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With Avatar still breaking box-office records — and let’s not forget the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises — it’s clear the public loves science fiction, fantasy and horror, just so long as it comes with a happy ending.

Avatar is the odd one out here — the other movies being adaptations of best-selling books. But I reckon publishing phenomena come in threes. So watch out in 2010-11 as science fiction becomes the new, um… same old literary ghetto it’s always been. That said, Australian director John Hillcoat’s memorable adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s 2006 novel The Road is currently pulling in discerning crowds at cinemas around the country.

Here are some high-quality suggestions to help fill the gaps in your knowledge. Better still, you might pick up one or two survival tips for the future.

Four Classics from the Cold War Era

Earth Abides by George R Steward (1949), SF Masterworks #12 published by Gollancz. Although never adapted for screen, the book soars from the doom and gloom of a lethal pandemic to a hopeful ending.

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson (1954), SF Masterworks #2, published by Gollancz. A blend of science fiction and horror, this classic vampire novel has a far gloomier (and better) ending than the Will Smith movie of 2007. It’s a short one too.

On the Beach by Nevil Shute (1957), published by Vintage Classics.
Nuclear war this time, so prepare to die. Better still, it’s set partly in Melbourne. If you don’t have time to read the book, both movie versions are available on DVD — the one from 2000 stars Rachael Ward.

A Canticle for Liebowitz by Walter M Miller Jnr (1960), published by Bantam. A tale of two holocausts… Yeah, we all die (again).

Two Modern Suggestions

With the end of the Cold War, the final decades of the 20th century were a much less fertile environment for doom-filled fiction. But then along came diseases such as AIDS and SARS, and everyone’s favourite barbecue-stopper: anthropogenic global warming. These days, the apocalyptic sub-genre isn’t exactly thriving, but there are signs of resurgence.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (2003), published by Corgi Yearling Books. This one’s suitable for the whole family, so be prepared for a happier ending than most. The 2008 movie is still widely available for rent on DVD, too. Alternatively, if you don’t have kids, check out the 1976 classic Logan’s Run instead.

Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood (2003), published by Random House Inc.  This one has everything from a genetically engineered pandemic, online computer games and kiddy porn, and even futuristic weapons. Atwood is widely regarded as the Queen of Canadian Literature, so just like The Road, you probably won’t find this one anywhere near the staff toilets. There’s no film adaptation yet, but we can always, um … hope?