Top 10 Futuristic Movie Cities

At an indeterminate point in the future, Panem is a grim post-apocalyptic nation comprised of 12 dreary districts. Simply surviving is an everyday struggle for human beings. That is unless you live in the Capitol. Governed by the tyrannical President Snow, this colorful futuristic city is plentiful in rich food, flamboyant fashion, and advanced technology. Surrounded by comfort, it’s easy for Capitol residents to overlook the less fortunate people of Panem. Once Katniss Everdeen gives her people a voice, however, taking part in excessive parties and watching the annual Hunger Games leaves many feeling guilty.

2015 has finally come and we still don’t have hoverboards, flying cars, or “Jaws 19.” “Back to the Future Part II” did predict a few innovations, though, like hands free-gaming and video communication. Hopefully within the next thirty years, we’ll totally catch up to the film’s vision of the future. As groundbreaking as future Hill Valley appears in 2015, the land maintains a goofy 1980s vibe nonetheless. For example, the disastrous, over-the-top fashion has the ‘80s written all over it. It’s as old school as the future gets.

“Akira” is one of the most stunning animated features ever, with something visually astounding going on in every frame. It creates a vivid futuristic city in Neo-Tokyo, which was constructed after the events of World War III. Flashy, booming, and larger than life, Neo-Tokyo will thrill, amaze, and intimidate you at the same time. Filmmakers have been trying to make a live-action version of “Akira” for years, but it’s hard to imagine any artist doing justice to Neo-Tokyo outside the realm of animation. This extraordinary city was born for anime.

Everything in “Dredd” got a major upgrade from its 1995 predecessor, including the design of Mega-City One. Okay, so Mega-City One admittedly sounds like a pretty silly name. The “Dredd” reboot really takes its source material seriously, however, delivering a future that feels surprisingly believable. Where many other futuristic cities look vibrant and full of optimism, the crime-ridden Mega-City One is gritty and grim with unwelcoming skyscrapers towering over everyone and everything. Although we may not want to live in this dystopia, it flawlessly sets the tone for a movie appropriately called “Dredd.”

Neo-Seoul is like a cross between the Grid from “Tron” and the city from “The Matrix,” but still sustains a unique identity that’s all its own. Where the upper regions are full of architectural marvels, the lower areas of Neo-Seoul are slum-like and rundown. The set designers and visual effects artists for “Cloud Atlas” did an incredible job at constructing a multi-layered city with countless grand sights. There’s much for Sonmi-451 to discover as she steps out into the world, although she might not like what she ultimately finds.

On the surface, Washington in 2054 may seem like a shining utopia. In a future where crime can be predicted before it even occurs, the streets are clean, the skies are clear, and the cityscapes are wonders to behold. Plus, scientists finally perfected the jetpack. Behind the scenes, however, something much darker is going on. If “Minority Report” teaches us anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as a perfect world. Every decision has consequences and sometimes security must be sacrificed for the sake of free will.

Of all the futuristic interpretations of New York City, “The Fifth Element” just might encompass the most fun and inventive elements. Jumping ahead a couple hundred years, New York appears significantly different in 2263, but feels exactly the same. The iconic city still bustles with activity, advertisements, tall buildings, and bad traffic. Sometimes it looks junky and dirty. Other times, it appears glamorous and full of spirit. That’s basically New York in a nutshell, whether we’re talking about the past, present, or future.

The best way to keep people caged up is to trick them into believing they aren’t even imprisoned in the first place. That’s essentially what the antagonists do in “Logan’s Run.” Well, that and they make sure no one lives past 30. Taking place in 2274, the City of Domes has the appearance of a futuristic mall or luxury resort. The atmosphere is calming, the technology is cutting edge, and there are virtually no worries. What citizens don’t realize is that there’s a greater world beyond the city’s walls, even if there isn’t necessarily a sanctuary. Though what would you choose: a beautiful prison or uncertain freedom?

When we think of groundbreaking movies that embody all the possibilities of visual media, “Metropolis” is a film that instantly comes to mind. The location itself is essentially the main character in this movie. It’s constantly drawing us in with its art deco visual style, thrilling us with its boundless energy, and blowing our minds with its all-encompassing sets. What’s more, the city provides thought-provoking commentary about the working class versus the upper class. Whether you’re visiting the city above or below, though, there’s always something extraordinary to see in Metropolis.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- San Angeles of 2032
“Demolition Man” (1993)
- San Francisco of 2259
“Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013)
- Bregna of 2415
“Æon Flux” (2005)

2019 is only a few years away, meaning “Blade Runner” will likely go down as another sci-fi film that failed to accurately predict the future. Nevertheless, this classic gave us one of the most detailed, immersive, and atmospheric locales in cinema. With its neo noir design, vast cityscape, and dark shadows around every corner, Ridley Scott’s interpretation of LA may not be the most invitingfuturistic city. However, it is one that you can completely lose yourself in. It literally feels like you’ve been transported to another world, or another time.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite futuristic city? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.