Max, the renowned streaming service, offers top-notch dystopian dramas that can satisfy your craving for bleak futures. While Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount Plus have their fair share, it is Max, with its connection to HBO, where the best of the genre resides.
To guide you in choosing the perfect dystopian drama, we have handpicked five shows with a critical rating of over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. These dramas will take you on five different journeys into chaotic worlds.
First on the list is “Station Eleven,” a 10-episode mini-series based on Emily St. John Mandel’s novel. Set two decades after a devastating flu pandemic, the story follows a group of survivors who form a traveling theater troupe. Their mission is to bring hope and entertainment to the remaining population. However, their path takes a dark turn when they encounter a violent cult led by a mysterious individual linked to one of the troupe’s members. With its stylish and imaginative approach, “Station Eleven” features an ensemble cast including Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, and Gael Garcia Benal.
Next is “The Last Of Us,” a drama that dispels the notion that video game adaptations cannot succeed on the big screen. Set 20 years after the collapse of civilization due to a deadly infection, the show follows Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, who is hired to smuggle Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, out of a quarantine zone to find a cure. Their journey across America becomes an intense struggle for survival. Written by Craig Mazin, known for his work on “Chernobyl,” this drama is a powerful and compelling watch.
“Fringe,” created by JJ Abrams, may not have achieved the same cult status as its peers, but it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. The show centers around the Fringe Division, an FBI team investigating strange and unusual crimes using fringe science. As the investigations unfold, the mysteries become part of a larger pattern, revealing dystopian visions and the involvement of global company Massive Dynamic. With elements of time travel and parallel universes, “Fringe” offers a unique and well-written narrative.
“The Leftovers,” despite its star-studded cast and being a project from acclaimed writer Damon Lindelof, didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Adapted from Tom Perrota’s novel, the show takes place three years after “The Sudden Departure,” an event where 2% of the world’s population disappears simultaneously. The aftermath is marked by grief and division, with many joining the Guilty Remnant cult. Kevin Garvey, played by Justin Theroux, must navigate the tensions between the townsfolk and the cult in a thought-provoking and compelling storyline.
Lastly, “Years and Years” delivers Russell T. Davies’ own brand of dystopia. Set from 2019 to 2029, the series follows the Lyons family as political upheaval and advancing technology shape the United Kingdom. Emma Thompson shines as Vivienne Rook, a controversial businesswoman turned politician, whose rise threatens to take the country down a perilous path.
These five dystopian dramas offer unique perspectives on the collapse of society and the human struggle for survival. Dive into these captivating shows and embrace the dark allure of dystopia.
[Read More: TechRadar]
