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 scripted story with characters, conflict and structure. Most feature films and TV series are narrative, and they are what screenplays are written for.

Documentary film

Documentaries present real people and events. They are often shaped in the edit rather than fully scripted in advance, though many use outlines, interviews and narration scripts.

Experimental film

Experimental films explore image, sound and rhythm without following conventional narrative rules. They are common in art and festival settings.

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