Popular Film Genres Explained – And Top Movies in Different Categories?

Be it movie buffs or any other person watching a movie; we all notice its characters, actions and visuals.

Well, it’s pretty common to look for a connection that complements the unified theme. These combined elements together determine a film’s style or genre.

Basically, there film genres are used to categorize movies mostly on plot lines, but also taking style, setting, and characters into consideration.

Genres do not define hard lines for the movies and they can overlap, but typically a movie falls into a single broad category. It’s important to know about different movie genres because they assist you in transforming your taste and help in choosing which movies are right for you and your friends.

Today, team FAYVO is generalizing these film genres and putting together some of the most popular movie categories for you to understand and see where you fit in.

So, let’s get started:

The Basic Film Genres:

In the early days of cinema, genres were very well defined and were kept into the boundaries, but with time and more entertainment options, the genre spectrum has broadened and now we have plenty of categories to look into.

Discussing them one by one, here are the basic ones.

Action:

Movies in the action genre are defined by risk and stakes. While many movies may feature an action sequence that will clearly categorize them inside the action genre. However, in the action-based movies, the bulk of the content must be action-oriented, including fight scenes, stunts, car chases, and general danger.

Story and character development are generally secondary in this genre. These movies move quickly and have a clear distinction between good and evil. Also, action movies almost always involve a “ticking clock” element to the plot, where the lead character has to be heroic and needs to do something in emergency before time runs out.

Animation:

The animation genre is defined by nonliving objects being manipulated to appear as though they are living. This can be done in many different ways and can incorporate any other genre and sub-genre on this list. Animated movies are typically cute. When this genre was discovered or recognized, it was initially restricted to the kids. They loved seeing animals talking and would enjoy animated movies. But with time, adults and all the audiences started inclining towards this genre, because of its creativity, attention to details, and specially the motion art technology behind.

Comedy:

One of the oldest and most popular genres in movie history, comedy emphasizes humor, designed to make people laugh by exaggerating the situation, relationships, characters, action, or language. Most comedies have happy endings (the exception being Dark comedies).

The comedy genre is defined by events that are intended to make someone laugh, no matter if the story is macabre, droll, or zany. Comedy can be found in most movies, but if the majority of the film is intended to be a comedy you may safely place it in this genre. The best comedy movies range throughout this entire spectrum of humor.

Crime:

The plot of movies in this genre is centered on a particular evil event or string of criminal activities. Criminal activities in these movies are almost encouraged and there are super talented criminals, robbers, gangsters, murderers and serial killers that plan the activity. The other party is of cops, detectives and other law enforcement officials.

The first point is that every aspect of the crime genre is dramatic, so the elements are quite different than a comedy. The setting for crime genre can be any location in the world and any year, because crime is something that has always existed in society.

Horror:

Horror films feature elements that leave people with an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. Horror movies often include serial killers or monsters as persistent, evil antagonists to play on viewers’ fears or nightmares. Audiences who love the horror genre seek out these movies specifically for the adrenaline rush produced by ghosts, gore, monsters, and jump scares. Films that fall into the horror sub-genres include macabre, ghost stories, gothic horror movies, science fiction horror movies, supernatural movies, dark fantasy movies, psychological horror movies, and slasher movies.

Sci-Fi (Science Fiction):

The sci-fi movie genre is one of the main movie genres out there. It quickly became a classic genre, and you can trace its roots back to the silent film era! It is a highly experimental genre, and this is what first attracted audiences to it. One of the earliest sci-fi films is A Trip to the Moon, released back in 1902.

People are fascinated with the unknown and what outer space may hold. It’s interesting to watch different filmmakers’ interpretations and the advanced technology that’s used. So, what sub-genres of sci-fi exist? There are many, such as time travel, space travel, aliens, disasters, monsters, and robots.

Adventure:

Adventure films typically involve a journey, and some may include a pursuit. They might also have action-oriented scenes like action films, but the travels and conquests of the main characters primarily define them. This emphasis on a character's adventure can help the audience imagine themselves in those experiences. You can create an adventure film in any setting, as long as your narrative involves a journey.

The adventure genre is based on story-telling. Often combined with at least one other genre, such as action or science fiction, adventure films weave richly detailed settings together with a plot based on a journey or quest. Common themes in adventure movies include time travel, treasure hunting, historical time periods, and coming of age.

Drama:

The drama genre is wide, encompassing almost any movie that combines a serious plot with believable characters. The stories told in dramas revolve around the characters themselves as they face problems, both externally and internally. Many drama films are memoirs of real or fictional people, while others talk about serious issues such as politics, illness, substance abuse, and relationships.

These are serious stories that hinge on events that regularly happen in everyday life. They usually focus on character and how these people act over time. Drama is regularly mashed up with other genres because most movies and tv rely on character-driven stories to keep the audience involved.

Fantasy:

Fantasies are films that are set in imaginary worlds and have little or no representation of reality. These movies often include magical, mythological and extraordinary elements, and they can transcend physical laws and have endless possibilities. The main characters in a fantasy film usually undergo a mystical experience that requires superhuman aid. Many fantasies derive from fairy tales, myths or legends and incorporate unique characters and odd phenomena in their stories.

There are a number of ways to define the fantasy film genre, but perhaps the simplest definition is, a movie that covers magic. In a fantasy film, there is usually a system for performing superhuman feats, be it by casting spells, using magic wands, or some other means.

Read More: Netflix Epic Fantasy TV Series

Romance:

Any movie genres list wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of romance!

As love is all around us, the romance genre is self-explanatory. It’s all about people finding love and boarding on courtships. This genre has been popular with moviemakers since the beginning, as the major portion of audience enjoys the entertainment that the genre can bring. Of course, there are romance focused movies, but in pretty much every movie there’s a sub-plot of a romance going on. This can keep the audience engaged and in suspense as to whether the romance will work out or not.

Epic:

Epic movies tackle larger than life settings, often with a very big and glittery cast, to tell a story in the most dramatic way possible. These go to be extravagant too. Epic movies are often historical or mythical pieces, covering subjects like battles, royalty, scriptural tales, and fairy-tale figures. While the story itself is of vital role and important to the film, the real impressions are made with themed costumes and particular sets. Epics are expensive to make because of all the lavish details, and they tend to draw big-name Hollywood actors.

Family:

Family movies are usually overlapping with comedy genre too. In fact, it includes many forms.

These are films that are fun for the entire family to watch together, from children to grandparents. Animated movies and Disney films are great examples of family movies, whether they are live action or comedy. Family movies often include teaching moments when characters deal with issues or situations familiar to kids. These films are often emotional too but can also include drama and other film genres.

Documentary:

Documentary filmmaking falls under the non-fiction part of cinema. Films in this genre are used as a medium for educating people about a certain topic. Each documentary caters a specific type of audience. Almost, since its beginning the documentary style movies are used to be preceded by a newsreel to inform audiences.

Popular Film Genres Explained – And Top Movies in Different Categories