TYPES OF FILM GENRES

Films allow us to explore our minds, to feel some type of way, for example love, fear, happy, sad etc. Some films are used for entertainment but most directors may tell you that their job is not to entertain you but to tell a story. When we watch movies we escape from reality. They take us to places different from our routine surroundings. 

A film genre is a commercial feature evident through repetition and variation, tell familiar stories with familiar characters and familiar situation. Lately, most of us watch movies from recommendations, if the movie is trending or if  the the film has their favorite characters. Film genre's role is played by the expectations of an audience about a film.

Examples of such are: 

1. Action films- Associated with particular spectacle of explosives, chases or combat. For example James Bond films (Spectre of 1962), Mission Impossible films (1996-2011) or Free Guy (2021).

2. Adventure films- It is defined through a quest one has to go to in form of a pursuit. For example Sweet tooth (2021), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) or The Constant Gardener (2005).

3. Animated films- Films are primarily generated by a computer or hand and characters are voiced by actors. For example Moana (2016), Shrek (2001), Space Jam (1996) or Tingatinga (2010).

4. Comedy films- Intend to make the audience laugh. Mainly uses mockumentaries, or parody films. For example Superbad (2007), The Bridesmaids (2011), Just In Time (2021) or Shit Happens (2017).

5. Drama films- Focuses on emotions and often looking to reality rather than sensation. For example KatiKati (2016), Supa Modo (2019), Siri Ya Mtungi (2013), Citizen Kane (1941), or The Irishman (2019).

6. Fantasy film- Defined by situations or characters that are against natural law of human nature, myths, and  has concepts such as magic and supernatural creatures. For example Teenwolf (2011), Harry Potter's films or Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998).

7. Historical films- Provides representations of historical accounts. For example Catch Me If You Can (2002), Titanic (1997) or The First Grader (2010).

8. Horror films-  These are movies meant to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes. For example The Exorcist (1973), The Conjuring (2013) or Saikati (1992).

9. Science fiction- Films with a combination of space, biology, energy, time, and any other observable science. For example 12 Monkeys (1995), Tomorrowland (2015) or Pumzi (2009).

10. Thriller films- Films that bring anticipation and anxiety to the audience. For example Parasite (2019), Gone Girl (2014), Poacher (2018) or Veve (2014).

11. Western films- Films are set in the American West during the 19th Century and brings out the spirit, struggle and demise of the Old Native-Amerian tribes. For example West of Zanzibar (1954), Unforgiven (1992) or The Wild Bunch (1969).

So the next time someone asks you why you are watching Black Widow (2020) or Fast and Furious 9 (2021), your reply may be because they are action/science fiction genre. This will help explain to him or her what types of films you like.