With the way things are, we most certainly are headed to a dystopia of our own. Honestly, it was a long time coming which is why the fact that we have so many books and movies on the topic is not surprising in the least. These fictional worlds though are magnificent in their imagining and some hit quite close to home. While not all have the stomach for it, for those who enjoy the genre it is extremely engaging. Here are some of the best dystopian movies we’re sure you’ll enjoy.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Zombie apocalypse movies mostly end with blood and gore, more deaths and the earth laid to a barren wasteland, this film though, not so much. Ending on a positive note, it challenges the usual narrative and brings a twist to genre.
Warm bodies follows the story of an infected boy and his relationship with a living girl. As he spends more time with her, he starts gaining back his humanity and becomes the catalyst that brings back other zombies to life. A little bit of romance and comedy, this light-hearted film is perfect for a day of relaxation and enjoyment.
The Maze Runner (2014)
Based on the novel by the same name, the film follows the story of young Thomas who wakes up in The Glade with no recollection of who he is and where he came from. The place is strange to say the least with the people inhabiting it with similarly sketchy memories. So, how do you get out? Well, you must find the way out from the deadly maze. They must run as fast as they can against the monsters behind them to find the opening, wherever it may be. It’s a nightmare to live in and only strong conviction can deliver them from this accursed life.
Oblivion (2013)
It started off as a graphic novel, which went unpublished. However, Kosinski’s phenomenal work managed to become a sci-fi film that would go down in the annals of the dystopian genre. The film follows Jack, a drone repairman, following the orders he receives to salvage the abandoned earth. He lives a happy life with his partner, searching for resources on earth and trying to make it habitable once again. His world is thrown into chaos and he begins questioning all he believes in when he finds a crashed alien spaceship. From then on nothing is the same.
I, Robot (2004)
A worlds where artificial intelligence takes over, this one hits close to home. Based on Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi thriller, the movie follows detective Del Spooner, played by Will Smith, who is wary and skeptical of the robots presence in the world. Sure, they’re ruled by three laws that protect humans but armed with the ability to think on their own, you never know.
1984 (1984)
George Orwell’s 1984 is an iconic novel that really puts into perspective the wretched world we can expect if humanity continues the way it is and while in 1984 we did not see this world become a reality, we did find a world showing spiraling into a nightmare. The film showcases a totalitarian regime in power that is feeding lies to the people about the state of world affairs to control them. When John Hurt, an office worker, finds the truth and learns of the deception he goes on the run.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Each culture has its take on a dystopian world and if you’re looking to learn of a different perspective, South Korean Snowpiercer might be an enticing find.
The movie takes place in a world where a climate disaster has forced surviving humans to live on a perpetually moving train. Constantly being reminded of your lower class status and the class divide that punishes the less privileged, Curtis leads a violent uprising. As he and his followers go from one room to the next, you’re in for surprises that’ll take your mind for a spin. This thought-provoking film is not one to miss.
The Platform (2019)
This one is a Spanish film, one of Netflix original movies. The story takes place at a prison called the Vertical Self-Management Center where inmates are fed through a platform system that travels from the top to the bottom. With new food servedat the top only, each level below only gets the grub left behind by those on the floor above. Highlighting race and class inequality, the film, has enjoyed widespread popularity since 2019, when it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Final Words
There you go, these movies offer a variety of storylines, some dark while others a bit lighter. Powered with great scripts and directed by pros, they are a must watch. All you need now is a good cable TV plan that allows you to watch what you like when you like. Spectrum’s Select TV channels offer you the perfect lineup rich in entertainment. Add to that their huge on demand library and the fun never ends even if the world does. So, go ahead and get your movie night on!
