Dystopian fiction has long been a vital component of the science fiction and horror genres, but in the 21st century, it has emerged as a dominant category in its own right. This article delves into the finest examples of TV dystopias, encompassing everything from zombie-infested wastelands to AI-driven apocalypses, and even more subtle dystopias, such as societies governed by social media scores or worlds where every moment is recorded in your brain like a video file.
From devastating plagues and nuclear winters to robot uprisings, time travel-induced paranoia, and mysterious disappearances, these 19 TV shows (plus one miniseries) showcase the most ingenious, terrifying, and often deeply moving dystopian narratives ever crafted. Whether depicting post-apocalyptic scenarios or the mundane life of office workers with consciousness-altering microchips, all these series share a dark vision of the future, brimming with intensity, intrigue, and boundless imagination.
For those interested in cinematic dystopias, be sure to explore the Top 10 Apocalypse Movies of All Time and the 6 Post-Apocalyptic Movies You've Probably Never Seen. Additionally, IGN readers have voted on their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV, offering further insights into this compelling genre.
However, if it's television that captivates you, then read on as we explore iconic series such as Fallout, Severance, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale, The Last of Us, and more. Here are the Top 20 Dystopian TV Shows of All Time!
