This weekend, Netflix delivers a groundbreaking film experience with the release of The Kitchen, which arrives on January 19th after a limited theatrical release last week.
Directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya, this dystopian tale takes us on a gripping journey through a future not so distant, where social housing has crumbled, leaving its residents in the resilient yet desperate community known as The Kitchen.
As we prepare for this impactful release, let’s explore other dystopian films on Netflix that are mandatory viewing for all fans of the genre. This is the latest in our ongoing series of essential binges, so make sure to check out the rest of our recommendations.
Here are the five essential dystopian films on Netflix you can binge this weekend.
Five essential films to binge on Netflix this weekend:
The Kitchen (2023)
Directed by Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya, The Kitchen is a slow-burn tragedy set in a dystopian future where social housing has been obliterated.
The story revolves around Izi (Kane Robinson), who works for a funeral home and dreams of owning his own place, and 12-year-old Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), possibly his son. As they navigate the harsh realities of grief amid stark economic inequality, the film doubles as a poignant exploration of the strained relationship between an estranged father and son.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer is a dystopian thriller that unfolds on a perpetually moving train circling a frozen Earth.
Starring Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton, the film explores the stark class divisions within the train’s confined society, sparking a rebellion from the oppressed lower class. With its intense action sequences and incisive social commentary, Snowpiercer is a riveting journey through a world where survival depends on one’s status quo.
Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott’s iconic Blade Runner is a dystopian classic based on Philip K. Dick’s novel.
Set in a futuristic, rain-soaked Los Angeles, the film follows Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with hunting down rogue artificial humans known as replicants. With its groundbreaking visuals and exploration of the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence, Blade Runner remains a cornerstone in the dystopian genre.
Children of Men (2006)
Directed and co-written by Alfonso Cuarón, Children of Men is a dystopian masterpiece set in a world where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility.
Clive Owen’s character, Theo, becomes a reluctant hero tasked with protecting a miraculously pregnant woman. The film’s intense cinematography and sharp narrative style make it a haunting exploration of hope, despair, and the human spirit.
In Vitro (2019)
Soren Lind and Larissa Sansour co-directed In Vitro, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi short film that delves into questions of history and memory through the lens of Arabfuturism.
In the context of the genocide occurring in Palestine, the film explores the consequences of uncertain futures, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the Palestinian people. With its captivating cinematography and tense narrative, In Vitro is a short that stands as a powerful addition to the dystopian film genre.
