Top 5 SF Genres That Take Place in Space

When looking at SF Genres that take place in space point of view is key to understanding the differences between the genres.

• Space Opera: space-adventure stories of interplanetary or interstellar conflict. Space Opera has romantic elements with the focus on characters of which the hero is usually a lone wolf / maverick.

• Think: Babylon 5 and Star Wars

  • Planetary Romance: Where the planet is a main character and focus.

  • Think: Dune and Avatar.

    1. If Star Wars was a Planetary Romance it would be about Dagobah, the places strong in the light and dark side of the force and how things aren’t what they appear.

    • Military Scifi: Where the military is integral to the story and has a big influence on the story.

    • Stargate and Star Trek The Next Generation.

      1. If Star Wars was a Military Scifi it would be about Admiral Ackbar and the Rebel Alliance.

      • Galactic Empire: Where the politics, political intrigue, and political maneuvering is essential to the story.

      • Battlestar Galactica and Isaac Asimov Foundation series.

        1. If Star Wars was a Galactic Empire it would be told from either Mon Mothma or Emperor Palpatine’s point of view

        • Alien Invasion: Where the point of view and story is told from either the invaded or invader’s perspective.

        • Robotechand War of the Worlds

          1. If Star Wars was an Alien Invasion it would be from the point of view of the Wookies.