I’m absolutely thrilled to share this collection of science fiction trivia questions with you. Whether you’re planning a themed game night, looking to stump your geeky friends, or just want to test your own knowledge of the genre, I’ve got you covered with over 100 questions spanning classic novels to modern blockbusters.
Last weekend, I hosted a sci-fi movie marathon with some friends, and we had a blast testing each other with trivia between films. It amazed me how much fun we had debating the finer points of time travel paradoxes and alien civilizations!
Classic Science Fiction Literature Trivia
The foundations of science fiction were laid by brilliant authors who imagined futures both wondrous and terrifying. These questions celebrate the literary giants who defined the genre before it hit the big screen.
- Who wrote the 1953 dystopian novel “Fahrenheit 451”?
Answer: Ray Bradbury - In H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds,” what ultimately defeats the Martian invaders?
Answer: Bacteria/microbes/germs (to which they had no immunity) - Which Isaac Asimov collection introduces the famous “Three Laws of Robotics”?
Answer: I, Robot - What year was published in the title of George Orwell’s dystopian classic?
Answer: 1984 - Who wrote “Brave New World”?
Answer: Aldous Huxley - Frank Herbert’s “Dune” is set primarily on which planet?
Answer: Arrakis - Who is the author of “The Left Hand of Darkness”?
Answer: Ursula K. Le Guin - What substance is mined on the planet Arrakis in “Dune”?
Answer: Spice/Melange - Which dystopian novel features the language “Newspeak”?
Answer: 1984 - Who wrote “The Time Machine”?
Answer: H.G. Wells - In Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, what test is used to identify androids?
Answer: The Voight-Kampff test - What color are the Martians’ blood in “The War of the Worlds”?
Answer: Black - Who wrote “Childhood’s End”?
Answer: Arthur C. Clarke - In Ray Bradbury’s “The Martian Chronicles,” what causes most of the Martians to die?
Answer: Chickenpox (brought by humans) - What is the name of the totalitarian regime in “1984”?
Answer: The Party (or INGSOC) - In “Ender’s Game,” what is the name of the alien species humans are fighting?
Answer: Formics (or “Buggers”) - Who wrote “Neuromancer,” which popularized the concept of “cyberspace”?
Answer: William Gibson - What is the name of the main character in “Stranger in a Strange Land”?
Answer: Valentine Michael Smith - Who wrote “The Foundation Series”?
Answer: Isaac Asimov - What was the first novel published by Philip K. Dick?
Answer: Solar Lottery
For those who enjoy challenging their minds with literature-based questions, you might also enjoy deep topics to talk about that often appear in science fiction works.
Iconic Science Fiction Films Trivia
From groundbreaking visual effects to mind-bending plots, sci-fi movies have captured our imagination and shaped popular culture. Test your knowledge of these silver screen classics!
- What is the name of the AI computer system in “2001: A Space Odyssey”?
Answer: HAL 9000 - Who directed “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”?
Answer: Steven Spielberg - In “The Matrix,” what color pill does Neo take?
Answer: Red - What is the name of the android played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Terminator”?
Answer: T-800 (or Cyberdyne Systems Model 101) - What year is Rick Deckard’s story set in the original “Blade Runner” film?
Answer: 2019 - Which actor played Dr. David Bowman in “2001: A Space Odyssey”?
Answer: Keir Dullea - What is the name of the spaceship in “Alien”?
Answer: Nostromo - In “Back to the Future,” what speed must the DeLorean reach to time travel?
Answer: 88 mph - What 1956 science fiction film featured the line “Klaatu barada nikto”?
Answer: The Day the Earth Stood Still - Who directed “Avatar”?
Answer: James Cameron - In “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” what object appears at Devil’s Tower?
Answer: An alien spacecraft - What is the name of the computer system in “WarGames”?
Answer: WOPR (War Operation Plan Response) - In “The Fifth Element,” what is the name of Milla Jovovich’s character?
Answer: Leeloo - What is the name of the fictional metal in “Avatar”?
Answer: Unobtanium - Who directed “Metropolis” (1927)?
Answer: Fritz Lang - What is the name of the planet in “Forbidden Planet”?
Answer: Altair IV - In “Interstellar,” what is the name of Matthew McConaughey’s character?
Answer: Cooper - What film features the line “They’re here already! You’re next!”?
Answer: Invasion of the Body Snatchers - In “Jurassic Park,” what type of dinosaur was designated as “clever girl”?
Answer: Velociraptor - Which actor played Roy Batty in “Blade Runner”?
Answer: Rutger Hauer
If you enjoy testing your movie knowledge, you might also like these 80s movie trivia questions for more cinematic challenges.
Star Wars Universe Trivia
The galaxy far, far away has captivated generations of fans. I’ve been obsessed with Star Wars since I was eight and saw the original trilogy with my dad. Let’s see how much you know about this epic space opera!
- Who is Luke Skywalker’s twin sister?
Answer: Princess Leia Organa - What species is Chewbacca?
Answer: Wookiee - What color is Mace Windu’s lightsaber?
Answer: Purple - What is the name of Han Solo’s ship?
Answer: Millennium Falcon - Who is Darth Vader’s master?
Answer: Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious - On what planet did Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader duel in “Revenge of the Sith”?
Answer: Mustafar - What creatures helped the Rebels defeat the Empire on Endor?
Answer: Ewoks - What is the name of Boba Fett’s ship?
Answer: Slave I - In “The Empire Strikes Back,” who is revealed to be Luke’s father?
Answer: Darth Vader - What species is Yoda?
Answer: Unknown (officially his species has no name) - Which actor played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy?
Answer: Alec Guinness - What is the name of the desert planet where Luke Skywalker grew up?
Answer: Tatooine - What is the weapon used by the Empire to destroy planets?
Answer: Death Star - Who killed Han Solo in “The Force Awakens”?
Answer: Kylo Ren (his son) - What is Rey’s full name revealed to be in “The Rise of Skywalker”?
Answer: Rey Palpatine (though she chooses Rey Skywalker) - What is the name of Anakin’s Padawan in “The Clone Wars” animated series?
Answer: Ahsoka Tano - What is Baby Yoda’s real name in “The Mandalorian”?
Answer: Grogu - What are the mercenaries called that froze Han Solo in carbonite?
Answer: Bounty Hunters - In “A New Hope,” what planet is destroyed by the Death Star?
Answer: Alderaan - What did Luke lose in his fight with Darth Vader in “The Empire Strikes Back”?
Answer: His right hand
If you’re looking for more questions to spark discussions with fellow Star Wars fans, check out these interesting topics to talk about that can apply to any fandom.
Star Trek Trivia
From the original series to the latest shows, Star Trek has defined science fiction television for decades. My aunt is a die-hard Trekkie who’s attended over 30 conventions, so these questions are dedicated to her!
- What is Captain Kirk’s middle name?
Answer: Tiberius - What species is Spock a hybrid of?
Answer: Human and Vulcan - What is the registry number of the USS Enterprise in the original series?
Answer: NCC-1701 - Who was the chief medical officer in the original Star Trek series?
Answer: Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy - What is the Prime Directive?
Answer: Non-interference with the development of alien civilizations - Which Star Trek captain was assimilated by the Borg?
Answer: Captain Jean-Luc Picard - What is the name of Data’s cat in “The Next Generation”?
Answer: Spot - What is the name of the shape-shifting security chief in “Deep Space Nine”?
Answer: Odo - In which quadrant of the galaxy does “Voyager” get stranded?
Answer: Delta Quadrant - What famous phrase does Captain Kirk often say before the Enterprise goes to warp speed?
Answer: “Engage” (Note: Kirk actually rarely said this; it was more associated with Picard) - What race is Lieutenant Worf?
Answer: Klingon - What is the name of Spock’s father?
Answer: Sarek - What is the name of the first Star Trek film?
Answer: Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Which actor played Captain Jean-Luc Picard?
Answer: Patrick Stewart - What are the energy-draining devices used by the Borg to adapt to phasers?
Answer: Shield adaptors - What does the acronym IDIC stand for in Vulcan philosophy?
Answer: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations - What is the name of the android created by Dr. Soong?
Answer: Data - What is the name of the space station in “Deep Space Nine”?
Answer: Terok Nor (before Federation control) - Who was the first Vulcan to join Starfleet?
Answer: Spock - What is the name of Captain Kirk’s son?
Answer: David Marcus
For more conversation starters that might appeal to Star Trek fans, explore these deep questions to ask a girl that can lead to philosophical discussions just like those in the show.
Modern Sci-Fi TV Shows Trivia
Contemporary science fiction television has revolutionized storytelling with complex narratives and stunning visual effects. Here are questions about the shows that have defined sci-fi in recent years.
- In “Stranger Things,” what is the name of the parallel dimension?
Answer: The Upside Down - Who plays the Doctor in the first season of the revived “Doctor Who” series (2005)?
Answer: Christopher Eccleston - In “Black Mirror,” what is the name of the social media rating system in the episode “Nosedive”?
Answer: The Rating System (no specific name given) - What is the name of the AI in “Person of Interest”?
Answer: The Machine - In “Westworld,” what is the name of the company that runs the theme parks?
Answer: Delos Incorporated - What is the name of the spaceship in “Firefly”?
Answer: Serenity - In “The Expanse,” what do they call people who were born and raised in the asteroid belt?
Answer: Belters - What year does the first season of “Altered Carbon” take place?
Answer: 2384 - In “Orphan Black,” what is the name given to the clones?
Answer: Leda clones - What is the main character’s name in “The Mandalorian”?
Answer: Din Djarin - In “Dark,” what year does the nuclear power plant accident occur?
Answer: 2019 - What is the name of the prison ship in “The 100”?
Answer: The Ark - In “Devs,” what does the tech company Amaya actually develop?
Answer: A quantum computer that can predict the past and future - What is the mysterious substance in “Fringe”?
Answer: Cortexiphan - In “Lost in Space” (2018), what is the robot’s catchphrase?
Answer: “Danger, Will Robinson” - What is the name of the faster-than-light drive in “Battlestar Galactica”?
Answer: FTL drive (Jump drive) - In “Rick and Morty,” what is the name of Rick’s daughter?
Answer: Beth Smith - What device do they use in “Stargate SG-1” to travel to other planets?
Answer: Stargate - In “For All Mankind,” what major historical event happens differently?
Answer: The Soviet Union lands on the moon first - What is the name of the group hunting paranormal beings in “Torchwood”?
Answer: Torchwood Institute
If you enjoy discussing these shows with friends, you might want to check out questions to ask your best friends to deepen your conversations about your favorite sci-fi series.
Sci-Fi Technology and Concepts Trivia
Science fiction has predicted (and inspired) countless technological innovations. Let’s test your knowledge of the tech, concepts, and terminology that define the genre!
- What term, popularized by William Gibson, describes the virtual reality space within computer networks?
Answer: Cyberspace - In sci-fi, what does “FTL” stand for?
Answer: Faster Than Light - What fictional energy source powers the USS Enterprise in Star Trek?
Answer: Dilithium crystals - What is the name for a theoretical connection between two points in spacetime that could create a shortcut?
Answer: Wormhole - In science fiction, what is a “generation ship”?
Answer: A spacecraft designed to support multiple generations during interstellar travel - What term describes the theoretical point at which artificial intelligence exceeds human intelligence?
Answer: The Singularity - What is a “Dyson Sphere”?
Answer: A hypothetical megastructure that encompasses a star to capture its energy - What sci-fi weapon is often described as “a blade of pure energy”?
Answer: Lightsaber - What device in “Star Trek” transforms matter into energy and back for transportation?
Answer: Transporter - What is the name for a theoretical material with negative mass used in some sci-fi for antigravity?
Answer: Exotic matter - What concept describes the idea that reality is a computer simulation?
Answer: Simulation theory/hypothesis - What principle in time travel fiction states that changing the past creates an alternate timeline?
Answer: Many-worlds interpretation/theory - What is the term for a self-sustaining artificial habitat in space?
Answer: O’Neill cylinder or Space habitat - What sci-fi concept describes the colonization of a planet to make it Earth-like?
Answer: Terraforming - What term describes humans enhanced with mechanical parts?
Answer: Cyborgs - What is the name of the fictional metal in the Marvel universe that makes up Captain America’s shield?
Answer: Vibranium - In “Back to the Future,” what powers the flux capacitor?
Answer: 1.21 gigawatts (of electricity) - What is a “tachyon” in science fiction?
Answer: A theoretical particle that travels faster than light - What is a “Bussard ramjet”?
Answer: A theoretical propulsion system that collects interstellar hydrogen - What is the theoretical construct that could allow for backward time travel in a rotating universe?
Answer: Closed timelike curve
For those interested in brain-teasing concepts similar to those in science fiction, try these confusing riddles with answers that will challenge your thinking.
Why Science Fiction Trivia Is Perfect for Any Gathering
Science fiction trivia brings people together in the most wonderful way. It’s not just entertaining—it sparks fascinating conversations about technology, ethics, and our future as a species. My brother-in-law and I can spend hours debating whether the tech in Blade Runner will ever become reality!
Science fiction fans come from all walks of life, making this trivia perfect for breaking the ice at parties or livening up family gatherings. During road trips, my family likes to play “stump the sci-fi nerd” (I’m usually the nerd in question), and it makes those long drives fly by.
If you’re looking for more ways to engage in thoughtful conversations beyond trivia, check out some philosophical questions that explore many of the same deep themes found in science fiction.
Final Thoughts
Whew! How did you do? Whether you aced these questions or learned something new, I hope you had as much fun testing your sci-fi knowledge as I had putting this collection together. Science fiction trivia is perfect for game nights, conventions, or just geeking out with fellow fans.
My family has a tradition of sci-fi trivia competitions during holiday gatherings, and it’s amazing how these questions spark debates and discussions that last for hours. The best part is seeing how science fiction connects people across generations – my nephew recently stumped me with questions about newer shows I hadn’t caught up on yet!
Did any of these questions surprise you? Were there any answers you were absolutely certain about? I’d love to know which categories you found easiest and which ones challenged you the most!
If you enjoyed this science fiction trivia, you might also like our collection of space trivia questions and answers that delve into both real-world astronomy and sci-fi concepts.