10 Movies & Shows Like ZARQA (2022)

Description: A gripping dystopian saga where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in a televised event, highlighting themes of oppression, media manipulation, and resistance.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of Katniss while suffering from food poisoning. The arrow-shooting scenes were performed by a professional archer for authenticity.

Description: A post-apocalyptic horror series focusing on survival in a world overrun by zombies, delving into human nature, community dynamics, and the struggle to maintain humanity.

Fact: The show's zombies, or 'walkers,' are created using elaborate prosthetics and CGI. It is one of the most-watched cable TV series in history, with a massive global fanbase.

Description: A dystopian thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where society is divided into strict class systems aboard a perpetually moving train. The film explores themes of survival, rebellion, and social inequality.

Fact: The movie is based on a French graphic novel called 'Le Transperceneige.' The train's design was inspired by real-life luxury trains like the Orient Express.

Description: A young adult dystopian film centered around a group of teens trapped in a deadly maze, forced to work together to escape while uncovering dark secrets about their world.

Fact: The maze scenes were filmed in a real-life abandoned shopping mall in Louisiana. The film's budget was relatively modest for a sci-fi blockbuster, at around $34 million.

Description: A dystopian action film set in a society divided into factions based on personality traits, exploring themes of identity, conformity, and rebellion against oppressive systems.

Fact: The film's futuristic setting was shot in Chicago, with landmarks like Navy Pier transformed for the movie. The book series was initially planned as a trilogy but expanded to four novels.

Description: An anthology series that explores the dark and often unsettling consequences of technological advancements on society, with each episode presenting a standalone story about dystopian futures.

Fact: The title 'Black Mirror' refers to the reflective screens of devices like smartphones and TVs. Creator Charlie Brooker was inspired by 'The Twilight Zone' and modern tech paranoia.

Description: A horror-thriller set in a near-future America where all crime is legal for one night each year, exploring societal breakdown, class warfare, and moral dilemmas.

Fact: The entire film was shot in just 20 days. The concept was inspired by creator James DeMonaco's frustration with traffic and his imagination of a lawless night.

Description: A post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama following a group of survivors as they navigate a harsh, lawless world after a nuclear catastrophe, dealing with themes of morality, leadership, and survival.

Fact: The show was initially marketed as a teen drama but evolved into a darker, more complex series. It is loosely based on a book series by Kass Morgan.

Description: A harrowing dystopian series that examines themes of oppression, gender roles, and resistance in a totalitarian society where women are subjugated and stripped of their rights.

Fact: The show's iconic red robes and white bonnets have become symbols of protest in real-life women's rights movements. The series is based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel of the same name.

Description: A darkly comedic thriller that delves into class struggle and societal hierarchies, showcasing the stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished through a gripping narrative.

Fact: It was the first South Korean film to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The house used in the film was a meticulously constructed set, not a real location.