Dystopian fiction has long been a significant force within the science fiction and horror genres, but in the 21st century, it has truly emerged as a formidable genre of its own. Here, we delve into the very best of TV dystopias, encompassing a wide range from zombie-infested wastelands and AI-driven apocalypses to subtler yet equally chilling scenarios like societies governed entirely by social media metrics or worlds where every moment is recorded in your mind as if it were a video file.
From devastating pandemics and nuclear winters to robot rebellions, time travel-induced paranoia, and mysterious disappearances—these 19 TV shows, plus one miniseries, showcase the most ingenious, terrifying, and often deeply moving dystopian narratives ever crafted. Some depict post-apocalyptic scenarios, while others explore the lives of individuals in seemingly mundane settings, such as an office where a microchip in their head splits their consciousness. What we're searching for here is a grim vision of the future, whether near or distant, that pulses with intensity, intrigue, and boundless imagination.
If your interest lies more in movies, 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 voted on their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV, offering further insights into fan favorites!
However, if television is your preferred medium, then keep reading as we explore standout series like Fallout, Severance, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale, The Last of Us, and many more. Here are the Top 20 Dystopian TV Shows of All Time!
