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Viewers cannot get enough of dystopian TV series. With the recent series release of HBO’sThe Last of Us, that obsession is still going strong. Whatever the appeal of watching these shows may be, whether it is an awful future with a tyrannical government like in the seriesThe Handmaid’s Taleor the collapse of civilization in the animeCyberpunk: Edgerunners, the genre of dystopia has its ominous hooks in viewers.
Luckily, lovers of dystopian TV series can checkIMDbfor the highest-rated dystopian series, which should be considered essential viewing for fans of the genre. These best dystopian shows have defined the genre over the years, and amassed massive fanbases from around the world.
Updated on July 14, 2025, by Hannah Saab:
A teaser trailer forBlack Mirror’s sixth season has finally dropped, confirming that the beloved dystopian anthology series will be returning this June. As fans eagerly wait to see what twisted fictional inventions, futuristic storylines, and dark twists await them inBlack Mirrorseason 6, it’s the perfect time to revisit some other must-see dystopian series.
10’Into the Badlands' (2015 - 2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
About 500 years into the future, the United States has shifted into treacherous feudal land between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.Into the Badlandsreveals the story of a soldier named Sunny (Daniel Wu) and a boy named M.K. (AramisKnight) searching for enlightenment and the mythical utopian city of Azra.
AMC’sInto the Badlandsdraws on the dystopian trope of a familiar setting because the environment is comparable to our world but labeled as post-apocalyptic. The show also mimics characteristics of the American Civil War and does not hesitate to take viewers down a darker path.
Watch on Netflix
9’The Man in the High Castle' (2015 - 2019)
In an alternate America conquered by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan,The Man in the High Castlefeatures Juliana Crain, portrayed byAlexa Davalos, who uncovers a bizarre film that may hold the key to ending authoritarian governments.
The Man in the High Castle’s explanationof how things could have been is as chilling as it is realistic. It exemplifies how effortlessly the world can fall into shambles and is a dreadful reminder of how close to catastrophe the world is at any given moment.
Watch on Prime Video
8’The Promised Neverland' (2019 - 2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The Promised Neverlandrelates the story of Emma (Sumire Morohoshi/Erica Mendez), Norman (Maaya Uchida/Jeannie Tirado), and Ray (Mariya Ise/Laura Stahl) and their plan to escape from their orphanage, Grace Field House. They learn that their orphanage is a place where the children are raised to be given to demons for eating.
One ofThe Promised Neverland’s main dystopian characteristics is the pitting of humans against each other. The anime first tries to accommodate all the wishes of the children and then turns them against one another.The Promised Neverlandtaps into that sentiment of finding a connection when there seems to be none left in the world.
Watch on Hulu
7’Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' (2022)
Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersis a remarkablecyberpunk and dystopian showthat features a society plagued by lawlessness, corruption, and cybernetic implants. A teen named David (Kenn/Zach Aguilar) tries to survive by making his way on the wrong side of the law as an “edgerunner,": a high-tech, black-market mercenary known as a “cyberpunk.”
Another explanation for fans' love of dystopian shows is the identification with the heroes, who usually are bold, brave, and talented.Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersmeets this condition with its engrossing characters. David particularly has unlimited potential and dreams in a world that continually seeks to destroy it.
6’Utopia' (2013 - 2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
When a group of people find a manuscript of a graphic novel rumored to have foreseen the worst catastrophes of the last century, they get caught up in a situation with an organization known as The Network.
One reason the British thriller Tv seriesUtopiais so remarkable is that it permits the viewer to feel more okay about today’s existing society, which, even if flawed, is far better than the one in the show. It’s not surprising that the series has gained a cult following over the years and is still appealing to new fans today – it’s never too late to catch up.
5’The Handmaid’s Tale' (2017 - )
Following a Second American Civil War, adystopia is built in the TV seriesThe Handmaid’s Tale. The government of Gilead establishes rules where women are forced to work in minimal roles, including some as Handmaids. Women also cannot own possessions, have a profession, or read.
Drawing on the dystopian attributes of an authoritarian government that has taken power and robbed people of their rights, this series is popular because it produces a feeling of empowerment. Watching June Osborne (Elizabeth Moss) rebel against something greater than herself helps viewers feel they can create a new, better reality.
4’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995 - 1996)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Teenager Shinji Ikari, summoned to the city of Tokyo-3 fifteen years after a global cataclysm, discovers he must help his father. The series follows Shinji and other military members to prevent Angels from causing more catastrophes.
Neon Genesis Evangelionscores high on a dystopian list for the destruction and anarchy and the psychological complexity it brings. As society becomes more socially secluded and yet grossly dependent on technology, it is easy to imagine assimilation ideas not being that far off in the future.
3’Black Mirror' (2011 - 2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Black Mirroris a series that probes social issues through the lens of technology.EveryBlack Mirrorepisodeis different, occurring in various realities, with distinct characters combating different technologies in the renowned anthology series.
Throughout the show’s dark episodes, viewers face the possible horrors technology could bring, all while recognizing that the technology depicted is not that far off, a trademark dystopian trope. As fans get ready for season 6, it’s the ideal time to dive back into and binge-watch the show.
2’The Last of Us' (2023 - )
Proving that video game adaptations can work when done right, HBO’sThe Last of Ustook the world by storm when it premiered earlier this year. It’s centered on the jaded survivor Joel (Pedro Pascal), whose experiences as a smuggler lead him to the young Ellie (Bella Ramsey). As the duo reluctantly embarks on a trip across the country, each terrifying event brings them closer to each other.
Whether viewers are fans of the video game series or not,The Last of Usis an exhilarating zombie show that takes place in a sprawling dystopian world. Hidden within the crumbling buildings and beneath the dangerous roads are the Infected, which come in all sorts of frightening shapes and sizes. It’s an HBO phenomenon audiences shouldn’t miss out on.
Watch on HBO Max
1’Attack on Titan' (2013 - 2023)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Attack on Titanis an anime series that centers around a post-apocalyptic world where people live inside cities. Surrounding the cities are enormous walls that shield people from massive creatures called Titans. Eren Jaeger (Yuki Kaji/Bryce Papenbrook) and his friends vow to destroy the Titans when a Colossal Titan makes it over the wall.
Attack on Titanoffers a disturbingly normal feeling of the city and the sense of being trapped. The show checks all the boxes for a superb dystopian story featuring a loss of independent freedom, destruction, and anarchy while permitting viewers to connect to the characters. The series is a great starting point for anime newbies, who may find themselves quickly getting hooked on the incredible show.
