Dystopian futures and alternative realities are popular themes in movies, often finding great success. The idea of a suffering people waiting for or rallying behind a savior is deeply rooted in several cultures. From oppressive governments to barren wastelands, dystopian societies offer an insight into some of the worst human traits.
While there is no shortage of dystopian movies to watch, there are a few that truly stand out. Here are some of the best movies set in dystopian worlds:
V For Vendetta
In a dystopian future where Britain is no longer ruled by the royal family, a masked man seeks to shake the very foundations of the government. Our main character gives a nod to the gunpowder plot, with a Guy Fawkes mask, and a penchant for blowing up buildings. V for Vendetta still carries a powerful theme featuring prominent topics like government plots, homophobia and repression.
V for Vendetta boasts one of most prolific monologues in cinematic history all in line with the movie’s exceptional dialogue. Its one of those movies where you learn something and pick up subtle clues with each rewatch. Thanks to the prominent societal issues on display, it always seems relevant in respect to the political landscape of real life.
Divergent
The Divergent franchise is set in a dystopian world where people are grouped into factions based on their personalities. Once children come of age, they are tested and placed into the appropriate faction, where they work and spend the rest of their lives. The divergent are those who transcend one single faction, posing a threat to the entire order of things.
Our heroine is able to avoid detection by tricking the test, allowing her to choose a faction where she hopes to live in peace. Soon enough, her ruse is discovered, and she is forced on an adventure that looks set to decide the future of civilization. The central theme of Divergent is ‘not fitting in with society,’ which many people can relate to
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games was a successful book franchise long before the movie adaptations. Set in a dystopian future where the 12 districts of Panem live in the shadow of the capital and work in tandem to ensure peace. The Huger Games focuses on a sadistic tournament established in the aftermath of the last civil war, where children from each district fight to the death.
The Hunger Games explores themes of totalitarianism, child endangerment, and society’s love for sportive violence. We follow the heroine, a girl from District 12, who volunteers in place of her little sister to compete in the games. We watch as she gradually grows from a nobody to the biggest symbol in the rebellion against an oppressive government.
Equilibrium
Equilibrium is set in a dystopian future where emotions and outlawed and regulated through the use of the synthetic drug Prozium II. The world is controlled by a church like government and led by Father, while the laws are enforced by Clerics. The greatest crime in this world is feelings, and the punishment is death.
The protagonist is high high-ranking Cleric, who accidentally misses a dose of Prozium and soon begins to feel. Our protagonist soon starts to question the order of things and after a betrayal, is set on a war path with the government he once served. Equilibrum’s central theme is questioning the authorities, one which always seems to be in fashion in the real world.
The Fifth Element
Fantasy meets science in this classic movie about the never-ending battle between good and bad. The fifth element follows a cab driver, who must assist a stranger in her quest to stop an ancient and terrifying evil force. The stranger is the fifth element, and a key instrument in an ancient plan from 5000 years ago to stop this great evil.
The fifth element incorporates themes like comedy and reckless abandon to help lighten the otherwise tense atmosphere. The battle between good and evil is a stock classic in movies and one that audiences can always relate to. By incorporating religious orders and secrecy, the fifth element adds a bit of realism to the movie.
Mad Max
Long before Furiosa and The Fury Road, Mad Max was all about a detective trying to live his life in a dystopian wasteland. With resources scarce and life being a daily battle for survival, outlaws reign supreme and take whatever they want. When policeman Max Rockatansky confronts a local gangster and causes his death, the rest of the gang don’t take it too well.
Mad Max explores themes of revenge, sadism, and murder in a world where order no longer seems viable. The success of the movie spawned a franchise that has lasted over 40 years and seen six movies. While the future Mad Max predicts looks grim, it’s a great watch and a tribute to true creativity.
Honourable Mentions
- Aeon Flux
- Ender’s Game
- 12 Monkeys
- Death Race
