Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

Tracing its origins back to Mary Shelley’s 1817 novel “Frankenstein,” science fiction has always blurred the lines between myth and fact. With the space race in the 1950s, the genre blossomed further into what it is today. Telling stories of unknown worlds and larger-than-life creatures, sci-fi brings to life mankind’s “what ifs.” 

With more than 30 subcultures, it can be daunting to explore sci-fi, especially when diving into the genre for the first time. In this list, one will find movies, shows and books to begin or continue a journey into the world of science fiction. 

Classic Sci-fi — Foundational works that shape the genre. It oftentimes serves as a lens for mankind to look through and focuses on questions like, “What does it mean to be human?” and “How do we adapt to changing technology?”

“The War of the Worlds” — Whether the original H.G. Wells publication, the Orson Welles radio broadcast or any number of its film adaptations, “The War of the Worlds” is as classic as one can get. Following an unnamed protagonist, the story is written as a firsthand account of a Martian invasion devastating Earth. When Welles read the book on a radio broadcast in 1938, his reading was so realistic that it caused panic among listeners. Most of the movie adaptations have low fan ratings, so the novel or the radio broadcast is recommended. 

“Planet of the Apes” — Originally published in January of 1963, the French novel was released under the title “La Planete des Singes” and was written in the style of a translated manuscript. A movie adaptation was released in 1968, and the movie franchise now spans ten movies. The most recent four are considered to be reboots, but tell the story of the events leading up to apes becoming the dominant species. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” follows a similar storyline to the original novel, but still takes its own spin on the retelling. 

Sci-fi Horror — This subgenre takes the basic elements of science fiction, but twists them with suspense, fear and utter dread. Often revolving around uncharted territories, alien life or hostile technologies, it thrives on the tension between discovery and terror and reminds mankind of our hubris.

“Alien: Romulus” — The newest in the “Alien” franchise, “Alien: Romulus” is set between the events of the first two films. A group of space colonists, led by Rain Carradine, seek to escape from the oppressive Weyland-Yutani Corporation. To do so, they must scavenge parts from an abandoned science station split into two parts — Romulus and Remus. What the group finds, however, is much more terrifying and deadly. 

“Paradise-1” by David Wellington — When communications with Earth’s first deep space colony go silent, Alexandra Petrova is sent with doctor Zhang Li, pilot Sam Parker and ship robot Rapscallion to make contact and figure out why communications have shut down. When their ship’s AI, Acteon, becomes corrupted, they soon find out that things are much more sinister and complicated than they had realized. Facing off against infected AI systems, cannibals and contagious, deadly delusions, this strange crew is pitted against forces alien even to Zhang, the only survivor of a similar outbreak at another colony. 

Kaiju — The term “Kaiju” comes from Japanese, meaning “strange beast,” with the genre originating in Japanese cinema and gaining popularity globally. It is characterized by giant monsters, with a focus on the human vs. nature conflict as humanity attempts to confront these creatures. 

“Godzilla” — The most current “Godzilla” reboot, this film kicks off Legendary Studio’s “MonsterVerse.” Following US Naval Officer Ford Brody as he learns the US government has been hiding the existence of Godzilla and other unidentified monsters, known as MUTOs. The film is filled with elements commonly seen in most “Godzilla” movies, while also breathing its own life into the start of a franchise. Its sequel, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” sees Godzilla facing off against his archenemy, King Ghidorah, a three-headed, winged monster.

“Pacific Rim” — When Kaiju begin to emerge from an interdimensional portal at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, humanity builds giant mecha suits, known as Jaeger, to combat them. Twelve years later, the program begins to lose funding, and in a last-ditch effort, washed-up Jaeger pilot Raleigh Becket is pulled from retirement to pilot one of the last four mecha suits. 

Space Opera — Often overlapping with classic sci-fi, these are sweeping narratives that emphasize the human experience amidst the vastness of space. The stories span galaxies and feature epic battles, galactic politics and moral dilemmas.

“Star Wars” universe — When sci-fi is mentioned, most people think of any one of the shows, movies or video games in the “Star Wars” universe. Spanning across three generations, the main film series follows the Skywalker family and their place within the galaxy. With other series, books, video games and even comic series following other storylines within the galaxy, there is no shortage of content to explore within this universe. 

“Ender’s Game” — Whether the 1985 novel by Orson Scott Card or the 2013 movie starring Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford and Hailee Steinfeld, “Ender’s Game” is part space opera and part military fiction. To prepare for a third alien invasion, Earth’s international military force begins recruiting and training children to become elite officers, including protagonist Ender. Both the novel and the movie follow Ender during his time at Battle and Command School, and the themes of colonization, genocide and the exploitation of children make the book and movie much deeper than meets the eye.   

Military Sci-fi — Warfare is the focus of this subgenre, especially the experiences of soldiers in futuristic or extraterrestrial settings. The basics of sci-fi are blended seamlessly into the aspects of military life and often focus on themes of duty, loyalty and morality of war.

“Halo” universe — “Halo” has evolved a lot since it started as a video game back in 2001. Since its release, the popular franchise has evolved into 12 games, 35 books, five movies and a series streaming exclusively on Paramount+. Each different format has its own timeline within the universe, with the video game series being the pure, canonical timeline. All iterations follow Spartan John-117, known as Master Chief, a genetically superior soldier who serves the United Nations Space Command in their fight against the Covenant — a military alliance of various alien species, united under one religious worship. 

“Warhammer 40K” — Originally a miniature tabletop game, “Warhammer 40K” has long since evolved into a franchise of video games, novels and an in-the-works TV show with Henry Cavill set to produce and star in it. Combining sci-fi and fantasy elements, “Warhammer 40K” pits humanity against hostile alien races and occult forces. Space Marines are typically at the center of the universe’s media and are favored by most tabletop players. Creator Rick Priestly cites J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, “Dune,” “Paradise Lost” and “2000 AD” as major influences for the universe. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu