Dystopian fiction has long been a significant force within the science fiction and horror genres, but it has surged in the 21st century to become a powerhouse genre all on its own. From zombie-infested wastelands to AI-driven apocalypses, and even smaller, yet equally disturbing scenarios like societies controlled by social media scores or worlds where every moment is recorded in your brain like a video file, the spectrum of dystopian narratives is vast and varied.

This curated list encompasses 19 gripping TV shows, along with one exceptional miniseries, that delve into the darkest visions of the future. Whether it's post-apocalyptic scenarios, or everyday settings where a microchip in someone's head splits their consciousness, these stories are united by their dark, intense, and imaginative portrayal of what might lie ahead. From massive plagues and nuclear winters to robot uprisings, time travel paranoia, and mysterious vanishings, these series are the epitome of clever, terrifying, and often profoundly moving dystopian storytelling.

If your interest leans towards movies instead, don't miss out on the Top 10 Apocalypse Movies of All Time and the 6 Post-Apocalyptic Movies You've Probably Never Seen. Additionally, IGN readers have had their say on their Favorite Post-Apocalyptic World from Movies and TV!

But if it's the television medium that captivates you, then prepare to dive into a world of dystopia with shows like Fallout, Severance, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid's Tale, The Last of Us, and many more. Here's presenting the Top 20 Dystopian TV Shows of All Time!