Dystopian Sci-Fi backdrop

Dystopian Sci-Fi movies

Oppressive systems and surveillance power the story, driven by compliance pressure, resistance, and control.

I Am Legend

1. I Am Legend

Drama Science Fiction Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Survival Thriller
7.2
20071h 41min

Overview

Robert Neville is a scientist who was unable to stop the spread of the terrible virus that was incurable and man-made. Immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone.

Themes

Memory and loss, Ethical boundaries in science, Fragile human connection, Hope amid desolation, Isolation and resilience, Quarantine governance

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Children of Men

2. Children of Men

Drama Action Thriller Science Fiction Dystopian Sci-Fi
7.9
20061h 49min

Overview

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Survival and loyalty, State oppression, Refugee crisis, Infertility-driven conflict, Birth as political instrument

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Idiocracy

3. Idiocracy

Comedy Science Fiction Adventure Satire Dystopian Sci-Fi
6.5
20061h 24min

Overview

To test its top-secret Human Hibernation Project, the Pentagon picks the most average Americans it can find - an Army private and a prostitute - and sends them to the year 2505 after a series of freak events. But when they arrive, they find a civilization so dumbed-down that they're the smartest people around.

Themes

Class inequality, Corporate influence on policy, Anti intellectualism, Mass media manipulation, Consumerism culture, Technocratic incompetence

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A Scanner Darkly

4. A Scanner Darkly

Animation Science Fiction Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Mindfuck Thriller
7.0
20061h 40min

Overview

An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Corporate influence on justice, Surveillance society, Ethics of undercover policing, Addiction and decline, Dystopian social order

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

V for Vendetta

5. V for Vendetta

Action Thriller Science Fiction Superhero Action Political Thriller
8.1
20062h 12min

Overview

In a world in which Great Britain has become a fascist state, a masked vigilante known only as “V” conducts guerrilla warfare against the oppressive British government. When V rescues a young woman from the secret police, he finds in her an ally with whom he can continue his fight to free the people of Britain.

Themes

Fascism vs popular resistance, Fear as control, Propaganda vs truth, Mass mobilization and uprising, Vigilantism and legitimacy, Masked anonymity and identity

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Island

6. The Island

Action Thriller Science Fiction Adventure Dystopian Sci-Fi
6.8
20052h 16min

Overview

In 2019, Lincoln Six-Echo is a resident of a seemingly "Utopian" but contained facility. Like all of the inhabitants of this carefully-controlled environment, Lincoln hopes to be chosen to go to The Island — reportedly the last uncontaminated location on the planet. But Lincoln soon discovers that everything about his existence is a lie.

Themes

Memory manipulation, Control and containment, Deception within systems, Genetic commodification, Autonomy versus exploitation, Survival under surveillance

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

District B13

7. District B13

Action Thriller Science Fiction Epic Action Dystopian Sci-Fi
7.1
20041h 24min

Overview

Set in the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop and ex-thug try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb.

Themes

Class inequality, Deception and betrayal, Loyalty under pressure, Survival under siege, State oppression, Urban marginalization

Available on

fuboTV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

I, Robot

8. I, Robot

Action Science Fiction Dystopian Sci-Fi Epic Action
7.1
20041h 55min

Overview

In 2035, where robots are commonplace and abide by the three laws of robotics, a technophobic cop investigates an apparent suicide. Suspecting that a robot may be responsible for the death, his investigation leads him to believe that humanity may be in danger.

Themes

Surveillance and manipulation, Humans versus machines, Ethics of free will, Control vs autonomy, Trust in artificial intelligence, Fear of technological governance

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Casshern

9. Casshern

Drama Horror Science Fiction Dystopian Sci-Fi Body Horror
6.0
20042h 21min

Overview

Fifty years of war between the Great Eastern Federation and Europa - now merged as Eurasia - have taken their toll on planet Earth. As a result of the use of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, much of Earth has become uninhabitable and people have become prey to new diseases. Professor Azuma's "neo-cell" project, which is supposed to be the answer to mankind's hardships, becomes a nightmare come true when mutants spawned from the experiment escape and declare war on the human race. Azuma's son Tetsuya, who was killed during the previous war, is reborn into the cyborg Casshern as mankind's last hope against the new mutant threat. This live-action sci-fi movie based on a 1973 Japanese animé of the same name.

Themes

Man vs machine, Post apocalyptic future, Biotech ambition, Political upheaval, Dehumanization through technology, War-induced resilience

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Appleseed

10. Appleseed

Animation Action Science Fiction Anime Dystopian Sci-Fi
6.9
20041h 41min

Overview

In a utopian society created at the end of the third world war, a female warrior who has been plucked from the badlands begins to see cracks in this new facade. And what does this community have planned for the rest of humankind?

Themes

Power struggles, Technocratic control, Ethics of creation, Human-bioroid divide, Security vs freedom, Data-driven governance

Available on

HiDive
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.