Harrison Bergeron
A short story written by Kurt Vonnegut.
There have been several adaptations of this dystopian story. The one that stands out is a 1995 made-for-TV film starring Sean Austin.
The story charts a world where everyone is made equal – equal housing, equal job opportunities, equal intelligence, which is regulated by electronic head bands.
Harrion, a very intelligent young protagonist, finds himself pulled into a mysterious underworld that runs society.
If you are into sci-fi stories, Harrison Bergeron is a must-see film. Fortunately, the film is freely available on YouTube – click here.
Lexx
If you like weird, you’ll like this unique series – Lexx. Unlike most space-themed sci-fi stories, Lexx has little connection with Earth.
The story follows the life of a low-level security guard, a sex slave and a dead assassin.
They defeat his shadow, the ruler of a dystopian society and steal a living space craft called the Lexx.
All the characters have questionable morals. They explore the dark and the light universe, eventually ending up on the planets of fire and water.
Ultimately, they reach Earth with dire consequences for all.
There cannot be enough praise for such a unique, fun, and utterly bonkers sci-fi series. It well deserves more credit.
The Booth at the end
The booth at the end is exceptionally clear in its storytelling. The lead character (possibly the devil) grants the wish of the ones who come to see him. To get what they want, they have to perform tasks. Sometimes seemingly mundane, other times barbaric. It is an exceptional series that deserves more credit than it gets.
There are two series, and sadly, it was cancelled just at the point the story began to expand in depth. You’ll be left with more questions than answers, which isn’t a bad thing.
Interstate 60
If you could have your deepest desire come true, what would be the consequences? Interstate 60, which was never released in the UK, is an exceptional film.
The wish giver has a dark side. If you are brave enough to ask for a wish, he will give you an intentional desire for something unitential. For example, the search for the best shag you have ever had – will you ever find it if you keep on looking for it.
Interstate 60 is a must-see film, highly recommended.
Eerie Indiana
This might be just a kids’ program, but it’s highly imaginative with compelling storylines.
Each episode is its own story, be it children that are kept young in tupperware boxes, or the mystery of what happens to the lost hour when the clocks change.
If you like odd stories that are off the beaten track, then Eerie India is for you – highly recommended.
Titanic - A dystopian story
This film is a fantastic story of a dystopian society. You may be surprised by that. But think for a moment. A ship segregated by class – two groups of humans. They are not able to interact with each other. The women in the upper class are bound into tight clothes and are controlled by men as property.
The rules of this society are thrown out the window as the ship sinks, every human for themselves.
There’s great scope for the story to be adapted to a space cruiser where the life pods are limited to the rich, and the working class are left to die in space – Food for thought.
If you have a chance, rewatch the film and view it with the thought that this is not only a love story overcoming the odds of a disaster. It’s a dystopian story of a society that is trapped on almost every level.
The Hunger Games
A near-perfect dystopian utopian story. We follow Katniss Everdeen, born and raised in District 12, a comparative dystopian society ruled by the seemingly utopian capital.
Through the Hunger Games, children are pitted against each other to fight to the death. Only by winning will they have their freedom.
Through the story, it explores various elements of a dystopian / utopian society. It has a clear aim of a regime change, by eliminating the antagonist President Snow. This gives the story a clear objective and story arc.
Sliders
An epic 1990s Sci-fi TV series. These four plucky travellers traverse alternative earths where things can be radically different.
The pilot episode tells the tail of what may have happened if communist Russia took over the USA.
Other episodes of note include a world where everyone is medicated with drugs so they live happy, healthy lives.
Around the Twist
Yet another classic from the 1990s is Around the Twist. And yes, it may be a kids’ show. However, each episode is highly imaginative and a great piece of storytelling.
From a baby coming from the cabbage patch to a ghost trapped in a public toilet, hoping for a better place to haunt.
A favorite is the trunk of circus clothing that washes up on shore…. I won’t spoil what happens – go watch!
Utopia
The original British TV series Utopia is a remarkable show with a unique soundtrack. It starts with the hunt for a comic book which contains hidden information.
We will leave it there as the surprises in this series are a must-see – go right away. Go on do it now! Watch it!
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
If you could delete your past, would you? Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind does just that. There is wonderful imagery throughout the film, piecing together the couples life together from the fragments of memories.
By fate, the couples paths cross only to find they have both done the same thing.
