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Genres Sections
This section is maintained by Mark Bailey
The web interface provides a very easy to use and convenient
interface to the IMDb additions system. Please click the
button labelled "Update" near the bottom of every IMDb
name/title page to access that interface. This page
defines the genres, it also
specifies what we require to
start a new genre classification.
describes how to update genre information directly via e-mail, and
provides an explanation for the formats
generated by the web updates system.
These are guidelines. Only some of these genres are
objective. For the others a little leeway is given but please
try to adhere to the definitions.
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Action
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should contain numerous scenes where action is
spectacular and usually destructive. Note: if a
movie contains just one action scene (even if prolonged,
eg airplane-accident)
it does not qualify. Subjective.
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Adult
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We do not accept submissions for this genre directly.
Please email for further details if you wish to classify
titles with this genre. Objective.
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Adventure
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should contain numerous consecutive and inter-related
scenes of characters participating in hazardous or
exciting experiences for a specific goal. Not to be
confused with Action, and should only sometimes be
supplied with it. Subjective.
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Animation
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Over 75% of the title's running time should have scenes that are
wholly, or part-animated.
Any form of animation is acceptable, eg hand-drawn,
computer-generated, stop-motion, etc. Objective.
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Comedy
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virtually all scenes should contain characters
participating in humourous or comedic experiences. The
comedy can be exclusively for the viewer, at the expense
of the characters in the title, or be shared with them.
There are various types of comedy, some are: spoof, parody, satire, black-comedy. Please
submit any qualifying keywords such as those to better
describe the humour. Note: if most scenes are not
compliant with comedic themes, then use the comedy keyword (or other
variations) instead, and do not match the title for this
genre. Subjective.
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Crime
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should contain numerous consecutive and inter-related
scenes of characters participating, aiding, abetting,
and/or planning criminal behaviour or experiences usually
for an illicit goal. Not to be confused with Film-Noir,
and only sometimes should be supplied with it.
Subjective.
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Documentary
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should contain numerous consecutive scenes of real
personages and not characters portrayed by actors. This
genre demotes other genres (Short, Family and War
are ones that can co-exist with Documentary) such that they
should be supplied as keywords instead. eg concerts (classical
and pop), "making of" shows, tribute/biographical shows,
game, quiz and talks shows, are Documentary, (even if the
encapsulated subjects within fit other genres). In the case
of concerts, we ask that you submit the keyword music along with this genre.
Note: This genre restricts the use of most genres
which should be submitted as keywords. Objective.
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Drama
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should contain numerous consecutive scenes of characters
portrayed to effect a serious narrative throughout the
title. This can be exagerrated upon to produce melodrama. Please submit
any such keywords. Subjective.
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Family
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should be universally accepted viewing. eg aimed
specifically for the education and/or entertainment of
children or the entire family. Note: Usually, but
never always, complementary to Animation. Objective.
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Film-Noir
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should be shot in black and white, american, and set in
contemporary times (relative to shooting date). We take
the view that this genre began with Underworld (1927) and ended with Touch of Evil
(1958)Note: neo-noir should be
submitted as a keyword instead of this genre for titles
that do not fit all criteria.
Objective.
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Fantasy
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should contain numerous consecutive scenes of characters
portrayed to effect a magical and/or mystical narrative
throughout the title. Note: not to be confused
with Sci-Fi which is not usually based in magic or
mysticism. Subjective.
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Horror
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should contain numerous consecutive scenes of characters
effecting a terrifying and/or repugnant narrative
throughout the title. Note: not to be confused
with Thriller which is not usually based in fear or
abhorrence. Subjective.
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Musical
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should contain several scenes of characters bursting into
song aimed at the viewer (this excludes songs performed
for the enjoyment of other characters that may be
viewing) whilst the rest of the time, usually but not
exclusively, portraying a narrative that alludes to
another Genre. Note: not to be added for titles
that are simply music related or have music performances
in them eg Pop concerts do not apply. Objective.
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Mystery
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should contain numerous inter-related scenes of one or
more characters portrayed endeavouring to widen their
knowledge of anything pertaining to themselves or others.
Note: Usually, but not always associated with
Crime. Subjective.
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Romance
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should contain numerous inter-related scenes of a
character and their personal life with emphasis on
emotional attachment or involvement with other
characters, especially those characterized by a high
level of purity and devotion. Note: Reminder, as
with all genres if this does not describe the movie
wholly, but only certain scenes or a subplot then it
should be submitted as a keyword instead. Subjective.
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War
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should contain numerous scenes and/or a narrative that
pertains to a real war (ie past or current).
Note: for titles that portray fictional war,
please submit it as a keyword only. Objective.
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Western
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should contain numerous scenes and/or a narrative that
portrays frontier life in the American West during
1600s-1900s. Objective.
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Sci-Fi
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numerous scenes, and/or the entire background for the
setting of the narrative, should be based on speculative
scientific discoveries or developments,
environmental changes, space travel, or life on other planets.
Subjective.
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Short
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any title, specifically a "feature", with a running time
of less than 45 minutes ie. 44 minutes or less. If known,
please submit the running time if we do not have one on
record. Note: for TV series and TV movies
the limit is reduced to 22 minutes (21 minutes or less)
as a "half-hour" show should not be listed a Short feature.
Objective.
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Thriller
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should contain numerous sensational scenes or a
narrative that is sensational or suspenseful. Note:
not to be confused with Mystery or Horror, and should only
sometimes be accompanied by one (or both). Subjective.
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We accept suggestions for new genres, however suggestions
should accompany a list of at least 500 suitable titles, or
the means to generate them. The next most likely candidate is
Music. If you believe you can help us sort out
concerts from Musicals... let us know!
We recommend all contributors use the web based update
system and avoid the complexities of the direct email
interface described below.
Send email to adds@imdb.com and the sub-heading "GENRE".
Under the sub-heading, enter the title and the genres using
this format:
<Title1>|<Genre1>|
<Title1>|<Genre2>|
Rules:
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One genre _only_ per line.
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The first genre(s) should be the genres which the movie
complies to. Look below for what a "genre" is.
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The order of the genres matter so the main genre should
always be placed first.
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A genre must be one word only. "Film Noir" is incorrect
because it is two words "Noir" preceeded by "Film". Please
use "Film-Noir"
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You may submit only genres already used. If you would like
a new genre added email me at the above address with
compelling reasons.
Example:
To: adds@imdb.com
GENRE
Point Break (1994)|Action
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)|Sci-Fi
END
Corrections
To remove a genre from a movie, just put a "!" in front of the
line, like this:
GENRE
!Schindler's List|Action
END
Remember, the purpose of the genre is to provide easier
searching in the movie database, like listing all the action
comedy movies, list all the western movies Clint Eastwood
have starred in, etc. Don't remove a genre unless it's
untrue, and equally, don't add a genre unless you're sure.
Thanks.
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