Science Fiction explores far more than outer space…although it does that too.
Approx. 700 words; 3.5 minutes read time
What is science fiction? This genre, commonly called sci-fi, is hard to define, given the diversity of ideas covered. Most sci-fi stories are at least partially based on real science, and many address themes in technology, the future, outer space, extraterrestrials, alternate realities, and the extremes of human ability. While defining science fiction is difficult, countless examples abound in books, film, and television. Here are just a few that help flesh out what this reality-bending genre is all about.
Yes, a lot of sci-fi is concerned with outer space. A classic example is Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek (1966, first appearance) that follows the crew of the starship Enterprise as they explore the far reaches of the galaxy – where no [human] has gone before. Closer to Earth but still very much space sci-fi, the stories of Kim Stanley Robinson are about future sociopolitical events unfolding as humans conquer the moon, Mars, and beyond (e.g., Red Moon, 2018).
But sci-fi is not limited to space. Jules Verne's classic science fiction tales Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870) both tell adventures of traveling into the depths right here on planet Earth. And one of my favorite sci-fi movie trilogies of all time, Back to the Future I, II and III (1985, 1989, 1990; directed and co-written by Robert Zemeckis) explores larger-than-life themes of time travel – and the enduring power of friendship – all without leaving our home planet.
Science fiction can be loud and bold or quietly thought-provoking. James Cameron’s Avatar (2008) is a dazzling blockbuster film. Set in the 22nd Century, humans are colonizing a distant planet’s moon at the cost of its native inhabitants, the Na’vi. While the grandiose CGI overshadows the film's social and environmental messaging, that's okay. Avatar is a visually stunning sci-fi spectacle worth seeing. Far less flamboyant is Rod Serling's television series The Twilight Zone (1959-1964; with several spin-offs and reboots). A superbly understated and surreal series, The Twilight Zone examines the human response to fantastical circumstances (in an allegory of Serling's personal experience with the horrors of war).
Oftentimes science fiction is a window into what the future might hold. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick (1968; movie adaptation in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, 1982) depicts a dystopian future where human-like androids compete with humans and become persecuted. Michael Crichton's instant sci-fi classic Jurassic Park (1990; Spielberg's ground-breaking film adaptation, 1992) explores the promise and danger of genetic engineering – with dinosaurs running amuck.
Science fiction resists easy categorization. Plots in sci-fi often blend aspects from multiple genres, such as George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977, first appearance) that is as much fantasy as it is science fiction. The Force? Force ghosts? A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away? Yep, pure fantasy – with aliens, space ships, and blasters – classic sci-fi fare. Similarly, one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, Ridley Scott's Alien (1979, sequels after that), is also one of the best horror movies of all time. The first part of the movie feels like Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – but then the alien literally busts out, and it all delightfully goes to Hell…in space.
These and countless other examples illustrate that science fiction is not only reality-bending but also genre-defying.
As diverse and limitless as science fiction stories can be, they all seek in some way to address what is unknown. And therein lies the beauty of sci-fi. Humans are hardwired to explore and discover. But this desire often outpaces our abilities. Science fiction serves to answer the question of "what if" even when we cannot yet know. In this way, science fiction not only explores what is "out there" but also addresses many of the most profound questions we have within. That's a powerful concept, no matter how you define it.