What's the difference between science fiction and fantasy?

Will Pass
Jan 24, 2024
4 min read

Science fiction and fantasy are two genres of literature that are often confused with one another because they both deal with imaginary worlds and concepts. However, they have some significant differences that set them apart.

What is science fiction?

Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with the exploration of new scientific and technological concepts. It is often set in the future or in outer space and involves advanced technology or scientific principles that have not yet been discovered in the real world. Science fiction stories often include elements of speculation about how these new technologies or scientific principles might impact society and humanity.

What is fantasy?

Fantasy is a genre of fiction that deals with the supernatural or magical elements. It is often set in a fantastical or imaginary world and involves mythical creatures, magic, and other supernatural phenomena. Fantasy stories often involve a hero or group of heroes embarking on a quest to defeat an evil enemy or overcome some other obstacle.

What are the differences between science fiction and fantasy?

One key difference between science fiction and fantasy is that science fiction is based on science and technology, whereas fantasy is based on magic and the supernatural. Science fiction often tries to be grounded in scientific principles and explore the possibilities of what might be possible in the future based on our current understanding of the world. Fantasy, on the other hand, is not bound by the laws of the real world and can include elements that are purely fantastical and impossible in the real world.

AI generated oil painting of wizard and robot — Science fiction vs fantasy.

Another difference between the two genres is the way they approach the unknown. Science fiction often deals with the unknown by attempting to explain it through scientific principles and theories, while fantasy simply accepts the unknown as a given and incorporates it into the story without trying to explain it.

While both science fiction and fantasy deal with imaginary worlds and concepts, they are distinct genres with their own unique characteristics. Science fiction is based on science and technology, while fantasy is based on magic and the supernatural. Science fiction tries to explain the unknown through scientific principles; in contrast, fantasy simply accepts it as a part of the story.

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Examples of science fiction books

1. The Martian by Andy Weir - This science fiction novel follows the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut who is stranded on Mars after a catastrophic accident during a mission to the planet. He must use his skills and resourcefulness to survive on the hostile planet until a rescue mission can be launched. The novel explores themes of survival and human resilience in the face of extreme adversity.

cover of the martian by andy weir — The Martian

2. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells - This classic science fiction novel tells the story of an invasion of Earth by Martians, who are technologically advanced creatures from another planet. The novel explores themes of colonialism and the dangers of underestimating the capabilities of other civilizations.

cover of the war of the worlds by hg wells — Sweet retro cover.

3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - This science fiction novel is set in a dystopian future where society is controlled by a powerful government that uses genetic engineering and advanced technology to maintain order. The novel explores themes of individuality, conformity, and the dangers of unrestrained technological progress.

cover of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley — Brave New World

4. Foundation by Isaac Asimov - This science fiction novel is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized the galaxy and is ruled by a powerful empire. The story follows a group of scientists and politicians who work to preserve the knowledge of humanity in the face of a looming collapse of the empire. The novel explores themes of power, politics, and the role of knowledge in shaping the future.

cover of Foundation by Asimov — Foundation.

5. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - This science fiction novel follows the story of Ender Wiggin, a young boy who is recruited to attend a military school for gifted children in preparation for an impending alien invasion. The novel explores themes of violence, leadership, and the consequences of militarism.

cover of ender's game by orson scott card — Everyone read this in high school but me.

Examples of fantasy books

1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - This epic fantasy novel tells the story of a hobbit named Frodo Baggins who embarks on a quest to destroy a powerful and evil ring that could enslave the entire world. Along the way, he is aided by a group of loyal companions who help him navigate a dangerous and magical world filled with orcs, wizards, and other mythical creatures. The novel is a classic of the fantasy genre and has inspired countless other works of fantasy literature and media.

cover of the fellowship of the ring by jrr tolkien — I prefer the Hobbit.

2. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan - This epic fantasy series consists of 14 novels that follow the story of Rand al'Thor, a young man who is prophesied to become the savior of the world. The series follows Rand as he learns about his destiny and fights against a powerful enemy who threatens to destroy the world. The series is known for its complex characters, intricate world-building, and themes of fate and free will.

cover of the eye of the world by robert jordan — Not related to Michael Jordan.

3. The Dark Tower by Stephen King - This fantasy series consists of eight books that follow the journey of Roland Deschain, a gunslinger who is on a quest to reach the Dark Tower, a mysterious structure that stands at the center of all things. Along the way, Roland battles against powerful enemies and encounters a host of strange and fantastical creatures. The series is known for its blend of western, fantasy, and horror elements and its themes of good versus evil and the nature of reality.

cover of the dark tower the gunslinger by stephen king — Gotta get a bird.

4. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin - This fantasy series consists of five books that follow the story of a young wizard named Ged who must confront the dark forces threatening the world of Earthsea. The series is known for its immersive world-building, compelling characters, and themes of identity, responsibility, and the balance of power.

cover of Earthsea by Ursula K LeGuin — Good to read at the age of 13 or 14.

5. The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks - This fantasy novel is the first in a series of books that follow the story of a young man named Shea Ohmsford who is entrusted with a powerful sword and must use it to defeat an evil sorcerer who threatens to destroy the world. The novel is known for its immersive world-building, compelling characters, and themes of good versus evil and the power of destiny.

cover of the sword of shannara by terry brooks — Swords are cool.

Well there you have it. Definitions of science fiction and fantasy, differences between them, and five examples of each. What more could you want?

Happy reading!