5 Movies To Watch If You Love Dystopian Novels (& 5 If You Love Classic Novels)
Film adaptations of novels are ever-popular, and it seems that two of the biggest genres are classic literature and dystopian futures. These two genres are so popular in today’s culture that it seems there is always at least one playing in theaters, and fans may not be able to keep up with all the best offerings.
To avoid missing out, these are some of the best dystopian movies (that are not The Hunger Games or Divergent) to satiate any hunger for more post-apocalyptic films. For those who want to look at the past, not the possible future, there are also classic movie adaptations of well-loved novels throughout the centuries.
10 Dystopian: Mortal Engines
The concept of this film is a “city on wheels” which basically means it is possible to move an entire city from one place to another. To make it more bizarre, these small cities are always on the run because if they are not, they are going to be devoured by a larger city.
Based on Philip Reeve’s 2001 novel, Mortal Engines delivers appetizing visual effects and cinematography that will leave the audience in awe. The protagonist, Hester Shaw, is a new talent to watch out for!
9 Classic: Little Women
The March siblings are four different women with equally exceptional stories to tell. This award-winning and star-studded film garnered international attention. Set in the 1860s, the tale of the four sisters will inspire everyone to seek their true selves and fall in love with their dreams, no matter how different they are from everyone.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel of 1868, Little Women is directed by Greta Gerwig, who has become a household name for most sought-after female directors.
8 Dystopian: Ready Player One
This video game-like movie boasts of modern technology in a post-apocalyptic, crumbling city of Ohio. The idea is to create a version of yourself in a virtual reality program called the OASIS. The founder, James Halliday, wanted to leave a legacy to the people before he passed away.
The masterpiece of Ernest Cline of the same title, Ready Player One does not fall short on action and stunning graphic effects!
7 Classic: Pride And Prejudice
Any fan of Jane Austen novels is likely to have encountered this film as it is one of her most popular works. Pride and Prejudice is more than just a romance film - it’s a rebellion against the stereotypical 18th-century tradition surrounding marriage, morality, and self-righteousness.
It depicts the lives of five young women who are hoping to marry rich gentlemen to save their family’s inheritance. The film delivers an in-depth view of the class-conscious England with its brilliant dialogues, fitting music, and stunning cinematography.
6 Dystopian: The Fifth Wave
Disaster movies are quite the trend in the past years and each of them focuses on one specific calamity. In The Fifth Wave, we see all of these natural tragedies come to life in a succession of five ‘waves’. One can only imagine how stressful this film is to watch!
Starring Chloe Grace Moretz, The Fifth Wave is based on Rick Yancey’s 2013 novel of the same name. The movie is generally good with alternating suspenseful events and nerve-wracking scenes.
5 Classic: The Great Gatsby
The popular modern classic novel adaptation is one of the most beloved films by fans of both classic works of literature and Leonardo DiCaprio. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby is more than just the glitz and glamour of a high-end lifestyle. It also tackles the dirt and deception behind the shimmering illusion of ambitious dreams and tragedies.
From the lines, down to the costumes and the visual presentation, the movie did not fall short in expressing the ardent spirit of the American dream in Baz Lurhmann's inimitable style.
4 Dystopian: Ender’s Game
In this film, a young and bright kid is sent to space to battle extraterrestrial forces. He was trained, along with other gifted children, how to live in the outer space and to prepare for the upcoming war. The twist at the end of the film will leave audiences questioning humanity and our tendency to resort to violence.
Based on the popular young adult fiction novel by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game is a story of friendship and bravery, and of trusting oneself in times of adversity.
3 Classic: Dorian Gray
Starring Ben Barnes, Dorian Gray is a timeless tale that captured the hearts of million readers all across the world. The story revolves around an ageless man who befriends an artist and a radical gentleman. Everything changed when he receives a hand-painted portrait of himself.
Written by renowned author Oscar Wilde in 1890, the tale of Dorian Gray has been a staple read in every library. Fans of stories involving mystery, murder, art, and philosophy, will find Dorian Gray the one they’re looking for!
2 Dystopian: City Of Embers
In this film, an underground city is sustained by a massive power generator that could only last up to 200 years. In this time, the lights are starting to flicker and fade, and the protagonists, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow must gather all the clues to save their city from eternal darkness.
From the 2003 novel of Jeanne DuPrau, City of Embers features award-winning actress Saoirse Ronan and Harry Treadaway. This film perfectly captivated the hearts of the older generations as it is attracting the interests of the new ones.
1 Classic: Dead Poets Society
Fans of academic films packed with quotable lines, Dead Poets Society offers it all. In 1959, an English teacher named John Keating inspires his students to live their best life and break the status quo. It is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and ambition.
Dead Poets Society will leave you breathless and awestruck with strong realizations about the important things in life. Be sure to have your box of tissues ready because this will surely tug at your heartstrings!