Skip to content The essential list of the main subgenres of science fiction and their most notable works
Today, science fiction is one of the most popular genres of speculative fiction, with a wide variety of subgenres to choose from. Whether you’re interested in the science and technology of the future, or the social sciences of today, there’s a science fiction subgenre for you. We have compiled a list of all the major subgenres of science fiction and some of their most notable works.
How the subgenres of science fiction were formed
Science fiction has been around for centuries, with early examples dating back to the 16th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that science fiction began to develop as a distinct genre. One of the earliest science fiction novels is Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. Published in 1818, Frankenstein tells the story of a scientist who creates a monster from the body parts of dead people. The novel explores themes of science gone wrong, and the potential consequences of playing with nature.
Science fiction continued to develop in the 19th century with works such as The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells, and The War of the Worlds, also by Wells. These novels further explored the potential consequences of science and technology, and helped to solidify science fiction as a distinct genre.
The 20th century saw science fiction become increasingly popular, with classics such as Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, and Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Science fiction also began to branch out into subgenres, such as hard science fiction, soft science fiction, and science fantasy.
Classic science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction, which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life. Science fiction often explores the potential consequences of scientific, social, and technological innovations.
Most classic science fiction works are set in the future, and many of them deal with themes of science gone wrong. Frankenstein is a classic example of this, as it explores the potential consequences of playing with nature. Other examples include The War of the Worlds, which deals with the potential consequences of an alien invasion, and The Time Machine, which deals with the potential consequences of time travel.
Science fantasy
Science fantasy is a hybrid genre, combining elements of both science fiction and fantasy. It typically features science fiction elements such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, etc., while also incorporating elements of fantasy such as magic and other supernatural phenomena.
Science fantasy most notable works are Star Wars and Star Trek.
Hard science fiction
Hard science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes accurate science and technology, often exploring the potential consequences of scientific and technological innovations. Hard science fiction is typically more realistic and scientifically rigorous than other science fiction subgenres, making it one of the most popular genres among science-minded readers.
The first mention of the term was made in print in 1957 by P. Schuyler Miller while reviewing the book by John W. Campbell, Islands of Space in the November issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine.
One of the most famous hard science fiction works is The Martian, by Andy Weir. Other notable hard science fiction works include The Andromeda Strain, by Michael Crichton, and Dune, by Frank Herbert.
Science fiction for children
Science fiction for children is a subgenre of science fiction that is aimed at young readers. Science fiction for children often explores the same themes as science fiction aimed at adults, but in a way that is more accessible and age-appropriate. Science fiction for children often features kid-friendly science and technology, such as time travel, space exploration, aliens, etc.
One of the most famous science fiction books for children is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams.
Science fiction for teens
Science fiction for teens is a subgenre of science fiction that is aimed at young adults. Science fiction for teens often explores the same themes as science fiction aimed at adults, but in a way that is more accessible and age-appropriate. Science fiction for teens often features teen-friendly science and technology, such as time travel, space exploration, aliens, etc.
One of the most famous science fiction books for teens is The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.
Urban science fiction
Urban science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that is set in an urban environment. Urban science fiction often explores the effects of science and technology on society, as well as the potential consequences of living in an overly-populated city.
One of the most famous urban science fiction books is 1984, by George Orwell.
Notable films of urban science fiction are Blade Runner and The Matrix series.
Soft science fiction
Soft science fiction (or soft SF) is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on social sciences such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Soft science fiction often explores the potential consequences of scientific and technological innovations on human society, making it one of the most popular science fiction subgenres among readers interested in social science.
One of the most famous soft science fiction works is 1984, by George Orwell. Other notable works are Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, and The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.
Other soft science fiction works in film and TV include The Walking Dead and Westworld.
Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the intersection of technology and society, often exploring the potential consequences of advances in information technology. Cyberpunk stories are often dark and pessimistic, featuring a world where corporate greed and government corruption are rampant, and ordinary people are struggling to survive.
In literature, one of the most famous cyberpunk works is Neuromancer, by William Gibson. Some well-known cyberpunk works in films are Blade Runner and The Matrix.
Post-apocalyptic science fiction
Post-apocalyptic, dystopian science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that deals with the aftermath of a catastrophic event, such as nuclear war, pandemic, or ecological disaster. Post-apocalyptic science fiction often explores the human condition in a world where civilization has collapsed, and survivors are struggling to rebuild.
The most characteristic post-apocalyptic science fiction book is probably The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. In film, notable post-apocalyptic science fiction works include The Book of Eli and Mad Max: Fury Road.
We have also gathered a list of the best dystopian TV-Series worth watching here.
Military science fiction
Military science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that deals with military themes and settings. Military science fiction often explores the potential consequences of future warfare, and the impact of new technology on the battlefield.
Some of the best military science fiction works are science fiction classics, such as Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card, The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman, The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells, and New Model Army by Adam Roberts. In film, notable military science fiction works include Starship Troopers and The Edge of Tomorrow.
Space opera
Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on space exploration and adventure. Space operas are often filled with dramatic storylines, larger-than-life characters, and spectacular settings.
Best space opera works include Star Wars, by George Lucas, and Star Trek, by Gene Roddenberry. In film, some notable space opera works are The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The Martian.
Science fiction horror
Science fiction horror is a subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of both genres, often exploring the potential consequences of science and technology on the human condition. Science fiction horror stories are often dark and suspenseful, and can be quite chilling.
Some of the best science fiction horror films are Alien and The Thing. In literature, some science fiction horror classics are Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, and Dracula, by Bram Stoker.
Alternate history
Alternate history is a subgenre of science fiction that explores what would happen if history had turned out differently. Alternate history stories are often based on real historical events, but with one or more key changes that result in a different outcome.
An example of Alternate history is explored by Diana Gabaldon in the “Outlander” series of novels and subsequent TV-Series.
Slipstream
Slipstream is a subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of both science fiction and fantasy, often with a dose of humor. Slipstream stories often play with the conventions of both genres, and can be quite surreal and unpredictable.
Slipstream most notable works are The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and Snow Crash.
Time travel
Time travel is a subgenre of science fiction that deals with the ability to travel through time. Time travel stories often explore the potential consequences of altering the past or future, and can be quite complex and mind-bending.
Here is our pick of the best Time Travel TV Series worth exploring.
Steampunk
Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of both science fiction and fantasy, often set in a Victorian-inspired world. Steampunk stories often feature steam-powered technology, and are often filled with adventure and intrigue.
Steampunk classics include The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, by Alan Moore. In film, some notable steampunk works include Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Wild Wild West.
Science fiction comedy
Science fiction comedy is a subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of both genres, often with a humorous twist. Science fiction comedies often play with the conventions of science fiction, and can be quite zany and irreverent.
Some well-known science fiction comedies are The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, and The Martian, by Andy Weir. In film, some notable science fiction comedies are Ghostbusters and Men in Black.
Science fiction romance
Science fiction romance is a subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of both genres, often with a romantic twist. Science fiction romances often explore the potential consequences of scientific and technological innovation on the human condition, and can be quite sweet and heartwarming.
In film, some notable science fiction romances are The Time Traveler’s Wife and Wall-E.
Parallel worlds
The parallel worlds subgenre of science fiction explores the idea of alternate universes or parallel timelines. Parallel world stories often deal with the consequences of what would happen if history had turned out differently, and can be quite fascinating and mind-bending.
In literature, some well-known parallel world stories are The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick, and Slaughterhouse-5, by Kurt Vonnegut. In film, some notable parallel world stories are The Matrix and Inception.
