Genre is a way of grouping different products based on similar themes, styles, or topics.
A sub-genre is a smaller category within a main genre. It has features of the larger genre but also includes its own unique elements.
For example, horror is a main genre, but there are different types of horror films, such as:
A hybrid genre is when a film or TV show mixes elements from two or more genres to create something unique. Instead of fitting into just one category, it blends different styles and conventions. Hybrid genres make films more interesting by combining these elements to appeal to a wider audience.
For example, romance and comedy can be mixed to create a romantic comedy (rom com) which mixes romantic moments with those humorous misunderstandings.
This is the idea that genres follow familiar patterns (repetition) but also change in new ways (difference) to keep audiences interested.
When we watch a film, we expect certain things based on its genre. For example, in an action movie, we expect fast-paced chases, fights, and a hero overcoming challenges. This is repetition as it follows the typical genre conventions that audiences can recognise.
However, if every action movie was the same, people would get bored. That’s where difference comes in. A film might add new elements, change character roles, or mix genres to make it fresh and exciting. Deadpool is a good example of this as it follows many conventions of a regular superhero film, but also breaks the rules in several ways: