In film theory,genre refers to the method of film categorization based on similarities in the narrative elements from which films are constructed. A genre is always a vagueterm with no fixed boundaries. Many works also cross into multiple genres.Films are usually categorized according to their setting, theme, and mood. The setting is the environment where the story and action takes place. The theme or topic refers to the issues or concepts that the film revolves around. The mood is the emotional tone of the film. In fact, it is rare to find a film that belongs exclusively to one genre; that is to say, almost no film will possess all of the characteristics of a single genre and none of the characteristics of any other.

The following table gives an overview of film genres defined according to setting, theme and mood.

                                                                                                                                                                                           

Film  Genres	Film
Prison / Crime 犯罪片	The  Shawshank Redemption 肖生克的救赎
Fantasy 奇幻片	Harry  Potter 哈里•波特
History/ Epic 历史片	Troy 特洛伊
War 战争片	Saving  Private Ryan 拯救大兵瑞恩
Science Fiction 科幻片	Star  Wars 星球大战
Espionage/ Spy 间谍片	James  Bond 邦德系列片
Comedy/ Drama 喜剧片	Bridget  Jones’ Diary 单身日记
Tragedy/ Drama 悲剧片	Brave  Heart 勇敢的心
Romance/ Love Story 爱情片	Titanic 泰坦尼克号
Action 动作片	The  Matrix 黑客帝国
Disaster 灾难片	The  Day After Tomorrow 后天
Thriller / Horror 恐怖片	Alien 异形
Musical and Dance 歌舞片	Dancer  in the Dark 黑暗中的舞者
Animation 动画片	Beauty  and the Beast 美女与野兽
Biopic 传记片	The Fighter  斗士
Inspiration  励志片	The Pursuit of Happyness 当幸福来敲门
Adventure 冒险片	Gulliver’s Travel 格列夫游记
Literary  文艺片	Pride and Prejudice 傲慢与偏见
Documentary 纪录片	Oceans 海洋
Feature 故事片	Forrest Gump 阿甘正传