Top 20 Dystopian TV Shows Ever Ranked

Dystopian fiction has long been a pivotal force within the realms of science fiction and horror, yet it has truly flourished in the 21st century, emerging as a formidable genre in its own right. From zombie-infested wastelands to AI-driven apocalypses, and from societies governed by social media scores to worlds where every moment is recorded in your mind like a video file, the best of dystopian TV showcases a broad spectrum of dark futures.

This curated list of 19 TV series, along with one exceptional miniseries, captures the essence of dystopian storytelling at its most inventive, terrifying, and often heart-wrenching. Whether depicting post-apocalyptic landscapes ravaged by massive plagues, nuclear winters, and robot uprisings, or exploring more subtle yet equally chilling scenarios like office workers with consciousness-altering microchips, these shows all share a common thread: a bleak vision of the future, be it imminent or distant, that pulses with tension, mystery, and boundless creativity.

For those with a penchant for cinematic experiences, dive into our comprehensive guides on the Top 10 Apocalypse Movies of All Time and the 6 Post-Apocalyptic Movies You've Probably Never Seen. Additionally, IGN readers have cast their votes to determine their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV!

However, if your interest lies in television, prepare to explore an array of gripping narratives. From the desolate landscapes of "Fallout" to the psychological twists of "Severance," the relentless survival saga of "The Walking Dead," the oppressive regime depicted in "The Handmaid's Tale," and the haunting journey through "The Last of Us," our list encompasses the Top 20 Dystopian TV Shows of All Time. Each entry promises a deep dive into the darker aspects of human imagination and society.