Sub-Genres of Sci-FiRachel Williams

Alternate History"What if history had developed differently?" Most

works in this genre are set in real historical contexts (e.g. Civil War or WW2), yet feature social,

geopolitical or industrial circumstances that developed differently or at a different pace from our own. All works in this sub-genre are set in a world in

whish history has diverged from history as it is generally known. The television series ‘Stargate’ is a

great example of exploring both alternate history and parallel worlds.

Alternate HumanityAnimals who speak, think or act human. Some of these are created to show humans as bad by comparison to

the lives of the animals in the tale and others are designed to make a political or social statement.

Whatever the reason, most are written to make the reader willingly suspend belief and begin to view them

as being human. Director Martin Rosen adapted ‘Watership Down’, which was written by Richard

Adams, to an animated feature film in 1978. Alternate Humanity could be argued to have its own sub-genre called ‘Bestiary Sci-Fi’, which typically centres around worlds populated by unicorns, cat-people or sentient frill-necked lizards. It is also sometimes used to make

the writer’s “aliens” seem more normal.

Post-ApocalypticPost-apocalyptic stories are set well after a catastrophe. Rather than showing the immediate aftermath, they depict a new society that has risen from the ashes, usually on Earth. Often the survivors are wary of technology, so the films take place in a non-technological future world, or where only scattered elements of technology remain. This sub-genre grew very popular in the 70's and 80's portraying a band of survivors enduring tremendous hardships. Stephen King decided to wipe out humanity in a different, introducing his fictional world to a deadly flu-virus in his post-apocalyptic tale "The Stand" a television mini-series, and then proceeded to tell how the survivors survived.

ApocalypticUsually tales of humanity's struggle to survive after devastation. It may be set immediately after, focusing on survivors, or when pre-catastrophe civilization has been forgotten. These stories focus on how we cope and rebuild society. There are many links between this form of sci-fi and sub-genres about false utopias/ dystopian societies. A work of this sub-genre might be called a ruined Earth story or dying Earth. The "Mad Max" films fall into this sub-genre.

Gonzo ApocalypseThese are rare, and feature a strange cosmic element.

Disney's animated feature film, Treasure Planet, launches the story with the human race getting instantly wiped out by a

hostile alien race. In Nevil Shute's ‘On the Beach’, humanity is destroyed by a nuclear holocaust.

Cozy CatastropheA post-apocalyptic tale, usually set on Earth, in which an isolated

group of survivors sets about rebuilding a new civilization according to their own particular ideas. As with the 'cozy mystery' subgenre,

unjust death occurs, but the characters don't get too upset about it. John Wyndham's novel ‘The Day of the Triffids’, later filmed by Steve Sekely, is a good example. The television miniseries was produced in

2009.

Artificial IntelligenceThese tales assume that one, or many, artificial minds become fully sentient. They might be mainframe computers, or mobile robots, or the Internet as a whole. One famous example is D.F. Jones's novel Colossus, later filmed by Joseph Sargent. Research into artificial intelligence is concerned with producing machines to automate tasks requiring intelligent behaviour, such as planning and scheduling, the ability to answer diagnostic and consumer questions, handwriting, speech, and facial recognition. It is focused on providing solutions to real life problems. Stephen Spielberg's sci-fi feature film ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ centres around this very premise. Bio-roboticsThis loosely covers the fields of cybernetics, bionics and even genetic engineering as a collective study. It is often used to refer to a real subfield of robotics: studying how to make robots that emulate or simulate living biological organisms mechanically or chemically. In one sense, bio-robotics is referred to as a theoretical discipline in which organisms are created and designed by artificial means. While it is currently limited to sci-fi, the actual field is in its infancy and is known as synthetic biology and Bio-nanotechnology. The term is also used in a reverse definition: making biological organisms as controllable and as functional as robots.

Cybernetic RevoltThis is one of sci-fi's oldest and most common themes. Mechanical servants fail, assert their rights, or go berserk, usually with tragic consequences. ‘I, Robot’, starring Will Smith, features such robots that revolt against mankind.

CyborgCyborg fiction involves a human/mechanical blend as a protagonist. The classic example is the novel ‘Cyborg’, brought to television as ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’.

RobotThese tales are self-explanatory. The concept of robots predates sci-fi, and the two visions have developed in parallel.

Synthetic BiologySynthetic Biology stories feature artificial life forms. It's a small subgenre,

and its protagonists are often biologists who crack the secret of creating life. A good feature film to represent this sub-genre would be the Nexus Unit Roy in Ridley Scott's ‘Blade Runner’. Roy leads a group of renegade Nexus units

in search of their creator to seek a longer life span since they were engineered to live for only four years.

Wetware ComputerThis is a narrow subgenre, featuring 'wetware' (living biological)

technology, as opposed to 'hardware computer' devices. These stories depict the invention and/or the actions of an artificial thinking brain.

Cross GenreCross-genre stories defy easy distinctions between sci-fi and other genres, such as fantasy

(psychic power is sci-fi, magic is fantasy). The Underworld trilogy could be considered cross-genre, the warring factions are Vampires

and Likens (Werewolves), but fictional high tech weapons are

used.

CyberspaceCyberspace as a subgenre is very similar to 'cyberpunk,' though

broader in form and style. This subgenre involves characters interacting while fully immersed within a vast worldwide 'virtual

reality' medium. Other stories involve hackers who use more ordinary means of networking.

CyberpunkThese are typically set on Earth, and involve a hacker immersed in a cyber-world,

interacting, on line and physically, with similar people. They are often set in a high-tech, bleak, mechanistic futuristic universe of computers, hackers, and

computer/human hybrids. Characters are sometimes modified to 'jack' their brain directly into cyberspace. It features advanced technology such as information

technology coupled with some degree of breakdown in social order. Classic cyberpunk characters are alienated loners who live on the edge of society in generally dystopic futures where daily life was impacted by a rapid change in

technology, a data-sphere of computerized information, and invasive modification of the human body. Cyberpunk often encompasses nanotechnology, cyborgs,

androids, virtual reality, and/or a warning as to what could possibly go wrong if technology falls into the wrong hands. Humans may have built-in computer jacks or software ("wetware"), and spend time "living" in a virtual environment, as in

The Matrix. Another good example is ‘Ghost in the Shell’. Post-CyberpunkPost-cyberpunk describes a narrow and

indistinct subgenre. These stories break with the tropes (such as cynical young hackers in

garish night clubs) that dominated the cyberpunk trend. Usually set on Earth, these stories make a conscious effort to be more

positive. Disney's feature films ‘Tron’ and ‘Tron Legacy’ could be considered a variant of both

cyberspace and post-cyberpunk categories since its cyber universe is clearly digital as opposed to the life-like world of The Matrix.

DystopianDystopian is the opposite of Utopian and is the creation of a nightmare world. These tales are designed to make the audience ask the bleak question "Is life worth living if this is where humanity is going?" An example is the spaceship Axiom in Disney/Pixar's movie ‘Wall-E’. Often this subgenre depicts inquisitive heroes breaking free of a bottled utopia. ‘Brave New World’ is a tale of classic dystopia with an emphasis on brainwashing, censorship and destruction of the family unit.

Dying EarthThese tales show the death of the Earth as slower than an apocalypse would, it can be due to any cause including natural. More generally, this sub-genre encompasses sci-fi works set in the far distant future in a milieu of stasis or decline. Themes of world-weariness, innocence, idealism, entropy and the hope of renewal tend to pre-dominate. The feature film ‘WALL-E’ portrays a dying Earth from an ocean of refuse created by humankind. The lone entity of life on Earth is a tiny plant sprout (and a cute cockroach), which is the catalyst of the plot.

EdisonadeThis subgenre was named retroactively, and dates back to the nineteenth century. They centre upon the adventures of some brilliant young inventor. ‘The Time Machine’ fits this model to a T with the main character, a genius young inventor, who is obsessed with the discovery of invention and pitied or scorned by the people around him.

Exotic EcosystemsAlien worlds offer tremendous possibilities, yet sci-fi populates them with familiar humanoids. Box office king ‘Avatar’ may have an environment and creatures that somewhat resemble Earth, but it probably fits the subgenre's title more accurately than any other film with its neon jungles and floating mountains. Also the planet in the 1972 and 2002 versions of ‘Solaris’ is certainly alien to our world with a global covering ocean that has the ability of mental thought.

ExtraterrestrialExtraterrestrial Life is a huge subgenre, almost a descriptive category. In many of these tales, or even just its signals or ancient artefacts, has a tremendous impact upon current society. The movie ‘Contact’ is an excellent example.

AliensCreatures from outer space or other planets.

Alien InvasionThese stories are self-explanatory and the target is usually Earth. It is a common theme in sci-fi films, in which a technologically-superior extraterrestrial society invades Earth. Either with the intent to replace human life, or enslave it, like in ‘Battlefield Earth’, or in some cases, to use humans as food. The classic of this subgenre is ‘War of the Worlds’, and the film ‘Independence Day’ has become a cultural milestone. 

AstrobiologyAstrobiology centres upon alien life, not necessarily intelligent or technological beings, but the very presence of life that has evolved beyond our Earth. Many involve finding mysterious life forms on Mars or floating in the atmosphere of Jupiter.

AstrosociobiologyThis is an interstitial subgenre that's both narrow and broad. It focuses on the form and function of non-human civilizations.

First Contact/EncountersThese explore the initial meeting between humans and aliens usually, but it can be between other types of sentient race. First contact ranges from horrific tales of invasions to stories of benign visitors bearing the secrets of advanced technologies and world peace.  This could be an alien arriving here, in space, or a human astronaut reaching another planet or actually living on another planet. There are hundreds of examples but a precise example is Star Trek's eighth feature film ‘First Contact’. 

MicrobiologicalThey feature tiny life-forms, whether Earthly or alien, as a dominating force. They might cause a disease, or act as a transforming agent, deliberately or not. ‘The Andromeda Strain’ is about a group of scientists investigating a deadly new alien virus before it can spread.

Firm ScienceA specific definition which can be applied to many subgenres. It refers to a mid-

point between 'hard' and 'soft' sci-fi, and the inclusion of technology or phenomena that are not fantastic, but may never be invented. Some characters are grounded in the real world, along with their environment, but an element of enhanced physical capabilities or elevated powers of the mind exist. ‘Inception’ falls into this category, where the story's world mirrors the real world with the

exception that the main character has the ability to search other's dreams.First LandingsOriginally this

meant a journey to the Moon, the

only 'obvious' world. ‘From the

Earth to the Moon’, an award

winning television miniseries, is not

the earliest example, but it's

the best known. After the short-lived Apollo

program, this subgenre began

to depict a hoped-for return

to the moon.

FrontierUsually told with a "Grass is greener" aspect, only to

learn that the same problems face them in the

new colony. Crafty independent spacemen ply the asteroid belt in search of resources to send back

to civilization. A good example is ‘Outland’. In

many, they are threatened by an aggressive

government or big corporation from

Earth. New or cut-off colony planets, left to

support themselves, have a distinct frontier aspect.

The popular ‘Serenity’ franchise depicts such

rough colonies.

Generation ShipThese are set aboard that type of

spacecraft. Often they are so large, and the voyage so long, that most or all of its inhabitants consider other

worlds to be the stuff of legend. It may travel much slower than light across great distances between stars and

must also have extraordinarily reliable systems that would not fail even over long periods of time, or that could be repaired by the ship's inhabitants if they did. The ship would be almost

entirely self-sustaining, providing food, air, and water for everyone on board. Such a ship might take thousands of years to reach even nearby stars, the

original occupants would die during the journey, leaving their descendants to

continue travelling. The 2009 film ‘Pandorum’ showcased such a

ship, The Elysium. This massive craft employed hyper-sleep pods for the occupants to survive the journey.

Golden AgeA period of the 1940s during which the sci- fi genre gained wide public attention in literature, but was all but abandoned in film. This could possibly have been due to World

War II and the box office flops of the late thirties, including the British feature film ‘Things to Come’. 

Hard Sci-FiMostly based on real science & engineering, it is driven more by ideas than characterization. This subgenre depicts technology that conforms to actual

scientific knowledge and physical laws, or plausible extensions of them. Issues of technology may be greater concern than a character's personal life. If the plot

cannot maintain its integrity without the science or technological factor, then the story is 'hard' sci-fi. They typically contain at least one of these; Astronomy,

Physics, Chemistry, sciences ruled by mathematics and stringent rules. Certain exceptions include things like antigravity. Some writers show an advanced, nearly utopian society where mankind has attained victory over most human ills; others

portray the impact of technology on the human race with defects still in place, sometimes magnified. ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, makes an extensive effort to keep the technology as realistic as possible, with the exception of the mysterious Black

Monolith. HorrificHorror and sci-fi seem to go hand in hand. Horrific sci-fi is closely linked to the 'horror' genre, and while it's often bloody,

science is crucial to each premise. Horrific

sci-fi in cinema is popular, some examples

are; ‘The Thing’, ‘Resident Evil’, ‘The

Blob’, and ‘Event Horizon’. ‘Alien’ is the

main film known in this category though.

HyperspaceHyperspace stories include that extra-

dimensional realm as a setting. That realm might

play a major role in allowing the characters to

travel rapidly between star systems and/or time periods, or there might be human dwellings or aliens within it.  A good example is ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, with its mysterious

wormhole-dwelling “prophet” aliens.

Media Tie-inThis subgenre is a self-explanatory. Whether

originally a book, a video game, or a screenplay, they are made into another form

of media. These stories must conform to strict rules, like not allowing the main

characters to change very much, so that they'll continue to match the series' canon. The ‘Resident Evil’ films are a good example

because they were adapted from a video game about a special military unit who fights

an out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated

into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident.

MilitaryThese look at combat in future locations, e.g.

space, against a range of opponents. Stories in this sub-genre may revel in warfare or suggest

anti-war themes. In some, interstellar or interplanetary conflict and war make up the main

or partial backdrop of the story. Such war is usually shown from the point of view of a soldier. The main characters are often part of the military chain of command. A very popular film ‘Starship Troopers’, is a good example; the military system

and its characters were a large part of the dramatization. 

MythicWorks are, ultimately, inspired by the tropes, themes

and symbolism of myth, folklore, and fairy tales. Some depict aliens and/or humans using high-tech means to

recreate mythological settings, and the "magical powers" of the ancient gods. These could be pantheon-

based characterisations, or retellings of famous mythological journeys. Award winning TV

series ‘Battlestar Galactica’ is steeped with Greek mythology. Worshiping Greek Gods, colony names

include; Caprica, Picon, Sagittaron, Tauron, and Vigron. The survivors are on a quest to find the mythical 13th

colony - Earth. Other examples are the ‘Star Trek’ original-series episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?", and the ‘Stargate’ series where Asgard and Thor are woven

into the ongoing plot.

MundaneThese focus on stories set on or near Earth. They also have a believable use of technology and science as it

exists at the time the story is written. It features near-future stories, without

any improbable technologies, or interplanetary settings beyond what

known spacecraft can reach.

Nano-TechNanotechnology is the design, characterization, production

and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size on the nanoscale.

Nanotechnology has been put to practical use for a wide range of applications, including enhanced tire reinforcement

and improved suntan lotion. Another description of this subgenre is Nanopunk, which has been regarded as one of

cyberpunk's many offshoots. It explores the effects of advanced nanotechnology on humanity. For example, ‘The

Outer Limits’ contained episodes that fall into this subgenre, one such episode is ‘The New Breed’. In the

episode, Dr. Ledbetter makes a technological and medical breakthrough when he creates a type of tiny machine, known as nanobots, capable of curing any disease or

imperfections in the human body.Occupational

This subgenre encompasses a wide reach but remains unusual. It features blue collar protagonists, in

recognizable circumstances, rather than pretentious scientists or astronauts. The feature film ‘Repo Men’ is

set in the near future and centres around two repo collectors. Rather than repossessing cars, the blue collar hunters go after clients who failed to pay for

their organ replacements.

Parallel Universe/WorldParallel Universe stories deal with the quantum concept that every choice or

decision happens somewhere. This separate reality can range in size from a small geographic region to an entire new universe, or several universes. The other

universe can be very strange, with differing physical laws, or spatial dimensions. ‘Fringe’ and ‘Sliders’ are model examples of this subgenre. The real nature of ‘Sliders’ has changed throughout the seasons. The first two explored what would have happened, e.g., if America had been conquered by the Soviet Union or if penicillin had not been invented. The third became far more action-

oriented. MultiverseThese feature multiple universes, often with differing

versions of Earth. This sub-set assumes that some variant of the Multiverse or Landscape Cosmological Theory is

true. There is always some way to travel between the universes, or at least communicate. ‘The One’ is a good film

example. 

ProgentitiveThis is a small subgenre, which features humans

and/or aliens who create sci-fi of their own. In the ‘Star Trek: DS9’ TV episode "Far Beyond the Stars," Sisko is

shown as a sci-fi author who struggles with civil rights and inequality when he

writes the story of Captain Benjamin Sisko, a black

commander of a futuristic space station. 

RecursiveRecursive sci-fi is

comprised of stories that include direct references to

the sci-fi genre.

Planes of ExistenceOther planes are often 'psychic' or

'spiritual' in nature, and are reachable by altering one's state of awareness. An example is ‘Altered States’, which explores the concept that other states of consciousness are as real as our waking states.

The main character begins experimenting with sensory-

deprivation using a flotation tank, and his mind experiments cause

him to experience actual, physical biological devolution.

ReligiousFuturistic stories containing a distinct religious overtone or message which gives meaning and motivation to their lives, though it isn't always

explored in depth. In a certain sense, most sci-fi grapples with questions of a spiritual or religious

nature. Sci-fi rarely takes religion at face value, by simply accepting or rejecting it. A few focus on

other human faiths, whether current, in the future, or via time travel. ‘The Book of Eli’ centres around

the last known Bible and is set in a post-apocalyptic background. 

ChristianThese feature an

explicitly Christian protagonist.Clerical

These involve an organized priesthood, such as a religious order, of any human or alien

religion. In ‘Dune’, Bene Gesserit dominates human history, yet

without profound expressions of individual faith. Hindu

Hindu tales feature

character(s) of that faith. India has a growing

native-languages sci-fi

market, but very little has

been translated into English.

IslamicThese centre

upon characters or entire

societies, of that faith. Jewish

Jewish sci-fi features

characters of that faith.

Theological Theological works often present explanations or commentary on religion and religious

ideas. These vary from simple refutations of religion as primitive or unscientific, to creative explanations and new insights into religious experiences and beliefs.

Soft/SocialThis subgenre is character-driven, with emphasis on social change,

personal psychology and interactions, while de-emphasizing the details of technology and physical laws. Stories based on fields such as

Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Social Structures, Religious, Biological, and Cultural. While technology may play a role, the

emphasis is not on how that technology works, but how it affects individuals or social groups. ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ is a good example,

which has been adapted numerous times in film and TV, including the recent comedy version featuring Jack Black. 

GayGay sci-fi includes

male homosexuals. If

not the protagonist, then a major character

or two. This theme has

become more common since the

1970s, but remains unusual.

A popular example is the character Lt.

Cmdr. Ro Nevin in ‘Star Trek: Odyssey’. 

LesbianLesbian sci-fi

features women with that

orientation as main characters.

These stories became popular in the 1970s, and

are more common than gay

male themes.

Space ExplorationThe politics, science, and engineering

behind space flight all fall into this subgenre. There are many rationales behind space exploration, the most

common ones focus on scientific research or the future survival of

humanity. This endeavour had been a dream and goal of humanity for the past

several centuries, but until the development of large liquid-fuelled

rocket engines, it could not be seriously developed. Space exploration is the

very heart of the ’Star Trek’ franchise. They have a wide range of plots, but

they are centred on space exploration.

Space OperaThis can also be called Adventure Sci-Fi,

and is a huge descriptive category. It features swashbuckling action, set in a

vast panorama. Space opera often involves good guys shooting it up with bad guys in the depths of space or on a distant planet. No attention is given to

scientific plausibility and technical explanations tend to be vague. Most

space operas violate the known laws of physics by showing faster-than-light

travel. This is generally accepted as long as there's some form of human element

and good must beat evil. Many space operas invoke paranormal forces, or vast

powers capable of destroying whole planets, stars, or galaxies. Stories

emphasize over-sized, tongue-in-cheek adventures in space featuring heroes,

beautiful women, and exotic aliens. Some are filled with intergalactic fleets battling against a backdrop of stars. To keep the

story fast, spaceships can fly almost unlimited distances in a short time, and can turn really fast without decelerating.

The planets usually have earth-like atmospheres and exotic life forms that

speak English. The 'Star Wars’ franchise is a perfect example, as well as the

‘Flash Gordon’ series.

Galactic EmpiresThis is a fairly common

theme in sci-fi. The capital of a galactic

empire is frequently a core world. Some are based on the Roman

Empire. The best known empire is from ‘Star

Wars’, which was formed in turn from the Galactic

Republic.

Spunky HeroineThese feature a spunky

heroine as their protagonist. The heroine is such a big pat that the film is usually referred to using

her, more than by their plot or premise. There are a number of examples in film and TV, but few fit better than ‘Lara Croft:

Tomb Raider’ and it sequel. SteampunkThe works are set in an era where

steam power is widely used, usually the 19th century, and often Victorian

England. But there is usually advanced technology or other sci-fi elements. These elements may be

fictional advances, or real advances taken out of their own time. ‘The

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ is a good example of steampunk. They

presume that its characters have developed a form of high-tech at that

time but they are careful to avoid backdating any current attitudes or

theories. Gaslight stories are defined a little more narrowly.

Super Humans/PowersThis is probably the best known sci-fi

subgenre. These stories range from heroes with superpowers, like ‘Superman’ and

‘Spider-Man’, to those with super-toys like ‘Batman’ and ‘Iron Man’. This subgenre can

cover a broad base of films.

ImmortalityImmortality or eternal life is the

concept of existing for a potentially infinite length of time. Throughout

history, many humans have had the desire to live forever. It might be

humans with a rare mutation that's allowed them to survive since ancient

times, or a future scientific development. Often these long-lived

characters allow for vivid depictions of history.

InvisibilityThe ability to become invisible is the central attribute of the main characters. 'Cloaking devices'

have now become very common in sci-fi.  Mutant

The idea of a mutant is a common trope sci-fi. The things that appear in fictional mutations generally go far beyond what is typically seen in biological mutants,

and often result in the mutated life form exhibiting superhuman abilities. ‘X-Men’

is a notable example of Mutant Sci-Fi. Their powers evolve to higher levels in later stages of their lives. However, this only plays out in the comic books, the films reflect the characters who have

already achieved that stage. In ‘X-Men First Class’, the original characters are shown with their early or first stage of

mutation.

SportsThis is a tiny subgenre. In a few stories, an alien visitor shows a love for baseball. Most of the others depict the impact of modern science, and genetic engineering in particular, on professional sports. Perhaps the best example of this subgenre is ‘Rollerball’. In a corporate controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out

of the game.Sword & Planet

Sword and Planet sci-fi brings a medieval aspect to

interstellar space. ‘Outlander’ is tailor made for this subgenre. During the reign of the Vikings,

Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on

Earth,bringing with him an alien predator known as

the Moorwen. Kainan leads an alliance to kill the

Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with

the Viking's Iron Age weaponry.

TerraformingThese centre around vast projects, with the characters busy altering whole planets to make them more habitable. Terraforming is a type of planetary engineering. The concepts of terraforming are in sci-fi and actual science. The film ‘Total Recall’ is based on the terraforming of Mars though it is limited to a man-made habitat. The actual terraforming doesn't take place until late in the film, which is generated by an ancient alien device.

Time TravelThis is a vast subgenre. Time travel is the concept of moving backward or forward to different points in time, in a manner of moving through space. Some interpretations of time travel suggest the possibility of travel between parallel realities or universes. This capability is put to use by the characters. The effects of such temporal ventures vary in each portrayal. One example is ‘The Time Machine, and more recently ‘Terminator’. We experience the time travel process usually at the beginning of the film, from there the plot settles into that period's dramatization. While the premise of time travel is prominent in the ‘Terminator’ series, the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy keeps the concept of time travel at the forefront throughout all three stories. Topics range from "Let's go see what the Romans were like", to issues of paradox and "tampering". A variant of this subgenre is the "alternate universes" theme, in which each change in the time stream spins off a new universe. 

Utopian & World Government The ‘Star Trek’ franchise fits both categories as an example. Utopian fiction is the creation of an ideal world. World Government sci-fi features a world ruled by a unified government and in many, it's often a corrupt monarchy, but there is plenty of variety. In the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, contact with aliens prompts humanity to finally unite, creating a Utopian Earth and a unified world government.

Virtual RealityVirtual reality is a technology which allows a user to interact with a computer-simulated environment. Most virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound. Some advanced and experimental systems have included limited tactile information, known as force feedback. Users can interact with a virtual environment either through the use of standard input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, or through multimodal devices such as a wired glove or omnidirectional treadmill. The simulated environment can be similar to the real world, for example, pilot or combat training, or it can differ significantly from reality, as in games. The feature film that fits this well is ‘The Lawnmower Man’. Another excellent example would be ‘Tron’ and ‘Tron Legacy’.

XenofictionA subgenre that features

cultures extremely different from familiar ones. The ‘Star

Trek’ canon's Borg is a popular example.

Age RegressionOld becomes young again. This might happen via some virus or serum, or by means of an elaborate

multi-step process. Oscar winning ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ is really a fantasy, but it is a perfect

example of this subgenre.

BiopunkBiopunk is a spinoff 'cyberpunk', it involves hackers who manipulate human DNA which may be their own or someone else’s. It uses elements from the hard-boiled detective, film noir, Japanese anime, and post-modernist prose to describe the nihilistic, underground side of the biotech society. One example is ‘Gattaca’. Though many stories about cybernetics and artificial intelligence fall into this category, biopunk focuses on genetic and biological manipulation. An early example is ‘Frankenstein’, but generally the term is applied to post-cyberpunk fiction.

CloningThe most popular rumour to arise from this

subgenre is that cloned people cannot have souls as they were not created "in God's way". It gives

writers plenty of room to ponder the good vs. evil plotlines, featuring cloned people as the bad

guys. The entire plot of ‘The Sixth Day’ revolves around this theme.

Colonization Where life forms move into a distant area where their kind is sparse or not yet existing and set up new

settlements. Colonisation applies to all life forms, though it is most often

insects and humans. Insect colonisation varies from

species to species though it most often involves a

queen setting out from its parent colony and

establishing her own colony. Human colonisation is broader than colonialism

or imperialism, as it encompasses all large-

scale immigrations of an established

population. This process may or may not victimise an indigenous population.

Communalness Communalness is a

specialized subgenre, involving a human

future with relationships and communities

'boosted' into enhanced consciousness by

cybernetic or other means. The disciples of

V.M. Smith in Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land achieve

this, along with impressive powers, through learning to

speak Martian. DetectiveThese are often set in the near future, technology aids both criminals and law enforcement. This was popularized by the eponymous, actually cyborgs, character in

‘Robocop’. 

EnvironmentalThis subgenre focuses on the ecosystem, usually Earth's. Often there is a direct threat, caused by humanity or some outside force. Though this subgenre is based on plausible real world scenarios, Hollywood often busts out of the fence with exaggerated or ludicrous circumstances. ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ is a pretty good example.

EroticaExplicit sex might be the centre of the plot, or it plays a vivid role in the character's lives. In ‘Barbarella’, which is set in the 41st century, the main character ventures through a series of sexual escapades, including a bizarre encounter with a sex machine, and she seduces an angel.

FantasyThis sub-genre is a merging of two main genres. Fantasy sometimes leans toward the sci-fi side of the fence by adding advanced technology in the mix. With fairy tale like sub-plots and characters, it would often ignore known laws or scientific theories for the sake of the story. ‘Flash Gordon’ stomped all over the laws of physics, with the stories containing giant lizard like dragons, shark men, and other bizarre characters and creatures.

KaijuThis is a Japanese subgenre, popular throughout the world. These epics always feature one or more kaiju, meaning big powerful quirky monsters. A major example is the ‘Godzilla’ franchise, and the American counterpart ‘King Kong’. 

 Humourous This type of sci-fi may occur within any subgenre, or spoof a subgenre.

The type of humour varies from light entertainment to satire. ‘Hitchhiker's

Guide to the Galaxy’ is one of the best-known examples of humorous

sci-fi. Others include ‘Spaceballs’ and ‘Back to the Future’.

Hollow EarthHollow Earth tales are set within a putatively hollow planet Earth. The flagship of this subgenre is ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. A popular variant is the aquatic-cavern-filled planet Naboo in the "Star Wars" franchise. 

GothicGothic sci-fi slants toward the macabre, and deeply atmospheric settings, but

not outright horror. ‘Frankenstein’ is a good

example, and so is ‘I Am Legend’.

Near-futureElements of the near-future sci-fi setting should be familiar to the reader, and the

technology may be current or in development.

MathThese stories are centred around actual mathematical concepts. ‘Pi’ is an excellent

example of this subgenre. Its plot revolves around a mathematical genius who theorizes that everything in nature can be understood through numbers. ‘Knowing’

is another good example.

Lost WorldThis is one of the oldest subgenres. ‘The Lost World’ is a good example, as well as

popular TV series ‘Lost’, which continues the tradition with its bizarre isolated island.

PulpThis is a descriptive category and it has a distinct style and format. Two examples would

be ‘Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow’. The film is set in an alternative 1939

and follows the adventures of Polly Perkins and Joe Sullivan, known as "Sky Captain", as

they track down the mysterious Dr. Totenkopf who is seeking to build the 'World of Tomorrow'. Retro-futurism

also celebrates the 'pulp' sci-fi stories of the past. Most of

these depictions are in comic books, and revive the garish cover art and 'fifties' style of

the past.

PastoralPastoral or Small Town sci-fi takes place in that sort

of setting. The television series ‘Jericho’ fits this subgenre as it is set in a small town. The series centres on the residents of the fictional town of

Jericho, Kansas in the aftermath of nuclear attacks on 23 major cities.

Other WorldTotally fictional worlds/universes feature in these stories. ‘Dune’ featured a really popular 'other world' in sci-fi. Syfy's miniseries ‘Children of Dune’ was a spinoff. 

New WaveNew Wave was a movement, beginning in England and spreading to the USA and

beyond. This subgenre rose and fell with western society's embrace of 1960s radicalism, and desire to 'shock the bourgeoisie.'  

Scientific RomanceAn archaic name for what is now known as the sci-fi genre, mostly

associated with the early sci-fi of the UK. It has seen occasional revivals, making it a subgenre.

Science TalesScience Tales are intended for children. They depict common futuristic

activities such as space travel, but without scientific rigor. The animated series and feature film ‘The Jetsons’ is a great example for this subgenre with it's futuristic family, high tech and comical gadgets, and a variety of

mishaps suited for children.

RomancePlanetary Romance is a subgenre

that shades into the Romance genre. In this case, the love story is

embedded in futuristic or fantastical technology, and the

striving lovers can be separated by more than Earthly distances. 

Restored EdenThese are set in the mid-to-far future here on Earth. Most of humanity has

gone on to other worlds, and the Earth has healed into a renewed

paradise. ‘The Planet of the Apes’ franchise could fall within this

category.

SingularityIn futures studies, a technological singularity is a

predicted future event believed to precede immense technological progress in an unprecedentedly brief time. Futurists give varying predictions as to the extent of this

progress, the speed at which it occurs, and the exact cause and nature of the event itself.

Shrinking/EnlargingThis subgenre is self-descriptive, and has a long tradition, merging back into mythology. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ depicts Alice growing and shrinking in a mysterious fashion. ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’ and ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ are good examples of going small. Giantess stories are epitomized by the film ‘Attack of the 50 Foot Woman’.

Shape Shifting These are a staple of

speculative fiction. As a subgenre, this ability is

explained in scientific terms. It varies from gradual cellular

alteration to a near-instantaneous ability to

change size and form. ‘The Thing’ is a stellar example.

STYLISTIC SCI-FI These comprise a broad and

nebulous subgenre, defined by some distinctive or oddball style.

SPY-FI SCI-FI Spy-fi is a descriptive category that brings espionage into the future, with clever high-tech duels. Often the technological gadgets are over the top.

The film ‘Our Man Flint’ is a fine example.

SPACE WESTERN SCI-FI A subgenre of sci-fi that transposes themes of American Western film to a backdrop of futuristic space frontiers. Feature film ‘Serenity’ makes a good example, featuring a crew of outlaw-like space cowboys lead by Mal, who commands the ship Serenity. The crew tries to evade an assassin sent to recapture one of them who is telepathic.

SLIPSTREAM SCI-FI Slipstream is applied to stories with strong speculative elements which are marketed as mainstream. ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’ is a recent example.

Under Sea ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ pioneered this sub-genre. Other examples include ‘Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea’ and Disney's ‘Atlantis’. A TV show example is ‘Stingray’.

Post-HumanismThis subgenre is tied to a philosophical

type movement. In practice it's very close to Trans-humanism, and is controversial

even to define.  

Mind Transfer/Upload-DownloadMind Transfer is what takes place in this

subgenre. A conscious mind is downloaded into a computer system, or shifted into another human brain. Such a transfer

might be permanent or temporary, and the process may allow for one or more copies

to exist at once. ‘18 Again!’ a light-hearted example.

Trans-humanIt depicts the possible transformations that human beings may experience in the future, from helpful improvements to total alterations.

WesternNothing fits this subgenre better than ‘The Wild Wild West’, a popular television

series and a feature film.

World-buildingWorld-building stories are exhaustively researched, and feature unusual planets as a

setting. Usually exotic aliens have evolved there, and humans can visit only with difficulty, if at all.