Hard Science Fiction:
* Focus: Emphasis on scientific accuracy and plausibility.
* Themes: Technical details, scientific breakthroughs, exploration, space travel, and the impact of technology on society.
* Examples: *The Martian* by Andy Weir, *Foundation* by Isaac Asimov, *2001: A Space Odyssey* by Arthur C. Clarke.
Soft Science Fiction:
* Focus: More concerned with social and philosophical implications of technology and science.
* Themes: Human nature, societal changes, ethics, artificial intelligence, and the relationship between humans and technology.
* Examples: *Neuromancer* by William Gibson, *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?* by Philip K. Dick, *The Handmaid's Tale* by Margaret Atwood.
Cyberpunk:
* Focus: Futuristic dystopias, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and hacking.
* Themes: Social inequality, technological dependence, privacy, and the blurring of lines between humans and machines.
* Examples: *Snow Crash* by Neal Stephenson, *Altered Carbon* by Richard K. Morgan, *The Matrix* by The Wachowskis.
Space Opera:
* Focus: Galactic empires, space battles, alien races, and interstellar exploration.
* Themes: Adventure, romance, heroism, and the struggle for power.
* Examples: *Star Wars* by George Lucas, *Dune* by Frank Herbert, *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy* by Douglas Adams.
Steampunk:
* Focus: A Victorian era setting with advanced technology powered by steam and clockwork.
* Themes: Industrial revolution, social change, class struggles, and the impact of technology on society.
* Examples: *The Difference Engine* by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, *The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen* by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill, *Clockwork Orange* by Anthony Burgess.
Post-Apocalyptic:
* Focus: A world ravaged by a cataclysmic event, such as nuclear war, pandemic, or environmental disaster.
* Themes: Survival, societal collapse, resource scarcity, and the struggle for humanity.
* Examples: *The Road* by Cormac McCarthy, *The Book of Eli* by Gary Whitta, *The Walking Dead* by Robert Kirkman.
Dystopian:
* Focus: A future society characterized by oppressive regimes, social control, and a lack of individual freedom.
* Themes: Social commentary, rebellion, and the pursuit of freedom.
* Examples: *Brave New World* by Aldous Huxley, *Fahrenheit 451* by Ray Bradbury, *1984* by George Orwell.
Other Subgenres:
* Time travel: *The Time Machine* by H.G. Wells, *Doctor Who*
* Alien invasion: *War of the Worlds* by H.G. Wells, *Independence Day*
* Superhero: *Superman*, *Batman*, *The Avengers*
* Military SF: *Starship Troopers* by Robert A. Heinlein, *Ender's Game* by Orson Scott Card
* Biopunk: *The Diamond Age* by Neal Stephenson, *The Time Machine* by H.G. Wells (adapted by Simon Wells)
This is not an exhaustive list, and many subgenres overlap and blend. Science fiction is constantly evolving, with new subgenres emerging and older ones evolving. The beauty of this genre is its vastness and the endless possibilities for imagination and exploration.