Add one of the best dystopian novels to your reading list to challenge your thinking.

Dystopian novels use fiction to explore political themes by looking at what could be in an imperfect world, often in the near future.

Table of Contents

1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Talehas become a major motion picture and for good reason. In this dystopian novel, society faces declining birth rates, and fertile women become handmaids whose only purpose is to have children with married men, even though they themselves are not married.

This horrifying work of science fiction will leave you thinking, and that is what the best dystopian novels should do.

“Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.”

Margaret Atwood

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In the first book of The Hunger Gamesseries, author Suzanne Collins explores what happens if teenagers are asked to fight to the death in order to maintain law and order. One of the tributes, as these teens are called, defies the rule and fights to keep herself and another tribute alive. The heroine, Katniss Everdeen, because of the symbol of rebellion.

The Hunger Games and its sequels explore exactly what happens when someone defies the “establishment” when the powers that be are clearly in the wrong.

“If Peeta and I were both to die, or they thought we were…My fingers fumble with the pouch on my belt, freeing it. Peeta sees it and his hand clamps on my wrist. ‘No, I won’t let you.’ ‘Trust me,’ I whisper. He holds my gaze for a long moment then lets go. I loosen the top of the pouch and pour a few spoonfuls of berries into his palm. Then I fill my own. ‘On the count of three?’”

Suzanne Collins

3.* A Clockwork Orange* by Anthony Burgess

In A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess explores what happens if criminals are allowed to take over after dark. In this dystopian fiction novel, the author shows the clear balance between good and evil, with decided times when evil is allowed to take over society.

One of the features that set A Clockwork Orange out is the inventive slang of the teen gangs that come out after dark.

“Is it better for a man to have chosen evil than to have good imposed upon him?”

Anthony Burgess

4. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury explores a bleak dystopian future where a fireman is ordered to destroy printed books and the houses that hold them. He never questions this reality until he meets a neighbor who explores life in the past when books were not feared.

Fahrenheit 451 is a classic that is still being explored by generations today.

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”

Ray Bradbury

5. The Giverby Lois Lowry

It may be juvenile fiction, but *The Giver*by Lowis Lowry is a Newbery Medal winner that follows a 12-year-old boy named Jonas who discovers a dark secrete in his dystopian community. It is an easy read but has a deep meaning.

Through the story, Jonas learns to challenge the rules and order of his dystopia and explore the power of individuality.

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

Lois Lowry

6. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Roadis a novel) set in a post-apocalyptic world that follows a father and son as they try to survive. Set in America after a catastrophic event, the book examines the individualistic nature of survival after a serious event.

Though it is melancholy, The Road shows just how challenging life can be after a serious event.

“You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget.”

Cormac McCarthy

7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World is a classic dystopian book set in 2540. Instead of setting up a sad, horrific setting, this book shows what it would be like if life were perfect, numbing the population.

Through exploring a perfect dystopia, Huxley expounds on how society can degrade and lose its intelligence simply through self-indulgent behavior.

“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly — they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.”

Aldous Huxley

8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

In Never Let Me Go, a caretaker looks back at her childhood. By exploring these memories, Ishiguro skillfully explores what the dystopian society could look like. Rather than taking place in the future, this book takes place in England in the 1990s, but in an alternate reality.

As the story unfolds, the author carefully reveals a story of cloning, organ donation, and the challenges they produce.

“Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don’t go along with that. The memories I value most, I don’t ever see them fading.”

Kazuo Ishiguro

9. The Time Machineby H.G. Wells

This classic explores what happens if a Victorian scientist creates and uses a time machine. He finds a carefree world with adults that act like children. Yet after further exploration, the scientist finds a dark side to this seemingly idyllic future.

The Time Machinewas one of the first science fiction books ever written. This fact makes it worth adding to your list.

“Nature never appeals to intelligence until habit and instinct are useless. There is no intelligence where there is no need of change.”

H.G. Wells

10. The Standby Stephen King

A discussion of dystopian novels must include Stephen King. In The Stand, King explores what happens to the world after someone accidentally unleashes a biological weapon. Survivors must avoid the pandemic while also building a new world.

*The Stand*is a cautionary tale as well as a great piece of fiction that keeps the reader guessing.

“The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there…and still on your feet.”

Stephen King

11. Nineteen Eight-Fourby George Orwell

Finally, George Orwell’s 1984, written in 1949, explores what life would be like in 1984 when the globe was in a perpetual world war. In the fictional country of Oceania, Big Brother is a dictatorial leader.

This book shows what life in a manipulative, authoritarian government would be like. From this book comes the phrase “Big Brother is watching.”

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”

George Orwell

A Final Word on the Best Dystopian Novels

Dystopian novels explore what happens in the world after a serious catastrophic event or political takeover. These sci-fi books and tales are popular because of their look at what life on the earth would be like if everything went wrong and humanity faced the end of the world.

Many of the best dystopian novels make political statements through fiction writing. This makes them something worth studying both in English and in government or history classes.

FAQs About the Best Dystopian Novels

What is the most famous dystopian novel?

For Reading Addicts ranks The Handmaid’s Tale as the best dystopian novel of all time. Also on the list is*Fahrenheit 451 *and 1984.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between fantasy and science fiction?

Fantasy typically involves magical elements, supernatural creatures, and worlds that don’t follow our natural laws, while science fiction explores futuristic technology, space travel, and scientific concepts. Fantasy often looks backward to myth and legend, while sci-fi looks forward to possibilities.

What makes a great fantasy or science fiction book?

Great fantasy and sci-fi books feature well-developed worlds, consistent internal logic, compelling characters, and themes that resonate beyond the genre elements. They should transport readers while telling meaningful stories about human nature and society.

Are fantasy and science fiction books just escapism?

While fantasy and sci-fi can provide escapism, the best books in these genres use their settings to explore real-world themes, social issues, and human nature. They can offer fresh perspectives on familiar problems through their unique contexts.

Why should I read fantasy or science fiction?

Reading fantasy and sci-fi expands your imagination, introduces new ideas and perspectives, and can provide insights into human nature and society through different lenses. These genres often tackle complex themes in accessible and entertaining ways.

What makes a great dystopian novel?

Dystopian authors take a look at what the future may look like if political ideologies take over or a catastrophe occurs. They are often somewhat realistic but have some science fiction mixed in.