Dystopian Sci-Fi backdrop

Dystopian Sci-Fi movies

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

The Running Man

1. The Running Man

Action Thriller Science Fiction One-Person Army Survival Thriller
6.4
20252h 13min

Overview

Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards is convinced by The Running Man's charming but ruthless producer to enter the deadly competition game as a last resort. But Ben's defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.

Themes

Class inequality, Surveillance and control, Media manipulation, Spectacle of violence, Public trust erosion, Revolt against the network

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Long Walk

2. The Long Walk

Science Fiction Thriller Horror Dystopian Sci-Fi Survival Thriller
6.8
20251h 48min

Overview

In a dystopian near-future America, fifty teenage boys take part in a deadly annual walking contest, forced to maintain a minimum pace or be executed, until only one survivor remains.

Themes

Authoritarian control and spectacle, Survival through competition, Youth maturation under pressure, Dehumanization through ritual, Manipulation by state apparatus, Loyalty vs individual motive

Available on

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

Overview

After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Political manipulation, Public image control, Impeachment pressure, Antihero teamwork, Group resilience

Available on

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

The Assessment

4. The Assessment

Science Fiction Drama Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Psychological Drama
6.6
20251h 54min

Overview

In a climate change-ravaged world, a utopian society optimizes life, including parenthood assessments. A successful couple faces scrutiny by an evaluator over seven days to determine their fitness for childbearing.

Themes

Trust under pressure, State control of reproduction, Surveillance during assessment, Deception as policy tool, Hope as social instrument, Autonomy vs collective welfare

Available on

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

Watchmen: Chapter I

5. Watchmen: Chapter I

Animation Drama Science Fiction Psychological Drama Dystopian Sci-Fi
7.1
20241h 24min

Overview

In 1985, the murder of a government-sponsored superhero draws his outlawed colleagues out of retirement and into a mystery that threatens to upend their personal lives and the world itself.

Themes

Secret identity tension, Alternate history tension, Conspiracy and control, Doomsday clock pressure, Retirement vs duty, Geopolitics and leverage

Available on

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

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

6. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Science Fiction Adventure Action Dystopian Sci-Fi Coming-of-Age Adventure
6.8
20242h 25min

Overview

Several generations following Caesar's reign, apes – now the dominant species – live harmoniously while humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all he's known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Memory and legacy, Leadership under threat, Technology as leverage, Empire building and oppression, Interspecies coexistence

Available on

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

Code 8 Part II

7. Code 8 Part II

Science Fiction Action Crime Dystopian Sci-Fi Epic Action
5.7
20241h 41min

Overview

In a world where superpowered people are heavily policed by robots, an ex-con teams up with a drug lord he despises to protect a teen from a corrupt cop.

Themes

"movie: code 8 part ii. genres: science fiction, Action, Crime, Science fiction, Action, Crime main themes: superhero, Superhero full keywords list: superhero. concept analysis: the film explores the themes of systemic corruption and the struggle for justice in a world where power dynamics are heavily skewed. it highlights the resilience of the oppressed and the moral complexities of using power for personal gain versus the greater good."

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

8. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Science Fiction Action Dystopian Sci-Fi Epic Action
6.6
20232h 37min

Overview

64 years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.

Themes

Survival under pressure, Class inequality through governance, Oppression through spectacle, Power via mentorship, Rebellion as consequence, Loyalty tested by betrayal

Available on

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

Justice League: Warworld

9. Justice League: Warworld

Animation Action Science Fiction Adventure Superhero Action
5.3
20231h 30min

Overview

Until now, the Justice League has been a loose association of superpowered individuals. But when they are swept away to Warworld, a place of unending brutal gladiatorial combat, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the others must somehow unite to form an unbeatable resistance able to lead an entire planet to freedom.

Themes

Leadership under crisis, Illusion vs reality, Unity as power under attack, Collective resistance under coercion, Deception and containment, Violence as psychological currency

Available on

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

Infinity Pool

10. Infinity Pool

Horror Science Fiction Psychological Horror Dystopian Sci-Fi
6.0
20231h 58min

Overview

While staying at an isolated island resort, James and Em are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi, they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime: either you'll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.

Themes

Class inequality, Deception and coercion, Commodified punishment, Spectacle of violence, Duplication and identity, Hedonism and danger

Available on

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