The 65+ Best Dystopian TV Series

The 100 is a gripping entry into the post-apocalyptic genre, depicting a future where Earth has been left ravaged by nuclear war. A century after the cataclysm, humanity's last survivors, residing on a space station, send 100 juvenile prisoners back to the surface to test its habitability. The compelling narrative is anchored by performances from Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, and Marie Avgeropoulos, who navigate the complex moral landscape of a world starting anew.

The 100 sets itself apart as one of the best dystopian series with its unflinching portrayal of survival and civilization-building amidst the ruins of Earth. It evokes thoughtful questions about governance, loyalty, and the human condition, pushing characters to their limits and forcing viewers to consider the harsh realities of a society on the brink. The show's commitment to character development and ethical dilemmas under extreme duress anchors its status as a standout in speculative storytelling.

The Handmaid's Tale delves into the life of June Osborne, a woman trapped in a theocratic dictatorship known as Gilead, where fertile women are forced into reproductive servitude. Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, this haunting series features Elisabeth Moss in a career-defining role, with an outstanding supporting cast including Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, and Ann Dowd, who bring to life the chilling alternative reality of a society stripped of its freedoms.

The Handmaid's Tale earns its status as one of the finest dystopian series through its meticulous world-building and the powerful, visceral performances that exemplify the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Its ability to resonate with contemporary sociopolitical issues, along with its harrowing depictions of totalitarianism and resistance, crafts an immersive and unsettlingly relatable cautionary tale. The show’s attention to narrative detail and thematic depth cements its place as a modern dystopian masterpiece.

Black Mirror is an anthology series that serves as a dark odyssey into the pitfalls of modern and near-future technology. Created by Charlie Brooker, each standalone episode is a deep-dive into a twisted high-tech multiverse, examining contemporary tech-obsessed society through a speculative lens. Featuring a revolving cast of top talent such as Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Daniel Kaluuya, the series stands out for its unique storytelling and divergent narratives, all unified by a central cautionary theme.

Regarded as a trailblazer in dystopian television, Black Mirror solidifies its place at the peak of the genre with its thought-provoking premises and often disturbing reflections on human dependency on technology. The series fuses searing social commentary with deeply unsettling scenarios, impacting viewers with its profound ethical questions and haunting conclusions. Its cultural impact, bolstered by standout episodes like "San Junipero" and "Nosedive," marks Black Mirror as a defining example of how dystopian fiction can confront our shared anxieties about the future.

Westworld merges the western and science fiction genres, to tell the story of a technologically advanced Wild-West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts. These hosts are programmed to fulfill the human guests' fantasies, which often lie in the realms of heroism, adventure, and indulgence. The stellar ensemble cast includes Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores Abernathy, Thandie Newton as Maeve Millay, and Jeffrey Wright as Bernard Lowe, whose performances critically underpin the show's exploration of consciousness and humanity.

As a top-tier dystopian series, Westworld is unmatched in its philosophical depth and cinematic brilliance, dissecting themes of free will, the nature of consciousness, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Its sophisticated narrative structure presents a multifaceted and evolving reality that questions the essence of what it means to be human. The show's ambitious storytelling and visual aesthetic, combined with its provocative take on the potential consequences of technological advancement, position Westworld as an exemplar of dystopian television, stimulating profound discourse amidst its dramatic revelations.

Colony envisions a near-future Los Angeles under extraterrestrial occupation, where citizens live under a regime of military control and societal division. The series is driven by Josh Holloway as former FBI agent Will Bowman and Sarah Wayne Callies as his wife, Katie Bowman, who find themselves on opposite sides of the resistance movement. The narrative weaves through the tension and drama of collaborator versus insurgent, propels the show forward, and keeps viewers invested in the fates of the Bowman family.

Standing out in the dystopian landscape, Colony earns its merit through a thrilling blend of science fiction and espionage, garnished with political allegory. The show excels at capturing the human condition amidst chaos, showcasing the struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed. Its focus on family dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by individuals under authoritarian rule offers a compelling reflection on sacrifice, loyalty, and the pursuit of freedom, solidifying Colony as a thought-provoking addition to the dystopian genre.

The Society follows a group of teenagers who are mysteriously transported to a facsimile of their wealthy New England town, only to discover that all adults have vanished, leaving them to fend for themselves. The ensemble cast includes Kathryn Newton as the driven Allie Pressman, alongside other young talents like Gideon Adlon, Sean Berdy, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo. The intriguing premise explores governance, morality, and the complex weave of social dynamics that emerge as the teens establish their own rules and order to survive.

Although The Society had an untimely cancellation after its first season, its inclusion as one of the best dystopian series is merited by its compelling dissection of social constructs and the nature-versus-nurture debate played out among the young inhabitants. Balancing between the mysteries of their predicament and the gritty reality of creating a functioning society from scratch, the show offers a nuanced take on leadership, individuality, and community, making it a standout in the genre for its philosophical depth and the stark mirror it holds up to contemporary adolescence.

Set 500 years in the future after Earth has been abandoned for new planets; Firefly follows Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his ragtag crew aboard their spaceship Serenity. This genre-blending series mixes western and space elements with dystopian undertones – exploring themes such as government corruption and individualism versus conformity throughout its short-lived but beloved run.

Snowpiercer embarks on a perpetual journey around a frozen Earth aboard a massive, constantly moving train that harbors the last remnants of humanity. The series, an adaptation of Bong Joon-ho’s film and Jacques Lob's graphic novel, spirals around class warfare, social injustice, and the politics of survival. It features a compelling cast led by Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs, portraying characters from wildly disparate strata of the train's rigorously hierarchical society, battling for control and equity.

Marked by its inventive setting and high-stakes drama, Snowpiercer secures a spot among the top dystopian TV series with its allegorical exploration of societal structures and human nature under pressure. The show masterfully highlights the desperation and resilience that comes with extreme conditions, while emphasizing the complexities of power dynamics and resource allocation. Through thrilling narrative arcs and moral complexity, Snowpiercer offers an intense, claustrophobic reflection on class division and the enduring quest for justice in a world marred by catastrophe.

Firefly, created by Joss Whedon, is a space western that takes place in a future where Earth's population has colonized a new star system. The series follows the eclectic crew of the Serenity, a "Firefly-class" spaceship, as they navigate the fringes of space civilization after a galactic civil war. The beloved cast includes Nathan Fillion as Captain Malcolm Reynolds, Gina Torres as Zoe Washburne, and Alan Tudyk as pilot Hoban 'Wash' Washburne, among others, each bringing depth and charm to their roles as interplanetary outlaws.

Despite its brief run, Firefly has garnered a passionate fan base and critical acclaim, earning a place among the best dystopian TV series for its richly built world and complex characters. It's celebrated for its blending of genres, sharp writing, and commentary on the nature of freedom and resistance in the face of an overarching authority. The show's exploration of societal stratification and the spirit of rebellion against imposing forces provides a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with its audience, securing Firefly's legacy in the pantheon of sci-fi television.

After a deadly virus carried by rain wipes out most of Scandinavia's population; siblings Simone (Alba August) and Rasmus Anderson (Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen) must navigate this post-apocalyptic world filled with danger at every turn. As one of the best European dystopian TV shows; The Rain offers compelling characters alongside suspenseful storytelling that keeps viewers on edge until its thrilling conclusion.

An alternate history series based on Philip K. Dick's novel imagines life if Axis powers had won World War II – resulting in Nazi-controlled America ruled by fear and oppression. Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos) becomes entangled with resistance fighters seeking mysterious films that may hold hope for change amidst this bleak reality – creating one of the most immersive and thought-provoking dystopian series on television.

Revolution unfolds in a world where all forms of electricity have inexplicably stopped working, catapulting civilization back into a new dark age. The series centers around the Matheson family and their knowledge of the blackout's cause, with Billy Burke as the rugged Miles Matheson, Tracy Spiridakos as his determined niece, Charlie, and Elizabeth Mitchell as his insightful sister-in-law, Rachel. The characters traverse a landscape of danger and political upheaval, seeking answers and attempting to restore power to a world in chaos.

While Revolution may not always land at the top of best-of lists in the dystopian genre, it deserves consideration for its unique premise and its examination of how society adapts to immense change. The series tackles the collapse and rebirth of communities, the emergence of militias, and the resilience of human ingenuity without our most relied-upon modern conveniences. The show’s focus on family and survival amidst the broader context of societal breakdown and environmental challenges makes it a distinctive narrative in the array of dystopian television.

Set in 2033 Moscow after an unknown global disaster, survivors live deep underground in this Russian dystopian drama series. As they grapple with limited resources and uncertain futures, characters must navigate harsh environments while facing moral dilemmas that challenge their very humanity.

Follow FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), mad scientist Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his son Peter (Joshua Jackson) as they unravel mind-bending mysteries that blur the line between science fiction and reality. This gripping series is a thrilling exploration of alternate worlds, making it an unforgettable dystopian experience.

In a future where Earth is dying, humans discover a portal to prehistoric times and establish the colony of Terra Nova to create a better world. Led by Commander Nathaniel Taylor (Stephen Lang) and the Shannon family, they must navigate both human conflicts and deadly dinosaur encounters in this thrilling adventure series that combines time travel with dystopian themes.

Adapted from Aldous Huxley's groundbreaking novel, Brave New World introduces us to a utopian society where peace is maintained through strict social hierarchy and emotional suppression. As citizens Bernard Marx (Harry Lloyd) and Lenina Crowne (Jessica Brown Findlay) explore their desires beyond societal norms, they uncover dark secrets threatening to upend everything they've known. 

A modern reimagining of the classic 1965 show sees the Robinson family stranded on an alien planet after their spaceship veers off course during humanity's attempt to colonize space. Led by parents John (Toby Stephens) and Maureen (Molly Parker), they face treacherous landscapes alongside fellow survivors as they work towards finding their way home – making Lost in Space an exciting addition to any list of best dystopian TV shows.

A crew of six wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. As they unravel their pasts and grapple with moral choices, this enigmatic group must navigate treacherous intergalactic politics while facing threats from within. Dark Matter is a thrilling ride through space that challenges our understanding of identity in an uncertain future.

Humanity's last hope lies in a ragtag fleet led by the Battlestar Galactica, fleeing from a deadly robotic race called Cylons. With complex characters like Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) and President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell), this reimagined sci-fi classic delves deep into political intrigue and moral dilemmas while maintaining its dystopian edge. Prepare for intense space battles, shocking betrayals, and unexpected twists in this epic journey for survival.

Time traveler James Cole (Aaron Stanford) must team up with virologist Dr. Cassandra Railly (Amanda Schull) to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out most of humanity in this thrilling adaptation of Terry Gilliam's 1995 film. As they race against time, the duo uncovers dark conspiracies that threaten not only their mission but also the fabric of reality itself. 

Joss Whedon's Dollhouse explores themes of identity theft in an unsettling future where individuals can be programmed with different personalities at will. Eliza Dushku stars as Echo—a "doll" or "Active"—who begins to regain her true self-awareness despite constant memory wipes by her handlers at the mysterious Dollhouse facility run by Adelle DeWitt (Olivia Williams). The show masterfully weaves together corporate espionage, ethical dilemmas, and personal discovery in a thrilling dystopian setting.

This British series presents a world where highly advanced robotic servants called "synths" have become an integral part of society. As the lines between human and synthetic life blur, the show tackles themes related to artificial intelligence, consciousness, and family dynamics. With compelling performances from Gemma Chan as synth Anita/Mia and Katherine Parkinson as Laura Hawkins—whose family's lives are forever changed by their new synth—the series explores what it means to be truly alive.

In a post-apocalyptic world ruled by feudal barons known as Clippers—including Sunny (Daniel Wu), one of the deadliest warriors—this martial arts-infused series follows unlikely allies seeking freedom beyond oppressive borders. Richly textured characters like The Widow (Emily Beecham) bring depth to this brutal yet visually stunning landscape where loyalty is tested at every turn.

Sent back in time from 2077 to present-day Vancouver, Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) must hunt down terrorists who threaten her dystopian future by altering history itself. With its gripping blend of time-travel intrigue and high-stakes action sequences, Continuum examines the consequences of choice while exploring themes like corporate power structures and political manipulation.

Set in the year 3000, this animated comedy follows Philip J. Fry (Billy West), a pizza delivery boy who is accidentally cryogenically frozen and awakens to find himself thrust into a world filled with technological marvels and bizarre alien species. Created by Matt Groening, Futurama humorously explores dystopian themes such as corporate greed and environmental degradation through zany adventures featuring lovable characters.

The original Battlestar Galactica takes viewers on an epic quest for survival after humanity's twelve colonies are destroyed by Cylons—a race of sentient robots bent on extermination. Led by Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) and Captain Apollo (Richard Hatch), the last remnants of humanity face countless challenges in their search for a fabled thirteenth colony: Earth. 

 In this chilling prequel to Z Nation, Black Summer chronicles the early days of a zombie apocalypse through multiple perspectives—including Rose (Jaime King), a mother desperately searching for her daughter. As survivors navigate a world filled with danger and uncertainty, this intense series showcases the raw desperation that drives people to their limits to survive.

Inspired by Alan Moore's iconic graphic novel, Watchmen delves into an alternate history where masked vigilantes have been outlawed yet still lurk beneath society's surface. With standout performances from Regina King as Sister Night and Jeremy Irons as Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias, this gritty series examines issues like racial injustice and political corruption while maintaining its gripping narrative about heroes fighting back against oppressive forces.