New year, old warnings: what can films set in 2026 teach us?

January 2, 2026

TL;DR

Several films set in 2026, including 'Doom', 'The Marvels', and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes', offer dystopian visions that are being re-examined in light of current events.
'Doom' posits a Martian portal discovery in 2026, leading to eventual horrific mutations, while the Marvel Cinematic Universe's 2026 plots are criticized for nonsensical storytelling.
'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' depicts a virus devastating humanity and boosting ape intelligence by 2026, with its early depiction of rapid virus spread seeming eerily prescient after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fritz Lang's 'Metropolis' (1927), set in 2026, portrays a stark social divide between wealthy elites and underground workers, featuring a robot rebellion and a plea for coexistence that now seems optimistic.
The article contrasts the sci-fi predictions with current reality, noting that while some elements like social division seem plausible, optimistic resolutions like bridging economic gaps remain far-fetched.

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