Science fiction has long been the genre of choice for wishful thinkers who dream of a day that we may sail through the heavens at the speed of light while meeting new life forms from all corners of the Universe. Unfortunately, not every vision of the future is a utopia of peace and tranquility. The art of weapon making has been a crucial part of human history dating back to the days when gatherers became hunters and our ancestors sharpened sticks and rocks to combat the dangerous beasts of their time (and each other).

As we look toward the future, whether it be near or distant, the brilliant minds of science fiction have made some surprisingly accurate predictions as to where the world of weaponry may well be heading.

While we might not be hopping between systems in Imperial Star Destroyers or doing battle with an ancient species on the surface of Mars, the science of weaponry has made surprising leaps forward.

Here is a list of five awesome weapons featured in the imaginative genre of science fiction.

Lightsaber (Star Wars)

Honorable Mention: Energy Sword (Halo)
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi would refer to blasters as “uncivilized weapons.” A civilized warrior in the Star Wars Universe would wield what would become a hallmark of science fiction, the lightsaber.

Appearing as a straight, rounded blade of light, the lightsaber’s blade is a brilliant force of pure, harnessed energy. Known as the official weapon of the Jedi (and Sith), the lightsaber has the ability to make even the most sinister of space pirates think twice before considering approaching its holder with ill will.

The lightsaber is constructed by hand, with each one being unique to its builder. As a critical part of Jedi training, building a lightsaber plays a key role in the final phase of training. This intricate and complex process is passed down from master to apprentice and a great deal of skill is required to complete its construction successfully.

Each lightsaber contains a diatium power cell to provide the massive amount of energy required and at least two crystals that convert and focus the energy before sending it up to the magnetic stabilizing ring and into the open air at varying lengths and energy levels.

The lightsaber can cut through virtually any surface, provide defense against other energy weapons — including other lightsabers — and melt heavy blast doors. The closest real-world equivalent to the lightsaber would be the Samurai’s sword. To a Jedi (or a Sith), a lightsaber serves as an extension of their own being, carrying out the will of the Force.

Phaser (Star Trek)

Honorable Mention: Blaster (Star Wars)
Few weapons have captured the imagination of science fiction fans more than the iconic phaser. This directed-energy weapon is a commonplace sight across the Star Trek Universe. The phaser can exist in a number of different forms including everything from a small handheld device to a larger, ship-mounted version capable of toppling even the sturdiest of spacecraft.

The handheld version of the phaser is capable of being set to various energy levels. Stun, a preset level on most Federation-issued phasers, is capable of temporarily incapacitating many humanoid foes that one might encounter while boldly going where no (hu)man has gone before. If that doesn’t do the trick, higher settings can actually vaporize living and intimate objects alike with a single blast. Indeed, phasers are incredibly powerful devices.

Remember, when in doubt, reverse the polarity of the phaser and you can reverse wormholes, seal rips in the space-time continuum, and cure the Klingon Shingles.

Proton Pack (Ghostbusters)

Honorable Mention: Rail Gun (various)
When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? With the help of Egon’s Proton Pack invention, the Ghostbusters have perfected the science of capturing and combating the many otherworldly elements and spirits of our dead friends and family that continue to haunt our world. With a single phone call, a crew of Ghostbusters will arrive carrying an energy weapon capable of destroying hotels and art museums in seconds.

Let’s not forget what happens when you cross the streams of multiply activated Proton Packs. Giant marshmallow men burst into a splattering of Stay Puft goo and dimensional rifts can be successfully reversed, sending the tyrannical Zuul back to its native plane where it belongs. (Good riddance!)

Yes, these packs are dangerous, indeed. Thankfully, they are safe in the hands of four well-trained, discredited scientists who attend children’s parties to make ends meet. Yes, I feel safer already.

BFG 9000 (Doom)

Honorable Mention: Dark Matter Gun (Quake)
Nothing says, “Get back to your Hell dimension, demon,” quite like a BFG 9000. The acronym itself can mean many things, but the first meaning that comes to mind may well be the one that best describes the destruction that this giant gun can leave in its wake. As the energy cells charge, and the tell-tale greenish glow begins to build at the end of the barrel, you know that whatever is on the other side of that exchange is sure to regret having messed with you.

Space Marines have to deal with the harshest conditions and most ruthless foes of the Galaxy. Being able to wield a truly devastating device such as the BFG 9000 makes their otherwise thankless job a lot more fun. If anything, it’s a great way to remind those pesky scientists that you’re not there to get them coffee.

ZF-1 (Fifth Element)

Annihilator 2000 (Beverly Hills Cop III)
Zorg Industries is one of the most powerful corporations in the Fifth Element universe. At the forefront of their hidden operations is a weapons manufacturing sector that intends to prove that multi-tasking is the way of the future.

With a few simple motions, you can sling steel, poisonous darts, nitrous oxide, a net, and flames capable of roasting even the most stubborn of marshmallows. Just don’t push the little red button on the bottom of the gun.