space opera

American  

[op-er-uh, op-ruh] / ˈɒp ər ə, ˈɒp rə /

noun

1. a television or radio drama or motion picture that is a science-fiction adventure story.

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space opera British  

noun

1. a science fiction drama, such as a film or television programme, esp one dealing with interplanetary flight

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Etymology

Origin of space opera

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

It's a genre of movie he is no stranger to, having starred in Neil Armstrong biography First Man in 2018, whilst he is also set to appear in the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter space opera.

From BBC

And while George Lucas is counting the days until his space opera, “Star Wars,” will surpass Mr. Spielberg’s record—he’s done the math and has calculated it will be at 7:05 p.m. the Saturday after next—even he’s unhappy.

From The Wall Street Journal

The result is what you might expect from the “cinéma du look” pioneer, best known for “Léon: The Professional” and his sci-fi space opera “The Fifth Element.”

From Los Angeles Times

The mecha franchise “Gundam” is best known for its giant robots, but it’s a sprawling space opera that touches on political themes including the horrors of corruption, inequity and war.

From Los Angeles Times

“Star Wars” is a space opera and a series of family movies made, in part, with toy licensing in mind.

From Salon

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi