The young adult dystopian films storming Netflix right now

Once upon a time, in the mid-2010s, young adult (YA) dystopian films had us in a relentless grip. From the adrenaline-pumping Hunger Games to the futuristic warfare of Enders Game, and yes, even the forgettable Divergent (which was possibly the worst of the lot), audiences couldn’t get enough of these thrilling tales set in bleak futures. 

Fast forward to today, and the trend is making a comeback, albeit through the streaming giant Netflix. While the superhero fatigue dies down and we see a rise of a new kind of sci-fi reign emerge in Hollywood, people have been tuning into films and TV shows that they were watching in their pre-pandemic happy times.

In a curious turn of events, not one, not two, but three YA dystopian films have stormed into Netflix’s top ten. Two of them are in the global top chart, and one has made its way to the Netflix US list.

Here are the three YA dystopian films that have been storming Netflix from last week.

Dystopian movies for young adults on Netflix:

The Maze Runner

Sitting comfortably in the third spot globally, The Maze Runner has amassed an impressive 12.7million hours viewed in just one week. 

Directed by Wes Ball and based on James Dashner’s novel of the same name, the film follows Thomas, a young man who wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of how he got there. As he navigates the deadly labyrinth with a group of fellow teenagers, they uncover dark secrets about their past and the sinister organisation known as WCKD.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Not far behind is The Maze Runner sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. The film has claimed the ninth spot globally, with 9.7million hours viewed in a single week. 

Directed by Wes Ball once again, the film continues the saga as Thomas and his friends escape the maze only to find themselves thrust into a desolate wasteland known as the Scorch, where new threats and challenges await them at every turn.

Mortal Engines

While not as globally dominant, Mortal Engines secures the ninth rank in Netflix US. It’s a somewhat underrated gem.

Directed by Christian Rivers and based on the novel by Philip Reeve, the film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where cities roam the earth on giant wheels, devouring smaller towns for resources. When a mysterious fugitive and a young woman uncover a dangerous conspiracy, they find themselves embroiled in a fight for survival against the powerful forces of the establishment.

The Hunger Games

Directed by Gary Ross and based on Suzanne Collins’s bestselling novel, The Hunger Games remains a quintessential entry in the YA dystopian genre. And thankfully, it is available to stream on Netflix.

Set in the totalitarian nation of Panem, the film follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) as she volunteers to take her sister’s place in a deadly televised competition where teenagers fight to the death for the amusement of the ruling elite. As Katniss survives to fight another day, she unwittingly becomes the face of a revolution that will raze Panem to the ground — a story you get to witness in the following three chapters, which are also available on the streaming platform.

Mad Max: Fury Road

While not strictly a YA film, Mad Max: Fury Road embodies many elements of the dystopian genre and deserves a mention. This is also the perfect time to catch the movie with the upcoming release of the prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max.

Directed by George Miller, this high-octane thrill ride takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where resources are scarce and survival is a constant battle. With its breathtaking visuals and relentless action, Mad Max: Fury Road is a must-watch for fans of dystopian cinema.