30 Incredible Science Fiction Subgenres to Delve Into [2024]

Science fiction is one of the most popular genres in the world, and there are endless subgenres to explore. Whether you’re a fan of cyberpunk, time travel, or post-apocalyptic stories, there’s something for everyone in science fiction. Let’s take a look at 30 incredible science fiction subgenres that you should delve into!

1. Cyberpunk

A subgenre of science fiction that is set in a dystopian future where technology has taken over. This genre is often dark and gritty, and it typically focuses on the struggles of the individual against the government or corporations.

Read What is Cyberpunk?

Examples of Cyberpunk

2. Time Travel

Time travel is one of the oldest science fiction subgenres, and it is still very popular today. The stories in this subgenre often focus on the paradoxes and consequences of traveling through time, or they might even be a science fiction thriller with action-packed sequences.

Examples of Time Travel

3. Post-Apocalyptic

The genre that focuses on what happens after a major catastrophe or war has occurred. This subgenre often explores themes of survival in the face of adversity, and it is usually set in a dystopian future where society has broken down and people must fend for themselves against other humans as well as against the elements.

Examples of Post-Apocalyptic Sci-fi

4. Space Opera

A subgenre of science fiction that typically focuses on grandiose space battles and adventures. Space opera is one of the most popular science fiction subgenres, and it often features larger-than-life characters and exciting storylines.

Examples of Space Opera

5. Hard Science Fiction

A subgenre of science fiction that is based on actual science, and it often explores the implications of scientific advancements on society and humanity. These stories are typically more grounded and realistic than other science fiction subgenres, and they often focus on the science itself rather than on the characters or plot.

Examples of Hard Science Fiction

6. Soft Science Fiction

A subgenre of science fiction that is based on speculation rather than actual science, and it typically explores the social implications of scientific advancements. These stories are often more character-driven and less action-packed than other science fiction subgenres, and they often deal with ethical or moral questions.

Examples of Soft Science Fiction

7. Military Science Fiction

A subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the military aspects of science fiction stories. These stories often explore the relationships between soldiers and their commanders, as well as the science and technology behind futuristic warfare.

Examples of Military Science Fiction

Check out our list of 22 military science fiction books.

8. Science Fantasy

A subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. In science fantasy, magic often works alongside technology in order to create a sense of wonder. These stories are typically light-hearted and fun, and they often focus on the adventures of heroes who must save the day from evil forces.

Examples of Science Fantasy

9. First Contact

A subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the first time humans encounter alien life forms. This subgenre typically explores human nature and how humanity would react if we were faced with extra-terrestrial beings.

Examples of First Contact

10. Steampunk

A subgenre of science fiction that is set in an alternate timeline where steam power continues to be used instead of electricity. This genre typically explores the Victorian era and its ideals, as well as how technology would progress if it were based on steam rather than electricity.

Read What is Steampunk?

Examples of Steampunk

11. Dieselpunk

A subgenre of science fiction that is set in an alternate timeline where diesel power continues to be used instead of electricity. This genre typically explores the 1950s and its ideals, as well as how technology would progress if it were based on diesel rather than electricity.

Examples of Dieselpunk

12. Gaslamp Fantasy

Gaslamp fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that takes place in an alternate version of our own world, typically during the 19th century. This subgenre takes inspiration from science fiction, gothic literature, and steampunk.

The name gaslamp fantasy comes from a type of lamp that uses “burning gas” to create light (typically coal). The word fantasy is used because this subgenre combines science fiction with elements of magic and the paranormal.

Examples of Gaslamp Fantasy

13. Gothic science fiction

Gothic science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. It often features dark and brooding worlds, with a focus on the psychological horror of science gone wrong.

Examples of Gothic science fiction

14. Ecopunk

This science fiction subgenre attempts to explore the relationship between humans and the environment. The work of science fiction writers such as Kim Stanley Robinson is particularly influential in this area. Ecopunk science fiction subgenres are often set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity has been forced to live on land that is barely hospitable.

Examples of Ecopunk

Dune by Frank Herbert
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi

15. Urban Fantasy

This science fiction subgenre is set in the real world, but with elements of fantasy added. The focus is often on the magical and supernatural creatures that live among us.

Examples of Urban Fantasy

Night Huntress by Jeaniene Frost
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Shadowrun
Bright

16. Mythopoeia

This science fiction subgenre takes traditional myths and legends and re-imagines them in a science fiction setting. The work of writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien is often cited as an influence for this type of science fiction.

Examples of Mythopoeia

17. New Wave science fiction

This science fiction subgenre emerged in the 1960s and is often seen as a reaction against traditional science fiction. New Wave science fiction is known for its experimental style and its focus on social issues.

Examples of New Wave science fiction

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Dune by Frank Herbert
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

18. Retrofuturism

This science fiction subgenre looks at science fiction through the lens of a previous era. It is often used to explore social issues from that time period and how they can influence our society today. These types of science fiction are typically set in alternate timelines where technological developments have followed a different path, but social issues remain similar or worse.

Examples of Retrofuturism

Back to the Future (1985)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Island at the Top of the World (1974)

19. Dystopian Fiction

This science fiction subgenre is set in a dark and oppressive society. The science fiction writer George Orwell’s 1984 is often cited as an influential work for this science fiction subgenre.

Examples of Dystopian Fiction

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
V for Vendetta (2005)

20. Alternate History

This science fiction subgenre is based on the “what ifs” of history. What if Germany won World War II? What if an asteroid hit Earth before humans evolved? Alternate histories are often used to explore how a small change in history can have major impacts today.

Examples of Alternate History

11/22/63 by Stephen King
Fatherland by Robert Harris
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

21. Utopian Fiction

This science fiction subgenre is set in a perfect society. The focus is often on how the society was created and what challenges it faces. Utopian science fiction can be used to explore social issues, such as how much freedom people are willing to give up for a utopian society.

Examples of Utopian Fiction

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Erewhon by Samuel Butler
The Giver by Lois Lowry

22. Space Trucking

This science fiction subgenre is set in the future, but focuses on the mundane aspects of life. The characters are often truckers who transport goods through space. This science fiction subgenre is often used to explore social issues, such as how society will function in the future.

Examples of Space Trucking

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Space Truckers (1996)

23. Space Pirates

This science fiction subgenre is set in the future and involves space pirates. These science fiction stories often focus on how traditional piracy can be adapted for a science fiction setting, such as what becomes of treasure hunting in a science fiction universe.

Examples of Space Pirates

24. Multiverse Exploration

This science fiction subgenre explores the concept of a multiverse. This is a universe that contains multiple universes, each with their own set of laws. Multiverse exploration science fiction often focuses on the characters who are able to travel between these universes and the challenges they face.

Examples of Multiverse Exploration

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Sliders (1995-2000)

25. AI Self-Awareness

This science fiction subgenre focuses on artificial intelligence that is able to think for itself. These science fiction stories often explore the challenges of having a machine be self-aware and how society treats it as a result. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot is often cited as an influential work in this science fiction subgenre.

Examples of AI Self-Awareness

The Matrix (1999)
I, Robot (2004)
Her (2013)

26. Human Cloning

This science fiction subgenre is set in the future and explores the implications of human cloning. These science fiction stories often explore the social and ethical implications of human cloning, such as what happens when a clone has emotions.

Examples of Human Cloning

The Island (2005)
Gattaca (1997)
Blade Runner (1982)
Cloud Atlas (2012)

27. Cyber Noir

This science fiction subgenre is set in the future and focuses on noir science fiction. This science fiction subgenre usually takes place in a dark, dystopian society with characters who have very little hope for their futures. Storylines are nearly always about a mystery that needs to be solved but the main character must adventure to find the truth.

Examples of Cyber Noir

Neuromancer by William Gibson
Strange Days (1995)
Blade Runner (1982)
Repomen (2010)

28. Biopunk

This science fiction subgenre is set in the future and focuses on science fiction stories that involve bio-hacking. Biopunk science fiction often explores how genetic engineering can be used to benefit society, such as eliminating disease or creating new species of plants.

Examples of Biopunk

Splice (2009)
Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
The Thing (1982)

29. Decopunk/Coalpunk

This science fiction subgenre is set in the past and focuses on science fiction stories that are inspired by 1930s technology. These science fiction stories often take place during this time period and explore what a science-fiction filled version of our world would have been like then.

Examples of Decopunk/Coalpunk

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
The Rocketeer (1991)
Bioshock

30. Raypunk

This science fiction subgenre is set in the future and focuses on science fiction stories that are inspired by 1980s technology. These science fiction stories often take place during this time period and explore what a science-fiction filled version of our world would have been like then.

Examples of Raypunk

As you can see, science fiction is a genre that has many different subgenres to explore. If you are looking for a new science fiction story to read, then I suggest trying out one of the subgenres listed above. You never know, you may just find your new favorite science fiction story.

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