Our generation now has easy access to international entertainment thanks to online streaming services. This is quite evident from the crazy fan-following all over social media. Moreover, there are hundreds of genres available for viewers to explore according to their daily moods.
Science fiction and fantasy are two of the most popular genres. They might appear to be the same, but they have significant differences between them. So let’s have a glance.
Comparison Between Science Fiction And Fantasy
| Parameter | Science Fiction | Fantasy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Science fiction is a kind of fiction with innovative but scientifically sound themes. It largely relies on scientific concepts, hypotheses, and data. | Fantasy explores the impossible. It narrates things that only exist in the imagination. |
| Origin | Its history can be traced back to ancient mythology. However, the term “science fiction” was used first in 1851. | It’s pretty difficult to pinpoint the birth of the fantasy genre as there was no distinction between fantasy and other genres. |
| Elements | They are dystopian settings, what-ifs, advanced technology, relatable and down-to-earth characters, a touch of humanity, etc. | Fantasy has elements like magic, adventure, subgenres, the setting of the place, etc. |
| Familiar Tropes | Familiar tropes in sci-fi include nanotechnology, parallel universe, time travel, etc. | Familiar tropes are paranormal activities, fairy tales, horror, etc. |
| Division | Sci-fi has been further subdivided into hard sci-fi and soft sci-fi. | Fantasy has over 50 subgenres. |
Major Difference Between Science Fiction And Fantasy
What Is Science Fiction?
Science fiction is a type of fiction that primarily explores how real or made-up science affects society or individuals.
Science fiction includes stories that imagine futuristic technologies, time travel, parallel universes, artificial intelligence, etc. We’ve often seen movies with plots that portray the villain-origin stories of scientists who fail to fit in this world.
There are other typical movie plots, such as aliens living on Earth disguised as humans, scientists experimenting with DNAs of extinct animals, etc.
Key Difference: Science Fiction:
- Sci-fi makes the improbable conceivable.
- It explores things that are likely to happen in the scientific field.
- It is based on science and technology.
- It includes plots like time travel, artificial intelligence, apocalypse, etc.
- Its subgenres are hard sci-fi and soft sci-fi.
What is Fantasy?
Fantasy explores the impossible. It narrates plots that only exist in the imagination. The fantasy genre is speculative fiction that includes magical, extraterrestrial elements in the story.
Despite being wholly imaginary, the environment has specific real-world-like characteristics. Fantasy stories usually center their characters and plot on an inventive magic system.
Familiar fantasy tropes include dark lord, damsel in Distress, magic, paranormal activities, dragons, etc.
Key Difference: Fantasy:
- Fantasy explores the impossible.
- It narrates things that only exist in the imagination.
- It is based on fragments of imagination and supernatural elements.
- It includes plots like mythical creatures, alternate histories, paranormal romance, etc.
- It has over 50 subgenres, including high, low, and urban fantasies.
Contrast Between Science Fiction And Fantasy
Origin:
- Science Fiction
Its history can be traced back to ancient mythology. However, “science fiction” was used first in 1851 (Chapter 10 of William Wilson’s A Little Earnest Book upon a Great Old Subject).
Science fiction is said to have initially appeared in the West. The social changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution inspired authors to predict how technology might affect society in the future.
The triumph of industrialism in the Civil War helped emerge a group fascinated by scientific and technological advancements.
- Fantasy
The roots of the fantasy subgenre may be found in mythology, the epic poetry of the Greeks, Romans, Germans, and other civilizations, the romance tales of the middle ages, fairy tales, and the scientific revolutions of the Renaissance.
However, it’s pretty difficult to pinpoint the birth of the fantasy genre as there was no distinction between fantasy and other genres.
Elements:
- Science Fiction
Science fiction has some elements that add to the plot. They are dystopian settings, what-ifs, advanced technology, relatable and down-to-earth characters, a touch of humanity, etc.
- Fantasy
Fantasy has elements like magic, adventure, subgenres, the setting of the place, etc.
Common Tropes:
- Science Fiction
Science fiction has many familiar tropes such as” the chosen one,” good vs. evil, nanotechnology, alternate universes, scientists gone rogue, time travel, artificial intelligence, parallel universe, etc.
- Fantasy
Fantasy has common characteristics like mythical creatures, beasts, paranormal activities and romance, dragons, hidden truths about family heirlooms and artifacts, damsels in distress, etc.
Evolution:
- Science Fiction
The present scientific and technological advancements have added to the popularity of this genre. It now has a broader audience than ever.
There are also various subgenres like cyberpunk, steampunk, space opera, and post-apocalyptic.
The last three decades have shown phenomenal work in this genre, including Gravity, Interstellar, Inception, The Martian, etc. All these movies left the audience wanting more.
- Fantasy
The previous 20 years have seen many exemplary fantasy television programs, like Game of Thrones, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, The Witcher, etc.
Because of fantasy’s versatility and variety, many facets of its offering have been explored. Technological advancements have also had a considerable impact on this genre. It could create something great when paired with extraordinary CGI and VFX.
Division:
- Science Fiction
Over the years, science fiction has been subdivided into two subgenres: hard and soft. Hard science fiction is a subgenre that emphasizes logic and scientific correctness.
It deals with cliched scientific topics such as math, computing, chemistry, and biology, whereas soft sci-fi focuses on psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other allied fields.
- Fantasy
There are over 50 subgenres of fantasy. However, high, low, urban, epic, sword, and sorcery are among the famous few.
High Fantasy narrates a story of a rich, unique, and magical setting. Low Fantasy narrates a story from a real-world and magical setting. Finally, urban fantasy involves a real-world setting.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAqs)
Q1. How are science fiction and fantasy related?
Science fiction and fantasy both fall under the speculative genre of fiction. The evolution of science and technology has impacted fantasy, giving it a broad scope of exploration.
q2. Is it a superhero movie, sci-fi, or fantasy?
In most superhero movies, the action is situated in the real world, and the hero has supernatural abilities that defy logic and science. Therefore, it is best to infer that it is a distinct movie genre on its own.
q3. What do science fiction and fantasy have in common?
Both science fiction and fantasy use elements that are imaginary. They are fueled by plausibility.
q4. Can science fiction and fantasy be combined?
Yes. Science fantasy is a hybrid genre that originated by combining science fiction and fantasy. It is another speculative fiction genre that draws on familiar tropes and elements from sci-fi and fantasy.
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