It is a debate that has thrived since 1977: is Star Wars truly a science-fiction property? Or something else entirely? It is easy to get caught up in all of the high-tech gadgets, epic space battles and unique worlds that Star Wars contains, which make it seem right to call it a sci-fi series. On the surface, it is very easy to place the franchise in this category because of these elements, among others. However, a much closer look will offer up contradictions for the sci-fi genre label thanks to some of Star Wars' most basic and time-tested tropes. Alternatively, deeper analysis of what lies at the core of the galaxy far, far away could offer up a more fitting categorization.
In order to assess Star Wars' status as the top sci-fi franchise in all of pop culture, one needs to take into account what exactly constitutes as such. In a general sense, science fiction is a genre that can be described as "speculative fiction", a term that simply means the stories being told are ones of hope and idealization, often taking place in a technologically advanced future. Of course, in such a future, there is the inclusion of space travel, which in turn leads to the existence of extraterrestrial life on other planets. Human exploration of the cosmos, and the realization of one's own insignificance in the grander universe, are typically key elements to a sci-fi story. It is far-fetched storytelling, but in many ways these tales take root in real world ideas.
This description ticks most of the boxes when it comes to the essential components of a Star Wars film. However, there are a few discrepancies that make the films largely disqualified from being purebred sci-fi. For one, the series is not set in the future. The words "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." at the beginning of every film distances this continuity from that of a possible future for the actual human race. To continue along these lines, humans and their origins are not the center of the story. There is no Earth in Star Wars, and there has never been a focus on the human experience in an interstellar setting. This forgoes the concept of technological advancement to the point of space travel, as human origins aside from particular characters are of no consequence to the lore in the universe.
Aside from the importance of the previous examples, Star Wars lacks one of the staples of science fiction, which is the science element. Star Wars is heavily based in spiritual and religious concepts, for example the Force and the Jedi, as well as the Sith, with a mythical twist. There are more of these elements as opposed to what can be understood as real-world, science-based ones. This isn't to say that a series like Star Trek is more accurate in its physics, mechanics etc., but rather that these sci-fi properties do not go the same direction as Star Wars when crafting their universes. Fantasy take up the spotlight and acts as the main narrative thread of the saga, not necessarily the politics or war that takes a backseat.
With that being said, Star Wars doesn't quite make the cut when it comes to being a science fiction property, but rather would be better described as a science-fantasy series. There are relatable, human elements for viewers to latch onto, as well as reality-based political systems and warfare. However, the main draw of Star Wars has always been its more outlandish components. Lightsabers, prophecies and Force abilities are what make the movies what they are. Mythology is what Star Wars managed to grow from, and its ability to stand out in a crowd has allowed it to withstand the test of time. It is a space-fantasy that has learned to blend the strongest parts of multiple genres into a series of riveting stories. To consider it science fiction alone would only serve to short-sell the franchise.