If you have a speculative mind and are interested in humanity and the future, then you’ll love dystopian films. Here are the very best dystopian films to watch today.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Netflix created a series based on the eponymous Snowpiercer movie. Snowpiercer is a science fiction movie inspired by the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige. It follows the remaining members of humanity who live on a train that circles a now frozen Earth after attempts to stop global warming end in disaster. The passengers are divided by class, and a revolt against the upper classes ensues. Snowpiercer has positive reviews and received a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video today.
Blade Runner (1982)
Set in a dystopian 2019 Los Angeles, Blade Runner follows burnt-out cop Rick Deckard as he reluctantly tries to hunt down a group of synthetic humans. Hailed for its production design and vision of a decaying futuristic America, Bladerunner is a sci-fi masterpiece. It examines a myriad of themes including genetic engineering, humanity and the environment and will stay with you long after you watch it. Check it out on Amazon Prime Video.
WALL-E (2008)
WALL-E is a strangely heartwarming sci-fi romance film about a robot left to clean up the garbage on the uninhabitable and desolate earth. The robot, WALL-E, falls in love with a probe called EVE sent by the starship Axiom and works to pursue her across the galaxy. The film explores capitalism, waste management, environmental concerns and obesity. WALL-E is an extraordinary film, winning several awards and topping multiple best film lists. It’s available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Six individuals from different generations live out their different stories, with one life-affecting another. The film looks at the meaning of life, the importance of individual action and how we affect other people. It spans from the Chatham Islands in 1849 to 2321 on the Big Island of Hawaii. Cloud Atlas is ambitious and extraordinary in scope with fantastic visuals and a massive emotional payoff. If you enjoy more complex films, then Cloud Atlas is for you. Check it out on Amazon Prime Video today.
Minority Report (2002)
Set in 2054, primarily in Washington D.C and Northern Virginia, Minority Report follows a captain, falsely accused of a crime he is yet to commit. In Minority Report, law enforcement can apprehend criminals according to foreknowledge provided by psychic individuals called precogs. The film explores questions of free will, determinism, the role of preventative government and the media. Thought-provoking and action-packed, Minority Report is highly rated and well worth a watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Looper (2012)
Looper follows a contract killer who travels through time; a “looper” called Joe who works for a Kansas City crime syndicate. Advanced future tracking systems make it impossible to dispose of bodies, so the syndicate sends the victims back in time before killing them. Joe is warned by his friend Seth, that someone called the Rainmaker would kill the crime bosses and close the loops. The future Joe sets out to stop him. Looper is a thrilling and intelligent film with stellar reviews. A mental and visual treat, Looper is well worth a watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
If you’re looking for an exciting and visceral dystopian film then Mad Mad: Fury Road is for you. Set in a post-apocalyptic desert where water and petrol are scarce, the film follows Max as he teams up with Imperator Furiosa to flee from a sinister cult leader and his army. Critics praise the movie for its acting, choreography, screenplay, stunts and direction. It features in several best films lists. Be sure to watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch Something New Today
Dystopian films include some of the best, both in terms of visuals, action and story. There’s something for everyone from complex films like Looper to action-packed movies like Mad Max: Fury Road. Grab the popcorn, and get comfy; it’s time to watch something incredible.
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