speculative fiction
umbrella genre of fiction that departs from realism, comprising science fiction, horror, fantasy, alternative history, post-apocalyptic, gothic, superhero fiction etc.
AI overview
Speculative fiction is an umbrella category of stories that depart from realistic settings and events, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, alternative history, and similar genres. It matters because it allows writers and readers to explore imaginative "what if" scenarios that can shed light on real-world issues, possibilities, and human nature in ways that realistic fiction cannot.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre of fiction that encompasses all the subgenres that depart from realism, or strictly imitating everyday reality, instead presenting fantastical, supernatural, futuristic, or other highly imaginative realms or beings.
This catch-all genre includes, but is not limited to: fantasy, science fiction, social science fiction, science fantasy, superhero, paranormal and supernatural horror, alternate history, magical realism, slipstream, weird fiction, utopia and dystopia, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction. In other words, the genre presents individuals, events, or places beyond the ordinary real world.