Skip to navigation | Skip to content

Share your knowledge. Make a difference.

Best Dystopian Novels

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 4 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #207 in Arts , #3958 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Best Dystopian Books

 

This lens is about dystopian books, which are among my favorite types of books. Most people automatically think of dystopia as a science fiction sub-genre, and while dystopian science fiction is common, not all stories about dystopian societies (or screwed up uptoias) are from the sci-fi genre.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) 

#12 Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)

This novel isn't the 12th best on the list (it would be rated much higher in my opinion) but it's at number twelve because of the on going argument whether this is truly a dystopian novel or not. The definition of dystopia isn't necessarily clear, though the general definition is that it is a society in which misery and negative conditions prevail (or a seeming utopia gained at horrifying costs.)

As far as a dysfunctional society, the island with its stranded little boys is it, and once the conch shell is no longer seen as authority, everything breaks apart. If anyone wants to argue that an anarchy could work, this book would be an immediate argument against it.

This is an incredible psychological work, a book that is still taught as a mainstay of both psychology and sociology in high schools and college even today. In the book they tried to build a society without the enforcement of laws, and without a threat that was higher than an individual person, it fell apart.

I'd say anytime a guy gets hit by a big boulder because he's annoying, your society definitely qualifies as dysfunctional enough to count as a dystopia.

Want a Great Read? Buy Lord of the Flies Right Here! 

Lord of the Flies is one of the all time classic novels.

Lord of the Flies (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century)

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a classic that explores the deep animal psychology within each and every human from a psychological and sociological stance. When I was in high school, this was the only book every person in class actually read.

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) 

#11 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)

This story comes from the first person Offred. Offred is a maid in a time when fertile women are forced to be breeding machines to keep the human population going. This takes place because the world is a post-nuclear world where many women can't have children.

This is a very theocratic society, and this book tends to be very pro-feminist and anti-religious. In this world the country has been taken over by "Christian" fundamentalists who have done away with the Constitution and founded a theocratic state.

This Republic of Gilead (as it is called) is ruled through fundamentalism and rigid enforcement of social roles vaguely resembling Dominionism.

Most citizens, and all women, have been stripped of their freedoms. While this makes it popular among feminits and colleges, it also causes it to be protested by religious or conservative affiliations, especially at the high school level.

This is a great dystopian tale that is frightening because the logic of how the society became the way it is happens to be very believable.

Sound Interesting? Buy a Copy Right Here! 

This novel is a favorite among many readers.

The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel

A favorite among academics, science fiction fans, and feminists alike, this dystopian novel is frightening because of how logical and realistic the society of this post-nuclear world is.

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/07/2008)

Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984) 

One of the most influential science fiction books in modern history

#10 Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984)

Most of William Gibson's novels revolve around a dystopian future society, but Neuromancer may be the best of them all.

This novel won the sci-fi "triple crown" for writers by winning the Nebula, Hugo, and Philip K. Dick awards.

In the seedy underground of a Japanese city, a computer hacker is hired to work on the ultimate hack.

In a world flushed with AI, virtual reality, genetic engineering, and corporations overpowering nations, the adventure follows.

Gibson beat many modern sci-fi writers to the punch, and this dystopian novel is one of the most influential in modern times. In fact, here is a list of themes that Gibson beat everyone to:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Virtual Reality
Genetic Engineering
Multi-national corporations overpowering the traditional nation-state

Gibson tackled these topics long before they became mainstream in popular culture. The concept of "cyberspace" makes its first appearance, with Gibson describing the word to describe "a consensual hallucination experienced daily by billions."

Neuromancer: One of the Most Influential Books in Modern Science Fiction 

A brilliant modern dystopia, and maybe William Gibson's best novel

Neuromancer

The first in a trilogy, this William Gibson novel was brilliant and helped re-define the science fiction genre, while accurately predicting future technologies, such as our current Internet.

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

Iron Heel by Jack London (1908) 

Turn of the century dystopian literature

#9 Iron Heel by Jack London (1908)

Iron Heel is an excellent dystopian novel about the rise of a tyrannical corporate oligarchy in the United States. This book doesn't pay attention to technology the way most future dystopian science fiction novels do now.

This work stressed changes in society and politics, with the oligarchy formed by robber barons whom bankrupt all the middle class and seize power before enforcing a "caste system" of workers. This plot shows Jack London's socialist views at their apex, and this story was a far travel from his normal wilderness themed stories.

This was a fantastic dystopian novel that was far ahead of its time.

The Iron Heel: Jack London's Greatest Dystopian Work 

The Iron Heel tends to fly under the radar, but it was a dystopian prediction by Jack London

The Iron Heel (Penguin Classics)

Overlooked, but still in print 100 years later. A fantastic novel, and one worthy of reading.

Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Running Man by Richard Bachman (1982) 

#8 The Running Man by Richard Bachman (1982)

Written by Stephen King under the penname of Richard Bachman, "The Running Man" is a fantastic dystopian novel about a frightening future where ratings and entertainment takes form in a man hunt, and where even the "winners" are losers. This novel is far superior to the movie, and in my opinion is one of the best novels written by Stephen King. "The Long Walk" is also an honorable mention.

The Running Man by Richard Bachman (Stephen King) 

An amazing science fiction work that deserves bigger recognition

The book was far far superior to the fairly lousy (though strangely entertaining at 3 a.m.) movie.

The Running Man

The Running Man was written under the penname Richard Bachman, but Stephen King was the actual author of this modern science fiction dystopian classic.

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks (2006) 

#7 Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks (2006)

I've probably read over 200 books the last two years, and among many good novels, "Armageddon's Children" has been one of my favorites. This is one of the best novels written by Terry Brooks, and takes place in a post apocalyptic world around 2100, following (among others) a lone remaining knight trying desperately to fight off the demon onslaught and a group of street gang kids who roam the remains of Seattle trying to survive. The fantasy world of Shannara was supposedly spawned from the post apocalyptic wastes of Earth, and this series bridges the gap between the two.

Love Terry Brooks? Buy This Fantastic Book Right Here! 

The first book in a great new series.

Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1)

This is Terry Brooks at his absolute best describing an incredible post apocalyptic world in this stunning and page turning dystopian novel.

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955) 

This dystopian novel was released under the title "The Re-birth" in the United States

#6 The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955)

This dystopian novel is another example of a post-nuclear world. This time the dystopia comes from a "need" for purity. As humans are being born with increasing levels of mutations and deformities, the state decides to execute anyone who isn't "perfect," meaning even one extra toe can be a death sentence. This attempt at forcing perfection in a post apocalyptic world is disturbing and effective, and has spawned many imitators.

You Can Buy This All Time Great Novel Right Here 

Also known as "The Re-Birth" in the United States

The Chrysalids

The world has ended, but ashes still remain. If you're even the slightest bit imperfect, you had better beware...

Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)

The Children of Men by PD James (1992) 

#5 The Children of Men by PD James (1992)

Most people will know about the film with Richard Gere and Julianne Moore. The movie was very good, but is far different from the book. In this world, for reasons unknown, all men's sperm count plummeted to zero, and without reason or explanation, mankind now faces its own extinction. The fear mongering during this time has allowed governments extraordinary powers to keep the peace, and when a woman becomes pregnant, the implications are enormous.

Want to compare the book to the movie? Buy a copy of both here! 

Both were excellent, I think I like the novel slightly more.

The Children of Men

Children of Men-the fantastic book that has fans world wide about a frightening future where extinction may not be preventable.

Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 10/07/2008)

Children of Men (Widescreen Edition)

The exceptional movie based on the novel by PD James.

Amazon Price: $12.98 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Making of "The Children of Men" 

Eight minutes on the making of the film "The Children of Men."

Children of Men - Making Of

The making of the movie "Children of Men". Mainly focuses on the long takes and visual style of the film.

Runtime: 7:34
90667 views
10 Comments:

powered by YouTube

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895) 

Dystopian Science Fiction at it's best: Dystopian Literature

#4 The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)

"The Time Machine" is one of the best science fiction novels to ever be written. This novel is the story of "The Time Traveler" who builds a machine that allows him to travel to the far distant future. While this might not seem dystopian at first glance, but a seemingly gentle and happy society is plagued by predators who harvest people for food - if that doesn't qualify as a crappy dystopian society, I don't know what does. The hero tells his story to a man of his time, grabs weapons, and goes back into the future never to return. This novel is where the term "time machine" even came from.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells - Your Library Is Incomplete Without a Copy! 

The Time Machine (Signet Classics)

Still a fast paced read, and perhaps the best science fiction novel/novella ever written.

Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Time Machine

The Original 1960 movie version of "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

The Time Machine

The modern movie version of "The Time Machine," which is far different from the H.G. Wells novel, but very entertaining nonetheless.

Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 10/07/2008)

Teaser Trailer for "The Time Machine" 

This is for the more recent version of the movie.

The Time Machine (2002) Teaser Trailer

The Time Machine (2002) Teaser Trailer

Runtime: 1:13
60983 views
10 Comments:

powered by YouTube

1984 by George Orwell (1949) 

Big Brother Dystopia

#3 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

This isn't the best written novel, but it is one of the big three of the dystopian science fiction novels. This could very well be the most recognizable of the big three, as "1984" is synonymous with tyrannical governments, fascism, and dystopian science fiction. Even the phrases "1984" and "Big Brother" are now part of the common culture. Orwell's detailed novel shows how a government can manipulate the people by manipulating the truth and manipulating the news. This book is the source for arguing against a far right government getting unfettered power.

1984 - The Very Title Is Synonymous with Dystopia 

1984 (Signet Classics)

Big Brother is watching you...

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953) 

The best cultural dystopia ever written - and eeriely prophetic

#2 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)

Guy Montag begins this classic novel as a fireman: meaning he is a man society calls on to burn all books, which are outlawed. Unlike "1984" or "Brave New World," "451" doesn't speak politically against the left or the right politically, but speaks against the dumbing down of society, specifically on how Hollywood pop culture slush and TV entertainment can create an entire nation of people who are not only incapable of fighting for their rights, but who don't even realize the importance of doing so. This is a brilliant novel that shows Guy going from soldier of the state to an independent free thinker who must go on the run to survive.

Dystopia Beacuse of Book Burning - 451 Is An Amazing Dystopia 

Fahrenheit 451

This classic novel also includes a 20 page interview with Ray Bradbury about this work and writing in general. Fantastic value!

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932) 

Maybe the greatest piece of dystopian literature ever

#1 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)

While this dystopian masterpiece and "Fahrenheit 451" could be interchangeable as the top two, "Brave New World" gets the nod because the writing itself is the best. This novel is incredible, showing a society where left leaning thinking and self hedonism is taken so far to the extreme that one person's utopia turns out to be an appalling place where the irony of a peaceful existence has caused society to lose all concept of art, honor, religious beliefs, or anything that often defines culture. The "utopia" has people who have no sympathy, no empathy, and this vision of a future is as chilling as any other on this list.

Is It A Brave New World? Judge for Yourself... 

Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited

If you claim to be a big science fiction fan, you had better have this book on your shelf...

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/07/2008)

A Great Clip of Aldous Huxley on Dystopia 

The great mind talking about how propoganda will be able to erase all resistance.

Huxley talking about "Brave New World" and "1984"

Aldous Huxley talking about his "Brave New World" and Orwell's "1984" (including a message to him). Happiness as a weapon used by dictators instead of repression. Portuguese written translation.

Runtime: 1:29
50115 views
10 Comments:

powered by YouTube

Vote Your Favorite Dystopias Up or Down - Or Add Your Own! 

Vote for the ones you like, or if I'm missing one then feel free to add it on!

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's classic, frighte more...0 points

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

A beautifully written novel about a terrifying vis more...0 points

1984 (Signet Classics) by George Orwell

1984 (Signet Classics) by George Orwell

"Outside, even through the shut window pane, more...0 points

The year is 1984; the scene is London, largest population center of Airstrip One.

Airstrip One is part of the vast political entity Oceania, which is eternally at war with one of two other vast....

0 points

The Time Machine (Signet Classics) by H.G. Wells

The Time Machine (Signet Classics) by H.G. Wells

The story that launched Wells's successful career- more...0 points

The Children of Men by P.D. James

The Children of Men by P.D. James

Told with P. D. James's trademark suspense, insigh more...0 points

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham

A hard to find, but influential, classic.0 points

Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1) by Terry Brooks

Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1) by Terry Brooks

If you have never read anything by beloved fantasy more...0 points


  • Watch the video (high bandwith)
  • Watch the video (low bandwith)

  • ="/" noshade="noshade" class="bucketDivider" size="1">

    0 points

    The Running Man by Stephen King

    The Running Man by Stephen King

    Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) crafted more...0 points

    The Iron Heel (Penguin Classics) by Jack London

    The Iron Heel (Penguin Classics) by Jack London

    Part science fiction, part dystopian fantasy, part more...0 points

    Neuromancer by William Gibson

    Neuromancer by William Gibson

    Here is the novel that started it all, launching t more...0 points

    Case was the hottest computer cowboy cruising the information superhighway--jacking his consciousness into cyberspace, soaring through tactile lattices of data and logic, rustling enc...

    0 points

    The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel by Margaret Atwood

    The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel by Margaret Atwood

    In the world of the near future, who will control more...0 points

    Lord of the Flies (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) by William Golding

    Lord of the Flies (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) by William Golding

    William Golding's classic tale about a group of En more...0 points

    The Long Walk by Stephen King

    The Long Walk by Stephen King

    Phenomenal bestselling horror. On the first day of more...0 points

    Island (Perennial Classics) by Aldous Huxley

    Island (Perennial Classics) by Aldous Huxley

    In "Island," his last novel, Huxley tran more...0 points

    Which of the Giant 3 Is Best? 

    Dystopian Trinity | 3 Big Dystopia Sci-Fi Novels | Dystopian Classics

    Scraps of the Untainted Sky: Science Fiction, Utopia, Dystopia

    There are three dystopian novels that are generally considered the "Trinity," so to speak, of dystopian science fiction. So let's see which one everyone likes!

    Loading poll. Please Wait...

    A Large List of Dystopian Novels 

    Feminist dystopias | modern dystopias | false utopias

    This isn't a complete list of dystopian fiction, but it is a very solid list that includes most of the major classics and will certainly add quite a bit of length to your reading list.

    This list of dystopian novels includes everything from feminist dystopia, to modern dystopia, corporate dystopia, false uptopias, post apocalyptic worlds, and everything in between.
    Futures Beyond Dystopia

    Enjoy the read!

    LIST OF DYSTOPIAN NOVELS:
    1984 by George Orwell
    Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
    When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells
    Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
    The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
    Island by Aldous Huxley
    The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
    A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder by James DeMille
    The Giver by Lois Lowry
    We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
    The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster
    Anthem by Ayn Rand
    Lord of the Flies by William Golding
    Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
    It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
    The Shape of Things to Come H.G. Wells
    This Perfect Day by Ira Levin
    After by Francine Prose
    That Hideous Strength C.S. Lewis
    Fast Eddie, King of the Bees by Robert Arellano
    Neuromancer by William Gibson
    The Running Man by Stephen King as Richard Bachman
    A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
    The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
    "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
    324: A Novel by Thomas Disch
    Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
    Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
    Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
    Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
    The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
    Utopia X by Scott Wilson
    The Goodness Gene by Sonia Levitin
    The Postman by David Brin
    Naked Lunch William S. Burroughs
    The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner
    The World Inside by Robert Silverberg
    Time Out of Joint Philip K. Dick
    Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner
    Kallocain by Karin Boye
    A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L'Engle
    Dystopia: Collected Stories by Richard Christian Matheson
    In the Country of Last Things by Paul Astuer
    Iron Heel by Jack London
    We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
    Bend Sinister by Vladimir Nabokov.
    The Children of Men by P.D James
    A World Out of Time Larry Niven
    The Long Walk by Stephen King as Richard Bachman
    Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
    Count Zero by William Gibson
    The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
    The Domination by S.M. Stirling
    Fatherland by Robert Harris
    Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
    Jennifer Government by Max Barry
    Utopia X by Scott Wilson

    Well Readers, You Make the Call... 

    Everyone keeps arguing over whether "Lord of the Flies" is dystopian or not,

    Is "Lord of the Flies" a dystopian novel?

    Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

    Yes! It's an independent screwed up society that breaks apart. What more do you want?

    Monteath says:

    Lord of the Flies is a dystopian novel because the island is so isolated that you do have a full society that is set up right before it crumbles. This is a great study in human nature, and shows the need of order and ability to enforce social norms, else dystopia is the only end result.

    No! It's a great book, but that's not a society and it's not dystopian because there's no government.

    alison says:

    no i think its an awful book, maybe thats because my english teacher ruined the enjoyment of it.

     
     
    1 of 1 page
     

    Great Dystopian T-Shirts 

    Dystopian T-Shirts | Dystopia T Shirts | Dystopia Souveneirs

    Show your support of Big Brother with these stylish uniform like ensambles.

    Soylent Green Light T-Shirt

    Soylent Green is one of the great dystopian science fiction movies of all time.

    Price: 15.99

    Buy Now

    I Watch You Black T-Shirt

    For those of you who want to make a political statement, as well.

    Price: 20.99

    Buy Now

    Newspeak T-Shirt

    See how many people get the 1984 reference.

    Price: 21.99

    Buy Now

    BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU Women's Light T-Shirt

    Everyone knows about Big Brother...so remind them that "they" are watching you.

    Price: 26.99

    Buy Now

    451 Degrees Fahrenheit Women's Tank Top

    The temperatre at which paper spontaneously combusts.

    Price: 17.99

    Buy Now

    Powered by CafePress

    V for Vendetta Dystopia 

    Dystopian Movie | Dystopian Story | Dystopian Graphic Novel

    V for Vendetta is a great example of a dystopian story. This was a graphic novel that ended up with a movie based on the story. One of the key elements in this type of revolutionary dystopia is the irony of the lawbreaker, or the "revolutionary" (almost always labeled by the government in power as a terrorist) being a hero fighting tyranny.

    The dystopia in "V for Vendetta" is one of the most common, in this case a theocracy that isn't about God but is about power. This religion based government is extremely controlling, extremely brutal, and is very similar to the "Big Brother" dystopia that Orwell feared in 1984.

    V for Vendetta: See the Movie & Read the Graphic Novel! 

    Both follow a classic dystopia formula perfectly

    V for Vendetta: Dystopia at its best!

    V for Vendetta

    The classic dystopian graphic novel that became one of the best movies to come out of Hollywood in years.

    Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 10/07/2008)

    V for Vendetta (Two-Disc Special Edition)

    Special DVD of the movie that took the country by storm and kept people talking.

    Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 10/07/2008)

    Positive Visitor Feedback 

    Big Brother is watching you...

    Like this lens? Please leave feedback. Please note that you are being watched and tracked by our advanced tracking technology and any negative, deragatory, or revolutionary inflammatory comments or calls to action against big brother will be immediately met with your detention to a re-education camp.

    The Man is your friend. Thank you for stopping by, and remember to take your daily pills on schedule.

    superpanda

    Nice lens. I didn't even know dystopia was a word, much less a genre of books, hehe. I've read about half the books on the list, and they all scared me, haha :P Not to say I didn't like them, but they were freaky

    Posted March 11, 2008

    Dystopia from the World Wide Web 

    Corporate Dystopia | Feminist Dystopia | Religious Dystopia | Liberal Dystopia

    Tocqueville's Virus: Utopia and Dystopia in Western Social and Political Thought

    What dystopian topics is the web buzzing about?
    Film: ZERO: An Investigation into 9/11
    ZERO: An Investigation into 9/11, has one central thesis - that the official version of the events surrounding the attacks on 9/11 can not be true. This brand new feature documentary from Italian production company Telemaco explores the ...
    9/11 Fact Sheet
    A comprehensive list of questions and answers <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
    Beneath The Massacre - Dystopia - [2008]
    Genre: Death Metal 1. Condemned 2. Reign of Terror 3. Our Common Grave 4. Harvest of Hate 5. The Wasteland 6. Bitter 7. No Future 8. Lithium Overdose 9. Tharsis 10. Never More 11. Procreating the Infection.
    Stolen!
    . . . from [info] q_immortal * Grab the nearest book. * Open the book to page 56. * Find the fifth sentence. * Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal along with these instructions. ...