Comic-Con used to be a place where only so-called “science fiction geeks” could be found, but in recent years the sci-fi obsession has begun to spread much further throughout society.

This trend most likely began with the The Big Bang Theory on CBS, which features main characters who are huge Star Trek fans. This love for all things science fiction by the comical actors seems to have opened the eyes of many people and expanded the audience for the genre.

Other shows, particularly Dark Matter and Stranger Things, have become very popular in a society where “doctor dramas” used to be the most viewed. Stranger Things gained a large following even from those who consider themselves primarily interested in sports or politics.

Perhaps this is because some of the things that happen on these fictional shows might actually be possible. The intrigue of the possibility of aliens being so close is so enthralling that not many people cannot resist tuning in.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — a.k.a. the old men who run the Oscars — normally picks dramas or controversial movies as best picture. But this year it was a dramatic science fiction movie that won: The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro, won best picture and was nominated for 13 awards, which blew its competitors in the drama category out of the water .

Other movies, such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Blade Runner 2049, and Ghost in the Shell have helped make the impact of science fiction/fantasy so prominent.  

Movies like Avatar, Tron, and Guardians of the Galaxy have even begun to appear in amusement parks. These newly themed rides and parks have greatly increased the revenue and attendance of the Disney parks.

The Star Wars franchise, meanwhile, continues to grow, especially with the new movies targeting those who were not already fans.

Science fiction/fantasy apparel has even earned itself its own store, called BoxLunch, just to spread the word of the growing industry.