Dystopian films are usually known and portrayed as the futures that civilization wants to avoid. Naturally, watching films like Blade Runner or The Matrix have their enjoyable elements. Their stories also leave the audiences heeding these tales of caution and leave a lingering trail of stress on avoiding such a bleak future or existence
Surely a lot of pressure on society to meet the standards to avoid a dystopian future without zero freedoms and enjoyment whatsoever. How can such a film be comforting?
9 Gattaca (1997)
Gattaca makes it to the list of downer futures simply because of its quaint atmosphere. Even though it has stressful moments it gives the ambiance of wanting to be a muse to inspire mankind to not go down this route of life. It feels like a Ron Howard biographical film. Sure, it sounds annoying in certain regard, but viewers can never argue how laid back this dystopian film feels.
Sure, (spoiler) Jude Law incinerates himself because he will never be a golden standard, and there is an ick factor when viewers listen to a bunch of Caucasians complaining about eugenics. Now with those things aside, the film is an intriguing watch simply because it looks at the flaws of humanity's constant need for "perfection". The bigger picture is indeed executed in a poetic light.
8 The Truman Show (1998)
Viewers either love or hate this film. It essentially comes down to if viewers are comfortable seeing Jim Carrey in a dramatic role. Fans of 2004's Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind might actually enjoy this one. Jim Carrey, plays Truman, the beloved television series that circles around his fabricated life that has been created by a sociopathic Hollywood film mogul. Everyone knows this, except Truman.
It is indeed an intriguing look on many levels at how society, companies, and even Hollywood are not treating human beings like they are commodities. It looks at the extreme of making a person a product for financial and entertainment purposes.
What is especially comforting about this film is the ending. Watching someone being taken advantage of so much and be a central figure, finally sticking it to his "creator" is just wonderful. It is also quite humorous that once he leaves the Truman Show viewers are simply unfazed and go to find something else to watch on TV. The irony is wicked and hilarious.
7 Snowpiercer (2013)
Before Parasite Bong Joon Ho gave science fiction fans Snowpiercer. The film takes place in the post-apocalyptic landscape of Earth that is entirely covered in ice. What is left of the human population is on a single train on a constant trek across the globe. This film takes the idea of classism and breaks it down into its simple forms.
The poor and lower class work as laborers in the back of the train in terrible quarters. And as these characters rebel and move forward through the train they find the conditions getting better in their journey to overthrow their heartless ruling class. It is a simple idea and allegory. Yet it is so satisfying to watch the lower classes fight their way to the top.
6 Twelve Monkeys (1995)
This film is only here simply because after fans of the film continue to live through the pandemic era and watch this film, it just doesn't seem so bad anymore. This film is basically about a time-traveling Bruce Willis who is on a quest to stop the Twelve Monkey terrorist organization from spreading a deadly virus that will wipe out most of humanity.
Fans have probably still found this film a good watch apart from the dark humor, but many will likely find themselves dissociating while watching it.
5 A Scanner Darkly (2006)
There is just something about Richard Linklater's body of work that just has a laid-back quality to it. Even though it is hard to watch the sweet Keanu Reeves used as a total puppet, it was totally okay. The rotoscoping used to create the visuals in this masterpiece only seemed to not only lend itself to heightening the absurdity but did so with a laid-back quality.
The dark humor aided in helping the film not take itself too seriously and does tend to reduce the levels of stress on the viewer. Even when the inevitable betrayals happen, it leaves the viewer feeling less outraged and more like "oh...okay then". It does this in the best of ways.
4 Delicatessen (1991)
Going into watching Delicatessen for the first time can seem quite intimidating especially if viewers are aware of the plot and the cannibalism that lies therein. However, it isn't an uncomfortable The Hills Have Eyes or Cannibal Holocaust type of cannibalism. It is in the film, but not in the way those who watch it for the best time expect. The expectations for cringe and gruesomeness are so high, that after viewing the film, viewers are not only relieved but elated.
In this dystopian film, food is scarce in France, and grain is used as currency. The main villain is a landlord of an apartment building, and he runs a butcher shop in the building. He tries to lure new workers in through job postings and eventually kills and sells off their meat to his tenants. It sounds intimidating, but it is anything but. Imagine a post-apocalyptic film with La Cage Aux Folles humor and Delicatessen is what comes to mind.
3 The World's End (2013)
Gary King wants to relieve his youth by making an attempt to hit the Golden Mile. His Everest that he failed to complete fully in his youth. The Golden Mile is a stretch of several pubs that he and his chums once tried to conquer in their youth by having a pint at every single one. It is now the present time and has roped all of his estranged former friends into doing so again.
Except, this time a robot alien species has taken over the town. Basically, they have taken over everyone in the village with the exception of 3 others, and of course, Gary and friends. This film cannot be stressful in any way shape or form. It is a bunch of middle-aged intoxicated men fighting a bunch of robot aliens as they finish their nostalgic pub crawl. It is truly an underrated Edgar Wright film indeed.
2 Isle of Dogs (2018)
This film only did not make it to number 1 simply because those who do view this film worry about the puppies first and foremost. It's really the only stressor to be had from this laid-back Wes Anderson dystopian masterpiece. What makes this film great apart from aesthetically pleasing stop-motion animation, is how good it feels to watch it. It could be the elevated dopamine and serotonin from seeing puppies.
Maybe it could be the clever banter or the fact that the depressing atmosphere is both charming and whimsical. Plus the typical wonderful Wes Anderson color palettes and aesthetic jokes just make it all the more enjoyable. Most dystopian films can leave viewers feeling a little icky after they watch one, but this film leaves viewers feeling better as opposed to feeling on the brink of an existential crisis. Which is nice.
1 Brazil (1985)
Another Terry Gilliam classic. This doesn't make for just a dystopian film but also, a depressing Christmas film. Regardless of the holidays, this is indeed highly depressing, especially with the brilliant original director's ending. The love conquers all ending is terrible and influenced by Hollywood producers that had no idea what they were doing, and should be avoided at all costs. The theatrical release also gives false hope by tilting the camera up to the sky as the credits roll. Yes, overall, it is terribly depressing, but it is the best thing about this film. It is indeed one of those films that have the power to make viewers feel less bad about real life.
The dark humor does make the perils of Jonathan Pryce's character not seem so bad. It can even be argued that he got out the easy way, optimistically speaking. Going crazy is nice simply so he doesn't have to be mentally present for his own reality. It's not such a bad thing. Even though it seems like a stressful journey for the protagonist, just something about the fantasy of mental escapism just keeps the viewer in a state of intrigue rather than a state of restlessness. The miniatures, the prosthetics, the music score, the Dutch angles, and a brilliant cast, just make the insanity of this film all the more brilliant and a joy to watch.