With so many science fiction genres, it can be difficult to fit certain movies into a single category. Space opera movies are a good example of this. There are, fortunately, several criteria that separate them from other sci-fi genres. For one thing, space opera movies tend to focus on futuristic adventures set in space.
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Unlike movies that take place on Earth, space opera movies feature multiple planets and alien species. More often than not, the heroes are forced to deal with a threat that has the power to kill millions. At the same time, the genuine space opera retains a sense of comedy, adventure, and excitement of discovering space. The best space opera movies contain all the basic elements of the genre and make for a memorable watch.
5Galaxy Quest (1999)
When somebody mentions a space opera, most people don’t usually think ofGalaxy Quest. However, the movie fits the definition as it brings a group of different characters on an adventure across space that has them fight against villains. What makes this movie different is that the heroes in question aren’t real heroes, instead, they’re actors who became famous playing heroes in a space opera TV series.
As such,Galaxy Questhas the opportunity to make fun of the genre in an intelligent way, and it uses the opportunity to the fullest. It also serves as aparody ofStar Trekas well as other sci-fimovies. The more the viewers are familiar with the sci-fi genre, the more they’re likely to enjoy all ofGalaxy Quest’s jokes. Even without any previous knowledge though, the movie still offers viewers a fun story and a strong cast that includes names such as Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, and Tim Allen.
4The Fifth Element (1997)
A shared element in many space opera movies, regardless of their story, is the ease with which they introduce new species and planets.The Fifth Elementonce again features the plan to save the day and defeat the bad guy, but at its core, it’s also a story about exploring space and discovering everything it has to offer. The sense of adventure and discovery is what separates space opera from other sci-fi movies.
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The Fifth Elementhas a unique visual aestheticto it that mirrors both the characters' clothing and hairstyles as well as the settings overall. After the likes ofStar Wars, it was also one of the first space operas that featured a prominent female heroine, Leeloo played by Milla Jovovich. Together with Bruce Willis' Korben Dallas, the duo sets out to defeat Gary Oldman’s villainous Zorg, and it’s a journey that both the heroes and the viewers are unlikely to forget.
3Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
After a series of MCU movies mostly set on Earth, the firstGuardians of the Galaxypresented a voyage to a different genre: a space opera. A bunch of criminals joins forces to go on an epic adventure and save the universe in the process. Just like in some of the best space opera movies, the heroes have to find their way to each other first beforethey can take on the villain. They’re unlikely heroes as most of them are motivated by things other than saving everyone.
Their interactions as well as the movie’s action sequences and the inclusion of multiple alien species make for a colorful whole the MCU fans were happy to discover. The movie did well, so it earned a sequel in 2017 that follows its overall mood and brings even more emotions to the table thanks to one unexpected death scene.
2WALL.E (2008)
The space opera genre is most commonly associated with live-action movies. There are a few exceptions to the rule, though, andWALL.Eis the best-rated of them all. Just like many space opera heroes,the little robot WALL.Ehas no idea he’s about to embark on an adventurous journey. Instead, he just lives his everyday life until something happens that changes it forever.
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The movie is visually beautiful and lets the audience explore many corners of the world it’s set in. Even though it doesn’t portray the future of humanity in the most positive way, it still contains hope which is one of the important components of space operas that present the universe as a sometimes dangerous, but ultimately fascinating place worth exploring and saving.
1Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
TheStar Trekshows might have started the space opera TV craze but when it comes to movies,Star Warsrevived the genre and made it much more popular. The first movie in the series has all the necessary elements of a space opera: an adventurous story full of action and emotion, a budding romance, a princess (not so much) in distress, and evena space cowboy (Han Solo).
The light mood that the movie managed to maintain despite the high stakes worked on the audience who immediately grew to loveStar Wars. The series also introduced one of the most prominent onscreen villains of all time in the form of Darth Vader. There’s no denying that withoutStar Wars, the world of space opera and science fiction, in general, would be very different than it is today.
