This is an A to Z index of some of the best film and television entertainment on planet earth. Apart from entertainment, we have found a way of capturing and recording history as educational biopics, and retelling these events in a way that humans understand and enjoy.

Many are complete works of fiction with superhumans and animated cartoon characters coming to life from the pages of comics, and these tend to outperform true life stories in terms of financial returns for Hollywood and other studios around the world.

Nevertheless, as an artform, making cinematic pictures that make people laugh and cry requires extreme dedication from the actors, directors and producers, who turn scripts into a visual experience that helps to shape lives. And let us not forget the studios that take a chance on backing a variety of subjects and stories that need to be told, to inspire the next generations of film makers and movie goers. At the same time providing millions of jobs around the world to develop the technology that we tend to take for granted. But is nothing less than amazing.

A - Z FILMS INDEX - ARCHIVE

The following is an overview of the most commonly recognized primary film genres and their general popularity:

Most Commonly Recognized Primary Film Genres:

1. Action: Often features high-stakes situations, stunts, fights, chases, and a clear protagonist battling against antagonists. Consistently popular due to its excitement and visceral appeal. 

2. Comedy: Designed to evoke laughter and amusement through various techniques like slapstick, satire, and witty dialogue. Broadly popular as it offers lighthearted entertainment. 

3. Drama: Focuses on serious themes, character development, and emotional depth. Can be popular for its exploration of human experiences and thought-provoking narratives. 

4. Science Fiction (Sci-Fi): Explores speculative concepts based on scientific or technological advancements, often set in the future or involving space, aliens, or advanced technology. Popular for its imaginative worlds and exploration of societal and philosophical questions. 

5. Horror: Aims to scare, unsettle, or disgust the audience through suspense, fear, and often supernatural or violent elements. Has a dedicated and consistent fanbase. 

6. Thriller: Builds suspense and excitement, often involving mystery, danger, and a race against time. Popular for its edge-of-your-seat narratives. 

7. Adventure: Features protagonists on journeys to exotic or dangerous locations, often involving quests and obstacles. Popular for its escapism and sense of wonder. 

8. Fantasy: Incorporates magical elements, mythical creatures, and often takes place in fictional worlds. Popular for its imaginative storytelling and world-building. 

9. Romance: Centers around love stories and the emotional connection between characters. Widely popular, especially romantic comedies. 

10. Mystery: Revolves around solving a puzzle or uncovering a secret, often involving detectives or amateur sleuths. Popular for its engaging and intellectually stimulating narratives.

11. Crime: Focuses on illegal activities, criminals, and often law enforcement. Can be popular for its suspense and exploration of moral ambiguities. Especially those based on real life characters.

12. Animation: Uses animated figures and environments to tell stories. Highly popular, especially with family audiences. 

13. Documentary: Presents factual information and real-life events. Popular for those seeking knowledge and understanding of various subjects. 

14. Westerns: Set in the American Old West, often featuring cowboys, outlaws, and frontier life. Has a dedicated, though sometimes smaller, fanbase. 

15. Musical: Integrates song and dance sequences into the narrative. Can be popular for its entertainment value and spectacle. 

Most Popular Genres (Overview):

Based on box office success, streaming numbers, and general audience interest, some of the consistently most popular genres include:

- Action and Adventure: These often go hand-in-hand and attract a wide global audience.
- Science Fiction and Fantasy: These genres have seen a surge in popularity, particularly with large franchises.
- Comedy: Always a reliable crowd-pleaser for its ability to entertain.
- Drama: While diverse, well-made dramas often achieve critical and commercial success.
- Horror: Maintains a strong and dedicated following.
- Animation: Consistently popular with families and a broad age range. 

Popularity fluctuates based on current trends, specific films, and how data is measured. Additionally, many films blend genres, creating hybrid genres that can also be very successful.