Dystopian fiction has carved out a significant niche within the realms of science fiction and horror, evolving into a formidable genre in its own right throughout the 21st century. This list showcases the pinnacle of dystopian television, encompassing a broad spectrum from the harrowing landscapes of zombie apocalypses and AI-driven catastrophes to more nuanced societal critiques, such as worlds ruled by social media metrics or environments where every moment is captured and stored in the brain as a video file.
This collection of 19 TV series, plus one miniseries, delves into the most inventive, terrifying, and often deeply moving dystopian narratives ever crafted. These stories span from post-apocalyptic scenarios to seemingly mundane settings, like offices where employees have microchips implanted in their brains, splitting their consciousness. The common thread among them is a dark, foreboding vision of the future, whether imminent or distant, infused with intensity, intrigue, and boundless creativity.
While this article focuses on TV, if your interest leans toward cinematic experiences, don't miss out on the Top 10 Apocalypse Movies of All Time and the 6 Post-Apocalyptic Movies You've Probably Never Seen. Additionally, IGN readers have cast their votes for their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV!
For those eager to dive into the dystopian television realm, prepare to explore series like 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!
