Film Genres Lecture prepared 11/16/08 by   John M. Grace, film worker and instructor D.A.T.A. Charter High School Albuquerque, NM © 2008, John M. Grace All Rights Reserved for use availability, email Newestprod@aol.com
Film Genres Film genres are identifiable types, categories, classifications or groups of films that have similar techniques or conventions such as:   content  subject matter structures themes mood period plot settings recurring icons  stock characters narrative events situations motifs styles props stars
Film Genres Primary film genres include the following:   Action Films Adventure Films Comedy Films Crime Films Dramas Epics Horror Films Musicals  Science Fiction  War Films Westerns
Sub-genres Are identifiable sub-classes within the larger film genre, with their own distinctive subject matter, style, formulas, and iconography.
Film Genres ACTION:  Action films usually include high energy, big-budget physical stunts and chases, possibly with rescues, battles, fights, escapes, races against time and crises featuring non-stop motion, break-neck rhythm and pacing.
Action Sub-genres spy  espionage  political thrillers martial arts films races against time
Action Sub-genres spy  espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
Action Sub-genres spy  espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
Action Sub-genres spy  espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
Action Sub-genres spy  espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
Film Genres ADVENTURE:  Adventure films are exciting stories, with new experiences or exotic locales, very similar to or often paired with the Action film genre.
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklers serialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
Film Genres COMEDY:  Comedies are light-hearted plots deliberately designed to amuse and provoke laughter by exaggerating the situation, language, action, relationships and characters.
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Comedy Sub-genres slapstick screwball spoofs  parodies romantic comedies black comedy  satirical comedy
Film Genres CRIME:  Crime films feature the sinister actions of criminals, mobsters, bank robbers, underworld figures, and ruthless hoodlums who operate outside the law, stealing and murdering their way through life.
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers  courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers  courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
Crime Sub-genres gangster films detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
Film Genres DRAMA:  Dramas are serious, plot-driven films, portraying realistic characters, settings, life situations, and stories involving intense character development and interaction.
Drama Sub-genres melodramas romance  biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
Drama Sub-genres melodramas romance  biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
Drama Sub-genres melodramas romance  biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
Drama Sub-genres melodramas romance  biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
Drama Sub-genres melodramas romance  biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
Drama Sub-genres melodramas romance  biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
Film Genres EPICS:  Epics take an historical or imagined event, mythic, legendary, or heroic figure, and add an extravagant setting and lavish costumes, accompanied by grandeur and spectacle, dramatic scope, high production values, and a sweeping musical score.
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Epic Sub-genres historical dramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
Film Genres HORROR:  Horror films are designed to frighten and to invoke our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale, while captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience.
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Horror Sub-genres slasher  science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
Film Genres MUSICALS:  Musicals/dance films are cinematic forms that emphasize full-scale scores or song and dance routines in a significant way, or they are films that are centered on combinations of music, dance, song or choreography.
Musicals Sub-genres Broadway musicals musical comedy  concert films performance films music biographies
Musicals Sub-genres Broadway musicals musical comedy  concert films performance films music biographies
Musicals Sub-genres Broadway musicals musical comedy  concert films performance films music biographies
Musicals Sub-genres Broadway musicals musical comedy  concert films performance films music biographies
Musicals Sub-genres Broadway musicals musical comedy  concert films performance films music biographies
Film Genres SCIENCE FICTION:  Sci-fi films are often quasi-scientific, visionary and imaginative - complete with heroes, aliens, distant planets, quests, fantastic places, new technology, and extraordinary monsters. Sci-fi films often feature multiple genres.
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristic films visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines  mad science space invaders
Film Genres WAR MOVIES:  War films acknowledge the horror and heartbreak of war, letting the actual combat fighting (against nations or humankind) on land, sea, or in the air provide the primary plot or background action for the of the film.
War Sub-genres war dramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
War Sub-genres war dramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
War Sub-genres war dramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
War Sub-genres war dramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
War Sub-genres war dramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
Film Genres WESTERNS:  Westerns are the major defining genre of the American film industry - a eulogy to the early days of the expansive American frontier. They are one of the oldest, most enduring genres with very recognizable plots, elements, and characters.
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"
Western Sub-genres epic Western  the 'singing cowboy'  the "spaghetti" Western  contemporary Western  revisionist Western  comedy Western  "post-apocalyptic"

Film genres

  • 1.
    Film Genres Lectureprepared 11/16/08 by John M. Grace, film worker and instructor D.A.T.A. Charter High School Albuquerque, NM © 2008, John M. Grace All Rights Reserved for use availability, email Newestprod@aol.com
  • 2.
    Film Genres Filmgenres are identifiable types, categories, classifications or groups of films that have similar techniques or conventions such as: content subject matter structures themes mood period plot settings recurring icons stock characters narrative events situations motifs styles props stars
  • 3.
    Film Genres Primaryfilm genres include the following: Action Films Adventure Films Comedy Films Crime Films Dramas Epics Horror Films Musicals Science Fiction War Films Westerns
  • 4.
    Sub-genres Are identifiablesub-classes within the larger film genre, with their own distinctive subject matter, style, formulas, and iconography.
  • 5.
    Film Genres ACTION: Action films usually include high energy, big-budget physical stunts and chases, possibly with rescues, battles, fights, escapes, races against time and crises featuring non-stop motion, break-neck rhythm and pacing.
  • 6.
    Action Sub-genres spy espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
  • 7.
    Action Sub-genres spy espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
  • 8.
    Action Sub-genres spy espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
  • 9.
    Action Sub-genres spy espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
  • 10.
    Action Sub-genres spy espionage political thrillers martial arts films races against time
  • 11.
    Film Genres ADVENTURE: Adventure films are exciting stories, with new experiences or exotic locales, very similar to or often paired with the Action film genre.
  • 12.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 13.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 14.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 15.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 16.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 17.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 18.
    Adventure Sub-genres swashbucklersserialized films historical epics expedition films treasure hunts disaster films strange mysteries
  • 19.
    Film Genres COMEDY: Comedies are light-hearted plots deliberately designed to amuse and provoke laughter by exaggerating the situation, language, action, relationships and characters.
  • 20.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 21.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 22.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 23.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 24.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 25.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 26.
    Comedy Sub-genres slapstickscrewball spoofs parodies romantic comedies black comedy satirical comedy
  • 27.
    Film Genres CRIME: Crime films feature the sinister actions of criminals, mobsters, bank robbers, underworld figures, and ruthless hoodlums who operate outside the law, stealing and murdering their way through life.
  • 28.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 29.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 30.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 31.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 32.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 33.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 34.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 35.
    Crime Sub-genres gangsterfilms detective films film noir mysteries serial killer films suspense films thrillers courtroom dramas
  • 36.
    Film Genres DRAMA: Dramas are serious, plot-driven films, portraying realistic characters, settings, life situations, and stories involving intense character development and interaction.
  • 37.
    Drama Sub-genres melodramasromance biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
  • 38.
    Drama Sub-genres melodramasromance biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
  • 39.
    Drama Sub-genres melodramasromance biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
  • 40.
    Drama Sub-genres melodramasromance biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
  • 41.
    Drama Sub-genres melodramasromance biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
  • 42.
    Drama Sub-genres melodramasromance biographical films sports films road movies “ guy” films
  • 43.
    Film Genres EPICS: Epics take an historical or imagined event, mythic, legendary, or heroic figure, and add an extravagant setting and lavish costumes, accompanied by grandeur and spectacle, dramatic scope, high production values, and a sweeping musical score.
  • 44.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 45.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 46.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 47.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 48.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 49.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 50.
    Epic Sub-genres historicaldramas costume dramas war films medieval romps period pictures adventure films religious films
  • 51.
    Film Genres HORROR: Horror films are designed to frighten and to invoke our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale, while captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience.
  • 52.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 53.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 54.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 55.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 56.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 57.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 58.
    Horror Sub-genres slasher science fiction supernatural teen terror serial killers satanic monsters
  • 59.
    Film Genres MUSICALS: Musicals/dance films are cinematic forms that emphasize full-scale scores or song and dance routines in a significant way, or they are films that are centered on combinations of music, dance, song or choreography.
  • 60.
    Musicals Sub-genres Broadwaymusicals musical comedy concert films performance films music biographies
  • 61.
    Musicals Sub-genres Broadwaymusicals musical comedy concert films performance films music biographies
  • 62.
    Musicals Sub-genres Broadwaymusicals musical comedy concert films performance films music biographies
  • 63.
    Musicals Sub-genres Broadwaymusicals musical comedy concert films performance films music biographies
  • 64.
    Musicals Sub-genres Broadwaymusicals musical comedy concert films performance films music biographies
  • 65.
    Film Genres SCIENCEFICTION: Sci-fi films are often quasi-scientific, visionary and imaginative - complete with heroes, aliens, distant planets, quests, fantastic places, new technology, and extraordinary monsters. Sci-fi films often feature multiple genres.
  • 66.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 67.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 68.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 69.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 70.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 71.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 72.
    Sci-Fi Sub-genres futuristicfilms visionary horrific graphic novels medical miseries devil machines mad science space invaders
  • 73.
    Film Genres WARMOVIES: War films acknowledge the horror and heartbreak of war, letting the actual combat fighting (against nations or humankind) on land, sea, or in the air provide the primary plot or background action for the of the film.
  • 74.
    War Sub-genres wardramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
  • 75.
    War Sub-genres wardramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
  • 76.
    War Sub-genres wardramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
  • 77.
    War Sub-genres wardramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
  • 78.
    War Sub-genres wardramas military operations anti-war films POW stories military training
  • 79.
    Film Genres WESTERNS: Westerns are the major defining genre of the American film industry - a eulogy to the early days of the expansive American frontier. They are one of the oldest, most enduring genres with very recognizable plots, elements, and characters.
  • 80.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"
  • 81.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"
  • 82.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"
  • 83.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"
  • 84.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"
  • 85.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"
  • 86.
    Western Sub-genres epicWestern the 'singing cowboy' the "spaghetti" Western contemporary Western revisionist Western comedy Western "post-apocalyptic"