Film Genres

Film Genres are categories used to indentify films as part of groups that have recurring or similar, instantly-recognizable patterns. The grouping can include settings, subject matter, themes, mood, period, plot, central narrative events, motifs, styles, structures, situations, recurring icons, stock characters and famous actors. Films that can be classified as several different film genres can be referred to as hybrids.

Action Films are high energy films which feature physical stunts, fight scenes, races and adventure heroes. They are designed to provide escapism for the audience and are often box-office hits though they may lack support due to the two-dimensional characters. Examples are ‘Die Hard’ and ‘James Bond’.




Horror Films are created to evoke fright and terror, often combined with a dramatic finale. The liberating storylines and effects are used to captivate the audience. They use dark, primitive and repulsive traits in order to repel yet attract the audience simultaneously. Examples of this are ‘The Ring’ and ‘Saw’.

Fantasy Films are based upon some scientific truth, unlike science fiction. They use events that are unlikely to occur in every-day life and exceed the bounds of human possibility and physical law. They often include an element of magic, myth, escapism and the extraordinary’. Examples of this are ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’.

Musical Films are films that are centred on performance, use music or dance as part of the narrative or include unrealistic eruption of song/dance within the film. Lyrics are often used to support the storyline of a search for love, success, wealth or popularity. It is considered the most escapist of all film genres. Examples of this are ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Sweeny Todd’.

Romantic Comedy Films are those with light-hearted plotlines centred on the idea of true love. Romantic comedies often include two main protagonists who fall in love and face all obstacles to be together or cannot be together due to previous partners or social pressures. Films of this genre include ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Love Actually’.