25 Dystopian Movies and TV Series That Will Make You Think: A Must-Watch List

Dystopia is one of the most popular genres nowadays, and it helps readers or viewers develop critical thinking and explore human nature. In this blog article, I will introduce the concept of dystopia and briefly discuss its origins. Then, I will list some well-known dystopian movies and TV series. Additionally, I will share some lesser-known dystopian films that are worth watching.

Before we continue with the list of dystopian movies and TV series suggestions, let's first delve into the dystopian genre and explore what it offers to viewers.

What Is Dystopia and Dystopian Movies?

Dystopia is a literary and cinematic genre that depicts an imagined society or world characterized by extreme suffering, oppression, and often a repressive and totalitarian regime. In a dystopian setting, typically, everything that could go wrong in a society has gone wrong, and the environment is bleak, grim, and oppressive. The term "dystopia" is the opposite of "utopia," which represents an idealized and perfect society.

Dystopian movies are films that explore and depict these nightmarish and undesirable worlds. They often serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the potential consequences of various societal issues, such as authoritarianism, technological excess, environmental disasters, or social inequality. Dystopian movies are known for their dark, thought-provoking themes and their ability to spark discussions about the state of the world and the dangers of certain ideologies or trends.

Related post: The Dark Side of Humanity: 20 Dystopian Books That Will Make You Question Everything

Some common elements in dystopian movies include:

• Totalitarian or authoritarian governments: These governments have absolute control over citizens' lives, often leading to a loss of personal freedoms and rights.
• Social and economic inequality: Dystopian societies frequently feature stark divisions between the privileged elite and the oppressed masses, creating a sense of injustice and unrest.
• Advanced technology: Technology is often a double-edged sword in dystopian films, offering both benefits and risks to society.
• Environmental degradation: Many dystopian worlds are plagued by environmental crises, such as pollution, climate change, or resource scarcity.
• Resistance and rebellion: Often, the protagonist or a group of rebels challenges the oppressive regime, driving the plot forward.

Dystopian movies can be both thought-provoking and entertaining, as they encourage viewers to reflect on the current state of society and the potential consequences of certain decisions and actions. They serve as cautionary tales and provide an opportunity for audiences to engage in discussions about important societal issues.

Related post: Top 15 Utopian Books to Read: Dreams of Perfect Societies

Must-Watch 20 Dystopian Movies and TV Series

Here are must-watch dystopian movies that are both favorites of film buffs and highly ranked by movie critics.

1. The Matrix (1999)

"The Matrix," directed by the Wachowskis, is a groundbreaking science fiction film that introduces viewers to a dystopian world unlike any other. In a future where reality is not what it seems, humanity is imprisoned within a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. The protagonist, Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, is a computer hacker who discovers the truth about the Matrix. He joins a group of rebels who have escaped the simulation and fights against the machine overlords. 

The dystopian world in "The Matrix" is a nightmarish vision where humans are enslaved by technology, their minds trapped in a virtual prison while their bodies are used as an energy source. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of unchecked technological control.

Related post: 20 of the Best Post-Apocalyptic Movies of All Time

2. Blade Runner (1982)

"Blade Runner," directed by Ridley Scott, immerses viewers in a dystopian future where synthetic humans known as replicants are virtually indistinguishable from real people. Set in the rainy, neon-lit streets of a futuristic Los Angeles, the film follows Deckard (Harrison Ford), a retired "Blade Runner" tasked with hunting down rogue replicants. 

The dystopian world of "Blade Runner" is marked by environmental decay, corporate dominance, and existential questions about the nature of humanity. As Deckard delves into his assignment, he confronts moral dilemmas and grapples with what it means to be human in a world where the line between artificial and organic life is blurred. The film's stunning visuals and philosophical themes have solidified its status as a dystopian classic.

3. Black Mirror (2011-present)

"Black Mirror," created by Charlie Brooker, is an anthology series that delves into the darker aspects of technology and its impact on society. Each episode offers a standalone story, making it a collection of dystopian tales set in the not-so-distant future or alternate realities. The show explores themes like surveillance, social media, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of our increasingly interconnected world. 

"Black Mirror" paints a dystopian world where technology often brings out the worst in human behavior, leaving viewers with chilling and cautionary tales that make them question the potential repercussions of our technological advancements. It's a thought-provoking series that reflects our modern anxieties about the role of technology in our lives.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

"Mad Max: Fury Road," directed by George Miller, thrusts viewers into a high-octane, post-apocalyptic dystopia. Set in a desolate wasteland, the film follows Max (Tom Hardy) and Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as they embark on a relentless pursuit to escape the tyrannical rule of Immortan Joe and his warlord horde. 

The dystopian world of "Mad Max: Fury Road" is characterized by scarce resources, lawlessness, and a stark divide between the powerful and the oppressed. It's a chaotic and brutal landscape where survival is paramount, and the film's relentless action sequences and inventive vehicle designs create a thrilling and immersive experience. This dystopian masterpiece serves as a visceral exploration of humanity's struggle for freedom in a world teetering on the brink of collapse.

5. V for Vendetta (2006)

"V for Vendetta," directed by James McTeigue and based on Alan Moore's graphic novel, unfolds in a totalitarian dystopia where a masked vigilante known as "V" (Hugo Weaving) seeks to ignite a revolution against the oppressive Norsefire regime. Set in a bleak and dystopian London, the film explores themes of authoritarianism, censorship, and the power of ideas.

In this dystopian world, the government tightly controls its citizens, suppresses dissent, and manipulates information. "V for Vendetta" showcases a society where personal freedoms have been eroded, and fear permeates every aspect of life.

As "V" orchestrates a series of spectacular and symbolic acts of resistance, the film unveils the resilience of the human spirit against oppressive regimes. It's a thrilling and thought-provoking dystopian tale that emphasizes the enduring struggle for liberty and justice.

6. The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present)

"The Handmaid's Tale," based on Margaret Atwood's novel, is a dystopian TV series set in the near-future Republic of Gilead, a theocratic and oppressive society. In this chilling dystopia, environmental disasters have led to plummeting birth rates, and fertile women known as "handmaids" are enslaved and forced to bear children for the ruling class.

The dystopian world of "The Handmaid's Tale" is marked by strict gender roles, extreme surveillance, and the suppression of individual rights, particularly for women. It explores themes of misogyny, religious fundamentalism, and the consequences of a totalitarian regime.

The series follows the life of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), a handmaid who becomes the symbol of resistance and rebellion against the oppressive regime. "The Handmaid's Tale" offers a harrowing glimpse into a dystopian society where the fight for freedom and autonomy is a constant struggle.

7. Children of Men (2006) 

"Children of Men," directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a dystopian masterpiece set in a world on the brink of collapse. In this bleak future, humanity faces an infertility crisis, and the youngest person on Earth has just died at the age of 18. Society is plagued by despair, chaos, and a looming sense of hopelessness.

The dystopian world of "Children of Men" is marked by authoritarian governments, refugee crises, and a lack of hope for the future. The film follows Theo Faron (Clive Owen), who becomes entangled in a mission to protect a miraculously pregnant woman, potentially the key to humanity's survival.

As Theo navigates a world in chaos, the film explores themes of hope, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. "Children of Men" offers a thought-provoking and visually stunning glimpse into a dystopian society struggling to find a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

8. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

"A Clockwork Orange," directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Anthony Burgess's novel, transports viewers to a disturbing dystopian world filled with violence and moral decay. The film is set in a bleak and nightmarish future where delinquent youth, led by the sociopathic Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell), commit acts of extreme brutality with disturbing glee.

In this dystopian society, societal decay, hedonism, and the erosion of traditional values are rampant. The government's response is to employ controversial psychological conditioning techniques to "cure" criminal behavior.

"A Clockwork Orange" explores themes of free will, morality, and the boundaries of government control. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about the nature of evil and the ethics of using force to impose conformity. This film remains a provocative and thought-provoking piece of dystopian cinema, known for its unflinching depiction of a society in moral crisis.

9. 1984 (1984)

"1984," based on George Orwell's iconic novel, presents a chilling and nightmarish vision of a dystopian society under the oppressive rule of the Party and its leader, Big Brother. Set in the year 1984, the film follows Winston Smith (John Hurt), a low-ranking Party member who becomes disillusioned with the regime's surveillance, propaganda, and thought control.

In this dystopian world, privacy is nonexistent, individuality is suppressed, and history is constantly rewritten to fit the Party's narrative. The society is marked by perpetual war, doublethink, and the suppression of dissent.

"1984" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the manipulation of truth. It explores themes of censorship, psychological manipulation, and the erosion of freedom and autonomy. The film's grim portrayal of a dystopian future remains a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked government power and surveillance.

10. Altered Carbon (2018 – 2020)

"Altered Carbon," a dystopian science fiction series, unfolds in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, known as "sleeves." This transformative technology has ushered in a world where the wealthy can effectively achieve immortality by continuously transferring their consciousness to new bodies.

In this dystopian future, social and economic inequality is exacerbated, with the ultra-rich amassing power and influence. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman/Anthony Mackie), a former soldier hired to investigate a wealthy man's murder.

"Altered Carbon" explores themes of identity, mortality, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The dystopian world is marked by stunning visuals, intricate world-building, and a sense of existential unease, as characters grapple with the implications of a society where death is not permanent. It's a thought-provoking series that raises profound questions about the nature of humanity in a technologically driven future.

11. The Road (2009)

"The Road," directed by John Hillcoat and based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, offers a haunting and bleak glimpse into a post-apocalyptic dystopian world. The film follows a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his young son as they journey through a desolate and ashen landscape, struggling to survive and maintain their humanity.

In this dystopian setting, an unspecified cataclysmic event has led to environmental devastation and the collapse of civilization. The world is a desolate wasteland, populated by desperate and often dangerous survivors.

"The Road" is a deeply emotional exploration of the enduring bond between a father and son amidst overwhelming despair. It delves into themes of survival, hope, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love in the face of unimaginable hardship. This haunting dystopian tale leaves a lasting impact, emphasizing the fragility of humanity in the harshest of circumstances.

12. Westworld (2016 – 2022)

"Westworld," created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, is a dystopian science fiction series that takes place in a technologically advanced theme park where guests can live out their wildest fantasies in a hyper-realistic Wild West setting. Within this immersive world, lifelike AI beings known as "hosts" cater to the desires of the wealthy visitors.

The dystopian aspect of "Westworld" lies in the ethical and existential questions it raises. As the hosts gain self-awareness and rebel against their programmed existence, the series delves into themes of consciousness, free will, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.

The dystopian world of "Westworld" is characterized by the blurring of reality and simulation, the exploitation of AI, and the moral dilemmas faced by both guests and hosts. The series challenges viewers to ponder the ethical implications of creating sentient beings for entertainment and exploitation, making it a thought-provoking addition to the dystopian genre.

13. The Man in the High Castle (2015 – 2019)

"The Man in the High Castle," adapted from Philip K. Dick's novel, is an alternate history dystopian series that envisions a world where the Axis Powers, particularly Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, have won World War II. The United States is divided into territories controlled by these two superpowers, with the Rocky Mountains serving as a neutral zone.

In this dystopian reality, the series explores themes of totalitarianism, resistance, and the consequences of historical divergence. It portrays a world where fascism and authoritarian rule have become the norm.

"The Man in the High Castle" weaves a complex narrative with multiple characters, each navigating the oppressive regimes and the hope for a different future. As they encounter films depicting an alternate history where the Allies won the war, they are drawn into a conspiracy that could change the course of history.

The dystopian world in this series is marked by a stark contrast between the powerful occupiers and the oppressed citizens, who secretly yearn for freedom. It's a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the "what if" scenarios that shape our understanding of history and the potential consequences of different outcomes.

14. Snowpiercer (2013)

"Snowpiercer," directed by Bong Joon-ho, unfolds in a dystopian future where a failed climate-engineering experiment has plunged the Earth into a new ice age. The last remnants of humanity survive aboard a massive, perpetually moving train called the Snowpiercer. Within the train, society is divided into rigid class hierarchies, with the wealthy elite inhabiting the front cars and the impoverished masses relegated to the rear.

The dystopian world of "Snowpiercer" is characterized by extreme social and economic inequality, with the train serving as a microcosm of society's class struggles. The rear passengers, led by Curtis (Chris Evans), revolt against their oppressors and embark on a perilous journey through the train's cars, seeking justice and equality.

The film explores themes of class warfare, oppression, and the consequences of environmental catastrophe. Its allegorical storytelling serves as a thought-provoking commentary on social injustice and the lengths to which people will go to fight for a better future in a world on the brink of collapse. "Snowpiercer" is a gripping and visually striking dystopian thriller that challenges viewers to confront the consequences of unchecked inequality.

15. Brave New World (2020)

"Brave New World," based on Aldous Huxley's classic novel, immerses viewers in a seemingly perfect and technologically advanced dystopian society known as New London. In this future world, people are genetically engineered, conditioned, and indoctrinated to live a life of perpetual happiness and conformity.

The dystopian aspect of "Brave New World" lies in the control and uniformity that underlie this utopian façade. Citizens are conditioned to avoid strong emotions, monogamy is discouraged, and personal desires are suppressed in the name of societal stability.

As the series unfolds, it explores themes of individuality, free will, and the price of an idyllic existence. The arrival of John the Savage, a person born outside the controlled system, challenges the established order and raises questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of a world where personal freedom has been sacrificed for the sake of happiness.

"Brave New World" offers a thought-provoking look at a dystopian society where the pursuit of perfection comes at a profound cost, forcing viewers to contemplate the balance between individuality and societal harmony in an increasingly technological world.

16. Gattaca (1997)

"Gattaca," directed by Andrew Niccol, transports viewers to a dystopian future where society has become stratified based on genetic engineering. In this world, genetic perfection is paramount, and individuals are categorized into two classes: the genetically engineered "Valids" and the "In-Valids," who are born naturally and deemed inferior.

The dystopian world of "Gattaca" is marked by pervasive genetic discrimination, where a person's potential is determined by their DNA. Vincent (Ethan Hawke), an In-Valid, dreams of working at the prestigious Gattaca space program. To achieve his goal, he assumes the identity of a Valid and faces intense scrutiny and danger as he attempts to hide his true genetic identity.

The film explores themes of identity, human potential, and the consequences of a society obsessed with genetic perfection. "Gattaca" raises profound questions about the limits of technology and the enduring human spirit's ability to overcome discrimination and societal constraints. It's a thought-provoking and morally complex dystopian tale that challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of a world where genetics dictate one's destiny.

17. Brazil (1985)

Directed by Terry Gilliam, "Brazil" is a dystopian satirical film that presents a surreal and bureaucratic nightmare of a future society. Set in a dystopian, totalitarian state reminiscent of a bleak and chaotic bureaucracy, the film follows Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a low-ranking government worker who dreams of escape from his monotonous life.

The dystopian world of "Brazil" is characterized by excessive bureaucracy, oppressive government surveillance, and the stifling conformity of its citizens. The film satirizes the dehumanizing effects of authoritarianism and the absurdity of modern bureaucracy.

As Sam becomes entangled in a series of bizarre events, he embarks on a journey of surreal and absurd proportions that challenges his perception of reality and freedom. "Brazil" is a darkly comedic exploration of the individual's struggle against a dehumanizing and Kafkaesque society. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked state power and the erosion of personal freedom in the name of security and order.

18. Divergent (2014)

"Divergent," directed by Neil Burger and based on Veronica Roth's novel, unfolds in a dystopian future where society is divided into five distinct factions based on personality traits. The story follows Beatrice "Tris" Prior (Shailene Woodley), a young woman who discovers she is "Divergent," meaning she doesn't fit neatly into any one faction. This revelation makes her a threat to the faction-based order of society.

The dystopian world in "Divergent" is marked by rigid social divisions, with each faction responsible for a specific aspect of society. The government enforces conformity and suppresses individuality, leading to a growing unrest among those who don't easily fit into the prescribed roles.

As Tris navigates her identity as a Divergent, she becomes embroiled in a power struggle, uncovering secrets that could change the course of her society. The film explores themes of identity, conformity, and the consequences of a rigidly structured and controlling system. "Divergent" is a thrilling and action-packed entry into the young adult dystopian genre, highlighting the resilience of the individual against a society that demands conformity above all else.

19. The Hunger Games (2012)

Directed by Gary Ross and based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel, "The Hunger Games" transports viewers to a dystopian future in the nation of Panem. The story revolves around Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a young woman who volunteers to take her sister's place in the brutal Hunger Games, a televised competition where tributes fight to the death.

The dystopian world in "The Hunger Games" is characterized by extreme economic inequality and the oppressive rule of the Capitol. Twelve districts are subjected to forced labor and poverty, while the Capitol enjoys extravagance and excess.

As Katniss and her fellow tribute, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), navigate the deadly competition, the film explores themes of survival, resistance, and the exploitation of power for entertainment. "The Hunger Games" offers a searing critique of a society that sacrifices its youth for spectacle and control, making it a thought-provoking and action-packed addition to the dystopian genre.

20. The Maze Runner (2014)

Directed by Wes Ball and based on James Dashner's novel, "The Maze Runner" is a dystopian science fiction film that drops viewers into a mysterious and perilous world. The story revolves around Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), who wakes up in an enclosed glade with no memory of his past. Surrounding the glade is a massive and ever-changing maze inhabited by deadly creatures known as Grievers.

The dystopian aspect of "The Maze Runner" lies in the isolation and danger faced by the young inhabitants of the glade. They are forced to find a way to escape the maze while grappling with memory loss and limited resources.

As the gladers attempt to unravel the secrets of their confinement and navigate the treacherous maze, the film explores themes of memory, identity, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. "The Maze Runner" is a gripping and suspenseful dystopian adventure that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Hidden Gems in Dystopian Cinema and Television

Here are some of the lesser-known dystopian movies and TV shows that are worth watching:

• Equilibrium (2002): Set in a future where emotions are suppressed and artistic expression is forbidden, a government enforcer begins to question the system.
• Timecrimes (2007): A Spanish-language film involving time travel and its unintended consequences.
• Years and Years (2019): A British drama series that takes viewers through a near-future dystopia by following a family's experiences in a changing world.
• The 100 (2014-2020): Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the series follows a group of young survivors sent from a space station to Earth to determine if it's habitable.
• The Lobster (2015): In a dystopian future, single people are taken to a hotel where they must find a partner in 45 days or be turned into an animal.