Dystopian storytelling is back in focus—and it’s arriving at a time when the idea of systems breaking down doesn’t feel like fiction to many people. Here are the upcoming book-to-screen adaptations exploring what happens when the world goes wrong.  

‘Klara and the Sun’
In theaters Oct. 23

Sony Pictures was so invested in Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel “Klara and the Sun,” the studio acquired it in 2020—a year before it was published. Jenna Ortega stars as an artificial friend hired to help a family in a dystopian world divided by class and genetic enhancement.

Taika Waititi directed the film, which also stars Amy Adams, Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne. It was filmed in 2024 and is expected to be released this year.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’
In theaters Oct. 20

Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel revisits Panem 24 years before the events of “The Hunger Games.” It follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) competing in the 50th Hunger Games, alongside Maysilee Donner (Mckenna Grace), the original owner of the famous Mockingjay pin.

The adaptation continues the franchise’s exploration of power and rebellion in a tightly controlled society. It premieres in theaters on Nov. 20.

‘Homestead: The Series’
Streaming Nov. 3 on Angel

The second season of “Homestead: The Series” will stream on Nov. 3. New episodes will air every Thursday after. The dystopian action series is based on the Black Autumn books by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross. The series follows the 2024 film adaptation simply called “Homestead.” The story centers on Jeff Eriksson (Bailey Chase), an ex-Green Beret. Jeff gets a job at The Homestead, a place for end-of-the-world preppers, right as the world starts to fall apart. Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri and Charles Esten, Jesse Hutch, Kevin Lawson, Manny McCord and Olivia Sanabia also star.

‘Quiztopia’
Streaming Dec. 17 on Netflix

The Japanese series, “Quiztopia,” is based on a 1993 manga of the same name, written by Reiichi Sugimoto and illustrated by Shinkichi Kato.

Starring Takayuki Yamada, the story follows the national quiz show, “Quiztopia,” which has become the supreme governing authority in Japan. Any contestant who survives the quiz can have any request granted by the government, while losing contestants are forced into labor. The series premieres Dec. 17 on Netflix

‘Dune: Part 3’
In theaters Dec. 18

Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, 10-plus years after the events of “Dune: Part 2.” Now emperor, Atreides struggles with the conflict of an uncontrollable war and a political conspiracy.

Based on Frank Herbert’s 1969 novel “Dune Messiah,” the film will conclude the series directed by Denis Villeneuve. Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson and Jason Momoa also star.  It premieres in theaters on Dec. 18.

‘Neuromancer’
Streaming Jan. 22 on Apple TV

William Gibson’s 1984 cyberpunk novel follows Case (Callum Turner), a hacker recruited for a digital heist in a world dominated by corporations and artificial intelligence. It was Gibson’s debut novel and the first in the “Sprawl” trilogy.

Apple TV+ announced the 10-episode series is currently in production. Gibson’s past adaptations include “Johnny Mnemonic” and the 2022 Prime TV series “The Peripheral.” Briana Middleton, Emma Laird, Clémence Poésy also star in the series. It is expected to premiere on Apple TV+ on Jan. 22.