The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to science fiction:

Science fiction – a genre of fiction dealing with the impact of imagined innovations in science or technology, often in a futuristic setting. Exploring the consequences of such innovations is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas".

Science fiction is a type of:

Science fiction genre – while science fiction is a genre of fiction, a science fiction genre is a subgenre within science fiction. Science fiction may be divided along any number of overlapping axes. Gary K. Wolfe's Critical Terms for Science Fiction and Fantasy identifies over 30 subdivisions of science fiction, not including science fantasy (which is a mixed genre).

Genres concerning the emphasis, accuracy, and type of science described include:

Themes related to science, technology, space and the future, as well as characteristic plots or settings include:

Genres concerning politics, philosophy, and identity movements include:

Genres concerning the historical era of creation and publication include: