The Greatest "Fiction, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Dystopian

Dystopian literature is a genre of speculative fiction that explores social and political structures in a dark, nightmare world. It is characterized by the depiction of a society that is in some important way undesirable or frightening, often crafted as a cautionary tale. These societies may be plagued by extreme oppression, totalitarian governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society. Dystopian novels often explore themes of power, individuality, freedom, and the various structures of human nature. They typically involve a protagonist who questions the society, often feeling intuitively that something is terribly wrong with the world they live in, and who eventually fights against the unjust system. Classic examples of dystopian novels include George Orwell's "1984," Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

Post Apocalyptic

Post Apocalyptic is a genre of literature that explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event that has destroyed civilization as we know it. These stories typically take place in a world where resources are scarce, society has collapsed, and survivors must navigate a dangerous and unpredictable landscape. Themes of survival, morality, and human nature are often explored in Post Apocalyptic books, as characters struggle to rebuild their lives and make sense of a world that has been forever changed.

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  1. 26. Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

    This novel is a coming-of-age narrative set in a post-apocalyptic Africa. It follows the journey of a young woman born from a violent act, who is prophesied to bring an end to a brutal regime. As she grows, she discovers her magical abilities and must learn to control them in order to fulfill her destiny. The narrative explores themes of race, gender, and power, while incorporating elements of African mythology and culture.

    The 4868th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. World War Z by Max Brooks

    The book is an apocalyptic horror novel presented as a collection of individual accounts in the aftermath of a global pandemic that leads to a catastrophic zombie outbreak. Through interviews with survivors from various countries and walks of life, the narrative unfolds the social, political, cultural, and environmental implications of the zombie crisis, known as World War Z. The personal stories explore the widespread panic, the collapse and resurgence of governments, military strategies employed to combat the undead, and the human resilience in the face of a decimated world. The novel serves as a critique of societal responses to disasters and a commentary on the human condition.

    The 4870th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. City of Bohane by Kevin Barry

    Set in the year 2053, the book is a dystopian tale about the city of Bohane, a place filled with vice, violence, and tribal warfare. The city is controlled by a gangster named Logan Hartnett, who is challenged by his estranged wife Macu and her lover, a rival gang leader. The narrative is filled with colorful characters, rich language, and a unique blend of futuristic and archaic elements, creating a vivid, darkly comic vision of a future Ireland.

    The 5474th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle

    In this gripping novel, a comet hurtles towards Earth, causing widespread panic and destruction. As society collapses and chaos ensues, a diverse group of survivors must navigate the aftermath and confront the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. With vivid characters and intense action, "Lucifer's Hammer" explores humanity's resilience and the lengths people will go to in order to survive.

    The 5639th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm

    In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by environmental collapse and infertility, a surviving community turns to cloning to preserve humanity. As generations of clones are produced, they form a collective consciousness that values conformity over individuality. The story explores the complex relationship between the last of the original humans and their clone descendants, as well as the clones' struggle to understand the concept of individuality. When a clone with unique artistic abilities is born, it challenges the community's rigid structure and raises profound questions about identity, creativity, and the very essence of human nature.

    The 6123rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Zone One by Colson Whitehead

    The novel takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a pandemic has turned many people into zombies, or "skels." The protagonist is a survivor who is part of a team tasked with clearing out the remaining skels in Zone One, the area in and around lower Manhattan. The story alternates between the present and the past, revealing the protagonist's experiences during the initial outbreak and his struggle to hold onto his humanity in the face of such devastation.

    The 6227th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Feed by Seanan McGuire

    In a world where humanity has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, a team of bloggers sets out to cover the presidential elections, offering a unique perspective on the state of a society where the undead are a constant threat. The protagonist, a young woman with a passion for the truth, navigates a landscape of danger, political intrigue, and conspiracy, all while dealing with the challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic environment. As they delve deeper into the heart of America's reanimated politics, they uncover a plot that could have dire consequences for both the living and the undead, forcing them to confront the question of what it truly means to be human in a world overrun by zombies.

    The 6391st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

    A 15-year-old New Yorker is sent to live with her eccentric British cousins on a remote farm in England, where she falls in love with her cousin. Their idyllic summer is shattered when war breaks out and the country falls under martial law. The protagonist must learn to survive in this brutal new world, while also grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence.

    The 6474th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Slynx by Tatyana Tolstaya

    Set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, the story follows Benedikt, a scribe in a primitive society that has regressed to a feudal state after a catastrophic event known as "the Blast." The population suffers from various mutations and lives in fear of the mythical Slynx, a creature said to embody the dangers of the new world. As Benedikt navigates his harsh and superstitious environment, he begins to question the oppressive regime and the nature of knowledge and power, ultimately embarking on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion.

  10. 35. The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood

    The MaddAddam Trilogy is a dystopian series set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a man-made plague. The story revolves around a small group of survivors, including a bioengineer who helped create the new world, a woman who is the last of a religious sect, and a man who may be the last human with natural birth. The narrative explores themes of genetic engineering, corporate domination, and the consequences of playing God. The trilogy also features a new species of humanoids, designed to be peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable, who may be the future of life on Earth.

    The 7029th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a dystopian future along the Gulf Coast, the story follows a young scavenger named Nailer who works on the light crew, stripping copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living. The world is ravaged by climate change, with rising seas and devastating hurricanes. After a brutal storm, Nailer discovers a luxury clipper ship washed ashore with a wealthy girl barely alive amidst its wreckage. Faced with the decision to strip the ship for its wealth or rescue the girl, Nailer is thrust into a high-stakes adventure that challenges his understanding of loyalty, morality, and his own survival. As he navigates through treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical, he confronts ruthless enemies and forms unexpected alliances, all while dreaming of a life beyond the squalor and brutality of his current existence.

    The 7859th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank

    "Alas, Babylon" is a post-apocalyptic novel set during the height of the Cold War. The story follows the residents of a small town in Florida as they struggle to survive after a nuclear attack devastates the United States. With limited resources and the breakdown of society, the townspeople must come together and rely on their ingenuity and resilience to rebuild their lives and create a new community in the aftermath of destruction.

    The 7957th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Angelfall by Susan Ee

    In a post-apocalyptic world where angels have descended to Earth and unleashed destruction, a resilient teenage girl embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her kidnapped younger sister. With society in ruins and danger at every turn, she allies with a mysterious angel whose motives are unclear, navigating a landscape filled with roving gangs, gruesome creatures, and celestial warriors. As she fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the invasion, she confronts the blurred lines between good and evil, and the potential darkness within herself and her enigmatic companion.

    The 8062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin

    In this concluding volume of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the fate of a world hangs in the balance as a mother and daughter find themselves on opposite sides of an apocalyptic war. The mother, an orogene with the power to control seismic activity, embarks on a quest to end the perpetual disasters plaguing the earth by harnessing the power of an ancient, mythical obelisk. Meanwhile, her daughter, who possesses similar abilities, is manipulated by forces seeking to use her powers for their own ends. As their paths converge, the complex layers of oppression, survival, and the struggle for freedom are revealed, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the future of their world.

    The 8157th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. American War by Omar El Akkad

    Set in the late 21st century during the second American Civil War, this novel follows the life of Sarat Chestnut, a young girl from Louisiana. As the South refuses to give up fossil fuels, the country plunges into a violent and chaotic war, leading Sarat and her family to live in a refugee camp. Sarat's experiences of loss and hardship fuel her transformation into a hardened instrument of war. The novel explores themes of revenge, the impact of war on individuals, and the cyclical nature of violence.

    The 8157th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

    In this science fiction epic, humanity faces an existential crisis when the moon suddenly explodes, triggering a catastrophic chain of environmental disasters on Earth. With only two years before the planet becomes uninhabitable, nations unite to launch a daring plan to preserve human life by sending a select group of survivors into orbit. The narrative spans thousands of years, chronicling the efforts of these initial survivors to maintain the human race in space, the political and social challenges they face, and the eventual attempt by their far-future descendants to return to a drastically changed Earth. The story is a sweeping examination of human resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring quest for survival against insurmountable odds.

    The 8452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Postman by David Brin

    In a post-apocalyptic America, where civilization has collapsed and survival is a daily struggle, a lone wanderer accidentally becomes a symbol of hope. Taking on the identity of a postal worker from the long-defunct United States Postal Service, he dons an old uniform and begins delivering mail, initially as a means to scavenge for food and shelter. However, his actions inspire others, and what starts as a deception evolves into a movement. The protagonist's journey transforms him into a leader who inadvertently unites disparate communities and reignites a sense of unity and purpose, becoming a catalyst for the reconstruction of society amidst the chaos and desolation of a fallen world.

    The 8978th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    In a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream, leading to widespread madness, Indigenous people in North America are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the cure for the rest of the world's dreamlessness. The story follows a young Indigenous boy and his companions as they navigate this perilous landscape, struggling to survive against the government "recruiters" who seek to harvest their marrow. As they journey through the ravaged lands, they must rely on their wits, their cultural heritage, and each other to retain their humanity against a society that seeks to take everything from them, including their dreams.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a future Thailand amidst a world ravaged by climate change and depleted resources, the story unfolds in a bustling city where biotech corporations vie for supremacy. The narrative centers around a genetically engineered "New Person," known as the Windup Girl, who is trapped in a life of servitude and exploitation. As the city teeters on the brink of political and environmental collapse, the fates of various characters—including a foreign energy investor, a disgraced geneticist, and a street-smart refugee—intertwine with that of the Windup Girl. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of corporate greed, oppressive government, and social upheaval, in a desperate search for survival and redemption in a world where every action has unforeseen consequences.

    The 9465th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. A Children’s Bible by Xe Sands, Lydia Millet

    "A Children's Bible" follows a group of children and their parents who are spending the summer in a rented house in the countryside. As the parents indulge in drinking and infidelity, the children are left to their own devices and begin to explore the surrounding wilderness. When a severe storm hits and the world as they know it begins to crumble, the children turn to their own imaginations and a battered old Bible for guidance. The novel is a poignant commentary on climate change, societal decay, and the resilience of youth.

    The 9546th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Severance by Ling Ma

    This novel is a satirical take on the post-apocalyptic genre, blending elements of horror, humor, and social commentary. It tells the story of Candace Chen, a millennial office drone in New York City, who finds herself one of the few survivors of a global pandemic known as Shen Fever. The disease turns its victims into repetitive, predictable creatures stuck in loops of their former routines. As society crumbles around her, Candace joins a group of survivors led by the enigmatic Bob, embarking on a journey to find a new sanctuary. Through Candace's eyes, the narrative explores themes of nostalgia, capitalism, and the search for meaning in a pre- and post-apocalyptic world, all while questioning what it truly means to be alive in a world that's slowly fading away.

    The 9571st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey

    In a dystopian future where humanity is ravaged by a fungal infection that turns its hosts into mindless, flesh-eating "hungries," a unique group of children who retain their intellect despite being infected are studied at a military base. Among them is a special girl with extraordinary abilities, who forms a bond with her teacher. When the base is overrun, the girl, her teacher, a scientist, and a soldier must journey to find safety, confronting the horrors of the outside world. As they travel, the girl's true nature and the potential for a new world come to light, challenging what it means to be human and what the future may hold for mankind.

    The 9699th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Passage by Justin Cronin

    "The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

    The 9700th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham

    "The Chrysalids" is a captivating science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where the inhabitants of a small community strictly adhere to a religious doctrine that condemns any form of mutation or deviation. The story follows a young boy named David, who possesses telepathic abilities that he must conceal to avoid persecution. As David grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the intolerance and hypocrisy of his society, leading him to question the rigid beliefs he has been raised with and ultimately embark on a dangerous journey to find acceptance and understanding.

    The 9836th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Planet Of The Apes by Pierre Boulle

    In this thought-provoking novel, a group of astronauts crash-land on a planet where apes are the dominant species and humans are primitive creatures. The story follows the protagonist as he struggles to survive and understand this upside-down world, ultimately challenging the reader's notions of civilization, intelligence, and the nature of humanity.

    The 9847th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download