2025 Genres and Elements

Posted 15th August 2025

2025 Genres and Elements

Elements

  • An accident 
  • Something precious 
  • A miniature 
  • Slow motion moment 

Genres

1 - The Holiday Movie

2 - The Man vs Machine Movie

3 - The Race Against Time Movie

4 - The Found Footage Movie

5 - The Ghost Movie

6 - The Buddy Movie

7 - The Road Movie

8 - The Fairytale Movie

9 - The Cat & Mouse Movie

10 - The Monster Movie

11 - The Man vs Nature Movie

12 - The Action/Adventure Movie

Further explanations

Elements

An Accident

Your accident can be anything from a minor mishap to a major event. We donʻt need to see the accident - it just needs to be part of your story in some way.

You could use the accident as a pivotal plot device, introducing conflict, altering character trajectories, or revealing hidden truths by chance. You could show the accident directly, build suspense leading up to it, or show its aftermath, allowing the audience to infer what happened. The portrayal can be realistic, metaphorical, or exaggerated for comedic / dramatic effect, it's up to you.

Something Precious

Something precious is an object, person, or even an abstract concept that holds significant value to a character or the overall narrative. 

This value could be monetary, sentimental, symbolic, or even crucial to the plot's resolution. You could explore the lengths a character will go to protect, retrieve, or honor this precious item, generating conflict and suspense.

A Miniature

A miniature is just a small version of something, be it a prop or something you use to create a visual effect. It just needs to be small.

Practically, miniatures are often employed to depict vast landscapes, futuristic cities, or destructive events when full-scale sets are impractical or impossible. Beyond special effects, a miniature can be a true art department challenge.

Slow Motion Moment

There must be a slow motion moment in your film - you can do this by shooting at a higher frame rate. If you donʻt have equipment that can do that, or are animating, characters and objects can move simply move slowly.

You could use slow motion to emphasize specific actions, heighten dramatic tension, draw attention to intricate details, or convey a character's subjective experience of time. You might employ it during action sequences to highlight a critical move, during emotional beats to allow the audience to linger on a character's reaction, or to visually express a character's altered perception during moments of shock, joy, or intense focus. 

Genres

1 - The Holiday Movie

This genre revolves around characters experiencing or preparing for a significant holiday, like Christmas, Easter or Matariki. They often explore themes about family and traditions, with unexpected events that disrupt the celebration. The setting and tone are typically influenced by the specific holiday.

2 - The Man vs Machine Movie

This genre explores the conflict between human protagonists and machines - be it artificial intelligence, robots or other types of technology. Themes often include technological advancement, humanity's place in a tech-driven world, and the dangers of unchecked innovation.

  • Examples: 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Terminator, The Matrix, Blade Runner, I, Robot, Ex Machina, Mitchells vs the machines.

3 - The Race Against Time Movie

The core of this genre is the protagonist trying to achieve a critical objective before a looming deadline. High stakes, urgency, and often escalating tension are key characteristics as the clock ticks down.

4 - The Found Footage Movie

This genre presents its narrative as if it were discovered or recovered recordings (e.g., camcorder footage, surveillance tapes, video calls). Whether it is shaky camera work, an amateur aesthetic, or an archival look, the aim is to heighten the sense of authenticity and immersion.

5 - The Ghost Movie

Films in this genre feature supernatural entities, typically spirits of the deceased, interacting with living characters. They can range from terrifying horror to poignant dramas, exploring themes of grief, unfinished business, or the boundaries between life and death.

6 - The Buddy Movie

This genre focuses on the dynamic and often humorous relationship between two central characters who, despite their differences, embark on an adventure or overcome obstacles together. The development of their bond is central to the narrative.

  • Examples: Lethal Weapon, Turner & Hooch, The Blues Brothers, Rush Hour, Dumb and Dumber, Toy Story.
  • 48Hours example: Loyal by Couch Kumara

7 - The Road Movie

Whether by car, on foot, horseback, or boat, this genre is about going on a journey. The journey itself is as important as the destination and serves as a vehicle for self-discovery and character development as the protagonists encounter various challenges and individuals along the way. 

8 - The Fairytale Movie

This genre draws inspiration from traditional folklore and classic fairytales. They often feature fantastical elements, clear moral lessons, archetypal characters (heroes, villains, magical creatures), and a sense of wonder or enchantment.

  • Examples: Edward Scissorhands, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Pan's Labyrinth, Princes Bride, Beastly.
  • 48Hours example: Carecrow by Hairy Stool

9 - The Cat & Mouse Movie

This genre comes from the classic Tom and Jerry concept of a cat and mouse attempting to capture and deceive one another. It centers on a high-stakes pursuit or intellectual game between two opposing forces, usually a protagonist and an antagonist. It's characterized by elaborate schemes, deception, counter-moves, and a constant shifting of power.

  • Examples: Duel, Catch Me If You Can, The Fugitive, Panic Room, Se7en, Heat, Identity Thief.

10 - The Monster Movie

The Monster genre often features terrifying creatures, often supernatural or mutated, that pose a significant threat to humanity or specific characters. The genre explores fear of the unknown, the consequences of scientific hubris, or the primal struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. It's a rich genre that has been reinvented many times as people explore what the concept of a monster really is.

  • Examples: The Fly, Godzilla, Alien, Gremlins, A Quiet Place, Christine, Attack of the 50’ Woman, Jurassic Park, Predator.
  • 48Hours example: Beware The Kraken by Sports Team

11 - The Man vs Nature Movie

This genre pits human characters against the raw, often unforgiving forces of the natural world. Survival against elements, wild animals, or natural disasters is a central theme, highlighting human vulnerability and resilience.

  • Examples: 127 Hours, Cast Away, Jaws, The Revenant, Twister, Into Thin Air, The Grey, Avatar.

12 - The Action/Adventure Movie

Whether you want to go with Action or Adventure, or combine the two, it's up to you. This broad genre emphasizes exciting sequences, thrilling pursuits, physical challenges, and often a journey to discover or retrieve something important. Protagonists typically engage in daring feats, combat, and navigate dangerous environments.