Saturday, March 21, 2026

New Netflix Dystopian Sci-Fi ‘Uglies’ Delivers Dark Thrills

Netflix has released several new movies this year, like the successful “Rebel Ridge” and the latest addition “Uglies”, a dystopian sci-fi film based on a popular young adult novel. With its intriguing concept and familiar YA genre setting, “Uglies” created a buzz before its release.

Starring Joey King, “Uglies” explores enforced beauty standards in a futuristic world where everyone must undergo cosmetic surgery at 16 to become “Pretty”. The story follows Tally Youngblood (Joey King) who faces a dilemma when her friend Shay (Brianne Tju) decides to escape this fate. Tally must choose between loyalty to her friend and pressure from the authorities.

What is ‘Uglies’ about?

“Uglies” on Netflix is based on Scott Westerfeld’s young adult book, depicting a society where cosmetic surgery enforces beauty standards. The story delves into the consequences of conforming to societal norms and the struggle for individuality.

Despite its promising premise, “Uglies” falls short in carving its own identity, with light-hearted treatment of serious themes. The acting, while earnest, lacks depth in character portrayal. However, the movie still offers entertainment and is watchable, particularly for younger YA fans.

Should you stream ‘Uglies’ on Netflix?

“Uglies” may not be groundbreaking in the dystopian YA genre, but it provides entertainment, especially for fans of similar franchises. While it may not stand out among its peers, it could be a worthwhile watch for those seeking a lighter take on dystopian themes.

Stream “Uglies” on Netflix now.

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz

Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
OFF

AccentSpeed

Dystopian/dɪsˈtoʊpiən/adjective
Related to an imagined society characterized by suffering or injustice.

Enforced/ɪnˈfɔrst/verb
Compelled to comply with a rule or law.

Conform/kənˈfɔrm/verb
Comply with rules standards or laws.

Individuality/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuːˈælɪti/noun
The quality of being distinct or individual.

Premise/ˈprɛmɪs/noun
A proposition or assumption upon which an argument is based.

Buzz/bʌz/noun
Excitement or interest created around something.

How much do you know?

Who stars as the lead character Tally Youngblood in the movie "Uglies"?
Joey King
Brianne Tju
Scott Westerfeld
Ratan Naval Tata
What age must individuals undergo cosmetic surgery in the world of "Uglies" to become "Pretty"?
18
16
21
25
What genre does the movie "Uglies" fall under?
Romantic Comedy
Sci-Fi
Historical Drama
Documentary
Which author wrote the young adult book that "Uglies" on Netflix is based on?
Joey King
Brianne Tju
Scott Westerfeld
Ratan Naval Tata
What is the central theme explored in "Uglies"?
Friendship
Conforming to societal norms
Adventure
Time Travel
Who plays the character Shay in the movie "Uglies"?
Joey King
Brianne Tju
Scott Westerfeld
Ratan Naval Tata
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
OFF
AccentSpeed
Dystopian/dɪsˈtoʊpiən/adjective
Related to an imagined society characterized by suffering or injustice.
Enforced/ɪnˈfɔrst/verb
Compelled to comply with a rule or law.
Conform/kənˈfɔrm/verb
Comply with rules standards or laws.
Individuality/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuːˈælɪti/noun
The quality of being distinct or individual.
Premise/ˈprɛmɪs/noun
A proposition or assumption upon which an argument is based.
Buzz/bʌz/noun
Excitement or interest created around something.

How much do you know?

Who stars as the lead character Tally Youngblood in the movie "Uglies"?
Joey King
Brianne Tju
Scott Westerfeld
Ratan Naval Tata
What age must individuals undergo cosmetic surgery in the world of "Uglies" to become "Pretty"?
18
16
21
25
What genre does the movie "Uglies" fall under?
Romantic Comedy
Sci-Fi
Historical Drama
Documentary
Which author wrote the young adult book that "Uglies" on Netflix is based on?
Joey King
Brianne Tju
Scott Westerfeld
Ratan Naval Tata
What is the central theme explored in "Uglies"?
Friendship
Conforming to societal norms
Adventure
Time Travel
Who plays the character Shay in the movie "Uglies"?
Joey King
Brianne Tju
Scott Westerfeld
Ratan Naval Tata
This question is required

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