Dystopian young adult literature is a vast genre, and it’s only growing. Particularly after the runaway success of Suzanne Collin’s Hunger Games series, we’ve been lucky to live through a time when dystopian young adult novels are finally getting the praise they deserve.
Part of that recognition has included a wide range of dystopian young adult adaptations for the screen. From small-screen adaptations on platforms like Netflix to big-screen film adaptations, there have been countless adaptations of dystopian young adult novels in the last few decades.
To help you navigate the expansive terrain, we’ve put together a list of our ten favorite dystopian young adult adaptations for the screen.
10. The Host (2013)
The Host
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Author:
Stephenie Meyer
Published:
05/06/2008
Genre:
Publisher:
Little, Brown and Company
Number of pages:
624
ISBN:
9780316068048
Based on: The Host by Stephenie Meyer
This film is a fascinating adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s first post-Twilight series novel. Starring Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, it tells the story of Melanie, a young woman who is trying to resist the insertion of an alien soul into her body.
Why we recommend it: I loved the acting, which elevated a modest script to an entertaining watch.
9. Ender’s Game (2013)
Ender’s Game
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Author:
Orson Scott Card
Published:
01/15/1985
Genre:
Publisher:
Tor
Number of pages:
324
ISBN:
9780812550702
Based on: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
This dystopian young adult adaptation is set in a future world where young children are recruited to the military in mankind’s fight against a hostile alien species. Starring Asa Butterfield, who is slated to soon appear in a new Netflix thriller, this film contains thrilling action sequences.
Why we recommend it: I loved the atmosphere and visual effects.
RelatedThis Is The Key Difference Between Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Literature
8. Divergent (2014)
Divergent
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Author:
Veronica Roth
Book Series:
Published:
04/25/2011
Genre:
Publisher:
Katherine Tegen Books
Number of pages:
487
ISBN:
9780062024039
Based on: Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a dystopian future, everyone is divided into different categories. Except for Tris, who is divergent: she doesn’t fit neatly into any of the groups. Veteran actress Shailene Woodley makes this film a memorable adaptation of the gripping dystopian young adult series.
Why we recommend it: I loved the music and the casting in this film.
7. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
City of Bones
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Author:
Cassandra Clare
Published:
03/27/2007
Genre:
Publisher:
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Number of pages:
485
ISBN:
9781416914280
Based on: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Clary is thrust into the world of the Shadowhunters, a select group of individuals responsible for protecting the world from demons. The film adaptation of this dystopian young adult novel stars Lily Collins, who brings Clary’s determination and brilliance to light.
Why we recommend it: I loved the dark aesthetic of this film adaptation, as well as the fantasy elements.
6. Ready Player One (2018)
Ready Player One
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Author:
Ernest Cline
Published:
08/16/2011
Genre:
Publisher:
Ballantine Books
Number of pages:
386
ISBN:
9780307887450
Based on: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This dystopian young adult film was directed by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg, and it shows. (The man knows how to direct a successful film adaptation!) It tells the story of young Wade, who enters a bizarre contest to run the world’s most popular virtual reality.
Why we recommend it: I loved the nostalgia in this adaptation.
RelatedWhy Are Book Adaptations Always So Controversial?
5. The Maze Runner (2014)
The Maze Runner
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Author:
James Dashner
Published:
10/06/2009
Genre:
Publisher:
Delacorte Press
Number of pages:
384
ISBN:
9780385737944
Based on: The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Thomas is trapped in a bizarre and menacing maze, with no memory of his past. In this dystopian young adult adaptation starring Dylan O’Brien, we are thrust into a world of mystery, romance, and danger. As Thomas uncovers a larger conspiracy at play, can he make it out alive?
Why we recommend it: I liked how loyal this film adaptation was to the young adult novel.
4. Catching Fire (2013)
Catching Fire
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Author:
Suzanne Collins
Book Series:
Published:
09/01/2009
Genre:
Publisher:
Scholastic Press
Number of pages:
391
ISBN:
9780439023498
Based on: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
This dystopian young adult adaptation is the second in the Hunger Games series, and it might even have more adventure and tension than the first. It follows heroine Katniss Everdeen, arguably one of the coolest female protagonists of all time, as she returns to fight for her life once again.
As Katniss strives to defy the oppressive powers of the Capitol, her survival takes on a deeper meaning. Despite the target on her back, can she prevail?
Why we recommend it: I love this adaptation so much, particularly the fashion and the cast. It’s a young adult dystopian masterpiece.
3. The Giver (2014)
The Giver
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Author:
Lois Lowry
Published:
04/26/1993
Genre:
Publisher:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Number of pages:
208
ISBN:
9780385732550
Based on: The Giver by Lois Lowry
This young adult film adaptation incorporates some of the most definitive tropes of dystopian fiction. It stars Meryl Streep and Taylor Swift, who are no strangers to the world of movies, and tells the story of Jonas, a boy who is responsible for holding the memories of everyone around him to protect them from negative emotions.
Why we recommend it: I love the story, and Streep absolutely crushes it in this dystopian film.
Related10 Sci-Fi Adaptations That Are Actually Good
2. The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2015)
Insurgent
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Author:
Veronica Roth
Book Series:
Published:
05/01/2012
Genre:
Publisher:
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Number of pages:
525
ISBN:
9780007442911
Based on: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
The sequel to the 2014 adaptation of Divergent, this dystopian young adult adaptation follows Tris as she navigates the wastelands of post-apocalyptic Chicago. Tris, played again by Shailene Woodley, struggles to support a rising rebellion against the oppressive power structures that divide society as she is pursued relentlessly by the evil Jeannie.
Why we recommend it: I adored Kate Winslet’s full commitment to this role, which was delightfully thrilling.
1. The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games
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Author:
Suzanne Collins
Book Series:
Published:
09/14/2008
Genre:
Publisher:
Perfection Learning
Number of pages:
374
ISBN:
1606865811
Based on: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Arguably the most successful dystopian young adult adaptation, The Hunger Games deserves its crown. Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, a normal teenage girl who is forced to fight for her survival in a brutal and horrific game. The movie is serious, thrilling, and one of the few films that might just be fun for the whole family.
Why we recommend it: I love the tone of this movie and how wonderfully Lawrence portrays the unstoppable Katniss.
As the autumn months begin, now is the perfect time to cozy up for a movie night, and dystopian young adult adaptations are a great choice for your next watch. We hope this list has helped you navigate the wide and wonderful world of dystopian young adult movies.
Happy watching!
