10 Best Dystopian Movies You Should Watch Right Now (November 2023)

We often obsess about what could happen in the future, and dystopian cinema stands as a gripping testament to our collective fascination with what could possibly go wrong. This genre has become a cinematic phenomenon, drawing audiences into nightmarish landscapes that could be painted for us in the coming times. From iconic classics like “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix” to recent masterpieces like “Snowpiercer” and “Children of Men,” dystopian movies not only serve as cautionary tales but also tap into our deepest fears and hopes for an uncertain tomorrow. Brace yourself as we delve into the best dystopian films you can watch right now, where the boundary between fiction and reality blurs into a chilling vision of what might be.

The Matrix

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

There are very few movies that have the kind of impact that The Matrix did back when it was released in 1999. The movie was way ahead of its time and set new benchmarks for not just dystopian movies but action movies as well. The movie received critical acclaim and blockbuster commercial success and has become an integral part of pop culture in general. The movie is set in a dystopian future where humans have to fight against artificial intelligence for survival, and all hopes are pinned on the shoulders of Neo, who is unsure of his own identity and powers. The movie covers some interesting themes, including faith, betrayal, friendship, love, and comradery. Unlike some other movies from the past century, The Matrix has truly withstood the test of time and is still referenced to be one of the best movies ever made in any genre.

Wall-E

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

One of the finest Pixar movies to date, Wall-E has developed a special place in the hearts of fans with its universal themes, great animation, and lovable protagonist (which is not even a human!). This movie showcases a distant future where Earth has been rendered uninhabitable due to rampant consumerism and environmental neglect. As humans abandon the polluted planet, a solitary robot named WALL-E is left behind to ceaselessly clean up the mountains of trash. WALL-E’s lonely existence is disrupted by the arrival of EVE, a sleek and advanced robot from a luxurious spaceship orbiting Earth. As Wall-E gets obsessed with EVE, he follows her and goes on a journey that ends up impacting the future of entire humanity and Earth.

The Truman Show

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

The Truman Show is often regarded as one of the best comedy movies of all time, and the fact that it is set in a dystopian future makes it a unique masterpiece. While most movies in this genre have a pessimistic approach and a dark undertone, this witty take is a must-watch. In the movie, Truman Burbank lives an idyllic life in the town of Seahaven, unaware that his entire existence is a reality TV show broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. Created by the reclusive Christof, Truman’s world is meticulously controlled, with every aspect of his life carefully scripted and every interaction orchestrated. The Truman Show serves as a powerful commentary on the pervasiveness of media, the erosion of privacy, and the potential dangers of a society obsessed with spectacle and voyeurism. It challenges viewers to question the authenticity of their own reality and to consider the implications of living under constant surveillance. While this thought itself could be scary, it makes for a fun watch.

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V for Vendetta

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

V for Vendetta has aged like a fine wine, and the themes explored in the movie remain as relevant as ever. In the dystopian future of V for Vendetta, a totalitarian government known as Norsefire seizes control of the United Kingdom, turning it into a surveillance state where individual freedoms are ruthlessly suppressed. In this oppressive regime, a masked vigilante named V emerges as a symbol of rebellion and forces the government to go down on its knees. The artistic decision to never reveal V’s face in the movie delivers an extremely powerful message as it suggests that anyone from the public could be V and lead the rebellion.

Blade Runner

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Blade Runner (1982) was a ground-breaking movie at the time of its initial release and continues to wow the audience to date. Everything in the movie, from its acting to art direction, is exceptional. As far as the story is concerned, the movie is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019, in which synthetic humans known as replicants are bio-engineered by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work on space colonies. When a fugitive group of advanced replicants led by Roy Batty (Hauer) escapes back to Earth, retired cop Rick Deckard (Ford) reluctantly agrees to hunt them down. Blade Runner explores themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the nature of reality. The film’s dystopian setting is particularly characterised by its dark and gritty atmosphere, its overcrowded and polluted cityscape, and its social hierarchy between humans and replicants.

The Hunger Games

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

The first movie in a three-part series and based on the book of the same name, The Hunger Games, was an instant hit among the fans. As far as the story is concerned, the movie is set in the dystopian nation of Panem, where the wealthy Capitol maintains its control over the 12 surrounding districts by enforcing a brutal annual event known as the Hunger Games. As punishment for a past rebellion, each district must select two young representatives, called tributes, to fight to the death in an elaborate arena until only one victor remains. The games serve as a ruthless reminder of the Capitol’s power and a cruel spectacle for its citizens. One of the most striking aspects of the movie, much like the books, is its strong female protagonist – Katniss Everdeen.

District 9

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

One of the movies that simply can’t be skipped on this list is District 9. The movie has developed a cult fanbase over the years and is often praised for its setting. In the dystopian world of District 9, aliens have arrived on Earth and are forced to live in an isolated slum under the control of the Multi-National United (MNU) corporation. As a result, Wikus van de Merwe, a government official, is tasked with overseeing the relocation of the aliens to a new site, but he soon discovers that the aliens are not as primitive as he was led to believe. District 9 is a powerful allegory for apartheid and other forms of social injustice. It explores themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the abuse of power. The film’s dystopian setting serves to highlight the dangers of unchecked government control and the importance of fighting for what is right.

Okja

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Okja is one of those rare movies that forces you to think of your everyday actions and their larger consequences. In the dystopian world of Okja, the Mirando Corporation has genetically engineered a new breed of superpig called Okja. The corporation has raised Okja to be large and docile, with the intention of harvesting her meat for their global fast food chain. However, Okja is not the docile creature that Mirando expects her to be. She is a gentle giant who is loved by her caretaker, Mi-Ja. When Mi-Ja discovers that Mirando plans to take Okja away and slaughter her, she sets out to rescue her beloved pig. Joined by a group of animal rights activists, Mi-Ja travels to New York City to confront Mirando and expose their cruelty to the world. Okja is a powerful critique of corporate greed and the exploitation of animals. The film’s dystopian setting highlights the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the importance of protecting the environment and animal welfare.

Children of Men

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

We’ll conclude the list with an unforgettable movie in the form of ‘Children of Men’. As far as the story is concerned, in the bleak world of Children of Men, humanity has been shown to be on the brink of extinction. For two decades, women have been inexplicably unable to bear children, leaving the world without hope for the future. The United Kingdom has been shown to be a crumbling state, overwhelmed by a refugee crisis and in a state of chaos. Children of Men is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores themes such as hope, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Coming from one of the finest directors of our generation, this is one of those movies that stays with you and forces you to think much after you’ve watched it.

1984

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

It is almost impossible to make any list about a dystopian future and to not include 1984. Based on the popular novel of the same name, 1984 shows the dystopian world of George Orwell’s novel “1984” where the totalitarian regime of the Party maintains absolute control over every aspect of its citizens’ lives. Big Brother, the omnipresent and omniscient leader of the Party, watches and listens to everyone through a system of telescreens, ensuring that no one dares to question or oppose the Party’s authority. 1984 comes with a chilling exploration of the dangers of totalitarianism, the power of propaganda, and the significance of personal freedom. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of unchecked power.

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