows like Squid Game.

There’s something almost embarrassingly cathartic about it. The suspense, the human psychology, the moral dilemmas, the gritty cinematography. It pulls you in. It’s like watching a slow train crash, except everyone signed up for the ride on purpose.

The irony? Most of us would never stomach real-life footage of someone getting hurt. But in fiction, it’s sanitised. Entertaining. Addicting.

Why do these stories fascinate us so much?

Because deep down, we’re curious about what humans are capable of when pushed to their limits. Shows like Squid Game expose the rawness of survival, the tragedy of greed, the horror of human nature.

But here's the sneaky bit: it also desensitises us. A little bit more each time.

You might start with “this is such an artistic masterpiece!” and end up rewiring your conscience one survival game at a time. Especially if you're spiritually weary, burnt out, or scrolling for comfort.

So... is it sin to watch it?

Ah, the million-dollar question.
I wish it were black and white.

But Scripture doesn't give us a specific verse that says: “Thou shalt not Netflix Squid Game.”

What it does say is this:

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” (Psalm 101:3)

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just... think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

“All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

So the issue isn’t “is it allowed?” The real issue is: what is this doing to my soul?

That verse in Philippians? It’s not about caging your entertainment choices. It’s about curating your inputs so your soul doesn’t rot slowly in the name of “fun.”

Because here’s the truth I’ve learned the hard way:

Not everything that’s fascinating is spiritually safe.
Not everything that’s brilliant storytelling is nourishing.
Not everything I can watch is something I should.

When I Knew It Was Too Much

There was a moment during one episode (you know the one... if you know, you know) when I realised I wasn’t even shocked anymore.
I wasn’t gasping or hiding behind my hands.
I was... numb.

That scared me.

Because spiritual numbness doesn’t just happen overnight.
It creeps in while you’re telling yourself it’s just “a story.”
It’s “just fiction.”
It’s “not that bad.”
It’s “fine.”

And here’s the kicker: I started to crave that intensity. The suspense. The next twist. Even when it made me feel sick.

That was my wake-up call.

But It’s So Good… Artistically, Morally Complex, Thought-Provoking…

Yes. And that’s what makes it so dangerous.

These shows aren’t evil because they’re trashy or low-quality. They’re dangerous because they’re excellent.
They’re crafted to hook your mind, stir your emotions, make you question morality, justify questionable choices.
And suddenly, the line between discernment and desensitisation gets blurry.

But if I’m being really real here:
The bigger problem wasn’t the show.
It was my heart.

I was looking for something thrilling because I was spiritually... bored.
Not pressing into God. Not seeking His voice.
Just tired. Lonely. Emotionally hungry.
So I reached for dopamine, and Squid Game delivered.

It always delivers.

So, What Do I Do Now?

I don’t have a five-step holiness plan for your Netflix queue.
But I did start asking myself some hard questions:

Am I more entertained by violence than grieved by it?
Am I enjoying watching people suffer (even fictional ones)?
Is this making me more like Christ or just more numb?
Am I filling my heart with this because I’m empty?

And I realised I was using it to escape.
Instead of bringing my restlessness to God, I numbed it with plot twists and peril.

So I took a break.
I sat with the discomfort.
I repented, not for watching it, but for loving it more than I should.

And honestly? That shift changed how I approach media now.

Does That Mean I Can’t Ever Watch These Again?

Not necessarily.

But I’ll say this:
If you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you while watching something, listen.

You don’t need someone else’s permission to obey your own convictions.

Some Christians might be able to watch it with strong boundaries.
Others might feel God saying, “Nope. Not for you.”
Both can be obedient, if they’re genuinely seeking God, not just entertainment.

So Can I Enjoy Squid Game as a Christian?

You can. But should you?

That’s between you and God.

If you’re numb, check your heart.
If you’re excusing something that keeps grieving your spirit, don’t brush it off.
If you’re using fiction to escape real spiritual hunger, maybe it’s time to come back to the table.

And if you’re justifying your binges by calling it “psychological insight” or “critical analysis” (hi, guilty), maybe it’s time to ask who you’re really trying to convince.

✦ ✦ ✦

FAQ

Q: What is the true meaning behind Squid Game?

A: From a Christian perspective, Squid Game reveals the tragic consequences of a world broken by sin, where greed, selfishness, and despair drive people to harm one another in desperate pursuit of survival and wealth. It highlights how fallen human nature, when left unchecked by God’s love and grace, leads to dehumanization and moral decay, showing the urgent need for redemption and compassion in a broken society.

More deeply, Squid Game serves as a cautionary tale about idolatry when money and power become the ultimate gods people chase, often at the cost of their own souls and relationships. It invites believers to examine where their true treasure lies and to live by Kingdom values of love, justice, and mercy instead of succumbing to the world’s deadly games of selfish ambition.

Q: Can Christians watch thrillers?

A: Yes, Christians can watch thrillers, but it’s important to do so with wisdom and discernment, keeping in mind how the content affects your heart and faith. Thrillers often contain intense scenes and moral ambiguity, so it’s crucial to ask whether what you’re watching draws you closer to God or desensitizes your spirit.

Watching thrillers is not inherently sinful, but Christians are called to guard their hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and focus on what is pure and edifying (Philippians 4:8). If a thriller causes anxiety, fear, or glorifies sin without critique, it may be wise to step back or choose content that aligns better with your spiritual growth. Ultimately, personal conviction and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit should guide your entertainment choices.

Q: Should Christians be careful about what they watch?

A: Absolutely, Christians are called to be careful about what they watch because what we consume shapes our minds, hearts, and spiritual lives. Scripture encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, and pure (Philippians 4:8), and to avoid anything that could lead them into temptation or cause their faith to weaken.

Being mindful about media helps protect the heart from becoming hardened or numb to sin and suffering. Since our minds are a battlefield (Romans 12:2), Christians should seek content that builds up, encourages godly values, and reflects the light of Christ, rather than feeding fear, lust, or despair. Careful watching is a form of spiritual stewardship and obedience to God’s call to live holy lives.

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