Visions and images of the future surround us to an increasing degree. Science fiction has become a common feature in popular culture, such as TV series, movies, video games, comic books, and advertising. But what makes Science Fiction a genre of its own?
What is Science Fiction?
The science fiction genre is more complex than many probably imagine. The sub-genre space opera (e.g., Star Wars) usually appears in popular culture. However, Science Fiction deals with many other interesting, often profoundly humanistic, philosophical topics.
Science fiction or sci-fi is a branch of the fictional genre in literature, film, television, games, and other art forms. There is no simple definition of Science fiction, but in this context, we define science fiction as:
Exploring human nature, identity, and existential conditions in future environments, alternative universes, societies, or mental states where new technological and scientific conditions play a crucial role.
“Science fiction is sociological studies of the future, things that the writer believes are going to happen by putting two and two together.”
Ray Bradbury
“Modern science fiction is the only form of literature that consistently considers the nature of the changes that face us, the possible consequences, and the possible solutions. That branch of literature which is concerned with the impact of scientific advance upon human beings.”
Isaac Asimov
“Science Fiction is the myth-making principle of human nature today.”
Lester Del Rey
Space Adventures
This specialization is more about action and (romantic) adventures and only has the alien, usually space, environment as the only connection (excuse) to the sci-fi genre. The films could have been ordinary action films without the action being affected if they were to omit the sci-fi environment. Star Wars, Stargate, Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, and (a little undeservedly, we think) Star Trek is usually mentioned here.
Dystopia
The negative visions of the future depicted in dystopian sci-fi films (in so-called soft sci-fi) usually focus on sociological and psychological issues, the characters’ feelings and relationships in societies on the verge of dissolution and doom or under oppression and poverty. This includes science fiction films such as Gattaca, 1984, A Clockwork Orange, and Brazil’s satire. These films are often more character-driven and are close to the drama genre.
Post-apocalyptic
This subgenre is a subcategory of dystopias. In these depictions, the civilized world has entirely or partially perished, and people are fighting for their survival. These films often take place further into the future. Here, our fears are often given free rein where everything from the atomic bomb, environmental destruction, pandemics, genetic engineering, etc., becomes the cause of humanity’s downfall. Good and well-known films include, for example, The Planet of the Apes, Children of Men, Mad Max, or The Road.
Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk is a relatively new genre that was developed during the ’80s. The stories in this sci-fi genre often occur in a near dystopian future where “the network” (Internet), artificial intelligence, cyborgs, and technical implants are essential ingredients. Usually, the ordinary person’s struggle against powerful companies or oppressors is at the center. At the same time, central humanistic and often existential issues of the nature of reality and consciousness are dealt with. Good movies in cyberpunk include Blade Runner, Strange Days, Ghost in the Shell, Tron, Matrix.
Existential Science Fiction
This genre does not formally form but is usually included in so-called soft sci-fi. These films are often about fundamental existential issues concerning man’s origin, evolution, and place in the universe, as well as questions about the divine and the search for meaning. We find films such as 2001 – A Space Odyssey, The Fountain, Solaris, AI – Artificial Intelligence, and Donnie Darko within this philosophical sci-fi branch. However, these films are so unusual and unique that we think they deserve their category.