3%, Divergent, 9 other top dystopian movies to binge-watch

• Dystopian movies aren't just about destruction; they offer thrilling escapes into broken and chaotic worlds
• The movies remind us of the power of resilience and humanity
• TheRadar movie desk has compiled a list of the best dystopian movies and series to binge-watch

When reality feels overwhelming or too predictable, there's something oddly comforting about escaping into a world that's been turned upside down. 

Dystopian movies are stories set in futures where things have gone terribly wrong: governments collapse, humanity is on the edge, and survival isn't guaranteed.

They offer that thrilling ride, they show us broken societies, courageous survivors, impossible choices, and the relentless fight for hope amid chaos. 

Whether it's battling corrupt systems, surviving post-apocalyptic wastelands, or unearthing dark conspiracies, dystopian stories remind us of the power of resilience and humanity. 

If you're in the mood for intense adventures, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking journeys, here’s a list of the best dystopian movies (and series) you absolutely need to binge-watch.

11 best dystopian movies 

1. The Maze Runner Series

If you woke up with no memory and found yourself in the middle of a deadly maze surrounded by strangers, what would you do? 

That's exactly the dilemma Thomas faces in The Maze Runner. With each movie, the stakes get higher. From the mystery of the Glade to the chaos of the open world and the desperate search for a cure to a deadly disease known as "The Flare," this series is a must-watch for anyone who loves fast-paced action films.

2. Divergent Trilogy

Set in a society where people are divided by virtues, Tris discovers she’s Divergent and that’s a problem. As she navigates a world that fears non-conformity, she uncovers government conspiracies and fights to protect those like her. 

3. The Hunger Games Franchise

Welcome to Panem, where two teenagers from each district are forced to fight to the death for public entertainment. But when Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her sister, a spark of rebellion is ignited. From survival in the arena to leading a revolution, The Hunger Games is a harrowing and heroic tale that never lets up.

4. The 5th Wave

Imagine an alien invasion not with spaceships, but with waves of destruction that leave humanity in ruins. After losing everything, Cassie risks her life to find her younger brother, navigating a world filled with lies and hidden threats.

5. The 100

Ninety-seven years after nuclear war wipes out civilization, 100 teenage delinquents are sent back to Earth from a space station to test if it’s habitable again. What starts as a survival mission quickly turns into a clash of civilisations, secrets, and shifting loyalties.

6. Snowpiercer

In a frozen world where survival means being stuck on a perpetually moving train, society has devolved into strict class divisions. Snowpiercer dives deep into themes of injustice, rebellion, and the consequences of human greed.

7. The Thinning

In this future, population control is handled through standardised testing. Low scores? You're eliminated. But when two students uncover the truth behind the system, they must risk everything to expose the conspiracy.

8. The Society

What happens when an entire town’s adult population vanishes, leaving teenagers to govern themselves? 

At first, it's a party. But soon, lines are drawn, alliances are tested, and survival becomes a very real concern.

9. The Darkest Minds

A mysterious disease kills most of the world’s children, but the survivors develop powerful abilities. Labelled dangerous and locked away in camps, one girl escapes and joins a group fighting for freedom and identity.

10. 3%

In this Portuguese-language gem, only 3 per cent of young adults are allowed to leave the poverty-stricken Inland for the luxurious Offshore. But to qualify, they must go through a cruel selection process. Expect betrayal, moral tests, and emotional gut punches.

11. The Last of Us

Twenty years after a deadly fungal outbreak decimates society, hardened smuggler Joel is tasked with transporting Ellie, a girl who may be humanity’s last hope. What unfolds is a heart-wrenching journey through danger, grief, and found family.

Top 15 TV series that'll have you glued to your screen

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled a list of the top 15 TV series that'll have you glued to your screen, to help you find that one show that’ll grip you from the very first episode.

The list includes Suits, Scandal, High Fidelity, Snowfall, Peaky Blinders and 10 others.