The recently released Jurassic World: Dominion uses the threat of apocalypse to drive its main characters to go against the capitalistic antagonists. Apocalyptic and dystopian narratives often result in entertaining films that highlight the heroes' bold actions and the high stakes involved, with some of the more underrated storylines found in animated movies.
From 1973’s Fantastic Planet to 2021’s The Mitchells vs. The Machines, there are several animated apocalyptic and dystopian films worth watching for fans of the genre. Some of these can be surprisingly dark, especially ones made specifically for adults.
The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (2021)
Available to stream on Netflix.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a sci-fi comedy film that's centered on the titular family's experiences after the robot apocalypse threatens to destroy humanity. The messy family has to step up when they become the lone survivors and face Pal, the vengeful antagonist who seems to be a satirical portrayal of a much more intelligent version of Siri.
With its striking visuals and gorgeous animation style, it's easy to feel absorbed by the Mitchells' misadventures during their apocalyptic road trip. More than just a movie about saving the world, it's also moving a story about acceptance and reconciliation.
Isle Of Dogs (2018)
Available to stream on Disney+.
Set in the fictional Japanese city of Megasaki 20 years in the future, film is full of dog characters who have been sent to Trash Island following the disastrous canine flu outbreak. Their daily routines are interrupted by the arrival of a 12-year-old boy, Atari Kobayashi, who will stop at nothing to find his missing dog Spots.
The beautiful stop-motion animated movie depicts an immersive dystopian world, at least for its animal inhabitants. Banned and forcibly taken from the city and their owners, they struggle to survive in their new reality, which only gives them scraps and leftovers.
Ghost In The Shell (1995)
Available to stream on The Roku Channel.
In 2029, the line between humans and robots is thin, as technology allows for the existence of cyborgs in Ghost in the Shell. The cyberpunk thriller focuses on the cyborg public-security agent Motoko Kusanagi who begins to hunt a dangerous brain hacker known as The Puppetmaster after a series of politically-driven attacks.
The animated movie holds up incredibly well considering how long ago it was first released. It raises crucial philosophical questions about the limits of technology, identity, and the future humans are carving out for themselves.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Set one thousand years after the apocalyptic event known as the Seven Days of Fire, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind tells the story of the titular princess. She must find a way to prevent the aggressive kingdom of Tolmekia from ravaging her land and harming her community, which is all part of an ancient prophecy that will change their entire reality.
The renowned animated film is visually striking, especially the sequences that portray the vast forests infested with mutated bugs. The complex plot and Nausicaa's character send a clear message about humanity's relationship with nature.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
Available to stream on the Criterion Channel.
Based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, A Scanner Darkly depicts a disturbing dystopian future where the United States has lost the war on drugs. A powerful new drug called "Substance D" is sweeping the nation, and the undercover agent Bob Arctor is tasked with finding a way to slow down the epidemic.
The movie is part of the Criterion Collection, which is not surprising considering its eccentric visuals and daring story. It focuses on the drug's effects on the protagonist who begins to lose his sense of identity and sense of reality. The film uses a unique animation technique where they shoot the scenes digitally before using interpolated rotoscope to achieve the final result, which perfectly fits its storyline about substance abuse.
The LEGO Movie (2014)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
When the construction worker Emmett is mistaken for the heroic MasterBuilder in The LEGO Movie, he embarks on a challenging journey to stop the evil tyrannical businessman who wants to glue his entire world into perfection. Along the way, he learns that his reality is not what it seems.
The comedic animated film is certainly not the first to come to mind when considering dystopian futures, but it is set in a scary city where everyone is pressured to conform and do what they're told. Behind the cheery songs and cute characters, there's a more sinister force that the protagonist has to uncover.
Akira (1988)
Available to stream on Hulu.
Set in the futuristic Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows the biker gang leader Shōtarō Kaneda, whose friend acquires telekinetic abilities after an accident. This threatens an already shaky military complex, and it's up to the protagonist and a group of psychics to stop the overpowered character before it's too late.
The award-winning anime movie is known for its bold commentary on the war and its lasting effects on Japanese society. The chaos among institutions vying for power in the film is shown through its characters who enact a macrocosm of the larger political conflict.
Fantastic Planet (1973)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
In the future, humans are called "Oms" and serve as pets to the technologically-advanced blue humanoids known as the "Draags" in Fantastic Planet. The Oms are regularly slaughtered to control their population, which grows much faster than the Draags' society. When one person manages to run away with a piece of technology that's vital to the Draags, the human race is able to fight back for the first time.
The surrealist film is captivating and still worth seeing today, as its commentary on oppression and cruelty is just as relevant as ever. Its one-of-a-kind art style allows for a glimpse into the peak of animated cinema from that era.
Paprika (2006)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Often cited alongside the best sci-fi movies of the 2000s, Paprika revolves around the story of the eponymous protagonist, who is a therapist turned dream detective. She's forced to step up and hunt down the thief responsible for taking a dangerous machine that allows its to manipulate dreams and nightmares.
In its disturbing dystopian future, humanity's dreams are endangered by the device, which has fallen into the wrong hands. The animation style perfectly complements this setting, as the line between reality and the dream world is often blurred.
Wall-E (2008)
Available to stream on Disney+.
Pixar's Wall-E is a film that needs no introduction. Taking place on a lifeless earth full of garbage, the dystopian movie is centered on the last titular robot's experiences after hundreds of years of cleaning the desolate landscape around him. His life changes when a mysterious ship arrives and brings an advanced machine with it.
Wall-E's epic adventure through space is not just visually stunning, it's also incredibly poignant. As he learns more about what has become of humanity, he realizes the importance of what he has found back on earth. The movie's environmental message hits close to home, especially its moving and hopeful ending that reminds viewers that it's not too late to change.
