Saw introduced the world to the elaborate and deadly traps orchestrated by the Jigsaw Killer. While the focus is more on individual survival and escaping gruesome scenarios rather than a group competing against each other, the core concept of being forced into a life-or-death situation by a puppet master with a twisted sense of morality is a strong parallel to Danganronpa. The film series is known for its intricate plots, disturbing puzzles, and moral tests. It's a horror franchise that thrives on putting characters in impossible situations where they must make horrific choices to survive.

The Experiment is a remake of the German film Das Experiment, which was inspired by the real-life Stanford prison experiment. In this version, a group of volunteers are divided into two groups: guards and prisoners, for a psychological study. However, the experiment quickly spirals out of control as the participants embrace their assigned roles, leading to escalating violence and a breakdown of order. While not a direct 'killing game' in the Danganronpa sense, it explores how easily people can be influenced by power dynamics and how quickly a controlled environment can become dangerous and deadly when human nature is pushed to its extremes.

The Killing Room delves into the chilling reality of unethical psychological experiments. Four individuals volunteer for a psychological study, only to find themselves trapped in a room and forced to participate in a series of increasingly disturbing and deadly tasks. The film explores themes of authority, obedience, and the lengths people will go to under duress. While not a traditional 'game' in the sense of players competing against each other for a prize, it features innocent people being manipulated and put in life-threatening situations by a sinister organization, which aligns with the underlying themes of control and survival found in Danganronpa.

Exam is a clever and contained thriller that revolves around a high-pressure test with deadly consequences. Eight talented candidates are competing for a highly sought-after position. They are given a blank piece of paper and told to answer one question, but the question itself is not provided. Breaking any of the strict rules will result in elimination. As time runs out, the candidates resort to desperate measures, revealing their true natures and engaging in psychological warfare to figure out the puzzle and survive the test. It's a battle of wits and willpower in a single room setting.

The Maze Runner presents a different kind of enclosed, deadly environment. A young man wakes up in a mysterious elevator with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He finds himself in a large, open area called the Glade, surrounded by other boys, and enclosed by massive walls that form a constantly changing maze. Every day, runners attempt to navigate the maze and find a way out, but it's filled with dangerous creatures. While it's more focused on exploration and world-building than direct killing games, the sense of being trapped and the high stakes of trying to escape a deadly environment are definitely present.

Escape Room taps into the popular trend of escape rooms and turns it into a deadly reality. A group of strangers are invited to participate in a series of elaborate escape rooms, only to discover that failure means death. Each room presents a new set of puzzles and challenges that test their wits and ability to work together. The film leans into the puzzle-solving aspect, similar to the trials in Danganronpa, as the characters must decipher clues and overcome obstacles to survive. It's a fun and suspenseful ride with creative and dangerous scenarios.

The Belko Experiment brings the deadly game scenario into a corporate setting. Employees at a seemingly normal office building are suddenly informed that they must kill each other, or else they will be killed themselves. Microchips embedded in their heads serve as the terrifying enforcement mechanism. The film quickly devolves into chaos as the employees are forced to choose between their morals and their survival. It's a brutal and unflinching look at what happens when ordinary people are pushed to their absolute limits in a high-stakes, life-or-death situation. The film was written by James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy films, which adds an interesting layer to its dark humor and intense violence.

The Hunger Games became a cultural phenomenon for a reason, and it shares a core premise with Danganronpa: a televised death match where participants are forced to kill each other for survival. In a dystopian future, teenagers from different districts are chosen by lottery to participate in the annual Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her sister and must navigate the brutal arena, forming uneasy alliances and fighting against both the other tributes and the oppressive Capitol. While it has a broader scope and focuses more on the political and social commentary of the televised event, the central theme of young people fighting for their lives in a rigged system is very much present.

Circle offers a unique take on the deadly game concept, focusing on psychological tension and moral dilemmas. Fifty strangers wake up in a circle, unable to move from their spots. Every two minutes, one person is randomly killed. They quickly realize they have the power to vote on who dies next. This sets up a series of intense debates and desperate alliances as they grapple with impossible choices and the weight of deciding who lives and who dies. The film is essentially a single, extended scene, which amplifies the feeling of being trapped and highlights the raw human reactions to a terrifying situation. It's a thought-provoking exploration of group dynamics and survival instincts.

Cube is a fascinating and claustrophobic thriller that will definitely appeal to fans of Danganronpa's mystery and puzzle elements. A group of strangers wake up in a giant, cube-shaped structure, composed of countless interconnected rooms. Some rooms are safe, while others are rigged with deadly traps. They must work together, using their unique skills and knowledge, to figure out the logic of the cube and find a way out. The film is a masterclass in minimalist sci-fi, relying on atmosphere and intellectual puzzles rather than excessive gore. It's a true test of human nature under extreme pressure.

If you're craving something in the vein of Danganronpa's deadly game premise, look no further than Battle Royale. This Japanese cult classic is often cited as a major influence on the 'killing game' genre. Imagine a class of high school students, isolated on an island and forced to fight each other to the death until only one remains. It's intense, thought-provoking, and doesn't pull any punches. The film sparked considerable controversy upon its release due to its violent content and themes, but its impact on popular culture, particularly in the realm of survival games and death match narratives, is undeniable. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, it features a young Takeshi Kitano in a key role.