3 Best Competition Movies to Watch

As the first game (a Werewolf-esque social deduction game) is introduced, the tone is set for the series as a long political game of alliances and betrayal. The 12-person cast can be a lot to follow, especially in the exposition stages. More importantly, all the game teaches can be a little overwhelming for many, especially when they’re starting with a game like that. But when you get past some of these initial hurdles and just watch the drama play out, you see quickly how fun of a concept this show is. The politics within the rewards systems is inventive and juicy, there’s always a chance for healthy confrontation, and the series is great at elevating tension without making your head spin. At the cost of a few hurdles, the payoff is worth it.

Genre: Reality

Actor: Ha Seok-jin, Lee Hye-seong, Lee Si-won, Seungkwan, Suh Dong-joo

Director: Choi Yoon-hee, Jeong Jong-yeon, Kim Ah-ra, Kim Seo-goo, Lee Soo-jin

Rating: TV-14

This competition series is a tribute to the art of artsy baking, while not being as over the top saccharine as something like a Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge. I can’t put my finger on why, but the contestants stumbling and bumbling around feels on brand for this show specifically. Perhaps the show just does a great job taking itself as seriously as it needs to: the talking heads are bubbly, along with contestants and judges’ commentary, making the show feel pleasant and focused as a result. Still, it’s a baking competition, and there’s only so much you can do with the genre. Like any dessert, it can probably be inviting in moderation.

Genre: Reality

Actor: Bill Yosses, Bryan Ford, Jason Biggs, Sandra Lee

Rating: TV-PG

The presentation is high energy and aggressive (in a fun way), conveying both the competitive and communal nature of a barbecue cook-off show. But something about it is just anxiety triggering. Some challenges and time limits feel arbitrary, falling back on “well, it’s a challenge” to justify itself. The huge cash prize is a given, but it just feels more high stress than it needs to be, like grade schoolers trying to impress the principal. Of course, none of that is on the participants who are a joy to watch; and it’s fair to argue that over-dramatic flair is a staple of competition shows, but there are also many others that have utilized it much more pleasantly.

Genre: Reality

Actor: Kevin Bludso, Melissa Cookston

Rating: TV-PG