The Top 40 Best Dystopian Films More People Must See

Whether it’s a desert wasteland plagued by roving bands of gearheads or an alternate future where robots have enslaved mankind, there are some dark days ahead if dystopian movies are anything to go by. Thankfully, you can always walk away from the screen when the credits roll. But until then, these sinister realities grip you in their iron fists and leave you wondering long after you leave the theater… what if?

40. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Leading roles: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O’Connor

IMDb Score: 7.2/10

If you think our computer science is advanced, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Stephen Spielberg provides a futuristic Pinocchio story about a robot boy who just wants to be human. It’s definitely a grower, as evidenced by critic Roger Ebert. Initially he didn’t get the movie’s subtle genius but then gave it a glowing review ten years later. Maybe his conscience was his guide.

39. District 9 (2009)

Gross profit (worldwide): $210,888,950

Number of awards: 31 wins, 117 nominations

District 9 begins as a social-commentary-slash-mockumentary about literal illegal aliens but before you know it you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat. And possibly weeping. The movie came about when Peter Jackson had $30 million spare following the cancellation of another project. First-time director Bompkamp was given free rein — and his debut knocked it out of the park.

38. Isle of Dogs (2018)

Director: Wes Anderson

IMDb Score: 7.8

An all-star cast including Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, and Scarlett Johansson lend their voices to Isle of Dogs, a Japan-based stop-motion movie in the midst of a dog flu outbreak. If you’ve ever had a dog this movie will touch you deeply because at its core it deals with the unconditional love that man’s best friend provides. Even if the world around you is tumbling down.

37. I, Robot (2004)

Leading roles: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, Alan Tudyk

Gross profit (worldwide): $353,133,898

I, Robot brings you into a futuristic world based on renowned sci-fi author Isaac Asimov’s short stories in which robots are bound by their programming to serve man. What could possibly go wrong? The general concept may be a little old hat by now but the movie’s execution makes up for any familiar themes. And after watching it you may even find yourself thanking your toaster.