Science fiction is a genre that combines science and fiction, constrained by the physical laws of nature. It evolved in response to fantasy, which allows far-fetched assumptions like unicorns. The first science fiction novel was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in 1818, which used scientific rationale and religious ideas to make improbable events seem possible. Jules Verne also wrote scientifically inspired fiction like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, with elements close to reality that have since become inventions. Science fiction established itself as a film genre in the early 20th century and grew in popularity after events like the atomic bombings raised interest in speculative futures.

1. What is Science Fiction?
• Science fiction is a writing style which
combines science and fiction.
• It is constrained by what we presently
regard as the basic physical laws of
nature.
• It evolved as a response to fantasy.

2. Science Fiction VS. Fantasy
In Science Fiction, there needs to be some
possibility that the events could possibly
happen.
In Fantasy, the author can use far-fetched
assumptions. ie; unicorns, three-legged
creatures etc.

3. Science Fiction - Definition

4. The first Science Fiction novel
Written by
Mary
Shelley in
1818

5. Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley used a scientific
rationale, combined with certain
religious ideas, to convince the reader
that her story was possible but
touched upon the improbable.

6. Twenty Thousand Leagues
under the Seas
Written by
Jules Verne
in 1870

7. Jules Verne
Jules Verne is a very well-known author
who wrote science fiction books with
elements that are very close to reality.
In fact a lot of the futuristic elements he
wrote about have now been invented.

8. Sci Fi in the Movies
Even before talkies, science fiction made
its mark on film:
Metropolis
from 1926 was
the first classic
science fiction
film

9. Sci Fi in the 1930’s
Several great classic films were
produced in the 30’s.
Invisible Man
Was based on
a novel by
the famous
author H. G. Wells

10. Sci Fi in the 1950’s
About 500 films and shorts that can be
classified science fiction were made
between 1948 and 1962
Science fiction really became a popular
genre after the atomic bomb was
dropped on Hiroshima.
This event inspired a lot of after-the-bomb
and alien invasion films.

11. Sci Fi Movies in the ’60’s
In 1960 another novel by H.G. Wells was filmed.
The Time Machine, starring Rod Taylor.

12. Sci Fi Movies in the 70’s
1977 the debut of
Star Wars sparked
a revitalization of
science fiction.
Due to the huge
success of this film,
the market for and
interest in science
fiction as film and
literature
skyrocketed

13. Sci Fi Movies Today
In the last couple of decades the amount of sci fi
movies has exploded – probably because of new
possibilities with technology.