What Are the Three Types of Film?

The three main types of film are usually given as narrative (fiction), documentary (non-fiction) and experimental (avant-garde). Animation is often listed alongside them, but it is a technique that can be used for any of the three. Most screenwriting courses focus on narrative film.

• Narrative films tell fictional stories.
• Documentaries record and interpret real events.
• Experimental films prioritize form over conventional story.

Narrative film

Narrative films tell a story with characters, a plot and usually a script. Most films people see in cinemas and on streaming services are narrative: dramas, comedies, thrillers, horror, science fiction and so on. They can be features, shorts or episodes of a series.

For screenwriters, narrative film is the main territory. A narrative script sets out every scene, line of dialogue and action in advance, and the director, actors and crew bring it to the screen.

Documentary film

Documentaries record real people and events. They range from observational films that follow subjects with a camera to investigative films built on interviews and archive footage, and essay films that argue a point of view.

Documentaries are rarely scripted in the narrative sense, but writing still matters. Filmmakers write treatments to raise money, outlines to plan shoots, and narration and structure in the edit. Many documentary editors and directors describe the edit as where the film is really written.

Experimental film

Experimental or avant-garde films prioritize form, image and sound over conventional storytelling. They may have no characters or plot, use abstract images, or play with time and editing in unusual ways. They are often short and shown in galleries, museums and specialist festivals.

Some experimental films use a written plan, but many are developed through the process of shooting and editing.

Where do animation and hybrids fit?

Animation is a technique rather than a separate type. An animated film can be narrative, documentary or experimental. The same goes for many other categories people use, such as short film or music video.

Many modern films mix types. Docudramas combine real events with scripted scenes. Some narrative films use documentary techniques such as handheld camera and non-professional actors. The three categories are a starting point, not strict boundaries.

Which type should you write?

If you want to write screenplays, start with a narrative short. It teaches structure, character and dialogue in a form you can finish and possibly shoot. If your interest is real stories, a documentary treatment is a useful exercise in finding the shape of true events.

Questions

Is animation a type of film?

Animation is usually treated as a technique rather than a separate type. Animated films can be narrative, documentary or experimental.

What are film genres?

Genres such as comedy, horror or thriller describe the kind of story within narrative film. They are a different way of classifying films.

Related course: Screenwriting 101