Hopepunk

Hopepunk is a term used in literary and cultural criticism to describe a form of speculative fiction and storytelling that foregrounds empathy, cooperation, and sustained resistance against oppression. Works labeled as hopepunk emphasize the idea that small acts of kindness, collective action, and moral courage can matter in the face of large-scale harm. The approach stands in contrast to darker, more nihilistic subgenres such as grimdark, while acknowledging real-world struggles and the persistence of hope despite adversity.

Origins and usage

The term emerged in online literary discussions in the mid-2010s and rapidly gained traction as critics and readers sought a label for narratives that prioritize hopeful, activist sensibilities. It has been applied across novels, comics, film, and television, with particular emphasis on stories where communities come together to confront systems of oppression, build mutual aid networks, and envision better futures through everyday bravery and care.

Themes and characteristics

Hopepunk stories typically feature: ordinary people choosing to do the right thing under pressure; cooperation and solidarity across differences; visible acts of kindness that challenge despair; and an emphasis on agency, resilience, and practical resistance rather than mere ideology. The tone can be hopeful without denying oppression or suffering, often combining realism with a stubborn belief in collective possibility.

Notable associations

Becky Chambers’s Wayfarers series is frequently cited as a prominent example of hopepunk, celebrated for its inclusive worlds, humane diplomacy, and emphasis on care. Critics have also identified hopeful strains in various science fiction and fantasy works, as well as certain television and film narratives that emphasize community, empathy, and constructive resistance.

Reception

As a critical category, hopepunk serves as a lens for evaluating ethical engagement and social imagination in fiction. Some commentators appreciate the emphasis on solidarity, while others caution against overgeneralizing or commodifying optimism. The term remains a useful shorthand for discussing narratives that seek to uplift through courageous care.