Dystopian Sci-Fi backdrop

Dystopian Sci-Fi movies

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

The Matrix Revolutions

1. The Matrix Revolutions

Adventure Action Thriller Science Fiction Epic Action
6.7
20032h 9min

Overview

The human city of Zion defends itself against the massive invasion of the machines as Neo fights to end the war at another front while also opposing the rogue Agent Smith.

Themes

Underground world tension, Killer robot threat, Subway reality conflict, Virtual reality disconnect, Machine town power, Philosophy faith truth

Available on

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

Overview

In a dystopian future, insurance fraud investigator William Gold arrives in Shanghai to investigate a forgery ring for "papelles", futuristic passports that record people's identities and genetics. Gold falls for Maria Gonzalez, the woman in charge of the forgeries. After a passionate affair, Gold returns home, having named a coworker as the culprit. But when one of Gonzalez's customers is found dead, Gold is sent back to Shanghai to complete the investigation.

Themes

Deception within institutions, Forbidden romance, Biopolitical class divide, Papeles governance, Memory erasure ethics, Surveillance borders

Available on

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

Wonderful Days

3. Wonderful Days

Animation Science Fiction Dystopian Sci-Fi Anime
6.6
20031h 26min

Overview

Civilization has been destroyed by war and pollution, but the survivors have built the last city of Ecoban. As most natural resources have been exhausted, Ecoban is powered by pollution. The citizens of Ecoban need to continue creating this pollution leading them into conflict with the inhabitants of Marr while one man just wants to clear away the clouds and see the sky.

Themes

Class inequality, Urban isolation, Resource scarcity, Outsider marginalization, Pollution as power, Environmental conflict

Available on

Bbox VOD
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Equilibrium

4. Equilibrium

Action Science Fiction Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Epic Action
7.3
20021h 47min

Overview

In a dystopian future, a totalitarian regime maintains peace by subduing the populace with a drug, and displays of emotion are punishable by death. A man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system.

Themes

Betrayal and deception, Underground resistance, Emotion suppression, Authoritarian enforcement, Drug-based control, State propaganda

Available on

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

Minority Report

5. Minority Report

Science Fiction Action Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Political Thriller
7.6
20022h 25min

Overview

John Anderton is a top 'Precrime' cop in the late-21st century, when technology can predict crimes before they're committed. But Anderton becomes the quarry when another investigator targets him for a murder charge.

Themes

Precrime ethics, Paranoid governance, Surveillance state, Predicted crime dilemma, Tech noir mood, Minority report uncertainty, Control and autonomy

Available on

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

Metropolis

6. Metropolis

Animation Science Fiction Anime Dystopian Sci-Fi
7.2
20011h 47min

Overview

In the midst of societal conflict in the futuristic city of Metropolis, Kenichi and his uncle Shunsaku Ban set out to uncover the mystery behind the first human-like robot, Tima.

Themes

Class inequality, Deception and betrayal, Elite control, Rebellion and power, Automation exploitation, Artificial life and humanity

Available on

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

The Matrix

7. The Matrix

Action Science Fiction Dystopian Sci-Fi
8.7
19992h 16min

Overview

Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.

Themes

Simulated reality, Man vs machines, Illusion and agency, Prophecy and choice, Dystopian control, Underground resistance

Available on

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

Overview

A group of strangers find themselves trapped in a maze-like prison. It soon becomes clear that each of them possesses the peculiar skills necessary to escape, if they don't wind up dead first.

Themes

Collective problem solving, Confinement under pressure, Betrayal under threat, Numerical puzzles under risk, Environment as trap, Survival through cooperation

Available on

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

Overview

A man struggles with memories of his past, including a wife he cannot remember, in a nightmarish world with no sun and run by beings with telekinetic powers who seek the souls of humans.

Themes

Memory transfer ethics, Urban gothic mood, Parallel world anxiety, Dystopia under pressure, False memory manipulation, Serial killer motif

Available on

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

Gattaca

10. Gattaca

Thriller Science Fiction Mystery Romance Dystopian Sci-Fi
7.7
19971h 47min

Overview

Vincent is an all-too-human man who dares to defy a system obsessed with genetic perfection. He is an "In-Valid" who assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite to pursue his goal of traveling into space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation.

Themes

Genetics drives discrimination, Eugenics structures society, Biometrics controls access, Fraud drives risk management, Genotype profiling dominates hiring, Genetic registry shapes opportunity

Available on

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