The good things about bad futures

Dystopian films can be, well, a bit of a downer. Far more prevalent than 'utopian' films (when was the last time you saw one of those, eh?), they often depict the human race as either downtrodden worker drones or part of some elite uber-class crushing the downtrodden worker drones with the heel of their bejewelled boots. Or simply doomed.

But maybe those dystopian visions aren't all bad. With the new Justin Timberlake-starring dystopian nightmare 'In Time' just out at cinemas, we check out some of the dark futures with up sides...

[See more: Movie Apocalypses – could they really happen?]

The film: 'Minority Report'

Wherein Tom Cruise is the head of the 'PreCrime' unit, where crimes are predicted by strange bald people in a hot tub, after which Cruise and his team of abseiling experts swoop in and stop the perp from becoming a, erm, perp. For just thinking about it. This is a particularly advanced future, but also a remarkably recognisable one. Apart from the bald fortune tellers, obviously.

Why it's not that bad: For the spectacular shopping experience. Better than both Westfields, Bluewater, the Trafford Centre and the Bullring rolled into one, in fact. The retina eye scans that are all over public areas in 'Minority Report's future world recognise you, and in the case of Gap, then have hologram ladies ask you about the tank tops you bought the other week. It's like when you start seeing ads for things you've searched for on popular websites, only vastly more intrusive.

[Review: 'In Time']

The film: '1984'

Orwell's quintessential dystopian future has been brought to the screen twice, but best in (rather aptly) 1984 when John Hurt played Winston Smith. It was a singularly grubby affair, the kind of film that requires a hot shower immediately after watching.

Why it's not that bad: Two things, really. First off, it might be a dull and administrative one, but at least everyone's got a job. Y'know, somewhere to go in the morning rather than watching ‘Jeremy Kyle’ and 'Bargain Hunt' in your pants and eating cold beans from a can. Secondly, cheap, government issue gin.

The film: 'I, Robot'

A dystopian film that starts out, well, quite utopian really. And then goes dystopian for a bit. Everyone loves robots in 'iRobot'. Except for Will Smith who has to keep on having a pop at them. Turns out he's right, and they are evil, but still it doesn't make up for how annoyingly belligerent he is about the whole business from the start.

Why it's not that bad: Robots making your tea. If ever there was an argument for super-intelligent robots with frightening faces, it's to teach them to chop vegetables, make pastry and have a steaming hot pie ready for you when you get home from work.

[Editor's blog: 'Skyfall' could be best 'Bond' yet]

The film: 'Gattaca'

A future where children destined for success are the ones that have been 'engineered', while those born naturally are genetically discriminated against. A bit mean, as Ethan Hawke's naturally born Vincent is loads nicer than Jude Law's engineered Jerome, who is all boozy, bitter and twisted.

Why it's not that bad:

If you have to live in a world that's full of weird, perfect people, then it's some compensation that it looks like the one in 'Gattaca'. Design-wise, the place is immaculate – retro-futurist, clean lines, Art Deco curves. Just stunning.

The film: 'A.I.'

Spielberg's takeover of the project Stanley Kubrick started in the 70s is a hit and miss affair. The first two thirds, massive hit. The last, not so much. Still, Haley Joel Osment is super-creepy as the mecha child in a world where robots have evolved to imitate love, including Jude Law's slick male gigolo unit.

Why it's not that bad: Who didn't dream of having a living, walking, talking teddy bear when they were little? Oh. Really? Well, we all did, and if it means waiting until the ice caps all melt and the human race is decimated, then so be it.

The film: 'Blade Runner'

Arguably the dampest dystopian future, the perma-rain in 'Blade Runner' makes for a uniquely bleak vision of things to come. And that's without lunatic robots running amok. Harrison Ford's brooding, retired 'blade runner' (or robot shooter) Deckard could do with cracking his face occasionally too. Miserable so and so.

Why it's not that bad: The spectacular Asian street food, all served in an environment which makes Piccadilly Circus look like the Christmas lights in Weston-Super-Mare. As movie food goes, Deckard's noodles at the sushi joint look as enticing as the pizza slice John Travolta picks up in the opening scene of 'Saturday Night Fever' and Henry's slow-cooked meat sauce in 'Goodfellas'.