Love it or hate it, science fiction is part of our lives. While we, the mainstream public, tend to categorize something as sci-fi the moment we see a spaceship, or a laser, or some clean cut soldier in a tight one piece suit; for the world of nerd pedagogy, there are many different genres in science fiction that are as obvious to them as the difference between a horror flick and a musical to the denizens of the normal world. For all those out there who have ever wondered what the heck those sci-fi nerds are talking about, here is the opportunity to cleanse your ignorance. The Movie Space is proud to introduce the complete guide to science fiction genres for dummies.
Hard vs. Soft
The difference between hard and soft science fiction is the relevance of the actual “science” to the plot itself. If you take nothing from this guide except for the following explanation, than I have done my job properly.
In hard sci-fi, the story could not exist without the science. The movie is either about or revolves around a science fiction premise. These movies tend to be very “science” heavy Examples of hard sci-fi include:
In soft sci-fi, the story will often have a science fiction setting, but the main plot will not rely heavily on science fiction. These movies tend to be “science” light and often revolve around character or social ideologies as opposed to hard science fact. Examples of soft sci-fi include:
-Dune
Since there is no exact agreement on which movie falls under which sub-genre, feel free to argue with anyone who doesn’t agree with your opinion. Placing a movie in soft or hard sci-fi is entirely in the eyes of the beholder.
Here is a list of the major sub-genres in science fiction. Remember that each movie will usually fall into one sub-genre and will also be part of either the hard or soft sci-fi categories. Again, keep in mind that this is an entirely subjective list.
Space Opera
Space Opera usually revolves around character relationships and their problems that often reflect the contemporary issues and problems of the audience. This genre will often emphasis action and romance over actual science fiction and is arguably the most popular sci-fi sub-genre in mainstream circles.
-The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Military Science Fiction
Exactly how it sounds. This is a sub-genre that employs military and war themes. Many sci-fi lovers will often overlook or disregard military science fiction. It is considered by many to be the black sheep of the group.
Cyber Punk
The relationship between man and machine on a physical level. Not necessarily how technology and machines influence our lives, but the melding of the two into one form. The sub-genre Steam Punk (science fiction in a setting where steam power is used) is usually part of the Cyber Punk family.
Apocalyptic
A future setting where a natural or man made disaster has taken place and the remnants of humanity are forced to survive under perilous conditions and to try to build some semblance of a proper society.
Fantasy
The mainstream media has, for marketing reasons perhaps, grouped fantasy with science fiction. However, fantasy is not and never will be science fiction. Even though a few sci-fi fantasy hybrids have surfaced over the years, it is incorrect to place fantasy into science fiction as a sub-genre. Lord of the Rings and Conan the Barbarian are pure fantasy and have no place in science fiction what so ever.
That pretty much sums up the main sub-genres of science fiction. The list is by no means complete and I could have easley written an entire book depicting and arguing the merits of science fiction genres. Hopefully, after reading this guide, no sci-fi lover will ever make you feel like a fool again.
Would you add or change anything to this guide?
Popularity: 40% [?]
July 4th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Um, no mention of Doctor Who? Or The X-Files? Those were genre busters.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
THEY ARE MAKING NEUROMANCER INTO A MOVIE???????? I am so there!
Nice overview!
July 5th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I would have placed Star Wars under “Space Opera”, due to its lack of fascination with technology, it’s “used” future” and the mystical, metaphysical preoccupation. Good stuff though.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:17 am
You’re are sooo right about Doctor Who. That was a classic and it was sinful on my part to have overlooked it.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Good point Jake. I’ve even heard some people say that Star Wars shouldn’t be considered science fiction at all, but rather fantasy because of the light sabers and Jedi powers that often overlap into into the fantasy genre. Swords and magic basically.
ariedana, I wouldn’t consider X-Files science fiction to be honest with you. I always though it would be more appropriate to place the show under horror thriller.