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Is Star Wars Science Fiction?

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
edited February 2011 in Ten Forward
Hello fellow STO-ers! :) I've been doing a bit of research recently, and I thought I might include you guys too! I know how intelligent you all are, so I'd love to read your input on this topic. And before you ask, yes, I'm a fan of both Star Wars and Star Trek... but of course I love Star Trek more! :D Now, try to eliminate any biases before discussing this please... ;)

(Copy-pasted from some random Star Wars forum that I've been using.)

Thanks guys!!!!



"Good morning, everyone!

I'm not trying to start any arguments, but I do want to try and start an intelligent, compelling, and productive discussion on this topic.

I am currently working on a research project for my Master's program that involves which category of fiction Star Wars falls under.

What do you guys think? Is it purely Science Fiction? Do you agree with the classification of Space Opera, even though Space Opera is a relatively undefined or uncertain category? Or would you even go so far as to say that Star Wars could even be considered Fantasy?

I'm discussing only the original trilogy, if that information helps... primarily "A New Hope."

We have knights, swordplay, "magic" powers, good versus evil, etc. etc... So, in its very basic form, the plot line could easily fall under the category of Fantasy. I know that we do have space as a setting, aliens, distant worlds, space ships, futuristic weapons, and all of those Science Fiction pieces, but they are not necessarily a major part of the plot. They are simply things that the characters interact with throughout their journey. I'm focusing on the core plot elements here, not props and scenery. Please keep this in mind when deciding what to classify Star Wars under. :)

Thank you for your responses, I look forward to reading them!

Also, here is a link to the survey I have created for this project if you want to take that as well:


Is Star Wars Science Fiction? - Survey


All of these responses will be used to support the credible sources and articles that I will be using. This gives my project a more "personal" feel to it, and also provides me with statistical data to utilize in support/contrast of my thesis. Thanks again!"
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    You want to debate the classification of a Star Wars movie/movies on a Star Trek forum? /headdesk

    There will be blood. Less glow batters more ponies!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    In general, Science Fiction fiction can be classified under a variety of other fiction genres, including drama. Trying to sort it all out - gives me a headache.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Capulet wrote: »
    You want to debate the classification of a Star Wars movie/movies on a Star Trek forum? /headdesk

    There will be blood. Less glow batters more ponies!

    Haha thanks for the response. Yes, I'm "excited" to see the results. I know they'll be interesting, but hopefully not too interesting! Star Trek fans are far superior to Star Wars fans, though, so I know we will all be capable of discussing this in a very compelling way.

    Besides, I'm trying to prove that Star Wars should not be classified as Science Fiction here. I think we can all appreciate that on this forum. :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Archanubis wrote:
    In general, Science Fiction fiction can be classified under a variety of other fiction genres, including drama. Trying to sort it all out - gives me a headache.

    I said more ponies!

    *jumps onto Archie's back* YAW! *spurs*
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    My full answer would be too philosophical and religious to be posted here, but the short answer: yes, it's more science fiction than fantasy.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Starfaery wrote:
    Besides, I'm trying to prove that Star Wars should not be classified as Science Fiction here. I think we can all appreciate that on this forum. :D

    Your premise for hosting this discussion is completely and scientifically flawed then. As a host or the responsible party for impartially gathering data is to be beyond opinion. You must lets the facts and evidence tell the story. in short, you need SCIENCE!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Capulet wrote: »
    I said more ponies!

    *jumps onto Archie's back* YAW! *spurs*

    *transforms into a Global Hawk drone and hits Mach speeds in 20 seconds*

    If she doesn't fall off from the sudden acceleration, she will once the Gs get to her. :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Archanubis wrote:
    *transforms into a Global Hawk drone and hits Mach speeds in 20 seconds*

    If she doesn't fall off from the sudden acceleration, she will once the Gs get to her. :D

    Weeeeeee! You are almost as fast as my Spunicorn! Faster faster faster!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Of course it's science fiction: laser swords, laser pistols, spaceships, etc.

    Just because it found an original way of presenting (largely ripping off fantasy, mythology, and Japanese cinema) doesn't mean it's less science fiction.

    It's like saying Firefly isn't science fiction because they have pistols and rawhide.

    Remember, works of fiction can occupy multiple genres.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Capulet wrote: »
    Weeeeeee! You are almost as fast as my Spunicorn! Faster faster faster!

    I find it hard to believe that the Final Fantasy XI Auction House forums have produced a far superior discussion/debate on this topic. I am disappointed, Star Trek. :( /wrists

    For serious though, guys... I wanted to see this from the anti-Star Wars fan perspective! I don't care what you have to say about it, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject! :p
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Starfaery wrote:
    For serious though, guys... I wanted to see this from the anti-Star Wars fan perspective! I don't care what you have to say about it, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject! :p

    Boy, did you ever post in the wrong forum. ;):p

    This is Ten Forward; we take nothing seriously! :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    I've always called it 'science fantasy'; meaning a fantasy story/adventure in what would be considered a sci-fi setting.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    i have always taken science fiction to be the all encompassing term

    space opera is a bit more refined to certain shows within science fiction.

    ie every space opera show is science fiction, not every science fiction show is a space opera.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Change of topic:
    Is the OP's username science fiction, fantasy, or space opera? :p
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Starfaery wrote:
    I find it hard to believe that the Final Fantasy XI Auction House forums have produced a far superior discussion/debate on this topic. I am disappointed, Star Trek. :( /wrists

    For serious though, guys... I wanted to see this from the anti-Star Wars fan perspective! I don't care what you have to say about it, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject! :p

    Again your logic defies the term logic. Star trek fan =/= anti-Star Wars fan. Some like both while others like one or the other. And yes, 10Forward =/= serious discussions. Be happy you got a few serious responses.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Capulet wrote: »
    Again your logic defies the term logic. Star trek fan =/= anti-Star Wars fan. Some like both while others like one or the other. And yes, 10Forward =/= serious discussions. Be happy you got a few serious responses.

    I should've sent you V-Day candy.... :o
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    hort_wort wrote: »
    I should've sent you V-Day candy.... :o

    And yet you didn't. I like the chocolate dipped strawberries and chocolate covered cherries. num num.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Star Wars is Fantasy with Scifi elements. Space Opera isn't even a darned category in my mind. I would say that Star Wars is closer to Lord of the Rings than Star Trek in many ways.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    George Lucas himself classifies Star Wars as a Space Opera.

    Space Fantasy, Sci-Fi, whatever you wanna call it, hell even Space Western...It has elements of all those things...
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Starfaery wrote:

    I am currently working on a research project for my Master's program that involves which category of fiction Star Wars falls under.

    Just curious, exactly what Master's program involves studying whether or not Star Wars is "science fiction?" Master's of Geekery? :D

    Also, where do I sign up?!?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    This all sounds to me more like a psychological experiment in stimulating nerd rage among various fan bases than categorizing a film. It'd surely make a more interesting paper.... :rolleyes:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    George Lucas himself classifies Star Wars as a Space Opera.

    Space Fantasy, Sci-Fi, whatever you wanna call it, hell even Space Western...It has elements of all those things...

    If it was space Opera would Princess Leia look more like this? Muahahah
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Space Opera is a subcategory. You can't find a Space Opera section in your local video store.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Space Opera is a subcategory. You can't find a Space Opera section in your local video store.

    Yup, Jabba Leia ate it.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Manx wrote: »
    I've always called it 'science fantasy'; meaning a fantasy story/adventure in what would be considered a sci-fi setting.

    This I can agree with. The 'science' bits are less based on science and more on magic.

    Force powers is basically magic. No explanation given (and if you say midichlorians, I will cut you because that whole movie was terrible) besides "It's everywhere". The force is the biggest offender in this regard, but there a few other 'science' elements I found lacking. For instance, Han Solo found a shortcut through empty space. A parsec is a measure of distance, not time.

    So many fantastical elements in the story. Don't get me wrong, Star Wars 4-6 were a good watch, but it was as much science fiction as The Hobbit was.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Star Wars is Mechanized Fantasy.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Star Wars is Mechanized Fantasy.

    I agree with this. There are parts of Star Wars that are science fiction-ish, but overall it is typical fantasy trope: farm boy from small village discovers magic powers, rises up against dark evil wizard, OH A TWIST, big wizard duel, evil wizard killed, redemption for evil second in command ... just about every fantasy story ever written. Princesses, rogues, wizards, knights, swords, tall-ship combat, magical plot-devices, evil empires, noble rebellions, crossbows -- I mean bowcasters, oops -- on and on.

    A lot of Star Trek is fantasy, too. But it gets away with using techno-babble, as always! And at least Q isn't magical so much as very, very evolved and advanced. But, then, you know, midichlorians or whatever. Haha, Lucas.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Ravenstein wrote: »
    Han Solo found a shortcut through empty space. A parsec is a measure of distance, not time.

    Ah, the SW novels fixed that one. The "Kessel Run" was a route taken around a black hole while smuggling. Making it in "less than 12 parsecs" means that his ship was fast enough to get closer without getting sucked in.

    I think Star Trek is at least as offensive on science as Star Wars. Kes (and dozens of other characters with similar abilities) might as well be Jedi. Just about every sentient lifeform in Trek is a humanoid. Yeah, I know, they had a cheap TNG episode that explained it with life being seeded by some precursor race. People all speak English, and though they have universal translators, their lips also speak English.

    So anyway.... may the fan without err cast the first stone, or somesuch. :p Hort just relaxes and enjoys it.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    Tv/Movie space-based sci-fi almost always verges on being wholesale science fantasy, however Star wars is firmly science fantasy.

    It is, at it's heart, a sword and sorcery tale with a bit of space plane dogfights mixed in.

    As for Star Trek, yes that's science fantasy too.

    It all comes down to whether or not you think something should be described as a fantasy, when using fantastic plot devices, such as warp drive and hyperdrive.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2011
    I would say it is fantasy because one of its biggest themes--jedi powers--are entirely supernatural as they are portrayed.

    And let us not mention metachlorians ever again.

    The End

    :)
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