Originally coined in 1941 as a derogative term for the popular forms of science fiction adventures of the time, space operas are a popular subgenre in the modern day for their grand scope and epic adventures.

Author Brian Aldiss offered this list of criteria as a definition of the term:

1. The world must be in peril.
2. There must be a quest.
3. And a man or woman to meet the mighty hour.
4. That man or woman must confront aliens and exotic creatures.
5. Space must flow past the ports like wine from a pitcher.
6. Blood must rain down the palace steps.
7. And ships launch out into the louring dark.
8. There must be a woman or man fairer than the skies.
9. And a villain darker than a Black Hole.
10. And all must come right in the end.

The following are space operas that managed to score Oscar nominations.