Dystopian fiction has long been a cornerstone of both the science fiction and horror genres, but in the 21st century, it has surged to become a dominant force in its own right. Here, you'll discover the pinnacle of dystopian TV, encompassing everything from zombie-infested wastelands to AI-driven apocalypses, and even more subtle nightmares like societies governed by social media scores or worlds where every moment is recorded in your brain as if it were a video file.
From devastating pandemics and nuclear winters to robot insurrections, time-travel-induced paranoia, and mysterious vanishings, these 19 TV series (along with one miniseries) showcase the most ingenious, terrifying, and often emotionally resonant dystopian narratives ever crafted. Whether depicting post-apocalyptic scenarios or the mundane life of an office worker with a consciousness-altering microchip, these shows all share a compelling, dark vision of the future—whether near or distant—that pulses with intensity, intrigue, and boundless creativity.
If your interest leans more towards movies, be sure to explore the Top 10 Apocalypse Movies of All Time and the 6 Post-Apocalyptic Movies You've Probably Never Seen. Additionally, IGN readers have cast their votes for their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV!
For those who prefer the extended storytelling of TV, dive deeper with us into series like Fallout, Severance, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale, The Last of Us, and more. Here are the Top 20 Dystopian TV Shows of All Time!
