In a world where the government is constantly watching and “Big Brother is always listening,” the best dystopian audiobooks are more popular than ever.
In 2022, with the world on the brink of collapse, it’s now more important to be well-read in the dystopian genre. Are you ready to experience the dark and twisted near future and post-apocalyptic worlds that authors have created?
These audiobooks will keep you entertained, whether you’re looking for a gripping tale of rebellion and defiance or simply want to explore what could happen in a world gone wrong.
So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a gloomy and harrowing journey into the future.
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What are the best dystopian audiobooks?
Here are the 10 best dystopian audiobooks for 2022:
1. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
Narrated By: Elizabeth Moss
Length: 11 hours and 22 minutes
The best dystopian audiobooks are ones that transport you into a dark and twisted world, and The Handmaid’s Tale does just that. This classic tale by Margaret Atwood is one of the most iconic and best-known dystopian novels ever written.
In a future where women are second-class citizens, Offred is a handmaid who is forced to serve as a reproductive surrogate for wealthy couples.
Atwood paints a chilling picture of what life could be like if society were to crumble. Yet, despite being set in a dark and oppressive world, this is a story of hope and defiance. Offred fights back against the system that seeks to control her. If you’re looking for a classic dystopian thought-provoking audiobook that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, this book is for you.
2. 1984 – George Orwell
Narrated By: Simon Prebble
Length: 11 hours and 22 minutes
1984 by George Orwell is one of the most influential dystopian novels ever. 1984 is set in a world where the government controls every aspect of its citizens’ lives, from what they eat to what they think. Nothing is left to chance in this oppressive society. It tells the story of Winston Smith, a man who rebels against the system.
Despite being published over 70 years ago, 1984 remains as relevant as ever. Its themes of totalitarianism and surveillance are more timely than ever.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you question everything you know, 1984 is a must-listen.
3. Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
Narrated By: Michael York
Length: 8 hours
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is one of the most famous dystopian novels of all time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the dystopia genre. Set in a world where the government controls every aspect of its citizens’ lives and “happiness” is mandatory, it tells the story of Bernard Marx, a man who rebels against the system.
More than 70 years later, Brave New World remains as relevant as ever. So if you’re looking for a challenging listen that will make you question the effects of technology on society, this is the audiobook for you.
4. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Narrated By: Tatiana Maslany
Length: 10 hours and 35 minutes
The Hunger Games is the hugely popular first novel in the best-selling young adult dystopian book trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It is one of the best dystopian audiobooks, thanks to Tatiana Maslany’s passionate narration.
Set in a future post-apocalyptic world in Panem in North America, it contains 12 districts that vary in poverty and a super-rich capital that controls everything.
Two citizens from each district must compete in a brutal televised competition where they fight to the death. The story follows teenage protagonist Katniss Everdeen as she volunteers to participate in The Hunger Games in place of her sister.
It’s an incredibly engaging story with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
5. Divergent – Veronica Roth
Narrated By: Emma Galvin
Length: 11 hours and 11 minutes
The first book in the Divergent series, Divergent, is a young adult dystopian novel by Veronica Roth. The story takes place in a dystopian future Chicago where citizens must choose one of five factions – Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candor (honest), Erudite (intellectual), and Dauntless (brave).
The protagonist, Beatrice Prior, is born into Abnegation. But, when she turns 16, she takes a test to determine whether she will stay in her faction or join another. After that, Beatrice reveals something about herself that is so impossible that it has the power to tear down the factions and destroy society as she knows it.
6. Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
Narrated By: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 9 hours and 40 minutes
Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go is a haunting tale of love, loss, and what it means to be human. It is a story that you will never forget.
Never Let Me Go is set in an alternate history where human clones are created to provide organs for transplantation. Kathy, a “clone,” tells the story from her perspective as she deals with and comes to terms with her fate of being a donor for her original human counterpart. It also explores the ethical implications of cloning. Finally, the story raises questions about the meaning of life and death and humanity.
Rosalyn Landor’s narration brings the characters to life and will leave listeners feeling deeply moved.
7. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
Narrated By: Tim Robbins
Length: 5 hours and 1 minute
Ray Bradbury’s classic novel about a future world where books are against the law is one of the best-known dystopian stories out there. The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Tim Robbins, is a must-listen for fans of dark science fiction. It’s an eerie and atmospheric experience that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished it.
In Fahrenheit 451, fireman Guy Montag burns books to keep the population from getting exposed to “dangerous” ideas. But when he meets a young girl named Clarisse, who introduces him to a whole new way of looking at the world, Montag begins to question everything he knows. A thought-provoking dystopia that begs the question does knowledge equal power.
8. Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
Narrated By: Wil Wheaton
Length: 15 hours and 40 minutes
Set in a future dystopia world where the only escape is the virtual world of the OASIS, Ready Player One is a geeky, fun, and fast-paced adventure.
In Ready Player One, Wade Watts escapes from the bleak reality of his life in the slums of Columbus, Ohio, by spending his days in the OASIS. Meanwhile, when Wade learns that the game’s creator has died and left behind a clue to an Easter egg hidden inside it. So, he sets out on a quest to find it.
The audiobook version, narrated by Wil Wheaton, is a joy to listen to and perfect for science fiction fans. The narration brings all the characters to life. Wil’s performance is especially outstanding for gamers who will appreciate all the references.
Ready Player One is a fun, and entertaining listen that’s perfect for sci-fi dystopian gaming fans.
9. The Giver – Lois Lowry
Narrated By: Ron Rifkin
Length: 4 hours and 49 minutes
In The Giver by Lois Lowry, Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories. However, he soon realizes that his utopian community is not as perfect as it seems. He comes to understand the dark secrets hidden from the other citizens and starts to question everything he has always believed in.
The adaptation, narrated by Ron Rifkin, is one of the best dystopian audiobooks. It brings depth to the characters and makes for an engaging listen that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. It is a must-listen for dystopian fiction fans.
10. Strange New World – Rachel Vincent
Narrated By: Christy Romano
Length: 8 hours and 3 minutes
In Strange New World by Rachel Vincent, Dahlia learns that she is raised on a clone farm, where thousands of identical people are bred to work as house help for the wealthy. Even worse, she’s one of 5,000 people with the same face as her.
Meanwhile, Dahlia escapes with a soldier who risks his life to save hers after the other 4999 girls are destroyed. She then finds out that there is still another clone of her alive somewhere, and when they meet in person, the answers leave her with more questions. Strange New World is the sequel to Brave New Girl and explores the morality of clone rights.
FAQS – Best Dystopian Audiobooks
What is the most famous dystopian novel?
1984 by George Orwell is the most famous dystopian novel. 1984 is a dystopian novel in which the ruling class controls all forms of news, communication, and government in Oceania via a monopoly on media.
What is the most popular dystopian novel aimed at adults?
The most famous dystopian novel aimed at adults is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Hulu adapted the story into a series starring Elisabeth Moss that aired in 2017, boosting its popularity.
What is Bradbury’s most popular dystopian novel?
Ray Bradbury’s most popular dystopian novel is Fahrenheit 451. It is set in a totalitarian state society that uses its television network to achieve total information control. Their aim is to suppress all of the information acquired through the media, and they use fire to destroy books. Bradbury has many other dystopian books, but the best-known is Fahrenheit 451.
What are some famous dystopias?
Some famous dystopias are 1984 by George Orwell, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, and The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
