10 Brilliant Yet Overlooked Dystopian Action Movies You Need to Watch

10. Akira (1988)

It’s quite telling that even after WWII and the invention of the atomic bomb, we’re still scared how there can be a WWIII, isn’t it? In Akira, Japan is rebuilding after a disastrous conflict — and it’s turned into a technologically advanced tyranny with experiments on humans and total control. Meanwhile, the people await their savior…

You can watch Akira on Netflix.

9. Logan's Run (1976)

Here’s another post-WWIII dystopia masquerading as a utopia. In the 23rd century, the remains of humankind live in a peaceful picture-perfect society that worships youth and pleasure. The life cycle of its inhabitants is only 30 years, but it worries no one until one man uncovers the terrifying truth behind the promised “rebirth.”

You can watch Logan's Run on Apple TV and Prime Video.

8. The Omega Man (1971)

Guess what: a massive war wiped out most of humanity and left others mutated and turned into nocturnal beasts of prey. The only person who survived the devastation in Los Angeles is a US Army officer, and there’s no one to help him — but a whole lot of things that come for him at night. Can he survive in this nightmare and escape?

You can watch The Omega Man on Apple TV and Prime Video.

7. Equilibrium (2002)

On the other hand, what’s the best way to avoid wars and conflicts overall? Devoid people of feelings, of course. In Equilibrium, emotions and art are no more thanks to a special drug that keeps people rational and cold-headed. But once a government enforcer forgets to take his, he finds himself unwilling to go back to the cold void…

You can watch Equilibrium on Apple TV and Prime Video.

6. District 9 (2009)

When we think of aliens, we lowkey expect one of the two things: either a brutal invasion or peaceful collaboration. In District 9, neither happens — instead, aliens become refugees on Earth after they have to escape from their home planet. Things get bloody when humans decide that the guests have outstayed their welcome.

You can watch District 9 on Netflix and Prime Video.

5. Minority Report (2002)

Speaking of preventing conflicts, in Minority Report, people have discovered a new way of stopping crimes: a new PreCrime police force finds assailants before they commit a murder and attack them in advance. The system works exceptionally well until the PreCrime boss finds himself framed for killing a random person in the future.

You can watch Minority Report on Prime Video.

4. Gattaca (1997)

In the future, babies could be genetically pre-programmed before their birth. That’s what happens in Gattaca, the utopian society… Which isn’t so utopian for those deemed unworthy at birth. The main character, born outside of labs, tries to make his way in a world that disregards him, but posing as a different person has its problems.

You can watch Gattaca on Apple TV and Prime Video.

3. Dark City (1998)

Memories can be hurtful, but without them, you’re a nobody — at least, in your own eyes. A man finds himself in a nightmarish dystopian world, hunted by the police and searched for by his wife, but he can’t remember her, his crimes, or even himself. Plagued by uncertainty, he tries to survive — and learn the truth about his life.

You can watch Dark City on Prime Video.

2. Serenity (2005)

As humanity spreads to the stars, tighter control is required… And it leads to creation of a tyrannical intergalactic empire that holds no regard for human lives. A simple space smuggler picks up a couple of passengers and finds himself hunted by half the galaxy — apparently, his guests are not as simple as he deemed them to be.

You can watch Serenity on Apple TV and Prime Video.

1. Escape from New York (1981)

Speaking of World War III, let’s end this list with another version of its consequences. Long story short, the entirety of Manhattan is now a maximum security prison with no way in or out… Which is rather unfortunate when the President crashes there. The person chosen to save the most important man in the country is a convicted bank robber who gets poisoned and promised the antidote if he succeeds. Stakes, people!

You can watch Escape from New York on Apple TV and Prime Video.