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11 Movies Set in the Dystopian Future
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The big screen has always provided a comfortable home for the chaotic future. From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, these movies aren't just set in a later day. They're set in the 'dystopian future'...and a world riddled with post-apocalyptic injustices and problematic societies.

Keep scrolling through our list of some of the best sci-fi movies set in the dystopian future. If you dare.

1
Alphaville
1965
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This oldie-but-goodie was shot in real locations across Paris at night, combining the topic at hand (dystopian futures) with film noir.

2
Blade Runner 2049
2017
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This cult classic won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. It’s also likely to give you trippy dreams.

3
A Clockwork Orange
1971
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If the best dystopian future movies came from novels—then this iconic Stanley Kubrick thriller is the reason why.

4
Children of Men
2006
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The only thing better than watching this brilliant adaptation of the 1992 novel for the first time? Watching it again.

5
Gattaca
1997
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The overly dramatic ’90s trailer narrator summarized Gattaca best: “One man’s only chance is to hide his own identity ... by borrowing someone else’s.”

6
Mad Max: Fury Road
2015
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Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron team up in this remake—set after the collapse of the civilization by economic crisis and wars.

7
Snowpiercer
2013
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Snowpiercer is a favorite from director Bong Joon Ho, although much more of a literal “thrill ride” than his Best Picture winner, Parasite.

Related: Bong Joon Ho's top-five favorite films

8
Southland Tales
2006
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This futuristic film characteristically features music from Moby, one of several electronic producers to score movies.

9
Total Recall
1990
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Total Recall won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. It also stars Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sold yet?

10
V for Vendetta
2006
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V for Vendetta is the essence of a dystopian film—a vigilante leads the charge against an oppressive government.

11
WALL-E
2008
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Despite being happy-go-lucky, do not let WALL-E fool you. The cute little robot is no doubt living in a harsh, dystopian world—and it might be up to him to save it.

Up next: Producer Mark Gill's essential thriller movies

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