Although our world may often seem dystopian, these classic and contemporary novels reflect our darkest possible futures through captivating stories. Including The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale, here are our top 20 dystopian novels. Novels have the power to ignite our imaginations while delving into human themes and mirroring our contemporary society. Authors like George Orwell and Octavia E. Butler have created stunning dystopian fiction that depicts terrifying future scenarios, urging us to rethink our world to build a better future. Spanning over 120 years, these dystopian novels feature oppressive governments, sinister villains, and various threats to modern civilization, from deadly plagues to climate disasters to human conflict.
From H.G. Wells' time-travel adventure (The Time Machine) to Suzanne Collins' global sensation turned blockbuster starring Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games), these books have sparked readers' imaginations for decades and continue to captivate and inspire. Read on to discover EW's selection of the 20 greatest dystopian novels ever.
1984 by George Orwell (1949)
George Orwell's renowned narrative about governmental control and the suppression of free thought remains pertinent today, with the term "Orwellian" frequently invoked. Orwell's 1984, the novel that popularised the term, is a compelling and expertly written book.
The plot centres on Winston Smith, a diligent worker who rewrites history at the Ministry of Truth. He nostalgically recalls the days before the Party took control of Oceania and established a personality cult devoid of individuality and free thinking. With its beautiful prose and exceptional world-building, Orwell's 1984 is more relevant than ever and essential reading for our times.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)
Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven, adapted into an HBO Max miniseries, is a tribute to art and human connection. It intertwines past and present through characters spread across North America, following a nomadic troupe of actors performing Shakespeare and classical music in a world devastated by a flu pandemic that nearly wiped out humanity.
With richly drawn characters and an engaging structure, St. John Mandel has crafted a modern classic that offers hope amidst adversity. EW's critic Karen Valby praised the novel, writing, "This is not a story of crisis and survival. It's one of art and family and memory and community and the awful courage it takes to look upon the world with fresh and hopeful eyes."
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)
H.G. Wells' 19th-century novel, The Time Machine, follows a time traveller journeying 80,000 years into the future to encounter two races: the Eloi and the Morlocks. Reflecting the duality of human nature, these classes depict a grim future for humanity. With its stunning storytelling and science fiction plot that inspired a century of literature, The Time Machine remains a timeless novel that will continue to captivate readers.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
Ray Bradbury's classic, Fahrenheit 451, tells the story of Guy Montag, a fireman who burns books and the houses where they are hidden. However, after meeting his young neighbour Clarisse, who introduces him to the freedom and imagination of the past, Guy begins to question his role in society and the consequences of denying fundamental truths. With its sharp satire and important message, Bradbury's skillfully written novel is a must-read for any fiction enthusiast.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (1993)
Set in the mid-2020s, the world of Parable of the Sower, plagued by war, disease, and chronic water shortages, feels uncomfortably close. But Octavia E. Butler's enchanting prose and remarkable characters offer hope amid chaos.
Following the death of her parents in a fire, Lauren Olamina journeys from a devastated Los Angeles with other refugees to seek safety in the North. Along the way, she devises a plan to save humanity while navigating her "hyper-empathy," which makes her experience the emotions and hardships of those around her. As the first book in the deeply moving (and unfortunately unfinished) Parable series, Parable of the Sower is an excellent introduction to one of America's greatest authors.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)
Imagine discovering that everything you have ever known and cherished is a falsehood. Kathy faces this harrowing reality in Never Let Me Go when she and her friends, Ruth and Tommy, venture beyond the confines of their seemingly ordinary English boarding school for the first time. This captivating novel by Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro, which was adapted into a film in 2010, blends mystery, romance, and a powerful critique of society's treatment of the vulnerable and different, in a world where people are seen as disposable and even replaceable.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)
Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is celebrated as one of the finest American novels of the 20th century, remarkably prescient in its depiction of future scientific advancements, including reproductive technology and psychological manipulation. In a dystopia where citizens are genetically engineered and stratified into a rigid hierarchy, the story follows "Alpha" psychologist Bernard, who challenges the status quo and the controlling powers by daring to explore remnants of the old world and even bringing parts of it back. Controversial and deeply thought-provoking, Brave New World remains a novel that merits ongoing analysis and appreciation.
The Power by Naomi Alderman (2016)
With a slight twist of nature, the entire world transforms. In Naomi Alderman's contemporary novel, the familiar world shifts dramatically when teenage girls suddenly gain the ability to generate electric shocks, causing intense pain or even death. By upending traditional power dynamics, The Power—adapted into an Amazon series starring Toni Collette—reflects our current society and challenges our assumptions and biases through its fictional narrative of women rising to dominance.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the successful Hulu series starring Elisabeth Moss and its relevance to current political events. First published in 1985, the novel remains as impactful as ever. Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, remembers her past life with her husband and daughter. Now, she lives in a world where she is forbidden from reading, forced to bear a child for her "commander," and valued only for her reproductive capabilities. Satirical, terrifying, and unexpectedly humorous, The Handmaid's Tale is a remarkable piece of literature that has rightfully earned its acclaim over the decades.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006)
Adapted into a 2009 film starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi-Smit McPhee, The Road presents a stark and harrowing vision of the future by renowned author Cormac McCarthy. In a desolate, post-apocalyptic America, an unnamed father and son embark on a perilous journey to the coast, their only hope lying in their bond with each other. McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a masterfully crafted, all-encompassing portrayal of the human condition, showcasing both its darkest and most redemptive aspects, as only this author, known for his violent imagery and piercing social critiques, could deliver.
The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)
Lois Lowry's celebrated novel, The Giver, is the inaugural entry in a series that captivated readers worldwide. In a society devoid of color, 12-year-old Jonas is assigned the role of the Receiver of Memory. This position forces him to absorb the collective memories of humanity and uncover the disturbing truths about his community's hidden past. This influential YA dystopian novel inspired numerous sequels and a 2014 film featuring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, and Taylor Swift, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia by Ursula K. Le Guin (1974)
Ursula K. Le Guin's The Dispossessed, part of her renowned Hainish Cycle, stands out as a cornerstone of science fiction. The 1974 novel follows Shevek, a physicist from an anarchist society, as he journeys to the utopian planet Urras to dismantle the barriers of animosity. Le Guin's exploration of anarchy, capitalism, and individuality earned The Dispossessed numerous accolades, cementing its status as an essential work in the genre.
The Wall by John Lanchester (2019)
The Wall, a contemporary dystopian novel by John Lanchester, offers a suspenseful and satirical take on climate change. Set in an island nation shielded from global catastrophe by a massive Wall, the story follows Joseph Kavanagh, a Defender tasked with protecting his section from desperate outsiders known as the Others. Lanchester's gripping narrative addresses modern societal issues through a poignant and engaging lens, making it a compelling read.
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin (1924)
Yevgeny Zamyatin's We is a seminal work that paved the way for modern dystopian fiction. Set in a totalitarian society in the 26th century, the novel centers on D-503, a mathematician who discovers his own soul, challenging the regime's oppressive control. The numerous translations from its original Russian have preserved the novel's poetic prose and profound themes, allowing a wide audience to appreciate its exploration of individual freedom.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (1962)
Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange presents a disturbing vision of the future, featuring a youth rebellion led by the amoral and violent Alex. The novel's protagonist is as passionate about classical music as he is about committing brutal acts. When Alex undergoes state-imposed aversion therapy, the novel delves into the complexities of morality. Known for its innovative slang and controversial ending, A Clockwork Orange has sparked decades of debate among fans and scholars. Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation is also a masterful rendition of Burgess' dystopian world.
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick (1962)
Awarded the prestigious Hugo Award, The Man in the High Castle envisions an alternate history where the Allies lost World War II, resulting in the United States divided under Japanese and Nazi control. This 1962 novel, which later inspired an Amazon series, was a significant milestone in Philip K. Dick's career, establishing him as a leading name in science fiction. The book's bold and provocative narrative compels readers to ponder the "what-ifs" of history with striking and immersive detail, making it feel startlingly real.
The Drowned World by J.G. Ballard (1962)
J.G. Ballard's The Drowned World stands out as a visionary and distinctive piece of climate dystopian fiction. Set in the year 2145, the novel depicts a world where climate change and solar radiation have melted the polar ice caps, submerging much of the earth. A biologist and his team navigate this harsh new reality, encountering giant iguanas and prehistoric creatures. Both unsettling and exhilarating, Ballard's novel remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate.
The Stand by Stephen King (1978)
Stephen King's epic 1978 novel, The Stand, spans over 1,000 pages of riveting prose, chronicling humanity's struggle for survival. After a man inadvertently spreads a lethal flu virus from a biological testing facility, wiping out 99% of the population, two leaders with vastly different philosophies emerge, determining the future of the remaining survivors. Rich in ideas and vivid descriptions, The Stand is considered one of King's most significant achievements.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)
At the zenith of young adult book-to-film adaptations, Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy remains one of the most acclaimed. The first book introduces Katniss Everdeen, a detached teenager who volunteers for the annual Hunger Games to save her sister. As rebellion simmers across the 12 districts of a dystopian future North America, the story unfolds with complex characters, a gripping plot, and profound social insights. The Hunger Games is a standout work in both YA and dystopian literature of the 21st century.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut (1969)
Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five takes readers on a non-linear journey through the life of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes "unstuck in time." His experiences range from childhood to old age, surviving the firebombing of Dresden in World War II—a real-life event Vonnegut endured—to captivity in an alien zoo on Tralfamadore. Hailed as one of the greatest novels of all time, Slaughterhouse-Five is a profound piece of anti-war literature, celebrated for its unparalleled clarity and impact.
Conclusion
These reimagined worlds of dystopian fiction challenge us to question reality and reflect on our societal norms. From Philip K. Dick's alternate history in The Man in the High Castle to the climate catastrophe in J.G. Ballard's The Drowned World, each novel offers a unique perspective on potential futures. Stephen King's The Stand and Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games explore the resilience and moral dilemmas of humanity, while Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five provides a poignant critique of war. These masterpieces of dystopian literature not only captivate but also provoke critical thought, reminding us of the importance of understanding and addressing the issues we face today.
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