First off, the dystopian genre consists of many characteristics that create a futuristic version of our current world, but not one for the better. Often in dystopian films, novels, or shows, the conditions of human life are usually suppressed due to deprivation, oppression, or terror. These are most of the time due to natural disasters the world has fallen to due to human ignorance, or sometimes corrupt political power.
Lots of dystopian films focus on social control of the public which is usually enforced by corporate, religious/philosophical power, technological, or bureaucratic powers. It is defined as totalitarianism which is a social control over a population through force and watching. This is very relevant in certain novels such as 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, as they are classic novels that orchestrate the control of the public's knowledge and how they are restricted by the higher powers in charge.
Dystopian fiction is technically a work of science fiction as it takes place within the future, which may hold technological advances and partakes in 'speculative' fiction. This type of fiction speculates what happens within our world if we don't acknowledge the current threats and situation of our world now.
Some characteristics of dystopian societies are:
-Propaganda used to control citizens/populations.
-Information restricted as well as freedom and independent thinking.
-A certain motto, figure, or rule that is worshipped within the society.
-Dehumanization and surveillance.
-Illusion of a perfect utopia.
-Individuality is frowned upon as well as fear of outside world.
Dystopian genre is able to target a very broad audience. It includes all ages, genders, and views. It also supports moral arguments of the creator and gets across a message that society has been trying to explain for years. It also brings awareness and caution to the world around us, which appeals to many people as they believe in many different concepts of where our world will take us. In my opinion, I believe many people are attracted to it because of how the human brain infatuates itself with the future. We are always looking to the next day, month, or year, and we often forget about the present. It is easy to focus on what will come of something instead of how to change the matter at hand, as many are afraid of taking a step to make a change within society.
Finally, here are some of my personal favorite dystopian pieces of literature!
Animal Farm (1945) George Orwell
Such an amazing book speaking about how power can be corrupted while also touching on equality and how tyrannical leaders manipulate population. This movie was very impactful in it's time, and still is till this day if you really focus on the message it gives.
1984 (1949) George Orwell
Beautiful book speaking on surveillance of the people and mass thought control. It shows how full power manipulates truths and limits individualism. George Orwell strikes again!
Player Piano (1952) Kurt Vonnegut
This novel speaks about the total control of technologies and how it can dehumanize society, stripping people of their purposes with automation. A great piece which conveys dangers of our technological advances and how humans also have a part within our world.
There Will Come Soft Rains (1950) Ray Bradbury
This is one of my FAVORITE short stories ever and we read it in school, it honestly changed my life and made me super interested within how our world progresses, how government and wars impact us greatly, and how literature communicates this all beautifully. This short story focuses on how human technology will outlive humans, yet without humanity it ceases to hold purpose. Additionally it brings awareness to total destruction through war and decisions made through our governments.
The Last of Us (2023)
This dystopian show and game shows how the power of love mixed with survival can create a blurred line of what is right and wrong. It has great suspense built throughout it and it really shows human connections and how they matter through times of desperation.
Maze Runner series (2014-2018)
Originally a book series from 2009-2016 and eventually adapted into a movie trilogy series, this is my favorite dystopian franchise. Not only does it have a very captivating story line and great character development, it creates awareness towards total control within a crumbling society and it shows the power of questioning authority.
Dredd (2012)
While being very graphic, this film actually holds a great moral value in which Judge Dredd struggles between order and corruption as well as the consequences of total power. It depicts a great dystopian sci fi film that appeals to a more specific audience of older men with its action conventions.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
This was a more recent film that really struck a chord with me. There was a lot of opinion about the ending of the film, but I found it tied it all together. While the film touches on an apocalyptic world and how fear can lead to aggression and panic, it also focuses on how the media teaches us to bury our head in the sand and disregard the rest of the world. It shows how many are raised to ignore the problems around them as long as they are secure and entertained.
Matrix (1999-2003)
The Matrix is a very popular franchise focusing on the ease of being manipulated and the importance of questioning power as well as acting out against it.
The Hunger Games Franchise
Within this franchise, the Hunger Games books (2008-2025) and the film series (2012-2023) is one of the most popular creations and is loved by many. It explores oppressive systems that will utilize people for power and entertainment. It shows the importance of resistance and teamwork in the fight for freedom.
All of these media works are great examples of dystopian genre displayed and the different moral lessons they depict in order to communicate a view within society. This research really helped me grasp an understanding of the different characteristics it includes and the categories that it falls under.
Below are the videos and websites I watched/read up to further educate me on this genre!
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