The 20 Greatest Dystopian Novels Ever Written

Although our world may often seem dystopian, these classic and contemporary novels reflect our darkest possible futures through captivating stories. Including The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale, here are our top 20 dystopian novels. Novels have the power to ignite our imaginations while delving into human themes and mirroring our contemporary society. Authors like George Orwell and Octavia E. Butler have created stunning dystopian fiction that depicts terrifying future scenarios, urging us to rethink our world to build a better future. Spanning over 120 years, these dystopian novels feature oppressive governments, sinister villains, and various threats to modern civilization, from deadly plagues to climate disasters to human conflict.

From H.G. Wells' time-travel adventure (The Time Machine) to Suzanne Collins' global sensation turned blockbuster starring Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games), these books have sparked readers' imaginations for decades and continue to captivate and inspire. Read on to discover EW's selection of the 20 greatest dystopian novels ever.

1984 by George Orwell (1949)

George Orwell's renowned narrative about governmental control and the suppression of free thought remains pertinent today, with the term "Orwellian" frequently invoked. Orwell's 1984, the novel that popularised the term, is a compelling and expertly written book.

The plot centres on Winston Smith, a diligent worker who rewrites history at the Ministry of Truth. He nostalgically recalls the days before the Party took control of Oceania and established a personality cult devoid of individuality and free thinking. With its beautiful prose and exceptional world-building, Orwell's 1984 is more relevant than ever and essential reading for our times.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)

Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven, adapted into an HBO Max miniseries, is a tribute to art and human connection. It intertwines past and present through characters spread across North America, following a nomadic troupe of actors performing Shakespeare and classical music in a world devastated by a flu pandemic that nearly wiped out humanity.

With richly drawn characters and an engaging structure, St. John Mandel has crafted a modern classic that offers hope amidst adversity. EW's critic Karen Valby praised the novel, writing, "This is not a story of crisis and survival. It's one of art and family and memory and community and the awful courage it takes to look upon the world with fresh and hopeful eyes."

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

H.G. Wells' 19th-century novel, The Time Machine, follows a time traveller journeying 80,000 years into the future to encounter two races: the Eloi and the Morlocks. Reflecting the duality of human nature, these classes depict a grim future for humanity. With its stunning storytelling and science fiction plot that inspired a century of literature, The Time Machine remains a timeless novel that will continue to captivate readers.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)