genre films
Formula-driven movie types
Genre films are movies that follow the conventions of established categories—horror, western, romantic comedy, science fiction, and the like.
The term often carries a slight dismissiveness, implying formulaic entertainment as opposed to prestige cinema or art films: He made his name directing genre films before winning the Oscar.
Genre film enthusiasts argue these categories offer their own artistry within familiar structures.
- comedyWork meant to amuse
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- westernOf the sunset side
- sword and sandalClassical antiquity adventure genre
monster movies · subgenre · action · documentary · schlock · grindhouse · midnight movie · musical · cult classics · creature feature · sci-fi · noir · animation · romance · biopic · arthouse cinema · drive-in movies · mystery
genre filmsarthouse films
Aesthetically ambitious, non-commercial movies
art house cinema · art films · avant-garde cinema · independent films · literary adaptations
genre filmsexperimental cinema
Unconventional, non-commercial filmmaking
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