Dystopian Young Adult Novels Took Over The 2010s

“I volunteer…I volunteer as tribute.” Does it sound familiar to you? It is one of the most popular phrases on the internet back in early 2010s where it all started and it is still widely used by internet users to this day. The phrase originates from Suzanne Collins’ full of suspense young adult novel— The Hunger Games. The phrase was said by the main protagonist of the book, Katniss Everdeen, when she comes forward to help her sister, Prim Everdeen, from joining the game and become her sister’s replacement. One of the reasons why this line becomes memorable is because it was in the opening of the book (page 22). So, most readers would remember this line the most.

 The popularity of post-apocalyptic young adult novels among teenagers and young adults has grown since the first dystopian novel by George Orwell— 1984. The reason this genre of novel has risen in popularity is the transition of the book into a big Hollywood  blockbuster movie. As a result, the movie successfully led curious audiences into reading the books. A lot of names come to my mind if we are going to talk about successful-dystopian-novel-in-hollywood, for instance, The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Divergent. 

(Source: Prambors FM)

First, The Hunger Games are undoubtedly everywhere on the internet as the movie first released in 2012. Many factors are contributing to the success of the movie, including the fact that  The Hunger Games may be the first dystopian movie for most people. Another factor to add is how interesting the main character had the appeal of a strong-willed girl who is given the ability to survive in the middle of all the chaos. The dystopian theme which gives a big picture of political dynamics and the consequences of war might be the reason why The Hunger Games enters the box office. 

(Source: Fimela)

Second, The Maze Runner was 2 years late following the success of The Hunger Games in 2012. The movie adaptation from a trilogy novel by James Dashner successfully attracted audiences with a story of a runner who is trapped in a place surrounded by a maze with some other people. The intriguing mystery of the runners and other people who are stuck convinced the audience to sit through the movie until it finished. The Maze Runner also made its way to find a spot in the box office. 

(Source: GK)

Last, we shall not forget about Veronica Roth’s dystopian trilogy, Divergent. The four factions, the tension between the main characters, and the futuristic settings are only little things why this movie is interesting. Romance can be a factor for most audiences since in the book and the movie, Veronica did not try to hide a sparkling feeling between Tris and Four. Divergent successfully entered the box office chart at number 18. 

After reading this article, are you guys planning to read the novel or watch the movie? 

Editor: Hussaina Yasmine