Star Trek vs Star Wars
Star Trek and Star Wars are two headers that are often confused as similar in content when strictly speaking they are different from each other. The main reason people confuse the two is the common first part of the title. Also, both explore the stories in space travel which makes it hard for those who have no idea about either to identify one from the other. However, once you pay attention, you will see that the stories are very different from one another. One of the main differences between Star Trek and Star Wars is that Star Trek is a science fiction drama whereas Star Wars is a science fiction fantasy. It is interesting to note that both were made available as films.
What is Star Trek?
Star Trek is the adventures a group of Starfleet crew faces when travelling in space. Star Trek was a television serial popular in America and was created by Gene Roddenberry in the year 1966. The various adventures of humans and aliens in the Starfleet are given more importance in the serials of Star Trek.
The first Star Trek film was released in the year 1979. Star Trek gave importance as a science fiction work to some very crucial issues like imperialism, loyalty, sexism, class warfare, feminism, human rights and peace. Progressive and egalitarian spirit find place in Star Trek.
What is Star Wars?
Star Wars is the story of a fictional galaxy where there are princes, princesses, battles, etc. It is important to note that Star Wars was conceived by George Lucas who was inspired by the serials of Flash Gordon adventure. The battle between good and evil is shown great importance in Star Wars.
The first Star Wars film was released on May 25, 1977. Star Wars dealt with ‘force’ which is looked upon as the energy that is found everywhere. This energy is given great importance in the science fantasy and a character who possesses this energy called ‘force’ is depicted in such a way that he is capable of exhibiting some of the supernatural powers such as impeccable mind control, premonition, and the like. While Progressive and egalitarian spirit find place in Star Trek, elitist and Authoritarian philosophy find a place in Star Wars. This is one of the well-known differences between Star Wars and Star Trek.
What is the difference between Star Trek and Star War?
Definitions of Star Trek and Star Wars:
Star Trek: Star Trek is a TV series and now a movie franchise that is based on space travelling.
Star Wars: Star Wars is more of a movie franchise that also has its story based in space travelling, aliens, etc.
Characteristics of Star Trek and Star Wars:
Main Characters:
Star Trek: The main characters in Star Trek are Captain James T. Kirk, Spock and Leonard (Bones) McCoy.
Star Wars: The main characters in Star Wars are Luke Sywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, etc.
Most Notable Character:
Star Trek: The most notable and famous character in Star Trek is Spock.
Star Wars: The most notable and famous character in Star Wars is Darth Vader.
Creators:
Star Trek: Star Trek was created by Gene Roddenberry.
Star Wars: Star Wars was created by George Lucas.
Original Creation:
Star Trek: First Star Trek creation came into being in 1966.
Star Wars: First Star Wars creation came into being in 1977.
Type of Media Available:
Star Trek: Star Trek exists as movies, TV series, books, comics and even games.
Star Wars: Star Wars exists as movies, TV series, books, comics and games.
Main Story:
Star Trek: Star Trek is the adventures a group of Starfleet crew faces when travelling in space.
Star Wars: Star Wars is the story of a fictional galaxy where there are princes, princesses, battles, etc.
Themes/ Philosophy:
Star Trek: Imperialism, loyalty, sexism, class warfare, feminism, human rights and peace, progressive and egalitarian spirit find place in Star Trek.
Star Wars: Elitist and authoritarian philosophy find a place in Star Wars.
As you can see, both Star Trek and Star Wars present a very interesting story for those who are interested in science fiction. You can enjoy both stories very well. The popularity of both Star Trek and Star Wars is confirmed by the fact that both stories are still produced as movies.
Images Courtesy:
- Spock, Kirk and the Enterprise, 1968 via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
- “Star Wars The Last Jedi” By Source (Fair use) via Commons Wikimedia
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