You've probably wondered more than once how many different movie genres there are , and it's because depending on the style, setting or theme, they are classified into one or another.
In principle, there are film genres that we all know and have studied or heard about. But we also find different classifications that can increase that number. In this post, we'll clear up all your doubts about the different film genres.
Major film genres
The world of cinema is the strongest medium when it comes to connecting with the public and generating emotions through the story that is presented.
Over the years, cinema has evolved and adapted, offering different approaches, settings, styles, themes, and more . It has managed to build a vast catalog of film genres.
The first thing we need to understand is the concept of film genre. By this, we mean the main theme of a film; this theme is used to classify and organize the film according to specific stylistic parameters.
As we mentioned, films can be classified into a large number of categories, always depending on the criteria being used. A film isn't limited to just one genre; depending on its characteristics, it can fall into two or three different categories.
Below we show you the main classifications that exist.
Film genres by style
We have all read or heard at some time when going to the cinema, that it is a science fiction or comedy film. For these two aspects are examples of genres by style.
AGENDA
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When we think of action movies, we picture spectacular scenes, full of adrenaline and diverse movements. Action is synonymous with hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, the struggle between good and evil, and so on.
It's not the same as another genre we'll discuss later: war films. Action films contain scenes that we can't look away from , not only because of the fighting but often because of the amazing technical skill with which they're produced. We all know that one of the best films in this genre is The Matrix.
Comedy
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In this genre, humor is used as a means to make viewers laugh and entertain them . Comedy is one of the most flexible film genres in terms of its application, as humor can be combined with any other genre.
The aim, as we mentioned, is to provide viewers with an entertaining and fun experience through the use of sarcasm and humorous scenes . An example of comedy as a film genre is the movie Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. If you're interested in films that address social issues, you can read about films about feminism.
Romance
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This genre is related to drama and comedy. Films of this type create scenes that focus on a romantic relationship between two or more people . This relationship becomes the central focus of the plot.
Romantic comedy is one of the most popular subgenres in film today . Romantic movies appeal not only to female audiences but to a wider range of viewers, as they feature storylines that many of us can relate to or have experienced in our own lives. Call Me By Your Name is a perfect example of this genre.
Thinking
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A film genre that has been very popular in recent years on the big screens , let's remember La La Land, winner of several Oscars.
The film's plot is suspended several times, and musical scenes are introduced in which the protagonists sing and dance . This type of genre, which may or may not be accompanied by choreography, is not essential.
Drama
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Films categorized under this genre focus on developing a problem faced by the protagonists within a more serious context . Their main purpose is to evoke feelings of compassion or empathy in the viewers.
It's another of the most flexible genres you'll find on this list. It addresses important themes, and throughout the film, you can witness the character's evolution as the plot unfolds. One of the best dramas currently playing in theaters is The Williams Method. If you'd like to learn more about different types of films, don't hesitate to read about what cinema is.
Science fiction
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Two concepts converge to shape this genre of film: imagination and science, resulting in one of the most creative and captivating . Science is used as a means to depict a future, which may be near or far.
These films depict imaginary phenomena such as alien sightings, exploding planets, invented worlds, and so on. Technology plays a vital role in this genre . Some of the best-known examples are Alien vs. Predator and Metropolis.
War
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Films categorized as war films are those whose plot revolves around war stories, in which their characters are involved in armed conflicts or also in historical contexts in which there is a war.
There will be no scenes featuring weapons, tanks, armies, bombings, etc. These types of films are usually based on true stories ; an example of this is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Terror
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In these types of films, the main plot focuses on instilling fear in the viewers . This feeling is conveyed through a dark, gloomy atmosphere, suspenseful music, tense scenes, and so on.
The horror genre is one of the most popular on both big and small screens. Viewers seek excitement and suspense; they want something to be stirred within them . The Exorcist film would be a classic of this genre.
Fantasía
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Fantasy is the film genre that features invented characters and societies ; a perfect example of this genre is the Lord of the Rings saga. The vast majority of the scenes and characters shown are unreal.
Fantasy does not give rise to realism, they are films that create their own laws through the use of magic, invented animals, mythologies, etc.
Suspense
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We might also find it under the name of thriller; these are films whose main objective is to generate a sense of intrigue in the audience . The plot unfolds in a narrative that captivates viewers, and the final resolution releases all the tension that has built up.
They are usually fast-paced films in which the plot elements revolve around a single character, as we can see in the John Wick films.
Western Riding
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The Western is a genre that primarily developed in American cinema starting in the 40s . These films depict historical contexts and are often related to the war genre.
These are films set in the Old West. Initially, they told stories of fights between cowboys and Indians, but they evolved into the films we have today, where a character becomes a lone hero . Currently showing is the film directed by Jane Campion, *The Power of the Dog*.
Adventure
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With this film genre, we'll travel to the most hidden and little-known corners of the world, or even space . No matter where the story takes us, the protagonists will always experience incredible, unprecedented adventures.
The Indiana Jones saga is the perfect example of this film genre, in which the protagonist experiences amazing adventures. You can also explore more about character types in urban tribe culture.
Police
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In this case, we're talking about a subgenre of film, specifically within the action or suspense genre . The characters in the plot typically belong to police forces, security agencies, detectives, and so on.
The story told in these types of films or series focuses on a crime and its subsequent resolution . Martin Scorsese's film, The Departed, is a notable example.
Erotic
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With a dramatic tone, films or series classified in this genre feature scenes in which the characters appear nude . Furthermore, sex is used as a means to develop the plot.
Typically, these types of productions don't show male or female genitalia; they feature scenes with a more artistic style , which completely distinguishes them from pornography. It is true, however, that these films often show more of the female nude body than the male nude body.
Animation
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In productions under this genre we find fictional characters, either handmade or through digital means , animations made in 3D programs.
Not only are stories created for the youngest members of the household, but there are also several films for adult audiences, such as the Ted movies, which bring to life an inanimate object like a teddy bear.
Bibliographic histories
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This genre focuses on narrating the historical events of an important figure from that era . It recounts the main events and life of that person. Normally, the story centers on a famous figure, but it can also focus on someone whose story was previously unknown.
The film that was released last year, in 2021, The Gucci house would fall within this genre that we have talked about.
Children's cinema
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The primary target audience for this type of film is children. This genre is often associated with animation . Furthermore, children's films don't only feature animated characters; they can also include live-action films.
A very important aspect of this genre is that its productions often contain a moral lesson for children . One of the best films in this group is The Lion King.
As we have told you, not only does this type of classification exist, we also find film genres by format or setting. But it is the cinematographic genres by styles that we must know and through which the films that are reproduced on the big and small screens are classified.
