We see sci-fi movies in movie theatres are the imagination and creativity of the writers, directors, and the whole group behind the creative team. How much of it is true? Are the theories presented in the movie correct? How many of the stories we see are for real? We will get the answers as we read on.
What Is Science Fiction?
Before moving to the complicated questions, let’s get a brief about the basics.
Science fiction, sometimes abbreviated as “sci-fi” or “SF,” is a category of speculative fiction that frequently explores imaginative and futuristic ideas like advanced technology, space travel, time travel, multiverse, outer space, highly evolved artificial intelligence, cybernetics, some types of eternal life (like mind uploading), and the universe.
There are numerous subgenres of science fiction, which have origins in ancient mythology and are linked to fantasy, thriller, and superhero fiction. Authors, critics, scholars, and readers have long disagreed on its detailed description. Numerous real-world innovations, like the atomic bomb and robots, had names that matched those of their fictitious forebears in science fiction.
Part of why it is so difficult to agree on a description of science fiction is because science fiction fans tend to be their judge in determining what exactly constitutes science fiction.
One way we struggle with the alleged separation between art and science and ultimately come to terms with the fact that they are inextricably linked is through science fiction. Science fiction is those hypotheses that have been well investigated, are bound by history, are attractively presented, and are widely read.
Science fiction is a theory, a “soft” science, a plan, a tool, a reflection, and an expression.

Science fiction is a genre that investigates utopian and explosive interpretations of the future. It is a style of art that is incredibly reflective of the status of the world right now and pushes the boundaries of what we believe to be true in terms of time and space.
In contrast to mythology, science fiction is more concerned with the present than the past or mysticism. In some ways, science fiction’s titillating tendency to combine tragedy with beauty is a startling representation of the present.
Technology, climate catastrophe, or biological warfare can all be used as settings in science fiction to explore future worries.
What Is Science?
Any information collection focused on the physical realm, and its occurrences and detailed objective observation and methodical experimentation are called science. In general, science entails the search for knowledge about universal truths or how fundamental laws operate.
Science can be separated into various branches depending on the topic under investigation. Astrophysics, physics, chemistry, and earth sciences are all parts of the physical sciences which examine the inorganic universe.
The study of the biological world of life and its phenomena is done by the biological sciences, such as biology and medicine. Social sciences study human behaviour’s social and cultural facets like anthropology and economics.
What Is the Relationship Between Science and Science Fiction or Sci-fi?
Many modern technologies we utilize, such as the geostationary satellite, Taser, submersible, and virtual reality, were first imagined by writers and artists. Despite not knowing how to create them, these visionaries had remarkably accurate predictions and inventions.
We can also explore the social ramifications of these technological breakthroughs through science fiction literature, film, television, and art. Do replicas possess rights? What about robots with sentience? How much privacy is affected by genetic and behavioural advancements?
Arizona State University’s Center for Science and the Imagination (CSI) brings together authors, artists, scientists, and other creative thinkers to rekindle humanity’s lofty aspirations for invention and discovery.
The complete societal ramifications of cutting-edge research are explored, and personal narratives are connected to scientific problems. According to the centre’s director, Ed Finn, science fiction still impacts science today, sparking interesting discussions at CSI.
Through a number of its projects, the centre explores various modifications and concepts. With the help of Project Hieroglyph, a partnership with novelist Neal Stephenson, scientists and researchers can create original works of science fiction that portray futures influenced by technological advancement.
We are thrilled and entertained by the wonderful sci-fi stories that authors of books and movies create. Although frequently inaccurate, many science fiction components are based on actual science. The institute also co-hosts Emerge, an arts celebration that unites authors and scientists to produce vivid, emotional visions of the future.
Science fiction and science are closely tied in certain ways. In some ways, science still lags behind some of the concepts found in science fiction. Older science fiction tales with technology now a reality are also available. In either case, we can respect science and science fiction as two distinct yet fascinating fields of study.
The study or examination of how science is represented in sci-fi films, such as books, stories, and films, is known as science in science fiction. It covers a wide range of themes since science plays various roles in science fiction.

Hard science fiction is founded on engineering or the “hard” sciences (such as physics, astronomy, or chemistry). In contrast, soft science fiction is founded on the “soft” sciences, especially the social sciences like anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, and others.
The accuracy of the science depicted also varies widely; sometimes, it is an extension of technology that already exists, and other times, it is a realistic or believable depiction of a technology that does not yet exist but is conceivable from a scientific point of view. Still, other times it is just a plot device that appears to be based on science but is not.
To keep writers and artists connected to science and technology, researchers and faculty at CSI feel there is enormous value in maintaining scientists and engineers interested in these fantastical realms. This contact lets us be mindful of our scientific advancements’ broader effects and implications.
The Portrayal of Science and Space in Sci-fi and Entertainment.
A Trip to the Moon, a 1902 motion picture by French director Georges Méliès, is considered the earliest science fiction film—or at most one of the first—recorded. It significantly impacted later filmmakers, introducing a new type of imagination and inventiveness to the cinematic industry.
Furthermore, Méliès’ creative editing and special effects methods were extensively copied and developed into significant components of the medium. The first full-length sci-fi movie was Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, which was released in 1927. Despite not being well appreciated then, the movie is today regarded as a classic and important one.
The kaiju subgenre of science fiction movies, which typically include huge creatures of any kind attacking a major metropolis or confronting other monsters, was introduced in 1954 with Godzilla, directed by Ishiro Honda.
In terms of scale and quality, Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 science fiction picture 2001: A Space Odyssey, which was based on the writings of Arthur C. Clarke, stood out from the largely B-movie competition at the time and had a significant impact on subsequent works of the genre.
The 1963 French novel La Planète des Singes by Pierre Boulle served as the basis for the original Planet of the Apes, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and received both critical and popular acclaim for its vivid portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world where intelligent apes rule over humans.
With the movie now known as “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” George Lucas launched the Star Wars film franchise in 1977. The series, frequently referred to as a space drama, was the second-highest-earning film series in history and a worldwide sensation in popular culture.
Sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, and superhero movies have dominated Hollywood’s high-budget productions since the 1980s. Films in the science fiction genre frequently “cross over” into other genres.
Television and science fiction has always had a tight association. Before television became widely accessible in the 1940s and the 1950s, science fiction regularly featured television or devices that resembled it.
Despite being a comedy and only airing for one season (1962–1963), The Jetsons accurately predicted numerous modern developments, including flat-screen televisions, newspapers on computer-like screens, computer viruses, video chat, tanner beds, and home treadmills.
The first episode of the time-travel-themed Doctor Who aired on BBC Television in 1963. The original series was renewed in 2005 after running till 1989. It has received widespread acclaim and significantly impacted later science fiction on television. Other shows from the 1960s included Lost in Space and The Outer Limits.

Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek (the original series) debuted on NBC Television in 1966 and ran for three seasons. Initially only marginally successful, the series rose to prominence thanks to syndication and exceptional audience engagement. We blended Space Western and space opera elements.
It became a well-known and significant franchise with many movies, TV episodes, novels, and other works and items. Six more live-action Star Trek shows have since been produced as a result of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), with more in various stages of development.
How Many of the Theories and Stories Are Justifiable in the Sci-fi Movies?
The theories and stories portrayed in films, web series, and even fiction are not completely based on imagination. They pick some theories or some unsolved elements, which are later turned into imagination.
Some writers and directors leave it to the audience to broaden their creative side in the movies and fiction. There are some loyal fans and aspiring sci-fi writers who later use their power of creativity to acknowledge the cliffhanger given by the movie makers.
Imagination and creativity lead to many new stories and fantasies, which give a new perspective to the main storyline. Many new budding writers and directors take inspiration from these theories and stories to start their journey in this genre.
Impact of Sci-Fi Movies on Society.
Science fiction is a broad literary category that examines science’s social effects, whether real or imaginary (Merriam-Webster). A platform stimulates interest by telling tales that show what can be made and what society could turn into.
The advancements in technology and culture in contemporary society result from unfounded technological improvements depicted in literary and artistic works. Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Ray Bradbury were among the writers who conceived tools and anticipated societal transformations that have now come to pass.
In addition, Star Trek and Star Wars motivated scientists to transform fiction into reality. The sci-fi genre contributed significantly to the rapid expansion of industries, including communication, entertainment, space travel, and transportation.
Indirect influences have also been made on society’s culture. Science fiction has left the pages and the screen to impact society’s cultural and technological development. Sci-fi is to thank for contributing to improvements in contemporary culture. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. and Star Trek helped to ease racial tension during the Civil Rights struggle.
Sci-fi has the biggest influence on the technology of all the societal sectors. The imaginative concepts of science fiction have benefited several fields, including communication, home entertainment, space travel, and transportation.
It affected communication and contributed to the rise of home entertainment as popular leisure. Unfortunately, science fiction harms society’s desire to spend time reading and engaging in other mental activities by influencing devices like cell phones, computers, video games, and televisions.
The ability of humans to perform less labour due to technology also reduces society’s capacity to advance intellectually (Associated Press). Compared to science fiction’s influence on space travel and transportation, home entertainment’s influence on society appears negligible.
Sci-fi novels and movies have significantly impacted two major aspects of society’s well-being (and possibly curiosity): space flight and modes of transportation. All types of science fiction have impacted space flight, a crucial technology to develop.
Sci-fi appears to have an impact on the development of novel technologies and serves as an inspiration for later innovators to push those technologies’ boundaries.
Do Sci-Fi Writers Need To Know About Science To Write Sci-fi?
How well do sci-fi writers have to know or comprehend science to portray their stories? It will heavily depend on the kind of sci-fi novel or tale you intend to write.
You don’t have to be a professional in every field of science to write science fiction stories or novels. Scientists lack the necessary expertise. They typically specialize in one area, such as physics or chemistry.
But what about authors? How much science does a sci-fi writer need to know?
You must know enough about the science in your fiction to make it convincing and authentic. So, in terms of research, you should concentrate on that.
You must comprehend the scientific technologies and concepts you intend to include in your fiction. If you don’t comprehend them, leave them out. Alternatively, continue researching until you grasp them. Hence more science you incorporate into your novel, the more research you’ll need to conduct.
If you’re planning to create a hard science fiction narrative about wormholes, you should be well-versed in their current theories. But it would help if you comprehended the aspects that will occur in your science fiction novel.
On the other side, if you’re creating a soft sci-fi narrative, you might be able to get away with a lot less study. The existence of the wormhole may play a supporting role in such a scenario. The actual story would be the characters’ reactions to the wormhole. However, it would still classify as science fiction if the wormhole was somehow linked to the plot.

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Conclusion
The adoption of sci-fi as a handbook for societal cultural and technological developments is a risky road to follow. Much advanced technology has sprung from the imagined realms portrayed by sci-fi authors and filmmakers.
The advancement of communication, space travel, and transportation benefits society by keeping people linked and informed. It’s also amazing to see Sci-fi fantasy concepts become a practical reality.
However, many high-tech breakthroughs may hinder humanity’s intellectual advancement. The entertainment industry may entice people into its attractive visual environment, reducing their desire to learn.
When writing a sci-fi story or novel, you must completely comprehend the science that has been included. Knowing about science will help you understand the theory well and give you ideas to write about. However, you must understand the topic well enough to incorporate it into your story and avoid blunders that may distract from the story.
Sci-fi has been a very integral part of modern society. It gave positive and negative results, but people who followed this genre had positive results. This genre gave us knowledge as well as entertainment. It will continue to give us more to imagine and create new stories.
Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by ayeshayusuf