Dystopias represent fictional places, times, societies, and scenarios where people live in conditions of oppression, desperation, and disenfranchisement. The word literally means “bad place” and is the antithesis of utopia.
Utopia as a story genre and setting became popular in literature, primarily in books such as “1984” and “The Brave New World,” both by Aldous Huxley. We can also find dystopian narratives and scenarios in comics, animations, TV series, video games and cinema.
In the seventh art, many films with dystopian settings have been successful with critics and audiences, becoming great brands and classics of cinema. Here we separate the 10 best dystopian films. Follow us!
The best dystopian films
Matrix (1999)
A modern classic of the science fiction and action genres, “The Matrix” is a saga created by sisters Lily and Lana Wachowski, which contains 4 films, anime, games and other multimedia elements.
The plot presents a scenario in which machines have dominated the planet, controlling the reality of humanity, who lives in a simulation. Only a few humans realize this dominion, living in small colonies and waiting for the arrival of the Chosen One, the one capable of saving humanity.
available to HBO Max subscribers.
Blade Runner (1982)
Directed by Ridley Scott, this is an adaptation of the book “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. Blade Runner follows Deckard (Harrison Ford), an android hunter who tracks a group of replicants who have escaped from a colony after causing an uprising.
The plot explores questions of identity in a future where humans and replicants (androids) coexist, but not harmoniously.
Available to HBO Max subscribers.
Snowpicercer (2013)
Film directed by Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho, “Snowpiercer” is an adaptation of a French graphic novel. The story is set in a frozen world, where the last human survivors are aboard a constantly moving train. The poor live in terrible conditions, while the rich enjoy abundance and excellent facilities.
The film tackles themes of social inequality and injustice, combining action, drama and special effects, with a cast that includes Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris and Korean actor Song Kang-ho.
available for Globoplay and Looke subscribers.
Akira (1988)
Classic Japanese animated film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the same creator of the manga series. “Akira” takes place in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
The story follows the members of a motorcycle gang, focusing on Kaneda, the leader of the group, and Tetsuo. On a crucial day, Tetsuo finds a child with special powers escaping from a hospital. In this encounter, Tetsuo is wounded and captured by the army. From that moment on, Tetsuo also begins to manifest mysterious abilities.
The animation forcefully addresses ethical issues surrounding the use of technology.
available for rent and purchase on Google Play and for purchase on Apple TV.
Children of Men (2006)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film is set in a future where humanity risks extinction due to infertility.
In the plot, a man (Clive Owen) is tasked with protecting the last pregnant woman, the only hope for the survival of the species.
The film is an adaptation of PD James’ book and explores themes such as infertility, social desperation, immigration and totalitarianism.
available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video and available for purchase on Apple TV.
Brazil – The Movie (1985)
Directed by Terry Gilliam, it is a dystopian satire that criticizes bureaucracy, state control and the loss of privacy.
In a totalitarian state, dominated by bureaucracy and computers, Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), an alienated man who works in a public office, becomes involved in a conspiracy when he falls in love with Jill Layton (Kim Greist), an activist considered a terrorist by the authorities…
available to HBO Max and Star+ subscribers.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Based on the books by Suzanne Collins, “The Hunger Games” is set in a dark future where young people ages 12 to 18 are chosen to fight to the death in a macabre televised event.
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to replace her younger sister in the Hunger Games. Together with her friend Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), she not only faces the opponents of the game, but also challenges the dominant system.
“The Hunger Games” features impressive action scenes and special effects, as well as spawning four more films, including sequels and spin-offs.
available to HBO Max, Star+ and Amazon Prime Video subscribers.
Mad Max – Fury Road (2015)
This is the fourth installment of the “Mad Max” series, created by director George Miller and can be watched independently.
In a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce and deserts dominate the landscape, the film follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy). He joins a group of rebels led by Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as they traverse the Wasteland. The group is fleeing from a city commanded by Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne), who gathers his army in a quest to recover something that was stolen from him.
The film tackles themes such as resource scarcity, oppressive power and the destruction caused by war, with plenty of action.
available to HBO Max subscribers.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Classic film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film is an adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ book which portrays a dystopian future characterized by extreme violence. The plot focuses on the rehabilitation of criminals through controversial methods.
In the plot we are introduced to Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a violent young man and leader of a gang of criminals involved in acts of murder, robbery and rape. After committing terrible acts, Alex is arrested. As an alternative to reducing his sentence, Alex has the possibility of participating in a re-education program and ends up becoming the guinea pig for experiments aimed at containing the destructive impulses of human beings.
available to HBO Max subscribers.
The Labyrinth (2014)
Adapted from the books by James Dashner, “Maze Runner” presents a dystopian future in which a group of young people find themselves trapped in a mysterious labyrinth, with no memory of how they got there.
In the plot, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) wakes up without memory in a small colony with other young people. To escape this enigmatic scenario, they will have to solve the riddles of a dangerous labyrinth.
The saga includes two more films, full of science fiction and action, exploring themes such as survival and the fight against an authoritarian system.
available to HBO Max subscribers.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
