We usually assume science fiction is a singular genre: space, aliens, and advanced technologies. What we sometimes forget is a work of fiction can be many things at once. For example, "Star Wars." "Star Wars" can be classified as science fiction, romance, thriller, adventure, action, fantasy, mystery, dystopian, and magical realism. Genres overlap and coincide to create a multi-dimensional work.
Science fiction can also be called speculative fiction. It begs a certain question: What if? Speculative fiction is defined by Oxford dictionary:
"a genre of fiction that encompasses works in which the setting is other than the real world, involving supernatural, futuristic, or other imagined elements.
ex. "this classic of speculative fiction imagines an extraordinary global occurrence that forces Earth's men and women to exist in parallel dimensions"
Speculative Fiction is a powerful tool. By reimagining an already constructed structure, an author can explore and comment upon ingrained and widespread discourse. Many science fiction worlds mirror our own, only they're manipulated to reveal both hypocrisy and systematic failure both politically, economically, religiously, and socially. Usually set in the future or a warped version of the present, a movie, book, or TV show can explore modern ideas and technologies taken to another level. So basically, many more things can be categorized as science fiction than you'd think.
Now, more than ever we, as a society need to consume and create media that address and manipulates current problems through the lens of a time machine.
Now... the list! (in no particular order):
1. "The 100" (2014).Â
Available on: Netflix
"The 100" takes place after a man-made apocalypse. A small civilization is maintained on a spacecraft. 100 teenage prisoners are launched back to Earth to see if it is habitable again, and things turn from bad to worse. In this drama/sci-fi thriller we get a glimpse of the lengths people will go to survive.
2. "3%" (2016).Â
Available on: Netflix
Translated from Portuguese.
The 3% is a futuristic mind thriller. In this world, only three percent of the population lives in wealth on a lavish island, while the other 97% live in extreme poverty on a ravaged mainland. To live amongst the privileged, you have one chance to take a test. The test is designed to measure your mental, physical, and emotional competence in a fair, systematic way.
Spoilers: it's not fair.
3. "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008) + "Rebels" (2014).Â
"Star Wars: The Clone War" isn't just a kids show. Over its six seasons, the characters from the beloved series come to life. The plot is intelligent and surprisingly dark at times. Soldiers die, bad guys win — this isn't a sugarcoated series. It's a heavy adventure series with lovable characters and sci-fi elements.
4. "Firefly" (2002).Â
Available on: Hulu
One of Joss Whedon's early works, "Firefly" shines. Cut tragically short — the one season and subsequent movie have intrigued sci-fi lovers all around. Space cowboys. The show is mature and filled with a capable, diverse cast.
5. "Black Mirror."
Available on: Netflix
"Black Mirror" broke into the Netflix scene to many accolades. The show explores modern technology taken to the next level — so much so that it affects society on a large and small scale. Dark, deep, and jarring — this Netflix sci-fi drama will capture your attention, and your mind.
6. "Sense 8."
Available on: Netflix
"Sense 8" is one of my favorites. The premise of the Netflix original follows eight psychically and physically linked individuals from all over the world. Being the next rung on the evolutionary ladder, their species is hunted for its advantageous abilities.
Filmed in eight different countries, this show dazzles visually, culturally, and socially. Each of the eight characters become important and live their own arc as it interconnects within this complicated story.
7. "WALL-E" (2008).Â
Available on Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube Paid.
"WALLE" is a story for all ages. Surprisingly dark — this Pixar film goes where no Disney film has gone before: reality.
The writers take current environmental degradation and speed it up. Massive landfills and careless pollution have rotted Earth, and now what's left of the human race spends their days leisurely in a comfortable space station.
In the film, they also take advantage of the human inclination to rely on technology to another level — and we see a glimpse of what society could and does look like when unbalanced.
This isn't just a kids movie. You'll probably cry.
8. "The Hunger Games" (2012).Â
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube Paid.
In classic Battle Royale style, "The Hunger Games" engages audiences with its high stakes scenarios and desperate characters. The tale reveals how far people will go to survive, what they do when they have survived, and how they can live with what they've done.
Politically, socially, and culturally aware — "The Hunger Games" reflects our society of dog eat dog.
9. "Battle Royale" (2000).Â
Available on: Google Play, YouTube Paid.
Translated from Japanese.
A more classic "Battle Royale" is "The Battle Royale" produces out of Japan in The early 2000s. Horror, thriller, drama, and of course: science fiction.
In this science fiction thriller, a class full of teenagers is drugged and dropped on an island filled with weapons. They are fitted with lethal shock collars and settled closer and closer together as more and more of their friends are killed.
Talk about teen situational drama!
Twisted and shocking, this thriller is more graphic than "The Hunger Games." Friendships are tested, and humanity is stretched to a breaking point.
This movie is not for the faint of heart.
10. "Star Wars: Rogue One."
Available on: Netflix
"Rouge One" is a stand-alone "Star Wars" story. We are introduced to new characters and old characters during the "New Hope" era.
This film fills in plot holes seamlessly and adds another layer to "The Star Wars" universe.
The unique thing about this particular installment is its characters and their timeline. Their sacrifice is intimate and telling of the hardship of War.
11. "Lucy."
Avaiable on: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Paid.
The film "Lucy" explores the uncharted depths of the human mind. What if the brain had access to it's full processing power? How would things be different, and how would that power manifest itself? Find out from Scar Jo in this gritty science fiction, drug lord thriller.
12. "Handmaid's Tale" (2017) (book 1985).Â
Available on Hulu
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, "The Handmaid's Tale" chills it's viewers to the bone. Speckled with an intimate portrayal of trauma, this show rings with honesty and grit.
Although at first, the story may seem far from our current political climate — as the tale progresses it becomes more and more clear the roots this story holds in reality.
When religious and personal freedom is governed by guns — a highly structured and dangerous society is built. Eugenics is practiced and those deemed unworthy are discarded. Women are enslaved and forced to surrogate for wealthy politicians, and people are pushed to their breaking points — and beyond that, they are broken again. Yet, somehow there is still hope. Every shot and every line in this movie-esque TV show isn't integral, purposeful, and insightful.
"The Handmaids Tale" is hard to watch because of its vivid depictions of violence — however, it is a must watch.
13. "V for Vendetta" (2005).Â
Available on: Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Paid.
Now a cult classic, "V for Vendetta" stands strong among political thrillers through the ages.
V, a terrorist uses terror for a purpose: destructuring a regime that has a choke hold on those in it — especially those without social or political power. We find things aren't what they seem, and yet they are in many ways.
14. "Divergent" (2014).Â
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu.
The first film in this trilogy is by far the most exciting. We are thrust into the world of Divergent through the eyes of Tris, a woman who, unlike her peers — feels many different identities at once. In a dystopia where faction thinking is held in the highest regard, Tris is different. Because of this, she is considered dangerous — and is hunted for it. Tris is revealed to be braver and more capable than she'd ever have believed.
Sound familiar?
Retro and unique — the set and location of the film invites viewers into the metal ruins of Chicago. Only, this Chicago mirrors an entire civilization, cut off from any unifying government. In this bubble, it's all fight because flight is not an option.
15, "Gattaca" (1997).Â
Available on: Google Play and YouTube Paid.
Leaning more on the science part of science fiction, "Gattaca" paints a picture in chrome. "Gattaca" imagines a future where genetic engineering allows families to choose specific traits for their children and excludes any biological weaknesses.
The human genome being fully mapped out, genetic selection, eugenics, and biological/economic hierarchy is now easier than ever. Those parents who opt out of DNA tailoring have children who are sorted into the category of invalid. Similar to the pre-existing condition clause in insurance agencies, The lack of genetic selection causes uncertainty — and in a society defined by meticulous process and probability, one invalid must do whatever it takes to get ahead.
Plus, young Jude Law.
16. "Repo! The Genetic Opera" (2008).Â
Available on: YouTube paid and Google Play.
We know the black market today as a secretive stem system of illegal trade. Drugs, weapons, stolen goods, and even human trafficking. In Repo, the black market has grown to include the mass reposition and demand of human organs and body parts. Biologically, humanity is failing. In an effort to keep looking healthy, the rich can purchase able bodies while the poor are robbed of their arms, legs, and lives.
How does a person survive in a lawless place like this?
Also, it's a musical.
17. "The Good Place" (2016).Â
Available on: Netflix, NBC
Although “The Good Place" does not seem like science fiction at first, it is very speculative in its conception.
The good place imagines a world where all religions are one: and people are simply sorted into either a good place or the bad place. Interdimensionally, higher processing beings control the fate of humanity through deceit and supremacy.
Four humans stuck in a loop after death must grapple with their place in the “world."
Funny, intelligent, and socially relevant, "The Good Place" succeeds in all categories. Real moral questions are challenged while at the same time relishing in situation comedy and tone.
You'll be hooked by the end of the first season.
