Well, 'Star Trek' franchise, which started as a TV series and expanded into books and movies, has had a huge impact. It presented a positive future for humanity, with different species co - existing and exploring the galaxy. It also introduced many technological concepts that have become part of popular science fiction lexicon. 'Blade Runner' is also notable. It explored the idea of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human in a future world filled with replicants.
There are quite a few. 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is one of the early and very important works. It started the exploration of creating life through non - natural means. Then there's 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells, which was one of the first to depict an alien invasion in a very vivid way. Ray Bradbury's 'Fahrenheit 451' is also highly influential as it focuses on the suppression of knowledge in a future society.
Jules Verne, although he started in the 19th century, his works continued to influence 20th century science fiction. His ideas about adventure in technological settings were carried forward. Stanislaw Lem from Poland was also influential. His works, like 'Solaris', explored complex philosophical ideas in a science - fiction setting. And Robert A. Heinlein was a major figure, with his books covering a wide range of science - fiction themes from space travel to social engineering.
Among 20th century science fiction novels, 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is quite notable. It combines science fiction elements with anti - war themes. Vonnegut's unique writing style makes it a very thought - provoking read. 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein is another. It delved into military science fiction, exploring themes like citizenship and the role of the military. Also, 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells was revolutionary as it introduced the concept of time travel in a fictional context.
Arthur C. Clarke has some works related to century ship concepts. His ideas often involve advanced technology and the exploration of the unknown in space travel. His works have inspired many other science fiction writers in this sub - genre.
Another highly influential work is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. It shows a future society where people are genetically engineered and conditioned for specific roles. It makes us think about the cost of a so - called 'perfect' society and the importance of individuality.
Well, in 1700 - ish time period, there were not many works that we would strictly call science fiction as we know it today. But if we look at early works that led to modern science fiction, 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift had elements of it. It had strange lands and odd creatures, kind of like science fiction's exploration of the strange. And then later, Edgar Allan Poe also wrote some stories that had elements of science - related ideas, like in 'The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar' which dealt with the idea of suspended animation, which is very much a science fiction concept.
Well, 'Star Wars' is extremely influential in science fiction. It has created a vast universe with unique species, technology, and the concept of the Force. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also very important. It has a very unique and humorous take on space travel and different civilizations. Then there's 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov. His ideas about psychohistory and the fall and rise of galactic empires are quite remarkable.
Ernest Hemingway is one of them. His simple yet powerful writing style influenced many. His works like 'The Old Man and the Sea' are full of themes of perseverance and man's struggle against nature. Another is Virginia Woolf. She was a pioneer in stream - of - consciousness writing, which allowed for a more in - depth exploration of the characters' inner thoughts. Her works like 'Mrs. Dalloway' are considered masterpieces.
Among 20th century English novels, 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is highly influential. It uses animals on a farm to represent different classes in society and shows how power can corrupt. 'A Passage to India' by E. M. Forster is also a great one. It deals with the relationship between the British and the Indians during the colonial period, exploring themes of race, culture and misunderstanding.
One of the most influential is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles racism and moral growth. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, though written earlier, had a profound impact in the 20th century with its exploration of obsession and man's struggle against nature.