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DYSTOPIA
Future societies where something has gone terribly wrong.
In this series we explore science fiction’s darker visions of the future - authoritarian regimes, collapsing environments and systems that turn against humanity. These films reveal how dystopian stories reflect the fears of their time.
🎧 Start with Episode 1 below and follow the evolution of Dystopia in cinema.


Dystopia Series Recap & “Dystopian Awards” | EP24
fter exploring the many forms of dystopian science fiction, we wrap up our Journey Through Sci-Fi Dystopia series with a special awards episode. In this finale, we look back at the films and TV shows we covered and hand out awards for the most memorable dystopian worlds, characters and ideas in sci-fi cinema. Dystopian fiction imagines societies where life has gone wrong — often through authoritarian control, environmental collapse or technological misuse. These stories refl


Star Trek’s Darkest Timelines - The Dystopian Side of the Final Frontier | EP23
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we return to one of the most important franchises in science-fiction history: Star Trek . Unlike many sci-fi stories, Star Trek is famous for presenting an optimistic vision of the future , where humanity has largely overcome poverty, war and scarcity within the United Federation of Planets. But even within that hopeful universe, the franchise repeatedly explores dystopian ideas. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore t


Akira (1988) & Metropolis (2001): Anime’s Dark Futures | EP22
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we take a look at two landmark anime films that explore dystopian futures through spectacular animation and ambitious science-fiction ideas. Japanese animation has long been a space where filmmakers can experiment with bold visual worlds and complex themes, and both of the films we’re discussing this week show how anime has helped push dystopian sci-fi into new territory. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the histo


The Lobster (2015) & High-Rise (2015): Love, Luxury & Madness | EP21
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two unusual dystopian films from the 2010s that take a more surreal and satirical approach to imagining the future. Rather than depicting traditional authoritarian regimes or post-apocalyptic worlds, these films exaggerate aspects of modern society to reveal how strange and fragile our social systems can be. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time .


The Handmaid’s Tale (2017): Oppression & Resistance | EP20
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore one of the most powerful modern dystopian stories ever brought to the screen. Joining us for the discussion is Dr Tiffani Angus , as we dive into the world of The Handmaid’s Tale (2017) — the acclaimed television adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s classic dystopian novel. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema and television one subgenre at a time . LISTEN BELOW: What We Di


Children of Men (2006): A World Without a Future | EP19
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we take a deep dive into one of the most powerful dystopian films of the 21st century. Joining us for the discussion is film critic Rhianna Dhillon , as we explore Alfonso Cuarón’s haunting science-fiction drama Children of Men (2006) . Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time . LISTEN BELOW: What We Discuss In This Episode In this episode we talk about: Inferti


Gattaca (1997) & Never Let Me Go (2010): Genetic Class Divides | EP18
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two dystopian films that examine the ethical and philosophical consequences of biotechnology. Joining us for the discussion is Dr Allen Stroud , as we dive into two very different stories about the future of human genetics. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time . LISTEN BELOW: What We Discuss In This Episode In this episode we talk about: Genetic e


Zardoz (1974) & Logan’s Run (1976): Cheating Death, Paying the Price | EP17
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two strange and fascinating dystopian visions from the 1970s. Both films imagine societies that appear to have solved humanity’s problems — but only by sacrificing something fundamental about what it means to be human. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time . LISTEN BELOW: What We Discuss In This Episode In this episode we talk about: Utopian societ


Starship Troopers (1997) & Alita: Battle Angel (2019): War and Propaganda | EP16
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two very different dystopian futures that reveal how power structures shape society. Joining us for this discussion is Becky Darke , as we look at a pair of films that examine authoritarian systems and the people living inside them. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time . LISTEN BELOW: What We Discuss In This Episode In this episode we talk about:


Repo Man (1984) & Brazil (1985): Bureaucratic Madness | EP15
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two films that approach dystopia through satire and dark comedy . While many dystopian stories present bleak authoritarian futures, some filmmakers use humour and absurdity to highlight the strange systems shaping modern society. This week we’re looking at two cult classics that imagine dystopian worlds built around bureaucracy, consumer culture and social alienation . Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore t


Blade Runner 2049 (2017) & Escape from New York (1981): Cyberpunk Cities | EP14
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two dystopian films that imagine very different visions of the future city. Dystopian science fiction often uses urban environments to explore social collapse, inequality and the consequences of technological progress. Cities become places where power structures are exposed and where the future of society is played out. This week we’re looking at two films that take that idea in strikingly different directions. Because he


The Warriors (1979) & The Purge (2013): Gangs, Violence & Vigilantes | EP13
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two dystopian films that imagine societies where violence has become a defining part of everyday life. Dystopian stories often exaggerate real social fears in order to explore them. In some cases that fear is about authoritarian governments controlling society. In others, it’s the opposite: what happens when order begins to collapse and violence takes over . The two films we’re discussing this week explore those ideas fro


Sleeper (1973) & Idiocracy (2006): Satirical Sci-Fi Futures | EP12
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we take a short break from the darker dystopian worlds we’ve explored so far and look at a different approach to the genre: comedy . Dystopian science fiction is often associated with bleak futures and authoritarian societies, but some filmmakers have used satire and humour to explore the same ideas. This week we’re discussing two films that imagine absurd future societies while poking fun at the present day. Because here on Journey


THX 1138 (1971) & Z.P.G. (1972): Totalitarian Sci-Fi Nightmares | EP11
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our exploration of dystopian cinema by looking at two films from the early 1970s that imagine societies attempting to control humanity itself. Across many dystopian stories, governments attempt to solve social crises through extreme forms of control — regulating behaviour, suppressing emotion, or even deciding whether people are allowed to have children. The two films we’re discussing this week explore those ideas in ver


Soylent Green (1973) & What Happened to Monday (2017): Overpopulation & Survival | EP10
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we tackle one of the most enduring fears explored in dystopian science fiction: overpopulation . Many dystopian stories imagine futures where the planet’s resources can no longer sustain humanity. Food becomes scarce, governments impose extreme policies, and society begins to fracture under the pressure of survival. This week we explore two films that imagine how societies might respond when the world simply has too many people . Be


The Running Man (1987) & The Hunger Games (2012): Deadly Game Shows | EP09
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore one of the most enduring dystopian ideas in science fiction: society turning violence into entertainment . Joining us for the discussion is Rob Watts , as we look at two films that imagine worlds where authoritarian systems maintain control through brutal televised competitions. Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time . LISTEN BELOW: What We Discuss


Mad Max (1979) & Dredd (2012): Law and Disorder in the Wasteland | EP08
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our journey through dystopian cinema by exploring how science fiction imagines law enforcement in societies on the brink of collapse . Both of the films we’re discussing this week centre on characters tasked with maintaining order in worlds where the social fabric is rapidly falling apart. But while both stories explore dystopian futures, they present very different visions of justice and authority. Because here on Journ


Rollerball (1975) & Death Race 2000 (1975): Killer Sports of the Future | EP07
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two dystopian films that imagine societies where violence becomes entertainment . One of the recurring ideas in dystopian fiction is that authoritarian systems maintain control by distracting the population. Instead of encouraging critical thinking or political engagement, people are kept occupied by spectacle. And in these films, that spectacle takes the form of violent futuristic sports . Because here on Journey Through


V for Vendetta (2005) & Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972): Rebellion Against Oppression | EP06
Revolution in Dystopian Worlds In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our journey through dystopian cinema by exploring two films that focus on one of the genre’s most powerful themes: rebellion . Dystopian stories often depict societies where authoritarian systems have taken control — but they also frequently explore what happens when individuals rise up against those systems. Both films we’re discussing this week centre on characters who challenge oppressiv


A Clockwork Orange (1971) & Battle Royale (2000): Deadly Visions of Youth Rebellion | EP05
Violence and Control in Dystopian Worlds In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we continue our journey through dystopian cinema by exploring two films that examine the relationship between violence, youth and social control. Dystopian stories often explore what happens when societies attempt to impose order through extreme methods — sometimes by controlling behaviour, and sometimes by exploiting violence itself. The two films we’re discussing this week present very diffe


Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) & Brave New World (1980): Classic Dystopias Reimagined | EP04
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we dive into two of the most influential dystopian stories ever written — and explore how they were brought to the screen. Both of these films are adaptations of classic novels that helped define the dystopian genre: George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Although the stories were written within just a few decades of each other, they present two very different visions of how a dystopian society migh


Fahrenheit 451 (1966) & Equilibrium (2002): Book Burning & Mind Control | EP03
Thought Control in Dystopian Worlds In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we continue our exploration of dystopian science fiction with two films that imagine societies built on the suppression of human thought and emotion. Dystopian stories often explore the idea that authoritarian governments attempt to maintain control by restricting knowledge, culture or personal expression. Both of the films we’re discussing this week explore that concept in striking ways. First we


Modern Times (1936) & Playtime (1967): Satire in a Mechanised World | EP02
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we continue our journey through dystopian science fiction by exploring two films that take a very different approach to the genre: satire. While many dystopian stories present bleak futures dominated by authoritarian regimes or environmental collapse, some filmmakers have explored the dangers of modern society through humour and social commentary. Both of the films we’re discussing this week focus on a world increasingly shaped by te


Things to Come (1936): The Birth of Dystopian Cinema| EP01
The Origins of Dystopian Sci-Fi In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we begin a brand-new series exploring one of the genre’s most powerful and enduring themes: dystopia. Dystopian science fiction imagines societies that have gone wrong — worlds shaped by war, authoritarian power, technological control or environmental collapse. These stories often reflect the fears of the time in which they were created. To start our journey, we’re going all the way back to one of the
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