Dystopian fiction has long been a significant force within the science fiction and horror genres, but in the 21st century, it has emerged as a dominant category in its own right. This article delves into the pinnacle of TV dystopia, presenting a curated list of the best shows that span from zombie-infested wastelands to AI-driven apocalypses, and even more subtle dystopias, such as societies governed by social media scores or worlds where every moment is recorded in your brain like a video file.
From massive plagues and nuclear winters to robot uprisings, time travel-induced paranoia, and mysterious disappearances, these 19 TV series (plus one miniseries) showcase the most ingenious, terrifying, and often emotionally resonant dystopian narratives ever produced. Whether portraying post-apocalyptic scenarios or depicting office workers with consciousness-altering microchips, these shows all share a dark vision of the future—near or distant—that pulses with intensity, intrigue, and boundless imagination.
If your interest lies in 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 voted on their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV!
However, if it's television that captures your attention, then read on as we delve into iconic series such as 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!
