science fantasy
Spaceships meet sorcery
Science fantasy blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, mixing technological or futuristic settings with magic, myth, or supernatural forces.
Star Wars is the classic example—spaceships and laser weapons alongside mystical powers and ancient prophecies.
The genre refuses to choose between scientific explanation and magical wonder: The novel's science fantasy world featured both starships and dragons.
Practice of dark magic
- wizardryPractice of casting spells
- spellcastingPerforming magical incantations
- enchantmentMagical influence over someone
- arcaneUnderstood by few
mana · runes · summoning · necromancy · divination · alchemy · psionics · telepathy
Dramatic sci-fi in cosmos
- steampunkRetrofuturistic Victorian science fiction
- dying earthWorld approaching its end
- pulpSoft wet mass
- biopunkBiotech-focused speculative fiction
Vehicle for outer space
- androidsHuman-shaped artificial beings
- cyberneticsCommunication and control science
- nanotechnologyAtomic-scale manipulation science
- holodeckSimulated reality chamber
hyperdrive · warp · terraforming · biotech · exosuit · cyberspace · replicant · artificial intelligence
Imaginary terrible society
- megacityUrban area exceeding ten million
- parallel universeHypothetical coexisting separate reality
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
- interdimensionalBetween separate planes of existence
otherworld · space station · alien planet · arcology · pocket dimension · astral plane · underwater kingdom · ruins
sorcery
Practice of dark magic
- wizardryPractice of casting spells
- spellcastingPerforming magical incantations
- enchantmentMagical influence over someone
arcane · mana · runes · summoning · necromancy · divination · alchemy · psionics · telepathy · telekinesis
space opera
Dramatic sci-fi in cosmos
- steampunkRetrofuturistic Victorian science fiction
- dying earthWorld approaching its end
- pulpSoft wet mass
spacecraft
Vehicle for outer space
- androidsHuman-shaped artificial beings
- cyberneticsCommunication and control science
- nanotechnologyAtomic-scale manipulation science
holodeck · hyperdrive · warp · terraforming · biotech · exosuit · cyberspace · replicant · artificial intelligence · cloning
dystopia
Imaginary terrible society
- megacityUrban area exceeding ten million
- parallel universeHypothetical coexisting separate reality
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
interdimensional · otherworld · space station · alien planet · arcology · pocket dimension · astral plane · underwater kingdom · ruins · nexus
dragon
Legendary fire-breathing reptile
- phoenixSelf-immolating, regenerating bird
- griffinLegendary eagle-lion hybrid
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
unicorn · hydra · centaur · pegasus · minotaur · golem · shapeshifter · android · alien · extraterrestrial
- genre fictiondetective fiction, spy fiction, military fiction, sword and sorcery, medical thriller
- hybrid genresjazz fusion, rock opera, blues rock, folk rock, country rock
- sci-fiStar Wars, Blade Runner 2049, aliens, Star Trek, The Terminator
science fantasyhard science fiction
Speculative fiction emphasizing accuracy
realistic fiction · literary realism · naturalism · social realism · nonfiction
science fantasyliterary realism
Accurate portrayal of everyday life
naturalism · kitchen sink realism · social realism · slice of life · nonfiction
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