The genre of dystopia – the ‘not good place’– has captured the imaginations of artists and audiences alike for centuries. But why do we bother with all this pessimism? Alex Gendler explains how dystopias act as cautionary tales – not about some particular government or technology, but the very idea that humanity can be molded into an ideal shape.

Wall-E observes the effects of technological advances on society. The citizens enjoy many conveniences, and as a result live an easy, yet dystopic, existence.

The brothers head into the jungle to track tigers. Since tigers attack from behind, Chris makes masks for each of them to wear.

Jamal and his brother Salim live in abject poverty amidst a slum in India and have to be creative in getting the basic necessities for themselves.

Male peguins huddle together to survive the bitter cold storms in Antarctica. Meanwhile, the female penguins must journey farther to the sea for food because of the formation of new ice.