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John Huston's 1948 treasure-hunt classic begins as drifter Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart), down and out in Tampico, Mexico, impulsively spends his last bit of dough on a lottery ticket. Later on, Dobbs and fellow indigent Curtin (Tim Holt) seek shelter in a cheap flophouse and meet Howard (Walter Huston), a toothless, garrulous old coot who regales them with stories about prospecting for gold.

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Rotten Tomatoes staff presents 300 essential movies to watch now, whether you're a film buff or just starting your journey into cinema!

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There are certain movies that everyone, even novice filmgoers, will recognize: Stanley Kubrick's The Shining; David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia; David Fincher's ; Mike Nichols' The Graduate. Each is lauded by critics, admired by filmmakers, and adored by audiences. And yet none of them made this list.

That's because the criteria for our list of the 100 Must Watch Movies to See Before You Die is extremely strict and weighted in historical context. Some films will live on forever, but did they change the course of cinema upon their initial release? Did they inspire or fundamentally alter entire movie genres? For the works included on this list, the answer to both questions is, and must be, "Yes."

Every self-respecting movie fan owes it to themselves to see each of these at least once before they visit that multiplex concession stand in the sky. And since we're living through a pandemic, that might not be too long from now. We know you've got time on your hands - better get started!

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100 Must Watch Movies to See Before You Die

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There are certain movies that everyone, even novice filmgoers, will recognize: Stanley Kubrick's The Shining ; David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia; David Fincher's ; Mike Nichols' The Graduate. Each is lauded by critics, admired by filmmakers, and adored by audiences. And yet none of them made this list.

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In the past century movies have been around, Hollywood has given us unforgettable stories and characters.

Here are 101 movies everyone should watch in their lifetimes. They're a mix of movies to see when you're growing up, recent hits, unforgettable classics that'll broaden your horizons, and pop culture touchstones everyone should be familiar with.

Take some time to add these to your queue.

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110 movies you need to see in your lifetime

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In the past century movies have been around, Hollywood has given us unforgettable stories and characters. Here are 101 movies everyone should watch in their lifetimes. They're a mix of movies to see when you're growing up, recent hits, unforgettable classics that'll broaden your horizons, and pop culture touchstones everyone should be familiar with.

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Y ou're looking for a movie and TV genre list, maybe for inspiration, but every list you find has categories that are either too broad or so hyper-specific that it becomes overwhelming.

We've created the perfect movie and TV genre list that will explain the various categories of film and television with their specific subgenres, and we'll also include helpful examples for each along the way.

Movie & TV Genres Preface

Why should you learn about genre?

There are storytellers and filmmakers who live inside particular genres, and you may even hear some of them say, "I make genre movies." This seems simple enough on the surface, but being a 'genre storyteller' requires you to fully understand what your specific genre means.

Let's do a quick refresher on the overall meaning of genre:

Movie Genre Definition

What is a movie genre?

M ovie genres are stylistic categories where a particular movie can be placed based on the setting, characters, plot, mood, tone, and theme. A film's main genre category will be based on where the majority of the content lands. A sub-genre is a smaller category that fits inside a particular genre. Often this is a mixture of two separate genres. Genres and sub-genres change over time and are informed by one another.

How do you determine a movie genre?

Has the ability to generate sub-genres

Describes the style of a work of entertainment

Can be combined with other genres if needed

Genres and sub-genres can be mixed and combined until you go blue in the face (or fingers), so if you don't see a sub-genre on this list you can combine the meanings of each respective genre to make your own.

Now that you have a better understanding of genre's definition, let's go over each category along with their sub-genres. We'll have popular and accurate examples that will help clear up any confusion.

Types of Animation Movies

Animation Genre

The animation genre is defined by inanimate 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. For more info on animation, you can dive deeper on the types of animation or see our list of the best animated movies of all time.

Animation Genre Supercut

Traditional

Stop Motion

Stop motion animation is defined by taking real objects and adjusting them frame by frame to simulate motion and emotion. Stop motion refers to the style of photography, while stop motion such as claymation and sometimes puppet animation can fall into multiple sub-genres.
Ex. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and some of the best stop motion movies of all time.

Claymation

Claymation is a form of stop motion animation, except the subjects used are built specifically out of clay.
Ex. Chicken Run (2000), (2018) and many of the best Rankin Bass Christmas movies.

Cutout

This is where shapes are cut out and placed on top of one another to make figures and settings, all used to tell a story.
Ex. South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut (1999).

Computer Generated Imagery

CGI is the most common form of modern animation, where modeling programs and software are used to animate cartoons.
Ex. (2001), (2011) and Pixar's incredible short films.

Puppetry

Puppetry animation is where puppets, including hand, stick, shadow, ventriloquist, and marionettes are used to tell a story.
Ex. Team America: World Police (2004).

Live-Action

List of Comedy Film Genres

Comedy Genre

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.

Comedy Genre Scene Supercut

Action-Comedy

Dark Comedy (Black Comedy)

Dark comedy (or Black Comedy) is defined by using attitudes and events that would normally be objectionable to set up humorous situations.
Ex. Very Bad Things (1998),(1996) and more of the best dark comedy movies ever made.

Romantic Comedy

Romantic comedies (aka Rom-Coms) are defined by comedy derived from relationship frustrations that are intimate in nature. This includes any combination of gender or situation across the sexual spectrum with films that include some of the best romantic quotes ever written. Some of Woody Allen's best movies redefined the genre.
Ex. Sleepless in Seattle (1993), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003).

Buddy Comedy

Road Comedy

Road comedies are defined by humorous situations derived from a journey along a set path, and often feature a set of stops and characters along the way that forces the protagonist(s) further down the road.
Ex. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987), Dumb and Dumber (1994).

Road Comedy Meets Slapstick

Slapstick Comedy

Slapstick comedy is defined by humor derived from physical movement, harm, or frustration that requires little to no dialogue.
Ex. (1968), (1997).

Parody

I've decided to put parody, spoof, and satire next to one another because they're often thought to be synonyms, but truthfully they are not. A parody mocks and specifically targets a single piece of art or connected body of work. A parody is more precise, and more limited.
Ex. MacGruber (2010), Spaceballs (1987).

Spoof

Satire

Satire movies are the broadest of the three in that it mocks overall ideas, vices, human nature, institutions, or any number of concepts that don't necessarily have a specific connection to another piece of art.

Ex. In The Loop (2009),(2006) or even Dr. Strangelove, just one of Stanley Kubrick's best movies.

Sitcom

A sitcom (situational comedy) is defined by a set group of people who must navigate through humorous situations and misunderstandings. Sitcoms in the past were very often captured using multiple cameras on a soundstage, but it is by no means required. For an inside look at how sitcoms are written, download your own copy of this Seinfeld script or the The Office pilot episode.
Ex. (1989), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005).

Sketch Comedy

"Do you wanna go to war, Blake?"

Mockumentary

Mockumentaries use the documentary format for parody, satire, or spoof. They don't mock the format, but rather use the format to mock. Ex. This is Spinal Tap(1984), (2004).

Prank

EXPERIMENTAL MOVIE GENRE LIST

Experimental Genre

The experimental genre is often defined by the idea that the work of art and entertainment does not fit into a particular genre or sub-genre, and is intended as such. Experimental art can completely forego a cohesive narrative in exchange for an emotional response or nothing at all.

Un Chien Andalou - Experimental Cinema Genre

Surrealist

Surrealism cannot be stylistically defined, and this is the point of the sub-genre itself. The intention of surrealist art is to act as an activity to broaden horizons, either of oneself or of others. Surrealist art often uses irrational imagery to activate the subconscious mind.
Ex. Eraserhead (1977), (1963).

Absurdist

LIST OF FANTASY MOVIE GENRES

Fantasy Genre

The fantasy genre is defined by both circumstance and setting inside a fictional universe with an unrealistic set of natural laws. The possibilities of fantasy are nearly endless, but the movies will often be inspired by or incorporate human myths.

The genre often adheres to general human psychology and societal behavior while incorporating non-scientific concepts like magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural elements.

Fantasy Genre Supercut

Contemporary Fantasy

Urban Fantasy

Dark Fantasy

High Fantasy

Attack of the Ents

Historical Movie Genre List

Historical Genre

The historical genre can be split into two sections. One deals with accurate representations of historical accounts which can include biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. The other section is made up of fictional movies that are placed inside an accurate depiction of a historical setting.

The accuracy of a historical story is measured against historical accounts, not fact, as there can never be a perfectly factual account of any event without first-hand experience.

Historical Event

Biography

Historical Epic

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction takes place during a historical time period, and will often take a more liberal approach to representing history for the sake of drama and entertainment. Historical fiction may use real-life events and people to build context, but they're meant to be accepted as a supposition rather than serve as an accurate historical account.
Ex. (1960)(1997)

Period Piece

The difference between a period piece and historical fiction is slight, but the main difference is a general omission or a lack of necessity for real-life characters or events to provide context. Period pieces are merely defined by taking place in, and accurately depicting the time period as opposed to specific lives, events, or accounts.
Ex. The Age of Innocence(1993), Barry Lyndon (1975)

Alternate History

Alternate history is defined by the rewriting of historical events for the sake of speculative outcomes. These movies commonly focus on important, highly influential moments that often lead to alternate futures. Some of these movies may even include supernatural elements. Ex. The Man in the High Castle(2015),Inglourious Basterds(2009)

Horror sub-genres

Horror Genre

The horror genre is centered upon depicting terrifying or macabre events for the sake of entertainment. A thriller might tease the possibility of a terrible event, whereas a horror film will deliver all throughout the film. The best horror movies are designed to get the heart pumping and to show us a glimpse of the unknown.

Ghost

Monster

A monster movie uses a deformed or supernatural creature or set of creatures, to introduce elements of horror. These movies can also take place in any time period or setting, and their only real requirement is that the antagonist is can be categorized as a monster.
Ex. The Babadook(2014),Pumpkinhead (1988)

Werewolf

A werewolf movie introduces elements of horror through the use of a human or set of humans that transform into a wolf-like creatures. Sometimes these werewolves have the ability to shape-shift at will, but in other cases, their transformation is dictated by a full moon.
The only requirement is the use of the werewolf as the antagonist.
Ex. An American Werewolf in London (1981), The Wolfman (1941) are just some of the best werewolf movies ever made.

Vampire

A vampire movie introduces elements of horror through the use of undead, immortal creatures that drink blood. They can be set in any time and place and must only use vampires as the antagonist. Some vampire movies feature vampires as the protagonist, but this is often used to build sympathy rather than as a device for terror.
Ex. (1987) is one of the best '80s vampire movies while (1922) is one of the best vampire movies of all time.

Different Movie Genres * Near Dark

Occult

Occult movies are defined by an extension of pure reason and use paranormal themes to introduce elements of horror. Occult literally translates into "hidden from view" and involves the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends scientific observation.
Ex. Hereditary (2018), Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Slasher

A slasher story introduces elements of horror through an antagonist or set of antagonists who stalk and murder a group of people, most commonly through the use of a blade or a sharp weapon. The slasher movie is so engrained in our movie culture, even non-slasher movies use some of the same techniques and tropes.
Ex. (1978), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Splatter

A splatter story introduces elements of horror by focusing on the vulnerability of the human body, and an emphasis on gore. Splatter movies often involve torture and attempt to present gore as an art form. Ex. Day of the Dead (1985)(1960)

Found Footage

Zombie

Types of Romance Movies

Romance Genre

The romance genre is defined by intimate relationships. Sometimes these movies can have a darker twist, but the idea is to lean on the natural conflict derived from the pursuit of intimacy and love.

Romance Drama

The romance-drama sub-genre is defined by the conflict generated from a romantic relationship. What makes a romance-drama different from a romantic-thriller is both the source of the drama but also the intentions and motivations that drive each character's perspective. Ex. Revolutionary Road (2008), Blue Valentine (2010)

Romance Thriller

The Saint Trailer

Period Romance

List of Sci-Fi Genres

Science Fiction Genre

Science fiction movies are defined by a mixture of speculation and science. While fantasy will explain through or make use of magic and mysticism, science fiction will use the changes and trajectory of technology and science. Science fiction will often incorporate space, biology, energy, time, and any other observable science. Most of James Cameron's best movies lean heavily on science fiction.

Post-Apocalyptic

Post-apocalyptic movies are based around the occurrence, effects, and struggle generated by an apocalyptic event. While a dystopian story may incorporate a large war or apocalyptic event in its narrative history, it will include a centralized government that was formed after the event. Apocalyptic movies will not have a centralized government but may feature smaller societies and tribes as part of the story.
Ex. (1995), 28 Days Later (2002)

Utopian

Dystopian

A dystopian story is one that features a world or society that serves as a contradiction to an idyllic world. Often there is a centralized and oppressive government or religion that dictates the value of citizens on a dehumanizing level, and may or may not incorporate a destructive event that drove the creation of that centralized institution.
Ex. Children of Men (2006), Equilibrium (2002)

Cyberpunk

The cyberpunk sub-genre is defined by a mixture of a desperate society oversaturated with the crime that takes place in a high tech world that includes cybernetic organisms, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Ex. Blade Runner (1982),(2013) are just two of the best cyberpunk movies we've ever seen.

Steampunk

The steampunk sub-genre is inspired by technology created during the 19th century and the industrial revolution and may be set in a speculative future, alternate universe, or revision of the 1800s.
Ex. Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Mortal Engines (2018)

Tech Noir

Tech noir is similar to dystopian but defined by technology as the main source behind humanity's struggle and partial downfall. There is no requirement for a centralized government, and the only true aspect that places a story in this category is that technology threatens our reality. Ex. The Terminator (1984)

Space Opera

Contemporary

Military

A military science fiction story is defined by a strict focus on the military conflict in a speculative or future setting. While other movies may include space warfare, a military science fiction story will be limited to themes and events directly tied to military service and battle.
Ex. Starship Troopers (1997),(2016)

Thriller Movie Categories

Thriller Genre

A thriller story is mostly about the emotional purpose, which is to elicit strong emotions, mostly dealing with generating suspense and anxiety. No matter what the specific plot, the best thrillers get your heart racing.

Psychological

A psychological thriller focuses and emphasizes the unstable psychological state of the characters inside the story. Often there is a mysterious set of circumstances, and a paranoia, warranted or otherwise, that catalyzes extreme actions from the characters. Many of Darren Aronofsky's best movies explore the dark depths inside the broken psyche of his protagonists.

Mystery

A mystery story can often be connected to the crime genre, but may not involve or use law enforcement or the justice system as the main characters or backdrop for the story. A mystery story is defined by the plot, and both the character's and the viewer's relationship with the motivations and reality behind the events that occur. If you've seen any of M. Night Shyamalan's movies, you know how mystery plays a part.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trailer

Techno

The techno-thriller sub-genre is defined by a conflict that takes place for or through Various forms of technology. What makes a techno-thriller different from various action sub-genres is the level of detail paid toward the underlying technical aspects of the technology and its effects.

Film Noir

Some consider the definition of film noir to more of a style than a genre, because there is no requirement to be connected to a crime. There is, however, a natural overlap between style and genre in the best Film Noir movies. The central theme behind the noir sub-genre is a psychic imbalance that leads to self-hatred, aggression, or sociopathy. Recently, Neo-Noir movies have modified these themes to the modern day.

Movie Genre List

Musical Genre

Musicals originated as stage plays, but they soon became a favorite for many film directors and have even made their way into television. Musicals can incorporate any other genre, but they incorporate characters who sing songs and perform dance numbers.

La La Land * Another Day of Sun

War Movie Genre

War Genre

The war genre has a few debatable definitions, but we're going to try to be as straightforward and impartial as humanly possible. Movies in the war genre center around large scale conflicts between opposing forces inside a universe that shares the same natural laws as our own.

War movies can be historical accounts, fictionalized events, or future speculations that incorporate civilian interaction, political interaction, and espionage that takes place alongside a large scale, violent conflict. Some of the best WWII movies include all of those elements.

Saving Private Ryan Trailer

They are not intended to act strictly as a form of entertainment, but rather to create a deep sense of empathy toward the reality of war. Movies in the war genre may romanticize aspects of military action and camaraderie, but the purpose is to convey the reality that war brings.

They can be set in any time period or setting, but the central theme and bulk of the content must incorporate war to remain in this genre.

Biopic Movies

Biopics (Biographical Film)

A movie genre that has been around since the birth of cinema, biopics are a category all their own. Biopics can technically run the gamut of movie genres ( Sports movies, War, Westerns, etc.) but they often find their home in dramas. At their core, biopics dramatize real people and real events with varying degrees of verisimilitude.

Lately, we've seen a resurgence of the musical biopic (e.g., Rocketman, Judy, The Greatest Showman), and there isn't a more massive example than Bohemian Rhapsody.

Bohemian Rhapsody * Live Aid

Up Next

Learn how to write a screenplay

Now that you have a better idea of movie categories and the various film and television genres, why not start writing your own story. Read up on How to Write a Screenplay. We take you through the steps necessary to create a professionally structured and formatted screenplay.

Tags: 12 Monkeys, 127 Hours, 28 Days Later, 8 ½, A Beautiful Mind, A Fish Called Wanda, A Time To Kill, An American Werewolf in London, Apollo 13, Arrival, Barry Lyndon, Beaches, Ben-Hur, Best Movies, Beverly Hills Cop, Blade Runner, Blue Valentine, Borat, Boyz in the Hood, Brazil, Bringing Out The Dead, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Captain Phillips, Catch Me If You Can, Chappelle's Show, Charlie's Angels, Chicken Run, Children of Men, City of God, Commando, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Dante's Peak, Darren Aronofsky, Day of the Dead, Dr. Strangelove, Dumb and Dumber, Early Man, Elysium, End of Watch, Equilibrium, Eraserhead, Ex Machina, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Game of Thrones, Gattaca, Goodfellas, Halloween, Hard Boiled, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, Harry Potter, Heat, Hereditary, Hero, Hot Fuzz, House, House of Cards, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Howl's Moving Castle, I Heart Huckabees, Idiocracy, Indiana Jones, Inglourious Basterds, Iron Man, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, James Bond, James Cameron, Jane Eyre, Jason and the Argonauts, Jigoku, Kids, L.A. Confidential, Law & Order, Lawrence of Arabia, M. Night Shyamalan, Martin Scorsese, Miami Vice, Michael Bay, Mission: Impossible, Mortal Engines, Mouse Hunt, Movie Genres, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Nathan For You, Near Dark, Night of the Living Dead, Nosferatu, Not Another Teen Movie, Ocean's Eleven, Pan's Labyrinth, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Pride & Prejudice, Pumpkinhead, Quentin Tarantino, Rango, Revolutionary Road, Robin Hood, Rosemary's Baby, Rush Hour, Se7en, Seinfeld, Shrek, Silence, Sleepless in Seattle, Solomon Kane, South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut, Space Jam, Spaceballs, Spartacus, Spike Lee, Stanley Kubrick, Star Wars, Steven Spielberg, Supernatural, Team America: World Police, The Age of Innocence, The Babadook, The Blair Witch Project, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Day After Tomorrow, The Exterminating Angel, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Fault in our Stars, The Fifth Element, The Firm, The Flight of Dragons, The Frighteners, The Killer, The Loop, The Lord of the Rings, The Man in the High Castle, The Monkey King, The Naked Gun, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Office, The Others, The Party, The Passion of the Christ, The Practice, The Razor's Edge, The Saint, The Score, The Terminator, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Virgin Suicides, The Whitest Kids U' Know, The Wolfman, This is Spinal Tap, Titanic, Tomorrowland, Troy, Unfaithful, V/H/S, Very Bad Things, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Woody Allen, X-Men

SC Lannom is a screenwriter and director living in Los Angeles. He works as a writer, director, and content producer here at StudioBinder.

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Complete list of movie genres and sub-genres with examples including action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, thriller, and western.

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A Guide to the Basic Film Genres (and How to Use Them)

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Let's look at genre theory, what it entails, and how to utilize film genres with a bit more practicality and creativity in your own projects.