When you think about it, science fiction and fantasy seem to be polar opposites. The former speculates about the future but is still grounded in science-based facts. The latter relies on pure imagination, without needing justification.
However, many writers have built their careers by blending these two together—and it works! Named science fantasy, this genre combines tropes and elements from the two to create unique settings, concepts, and stories.
What is Science Fantasy?
Science fantasy is a genre where both science and magic exist. So a book could have both robots and golems, wands and guns, skyships and airplanes.
It’s pretty hard to define other than that, as no one has really given it a proper definition. Frankly, pinning down an exact definition is pointless, as science fantasy can range from “science fiction with a dash of fantasy” to “fantasy with a dash of science fiction.”
People do agree on one thing. Magic can either be explained in a scientific way, or science can be so advanced that it appears to be magic.
It does not, however, contain any accurate or realistic science to separate it from actual science fiction, especially soft sci-fi. The latter may contain fantastical elements, but its science is always realistic.
As such, magic and science complement each other, with their level of use ranging from subtle to obvious. The result? A story where things that cannot and do not exist in the real world make sense and are given a veneer of scientific understanding.
Examples of Science Fantasy
Here are a few works that can be considered science fantasy, taken from literature, film, and other media.
1. The Acts of Caine by Matthew Stover
In a future dystopian Earth, corporations send out “actors” to a parallel fantasy world to entertain the masses. These actors go on adventures, which are recorded and distributed as virtual-reality entertainment.
2. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
A boy genius with villainous inclinations plans to steal a buttload of gold—not from banks, but from the fairy folk. Only, the fairy folk aren’t just sprightly creatures of nature, but badasses who use magic and advanced technology to guard their wealth.
3. A Certain Magical Index by Kazuma Kamachi
In Academy City, where science reigns supreme, Toma Kamijo is a Level Zero esper—basically a loser with no scientific abilities. He meets and helps a delusional nun who exhibits magical abilities, unwittingly drawing himself into the intrigues of both worlds of magic and science.
4. Star Wars
A farm boy, living cluelessly on a desert planet, meets an old wizard who teaches him magic and laser swordsmanship. He travels off the planet, rescues a princess, learns he’s the son of an evil empire’s Big Bad #2, and then destroys said empire.
Even George Lucas said “Star Wars isn’t a science-fiction film, it’s a fantasy film and a space opera” in 2015.
5. Doctor Who
A mysterious, time and space-traveling doctor gets caught up in adventures that blur the lines of magic and science. His opponents range from eldritch abominations and fairy tale monsters to aliens and machines.
6. Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura
In a fantasy world currently undergoing an industrial revolution, technology begins to compete with magic.
A luxury zeppelin, on its maiden voyage, is shot down and only one passenger survives. In their quest to uncover the culprits, they discover a plot by an ancient power intent on bringing chaos to the world.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Science fantasy is a result of writers pushing against the constraints of two different genres. It’s led to quite a few interesting stories, with some even becoming classics of their respective mediums.
At a cursory glance, science fiction and fantasy may look like complete opposites that will never work together. But if you think about it, both explore elements of the unreal. It’s how they tackle these things that make them different.
As stated by Arthur C. Clarke, one of science fiction’s biggest names, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Conversely, any sufficiently advanced magic ends up looking like technology—at least in fiction.
Think of a flying car. Sci-fi would probably explain it as a clever use of gravity, combustion, or wind energy. Fantasy would tell you it’s run by a fire elemental, covered in levitation runes, or powered by mana.
These two genres, being the largest types of speculative fiction, constantly borrow from one another. Writers are just that clever in repurposing their tropes into something suitable for their stories.
What are your favorite examples of science fantasy? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Exploring Speculative Fiction: Your Guide to this Super-Genre
- 15 Common Fantasy Tropes and How To Own Them
- 10 Timeless Science Fiction Themes That Exemplify the Genre
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
