Space Opera

Subgenre of science fiction featuring romantic, adventurous stories in outer space.

SF opera

Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure stories set primarily in outer space.

Pronunciation

/ˈspeɪs ˈɒpərə/

Etymology

The term was coined in the 1950s as a satirical comparison to opera, highlighting the grand scale and dramatic elements of certain science fiction works.

Explain Like I’m 5

Space opera is like a sci-fi adventure movie with spaceships, heroes, and villains exploring the galaxy.

Fun Facts

Star Wars is a very popular example of space opera
The term was coined in the 1950s to describe a type of science fiction similar to historical romance
It often features grand-scale conflicts and sweeping storylines

FAQ

What is space opera? It's a subgenre of science fiction featuring romantic and adventurous stories in outer space
Who are some famous authors? Isaac Asimov and Arthur C
Clarke are known for writing space opera
What are common themes? Common themes include galactic empires, interstellar war, and daring rescues

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

science fiction

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Dune Star Wars Foundation

Indexes

adventure hereditary science fiction

Built by Tim Jones