Keywords

Updated 10-July-2024

Overview
Keyword Categories

Subgenres
Plot Timeframes
Plot Details
Other

Special keywords
Duplicate Keywords
Tracking your contribution

Overview

A keyword is a short phrase attached to a title (e.g. movie / series / episode) that describes it in some way. The main purpose of keywords is to allow entertainment fans to easily search and discover titles.

A keyword can be a single word (e.g. waterfall) or a phrase with words separated by a dash (e.g. world-war-two; running-away-from-home)
Keywords display with spaces in all IMDb experiences, as well as in licensed datasets. Despite the requirement to contribute them with dashes
Keywords should be lower-case
Please check to see what already exists before contributing a new keyword. A list of the keywords currently being used can be displayed by clicking on the gray list icon ( ) next to the keyword field

Keyword Categories

You can specify which category a keyword belongs to when contributing it. For example, the category "subgenre" can be selected for the "jungle-adventure" keyword on Jumanji (1995) to signify that it belongs to the jungle adventure subgenre. Likewise, the category "plot detail" can be selected for the keyword "stampede" on The Lion King (1994) to signify that a stampede occurs in the plot.

If your contribution is approved then you will see the keyword under a subheading corresponding to the category you selected. Besides making the keywords more digestible, these categories are also helping entertainment fans to discover and decide what to watch. For example, the subgenre and plot timeframe keywords are currently being used to power games in the IMDb What to Watch app on Amazon Fire TV devices.

It is possible to select different categories for the same keyword on different titles. For example, Chris Rock: Bring the Pain (1996) can have the "stand-up-comedy" keyword with the category "subgenre," while Seinfeld (1989-1998) can have the same "stand-up-comedy" keyword with the category "plot detail."

It is not yet possible to select different categories for the same keyword on the _same title_. For example, The Godfather (1972) cannot have two "organized-crime" keywords - one with the category "subgenre" and the other with the category "plot-detail." In these rare cases we prioritize the subgenre over the plot detail, so The Godfather (1972) should have only one "organized-crime" keyword, with the category "subgenre."

Please note that keyword categories are currently only displayed in the IMDb iOS and Android apps - they are not yet displayed on the IMDb website. It is also not yet possible to vote on keywords in the apps. However, we are aware that these are popular missing features.

The following keyword categories are currently supported:

Subgenres
Plot Timeframes
Plot Details
Other

Subgenres

Used to specify which subgenres apply to the title. For a subgenre to be valid, it should play a meaningful part in the overarching plot/setting/medium of the title. For example:

An adventure film that has one scene in a jungle should not have the subgenre "jungle-adventure."
A comedy that has one joke about death should not necessarily have the subgenre "dark-comedy."
A CG-animated film that has one 2D-animated scene should not have the subgenre "2D-animation."

Expand the lists below to see suggested subgenre values. It is possible to contribute other values not listed below, however please only contribute another value if an equivalent suggested value does not exist. For example, please use the suggested keyword "dark-comedy" instead of "black-comedy," and use the keyword "disaster-action" instead of "disaster" for a disaster movie/series belonging to the action genre.

See here for suggested values for movies

Genre	Subgenre	Examples	Description
action	disaster-action	The Day After Tomorrow	Contains one or more disasters such as natural disasters, accidents, or global catastrophes such as a pandemic.
action	martial-arts-action	Enter the Dragon	Plot and action is centered on a martial artist or a group of martial artists.
action	spy-action	Casino Royale	Contains espionage by one or more of the main characters.
action	superhero-action	Avengers: Endgame	The main character(s) have superhuman powers, or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, which are are typically used to protect the public.
action	sword-and-sandal-action	Gladiator	Set in the Greco-Roman or biblical time period.
action	epic-action	300	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
action	one-person-army-action	Kill Bill, Die Hard, Rambo	Contains the primary character fighting many enemies.
action	b-action	Miami Connection	Produced on a low budget.
action	team-action	Predator, Aliens, Red, A-Team, The Suicide Squad	The key action scenes involve a group of people working together.
action	car-action	Fast and the Furious	The key action scenes involve motor vehicles.
action	gun-fu-action	The Matrix, John Wick	The gun fu subgenre features highly choreographed gun battles that incorporate stylized martial arts, acrobatics, and fluid gun handling. These battles often involve close-quarters combat, dynamic camera work, and rapid editing to create a sense of frenetic energy and excitement.
action	kung-fu-action	Ip Man, Enter the Dragon	The kung fu subgenre features the practice and mastery of Chinese martial arts. In Chinese, "kung fu" refers to any skill acquired through practice. Born as a backlash against the supernatural tropes of wuxia, the kung fu subgenre depicts realistic, unarmed fight choreography, highlighting the skill, speed, and agility of the martial artists involved, as well as the discipline, patience and strength required to become a master.
action	samurai-action	Yojimbo, Seven Samurai	The samurai subgenre, also known as chanbara, features the samurai warrior class and their way of life. These stories often relfect bushido, or "the way of the warrior," a moral code that guides samurai attitudes, behavior and lifestyle. Often set in feudal Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868), samurai stories depict the tension between tradition and modernization, the struggle for power and justice, and the decline of a traditional way of life.
action	wuxia-action	Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tragon (2000), Hero (2002)	The wuxia subgenre features the adventures of sword-wielding, chivalrous heroes in ancient China who possess extraordinary martial arts skills, sometimes bordering on the supernatural. Often led by a code of chivalry, wuxia heroes strive to redress wrongs, fight for righteousness, remove oppressors, and bring retribution for past misdeeds. Wuxia stories depict highly stylized action sequences, characterized by gravity-defying stunts, intricate choreography, and the use of various weapons.
adventure	space-adventure	The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy	An adventure set primarily in space.
adventure	sea-adventure	Master and Commander	An adventure set primarily at sea.
adventure	jungle-adventure	Jumanji, Jungle Book, Tarzan	An adventure set primarily in a jungle or rainforest.
adventure	snow-adventure	Ice Age, The Revenant, The Grey	An adventure set primarily in a snowy environment.
adventure	desert-adventure	Sahara	An adventure set primarily in the desert.
adventure	urban-adventure	The Warriors	An adventure set primarily in a city, town or village.
adventure	road-trip-adventure	Mad Max: Fury Road	An adventure set primarily on the road. The mode of transport doesn't matter.
adventure	survival-adventure	The Edge, Cast Away	An adventure in which one or more characters are in danger and trying to survive natural elements.
adventure	quest-adventure	Fellowship of the Ring	An adventure in which one or more characters are trying to achieve something besides surviving.
adventure	swashbuckler-adventure	Pirates of the Caribbean	An adventure involving pirates.
adventure	epic-adventure	Ben-Hur	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
adventure	mountain-adventure	Cliffhanger	An adventure set primarily in mountains or significantly hilly terrain.
adventure	dinosaur-adventure	Jurassic Park	An adventure involving dinosaurs.
adventure	globetrotting-adventure	Raiders of the Lost Ark, Skyfall	An adventure that takes place in more than one continent and more than two countries.
adventure	teen-adventure	Hunger Games	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
adventure	island-adventure	Six Days Seven Nights	An adventure set primarily on one or more islands.
animation	anime-animation	Akira	Animation originating from Japan, or emulating the style of Japanese animation.
animation	isekai-anime-animation	Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!	Isekai is a subgenre of Japanese animation that features characters who are transported from their ordinary lives into parallel worlds or alternate dimensions. These anime follow the characters' adventures as they navigate their new surroundings, encounter fantastical creatures, and embark on missions or quests.
animation	iyashikei-anime-animation	Natusme's Book of Friends	Iyashikei is a subgenre of Japanese animation that aims to provide a sense of healing, relaxation, and comfort. These anime are characterized by their gentle pacing, serene atmospheres, and focus on everyday life and nature.
animation	josei-anime-animation	Kids on the Slope	Josei is a subgenre of Japanese animation that is intended for adult women. These anime typically focus on realistic portrayals of relationships, emotions, and everyday life.
animation	seinen-anime-animation	Ghost in the Shell (1995)	Seinen is a subgenre of Japanese animation that is intended for adult men. These anime often explore mature themes and complex narratives, such as psychological drama, crime, and existentialism.
animation	slice-of-life-anime-animation	Barakamon	Slice of life is a subgenre of Japanese animation that portrays everyday life, often without a central plot or overarching narrative. Instead, slice of life anime captures the ordinary experiences, interactions, and emotions of its characters, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and struggles.
animation	classic-animation	Pinocchio	Animation produced during the 20th century.
animation	2d-animation	The Iron Giant	Traditional or computer animation that exists in a two-dimensional space.
animation	cg-animation	Toy Story	Computer-generated animation.
animation	for-grown-ups-animation	Sausage Party	Animation catered specifically to adult interests.
animation	hand-drawn-animation	Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Anastasia, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Batman: The Animated Series	Hand-drawn animation, also known as traditional animation, is a technique in which each frame is created by hand. It involves the process of drawing individual images, known as frames or cels, by skilled animators and then photographing or filming them in sequence to create the illusion of motion.
animation	holiday-animation	A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)	The holiday animation subgenre features animated stories that focus on winter holiday themes, traditions, and celebrations. These stories use animation techniques including hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and stop motion animation to bring festive stories to life, often targeting audiences of all ages.
animation	stop-motion-animation	Fantastic Mr. Fox	The animation technique of photographing physical objects that are manipulated between frames.
animation	live-action-animation	Who Framed Roger Rabbit	Features a combination of live-action and non-photo realistic 2D or 3D animated characters or settings.
comedy	stand-up-comedy	Eddie Murphy: Delirious	One or more comedians performing in front of a live audience, in real life.
comedy	farce-comedy	Some Like It Hot, A Fish Called Wanda	A farce is a subgenre that features exaggerated situations, slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and chaotic, rapid-fire events. Farces are known for their absurd and over-the-top comedic elements, often involving misunderstandings, physical comedy, and improbable scenarios.
comedy	mockumentary-comedy	Best in Show	A spoof documentary depicting fictional events.
comedy	crude-humor-comedy	The Hangover	The key humoristic features of the title are distasteful, uncomfortable or even gross.
comedy	cringe-comedy	Borat, Bad Trip	The key humoristic features of the title make audiences purposefully uncomfortable.
comedy	stoner-comedy	Pinneapple Express	The key humoristic features of the title come from the main character(s) consuming marijuana.
comedy	teen-comedy	American Pie, Clueless etc.	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
comedy	quirky-comedy	New Girl, Napolean Dynamite	The key humoristic features come from peculiar or unexpected traits in the characters, situations, or filmmaking.
comedy	surreal-comedy	Monty Python, Tim & Eric	The key humoristic features come from deliberate violations of causal reasoning, resulting in situations and behaviors that are obviously illogical, irrational or absurd.
comedy	dark-comedy	Death to Smoochy	The key humoristic features make light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered too serious or painful to discuss.
comedy	alternative-comedy	Election, Being John Malkovich	Makes a conscious break from the mainstream comedic style of the era it was released.
comedy	parody-comedy	Spaceballs, Hot Shots!	A comedy that imitates the style or character of one or more other works.
comedy	satire-comedy	The Campaign, Borat	The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
comedy	buddy-comedy	Booksmart, Step Brothers	A comedy where the main characters are a comedic duo.
comedy	buddy-cop-comedy	Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour	The buddy cop subgenre features two main characters, typically police officers with contrasting personalities, who are forced to work together to solve a crime or achieve a common goal. The interactions and dynamics between the two characters, often from different backgrounds or with conflicting approaches to police work, create both humor and tension, resulting in entertaining and action-packed narratives.
comedy	high-concept-comedy	Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty	A comedy with a clear comedic premise or 'what if…' scenario.
comedy	holiday-comedy	Christmas Vacation (1989), The Night Before (2015)	The holiday comedy subgenre combines elements of humor with the festive spirit of the holiday season. These movies are typically light-hearted, often featuring comedic situations, humorously exaggerated characters, and amusing plots set against the backdrop of a holiday celebration, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or other cultural and religious celebrations.
comedy	road-trip-comedy	Little Miss Sunshine, Vacation	A comedy where most of the plot develops on the road while traveling.
comedy	showbiz-comedy	The Producers	A comedy where the main character(s) work within or around the entertainment industry.
comedy	raunchy-comedy	American Pie	A comedy where sex and relationships drive the key comedic aspects of the plot.
comedy	romantic-comedy	When Harry Met Sally, While You Were Sleeping	The romantic comedy subgenre, also known as "rom-com", feature romantic relationships and interactions between characters while incorporating elements of humor and comedic situations. These stories blend the emotional journey of falling in love with lighthearted and funny scenarios, creating an entertaining and feel-good experience for the audience.
comedy	body-swap-comedy	Freaky Friday, 13 Going on 30	A comedy where the main character(s) finds themselves in a different or changed body.
comedy	screwball-comedy	Bringing Up Baby, It Happened One Night	The screwball comedy, which emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, is known for its fast-paced, zany, and often absurd humor. They feature witty dialogue, comedic misunderstandings, and unconventional romantic pairings. These comedies often incorporate elements of farce, slapstick, and satire to create a unique and entertaining blend of humor.
comedy	slapstick-comedy	Clue, Rat Race, The Bellboy, A Fish Called Wanda	The key humoristic features of the title involve exaggerated actions, and absurd, usually mildly violent situations.
crime	scandi-noir-crime	The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo	The plot follows police officer(s) trying to solve a crime in Scandinavia or Nordic countries. Typically has a dark and bleak mood to it.
crime	heist-crime	Heat, The Town, Heist	The plot follows the planning, execution and aftermath of a large robbery.
crime	true-crime	GoodFellas, The Wolf of Wall Street	The plot features a crime that actually occurred in real life.
crime	organized-crime	Gone In 60 Seconds	The plot follows the members and dealings of a gang of criminals.
crime	gangster-crime	The Godfather (1972), American Gangster (2007)	The gangster subgenre features the perspectives of characters involved in criminal organizations. These stories typically center on the tragic rise and fall of an antihero in their pursuit of wealth, power, and status.
crime	police-procedural-crime	Law & Order	The plot follows police proceedings in detail.
crime	serial-killer-crime	Seven	The plot follows a series of murders committed supposedly by the same person.
crime	drug-crime	Sicario, Breaking Bad	The plot follows drug-related crimes.
crime	caper-crime	The Sting, Oceans 11, Logan Lucky	The plot follows one or more crimes perpetrated by the main characters in full view of the audience, typically with elements of humor, adventure, or unusual cleverness or audacity. The main characters often have comical idiosyncrasies and the law enforcement individuals are characterized by ineptitude or inadequacies.
crime	buddy-cop-crime	Lethal Weapon	The main characters are a law enforcement duo.
documentary	art-documentary	Basquiat The Radiant Child, Banksy Does New York - Going After Him, Le mystère Picasso, The Cool School, Gerhard Richter: Painting, Tim's Vermeer	Non-fiction title about any of the art forms.
documentary	crime-documentary	Inside Job	Non-fiction title about a crime.
documentary	entertainment-documentary	Jim & Andy	Non-fiction title about people in the entertainment business or the making of a movie or TV show.
documentary	environmental-documentary	I Am Greta	Non-fiction title about environmental issues. Titles about the environment from a mere natural sciences perspective may fit better under nature-documentaries.
documentary	food-and-drink-documentary	Julia (2021)	Non-fiction title about food and drink.
documentary	history-documentary	They Shall Not Grow Old (2018), 13th (2016)	The history documentary features historical events, figures, periods, and cultural developments using visual storytelling techniques. These documentaries provide insights into the past, offering a detailed and often educational exploration of historical topics and aim to inform, educate, and engage audiences.
documentary	military-and-war-documentary	They Shall Not Grow Old	Non-fiction title about war and/or military.
documentary	music-documentary	When You're Strange	Non-fiction title about music and/or the art of artists or bands.
documentary	nature-documentary	The Year Earth Changed	Non-fiction title about nature, including all life-forms and earth sciences. Documentaries about sustainability might fit best under environmental-documentary.
documentary	politics-documentary	Fahrenheit 9/11, RBG	Non-fiction title about politics, or focused socio-political themes.
documentary	religion-and-spirituality-documentary	Becoming Nobody	Non-fiction title about religion and spirituality.
documentary	science-and-technology-documentary	An Inconvenient Truth	Non-fiction title about science and/or technology.
documentary	social-documentary	Flee, Waiting for Superman	Non-fiction title about social issues.
documentary	sports-documentary	Deigo Maradona	Non-fiction title about a sport or game.
documentary	travel-documentary	The Last Tourist	Non-fiction title about locations.
drama	docudrama-drama	The Wolf of Wall Street	A drama based on a true story.
drama	domestic-drama	CODA, American Beauty, Lady Bird	A drama based on family issues and relationships.
drama	dramedy-drama	Parasite, Inside Llewelyn Davis, About Schmidt	Used to categorize titles with comedic undertones that qualify for the Drama genre but not necessarily the Comedy genre
drama	epic-drama	The Godfather, There Will Be Blood	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
drama	financial-drama	Wall Street, The Big Short	The financial drama subgenre features characters and situations in the financial industry, corporate boardrooms, or economic crises. Financial dramas explore the complexities of money, power, greed, and the impact of financial decisions on individuals and society as a whole.
drama	legal-drama	12 Angry Men	The plot takes place in a legal setting or around court proceedings.
drama	medical-drama	John Q, Contagion	The plot takes place in a medical setting, such as a hospital.
drama	political-drama	Vice	The plot takes place in a political setting.
drama	prison-drama	The Shawshank Redemption	The plot takes place in a prison.
drama	psychological-drama	Uncut Gems, Whiplash	The plot features the viewpoint of stressed characters, revealing their distorted mental perceptions.
drama	supernatural-drama	The Green Mile, Annihilation, The Sixth Sense	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
drama	teen-drama	The Breakfast Club	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
drama	tragedy-drama	Requiem for a Dream, The Godfather Part II	The plot follows sorrowful or terrible events encountered or caused by the main character(s).
drama	workplace-drama	Working Girl, Up In The Air	The plot takes place in an office setting that's not covered by other sub-genres (ex: medical-drama, legal-drama, academic-drama).
drama	period-drama	Pride and Prejudice, Godfather	A drama set in a specific time period at least a decade before the release date.
drama	cop-drama	Training Day	The main character(s) are police officers.
drama	coming-of-age-drama	Booksmart, Juno, Eighth Grade	The plot features the psychological and moral growth or transition of the main character(s) from youth to adulthood.
drama	academia-drama	Dead Poet's Society, Mona Lisa Smile, The Chair, Kill Your Darlings, Good Will Hunting, Social Network	A drama set in a higher-education academic setting.
drama	costume-drama	Marie Antoinette, The Great, Bridgerton	A drama set between the middle ages and the start of World War I.
drama	disaster-drama	Don't Look Up, Chernobyl, San Andreas	An impending or ongoing disaster is the center of the plot.
drama	showbiz-drama	A Star Is Born	The plot takes place in an entertainment business setting.
family	animals-family	Marley & Me, Beethoven, Babe, Black Beauty	A family-friendly plot that features non-human animals as the main character(s).
family	holiday-season	It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street (1947)	The holiday genre features winter holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or other cultural and religious celebrations. These stories often capture the spirit, traditions, and emotions associated with these special times, making them ideal for seasonal viewing. The holiday genre can further branch into subgenres like holiday comedy, holiday romance, and holiday family.
family	holiday-family	Home Alone (1990), A Christmas Story (1983)	The holiday family subgenre features themes related to the holidays, with a focus on family dynamics, cultural traditions, and the magic of the holiday season. These films are often heartwarming, light-hearted, and family-friendly as they capture the spirit of various winter holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or other cultural and religious celebrations.
family	kids-family	The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Blues Clues Movie	A family-friendly plot catered specifically for young children (7 and under).
fantasy	epic-fantasy	Fellowship of the Ring	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
fantasy	dark-fantasy	Pan's Labyrinth	Incorporates dark or unsettling themes.
fantasy	fairy-tale-fantasy	Jack the Giant Slayer	Draws on themes, characters and images from the classic folklore.
fantasy	sword-and-sorcery-fantasy	Dragonheart	The main character(s) yield swords or wands in their quests.
fantasy	steampunk-fantasy	Wild Wild West	Incorporates retro-futuristic technology and/or aesthetics.
fantasy	teen-fantasy	Harry Potter	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
fantasy	superhero-fantasy	Thor	The main character(s) have superhuman powers, or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, which are are typically used to protect the public.
fantasy	supernatural-fantasy	Ghostbusters	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
history	epic-history	Braveheart	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
history	sword-and-sandal-history	Troy	Set in the Greco-Roman or biblical time period. The plot is based on real-life events of historical significance and features real-life characters (allowing for some artistic license).
horror	supernatural-horror	The Ring	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
horror	psychological-horror	It Follows	The plot features the viewpoint of stressed characters, revealing their distorted mental perceptions .
horror	zombie-horror	Dawn of the Dead	The main character(s) are or fight zombies.
horror	vampire-horror	Dracula	The main character(s) are or fight vampires.
horror	witch-horror	The Witch	The main character(s) are or fight witches.
horror	werewolf-horror	Wolf	The main character(s) are or fight werewolves.
horror	monster-horror	The Thing	The main character(s) are or fight a non-natural creature. Natural creatures (sharks, anacondas) may fit best under nature-horror.
horror	folk-horror	Midsommar, The Witch, The Ritual	Derives horror from naïve outsiders coming up against the actions and beliefs of people rather than explicitly supernatural elements. Often in rural settings.
horror	found-footage-horror	The Blair Witch Project	Produced to generate the impression that the footage was found as shown.
horror	nature-horror	Lake Placid	The main character(s) fight, flee, or survive a dark side of nature.
horror	slasher-horror	Halloween	The plot involves a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, usually by use of bladed tools.
horror	splatter-horror	Saw	Focuses on graphic portrayals of violence and gore.
horror	b-horror	Dead Alive	The title is produced on a low budget.
horror	teen-horror	Jennifer's Body	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
horror	body-horror	Old, The Fly	Focuses on grotesque or psychologically disturbing depictions of the human body.
music	blues-music	The Blues Brothers, Summer of Soul	Contains significant elements of blues music.
music	classical-music	Amadeus	Contains significant elements of classical music.
music	concert-music	Stop Making Sense, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour	The concert music subgenre features live musical performances and events, including recordings of musical artists or bands performing their music in front of a live audience.
music	country-music	A Star Is Born, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Walk the Line	Contains significant elements of country music.
music	dance-music	Footloose, Step Up, Human Traffic	Contains significant elements of dance music.
music	disco-music	Saturday Night Fever	Contains significant elements of disco music.
music	electronic-music	I Dream of Wires	Contains significant elements of electronic music.
music	folk-music	Inside Llewyn Davis	Contains significant elements of folk music.
music	funk-music	Get on Up	Contains significant elements of funk music.
music	hip-hop-music	8 Mile, Straight Outta Compton	Contains significant elements of hip-hop music.
music	jazz-music	Whiplash, La La Land	Contains significant elements of jazz music.
music	latin-music	La Bamba, Selena, El cantante	Contains significant elements of Latin music.
music	pop-music	Bohemian Rhapsody, Pitch Perfect	Contains significant elements of pop music.
music	rap-music	All Eyez on Me	Contains significant elements of rap music.
music	reggae-music	The Harder They Come, Rockers, Marley	Contains significant elements of reggae music.
music	rock-music	Bohemian Rhapsody, Almost Famous, Yesterday	Contains significant elements of rock music.
music	soul-music	Ray, Dreamgirls, Summer of Soul, The Blues Brothers	Contains significant elements of soul music.
musical	stage-musical	Sing 2, West Side Story, Hamilton	Features a live stage performance.
musical	jukebox-musical	Sing 2, Sing, Mamma Mia!	Features well-known songs as opposed to original ones.
musical	pop-musical	West Side Story, Encanto, West Side Story (1961)	The score is largely of the pop musical genre.
musical	rock-musical	The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rent, Grease 2	The score is largely of the rock musical genre.
musical	bollywood-musical	Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, Devdas	Of Indian origin, featuring original song and dance.
musical	operetta-musical	The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Pirates of Penzance, The Pirate Movie	Contains spoken dialogue as well as song, and stands somewhere between an opera and a musical.
musical	classic-musical	West Side Story, Les Misérables , The Sound of Music	Genre staple, either because it was produced during the golden age of cinema, or because it has subsequently defined the genre.
mystery	hardboiled-mystery	Chinatown, The Maltese Falcon	The plot features a detective rendered cynical by cycles of violence and a corrupt justice system.
mystery	whodunnit-mystery	Murder on the Orient Exp, Knives Out	A detective unravels a complicated plot to identify the author of a crime.
mystery	suspense-mystery	Searching, Shutter Island	Features a mystery that generates uncertainty and psychological unease.
mystery	bumbling-detective-mystery	Pink Panther, The Naked Gun	The main characters investigate a crime, but are incompetent or perhaps inexperienced, generating some comic relief.
romance	feel-good-romance	Notting Hill	A romance with a happy ending, often a romantic comedy.
romance	teen-romance	Little Women	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
romance	tearjerker-romance	Titanic	The plot explores emotional themes of longing, heartbreak, and loss in romantic relationships.
romance	epic-romance	Pride & Prejudice	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
romance	dark-romance	Lolita,Unfaithful, Indecent Proposal	The plot explores emotional themes of fear, danger, and pain in troubled romantic relationships.
romance	tragic-romance	A Star is Born	A romance with a tragic ending.
romance	holiday-romance	Love Actually	The plot is centered around the winter holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and/or New Years Eve.
romance	steamy-romance	Love	Features repeatedly explicit intimate scenes.
sci-fi	space-sci-fi	Interstellar	The plot is set in space.
sci-fi	alien-invasion-sci-fi	Independence Day	The plot features an alien invasion.
sci-fi	giant-monster-sci-fi	Godzilla etc.	The main character(s) or villain(s) are giant creatures (e.g. Godzilla).
sci-fi	steampunk-sci-fi	Wild Wild West	The plot features retro-futuristic technology and/or aesthetics.
sci-fi	cyberpunk-sci-fi	The Matrix	The plot is set in a dystopian future that futures a combination of high-tech and lowlife.
sci-fi	dystopian-sci-fi	Finch	The plot is set in a future where a controlling institution or a calamitous disaster has created a state of great suffering and injustice.
sci-fi	robot-sci-fi	Transformers, The Terminator, Ex Machina, Blade Runner	The main character(s) are robots or androids (robots designed to look human).
sci-fi	cyborg-sci-fi	Robocop, Upgrade, Ghost in the Shell, Inspector Gadget	The main character(s) are cyborgs (humans with technological enhancements).
sci-fi	biotech-sci-fi	Prometheus	Focused on the implications of biotechnology.
sci-fi	artificial-intelligence-sci-fi	Ex Machina	Focused on the implications of AI.
sci-fi	time-travel-sci-fi	Back to the Future	Focused on time travel.
sci-fi	space-opera-sci-fi	Star Wars	Focused on space warfare, with melodramatic and romanticized elements.
sci-fi	epic-sci-fi	Dune	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
sci-fi	b-sci-fi	They Live	The title is produced on a low budget.
sci-fi	superhero-sci-fi	Guardians of the Galaxy	The main character(s) have superhuman powers, or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, which are are typically used to protect the public.
sci-fi	interdimensional-sci-fi	The Butterfly Effect	Set in a world where multiple dimensions collide, or where traveling or communicating between them is possible.
sport	american-football-sport	Remember the Titans	The plot features American football.
sport	aquatic-sport	Blue Crush	The plot features water sports.
sport	baseball-sport	Moneyball	The plot features baseball.
sport	basketball-sport	Space Jam	The plot features basketball.
sport	combat-sport	The Karate Kid	The plot features combat sports.
sport	cycling-sport	Rad	The plot features cycling.
sport	extreme-sport	Sunshine Superman	The plot features extreme sports, such as climbing, basejumping, or skateboarding.
sport	soccer-sport	Bend It Like Beckham	The plot features football (soccer).
sport	motorsports-sport	Ford v Ferrari	The plot features motorsports.
sport	boxing-sport	Rocky	The plot features boxing.
sport	teen-sport	The Mighty Ducks	The plot features teens playing a sport (ages 13-19).
sport	underdog-sport	Major League	The plot features an underdog team or athlete.
sport	other-sport	Seabiscuit	The plot features a sport without a defined sub-genre.
sport	winter-sport	I Tonya	The plot features winter sports, such as ice skating, bobsledding, or snowboarding.
sport	racket-sport	King Richard	The plot features racket sports, such as tennis, badminton, or ping pong.
thriller	conspiracy-thriller	The Game	The plot features a suspected conspiracy.
thriller	cyber-thriller	The Net	The plot features cybercrime, or futuristic technology.
thriller	erotic-thriller	Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction	The erotic thriller subgenre features elements of sexual desire, romantic relationships, and sexual intrigue while incorporating elements of danger, suspense, or crime to create tension and suspense. The erotic thriller genre typically features adult themes and explicit sexual scenes, making it distinct from traditional thrillers.
thriller	political-thriller	Zero Dark Thirty	The plot features a political power struggle.
thriller	psychological-thriller	Shutter Island	The plot features the viewpoint of stressed characters, revealing their distorted mental perceptions.
thriller	spy-thriller	No Time To Die	Contains espionage by one or more of the main characters.
thriller	supernatural-thriller	Last Night in Soho	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
thriller	techno-thriller	Tenet	The plot features a technology becoming the enemy of humanity whether through its own intelligence or in the hands of nefarious people.
thriller	legal-thriller	A Few Good Men	The plot takes place in a legal setting or around court proceedings.
thriller	giallo-thriller	Deep Red	A mid-20th Italian-produced murder mystery horror-thriller film that often contains slasher, psychological thriller/horror, sexploitation, and, less frequently, supernatural horror elements.
war	epic-war	1917, Saving Private Ryan	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
war	fictional-war	Red Dawn, Dr. Strangelove	The plot features a war or battle not based on any historic wars or battles.
western	classical-western	High Noon	A western produced during the golden age of the genre, subsequently defining the genre.
western	spaghetti-western	The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly	A western produced in Italian locations or by Italian top crew.
western	contemporary-western	Hell or High Water, No Country for Old Men, HUD	The plot takes place after 1950.
western	epic-western	Unforgiven	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
western	revisionist-western	The Power of the Dog	Subverts the myth and romance of the traditional westerns by adding realism and complexity to the "old west" setting.
western	b-western	7 Men from Now	Produced on a low budget.

See here for suggested values for series

Genre	Subgenre	Examples	Description
animation	anime-animation	Naruto, Attack on Titan, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045	Animation originating from Japan, or emulating the style of Japanese animation.
animation	isekai-anime-animation	That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime	Isekai is a subgenre of Japanese animation that features characters who are transported from their ordinary lives into parallel worlds or alternate dimensions. These anime follow the characters' adventures as they navigate their new surroundings, encounter fantastical creatures, and embark on missions or quests.
animation	iyashikei-anime-animation	Laid-Back Camp	Iyashikei is a subgenre of Japanese animation that aims to provide a sense of healing, relaxation, and comfort. These anime are characterized by their gentle pacing, serene atmospheres, and focus on everyday life and nature.
animation	josei-anime-animation	Nodame kantâbire (2007-2010)	Josei is a subgenre of Japanese animation that is intended for adult women. These anime typically focus on realistic portrayals of relationships, emotions, and everyday life.
animation	mecha-anime-animation	Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996), Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985-1986)	Mecha is a subgenre of Japanese animation that features giant robots or mechs that are controlled by pilots or artificial intelligence.
animation	seinen-anime-animation	Death Note (2006-2007)	Seinen is a subgenre of Japanese animation that is intended for adult men. These anime often explore mature themes and complex narratives, such as psychological drama, crime, and existentialism.
animation	shonen-anime-animation	One Piece, Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)	Shõnen is a subgenre of Japanese animation that is intended for young male audiences. These anime typically feature heroic, action-packed stories with themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement.
animation	shojo-anime-animation	Ouran High School Host Club (2006), Fruits Basket (2001)	Shōjo is a subgenre of Japanese animation that is intended for young female audiences. These anime typically focus on themes of romance, relationships, and personal growth, often featuring female characters navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
animation	slice-of-life-anime-animation	Honey and Clover (2005-2006)	Slice of life is a subgenre of Japanese animation that portrays everyday life, often without a central plot or overarching narrative. Instead, slice of life anime captures the ordinary experiences, interactions, and emotions of its characters, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and struggles.
animation	classic-animation	X-Men, Spider-Man, Scooby Doo	Animation produced during the 20th century.
animation	2d-animation	The Simpsons, Family Guy, Rick and Morty	Traditional or computer animation that exists in a two-dimensional space.
animation	cg-animation	Arcane, Star Wars: The Clone Wars	Computer-generated animation.
animation	for-grown-ups-animation	South Park, BoJack Horseman, Archer	Animation catered specifically to adult interests.
animation	hand-drawn-animation	Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Anastasia, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Batman: The Animated Series	Hand-drawn animation, also known as traditional animation, is a technique in which each frame is created by hand. It involves the process of drawing individual images, known as frames or cels, by skilled animators and then photographing or filming them in sequence to create the illusion of motion.
animation	holiday-animation	A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)	The holiday animation subgenre features animated stories that focus on winter holiday themes, traditions, and celebrations. These stories use animation techniques including hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and stop motion animation to bring festive stories to life, often targeting audiences of all ages.
animation	stop-motion-animation	Robot Chicken, Celebrity Death Match	The animation technique of photographing physical objects that are manipulated between frames.
comedy	stand-up-comedy	Live at the Apollo	One or more comedians performing in front of a live audience, in real life.
comedy	farce-comedy	Fawlty Towers	A farce is a subgenre that features exaggerated situations, slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and chaotic, rapid-fire events. Farces are known for their absurd and over-the-top comedic elements, often involving misunderstandings, physical comedy, and improbable scenarios.
comedy	sketch-comedy	SNL, I Think You Should Leave	A series of short, amusing scenes or vignettes, called "sketches," commonly between one and ten minutes long, performed by a group of comic actors or comedians.
comedy	mockumentary-comedy	The Office, Parks and Rec	A spoof documentary depicting fictional events.
comedy	crude-humor-comedy	It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia	The key humoristic features of the title are distasteful, uncomfortable or even gross.
comedy	cringe-comedy	Curb Your Enthusiasm	The key humoristic features of the title make audiences purposefully uncomfortable.
comedy	stoner-comedy	High Maintenance, Weeds, That 70s Show	The key humoristic features of the title come from the main character(s) consuming marijuana.
comedy	teen-comedy	Sex Education, Glee, The OC, Freaks and Geeks	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
comedy	quirky-comedy	New Girl, The Last Man on Earth	The key humoristic features come from peculiar or unexpected traits in the characters, situations, or filmmaking.
comedy	surreal-comedy	Russian Doll, The Good Place, Rick and Morty	The key humoristic features come from deliberate violations of causal reasoning, resulting in situations and behaviors that are obviously illogical, irrational or absurd.
comedy	dark-comedy	Russian Doll, Search Party, Barry	The key humoristic features make light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered too serious or painful to discuss.
comedy	alternative-comedy	Reno 911, Broad City	Makes a conscious break from the mainstream comedic style of the era it was released.
comedy	parody-comedy	Archer, Reno 911, MacGruber	A comedy that imitates the style or character of one or more other works.
comedy	satire-comedy	The Campaign, Borat, Documentary Now	The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
comedy	buddy-comedy	Two Broke Girls, Grace and Frankie, Psych, Good Omens	Comedy where protagonists are a comedic duo.
comedy	buddy-cop-comedy	Lethal Weapon (2016-2019)	The buddy cop subgenre features two main characters, typically police officers with contrasting personalities, who are forced to work together to solve a crime or achieve a common goal. The interactions and dynamics between the two characters, often from different backgrounds or with conflicting approaches to police work, create both humor and tension, resulting in entertaining and action-packed narratives.
comedy	high-concept-comedy	The Good Place, Russian Doll, Chuck, My Name is Earl	A comedy with a clear comedic premise or 'what if…' scenario.
comedy	holiday-comedy	The Santa Clauses (2022-2023)	The holiday comedy subgenre combines elements of humor with the festive spirit of the holiday season. These titles are typically light-hearted, often featuring comedic situations, humorously exaggerated characters, and amusing plots set against the backdrop of a holiday celebration, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or other cultural and religious celebrations.
comedy	showbiz-comedy	BoJack Horseman, Hacks, 30 Rock, Entourage	A comedy where the main character(s) work within or around the entertainment industry.
comedy	raunchy-comedy	Minx, Sex and the City, Sex Education, Californication	A comedy where sex and relationships drive the key comedic aspects of the plot.
comedy	romantic-comedy	Will & Grace, Happy Endings	The romantic comedy subgenre, also known as "rom-com", feature romantic relationships and interactions between characters while incorporating elements of humor and comedic situations. These stories blend the emotional journey of falling in love with lighthearted and funny scenarios, creating an entertaining and feel-good experience for the audience.
comedy	sitcom-comedy	Friends, The Office, Frasier, Big Bang Theory, Ted Lasso	The plot features a fixed set of characters, who mostly carry over from episode to episode, facing comedic situations. May or may not be recorded in front of a studio audience.
comedy	observational-comedy	Seinfeld, Frasier, Silicon Valley, Everybody Loves Raymond	The key humoristic features of the title come from common place, everyday situations.
crime	scandi-noir-crime	The Bridge, The Killing	The plot follows police officer(s) trying to solve a crime in Scandinavia or Nordic countries. Typically has a dark and bleak mood to it.
crime	true-crime	Narcos, Manhunt	The plot features a crime that actually occurred in real life.
crime	organized-crime	Better Call Saul, Ozark, Barry	The plot follows the members and dealings of a gang of criminals
crime	gangster-crime	The Sopranos, Peaky Blinders	The gangster subgenre features the perspectives of characters involved in criminal organizations. These stories typically center on the tragic rise and fall of an antihero in their pursuit of wealth, power, and status.
crime	police-procedural-crime	The Rookie, NCIS	The plot follows police proceedings in detail.
crime	serial-killer-crime	Criminal Minds, True Detective	The plot follows a series of murders committed supposedly by the same person.
documentary	art-documentary	The Joy of Painting	Non-fiction title about any of the art forms.
documentary	crime-documentary	The Staircase, Making a Murderer	Non-fiction title about a crime.
documentary	docuseries-documentary	Our Planet, Chef's Table	The docuseries, short for documentary series, consists of multiple episodes, each focusing on a specific aspect of a larger subject or theme. Docuseries present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or individuals, and offer an in-depth exploration by dedicating multiple episodes to various aspects of the subject.
documentary	entertainment-documentary	Jim & Andy, Jeen-yus	Non-fiction title about people in the entertainment business or the making of a movie or TV show.
documentary	environmental-documentary	Our Planet	Non-fiction title about environmental issues. Titles about the environment from a mere natural sciences perspective may fit better under nature-documentaries.
documentary	food-and-drink-documentary	Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy	Non-fiction title about food and drink.
documentary	history-documentary	The World at War (1973-1974)	The history documentary features historical events, figures, periods, and cultural developments using visual storytelling techniques. These documentaries provide insights into the past, offering a detailed and often educational exploration of historical topics and aim to inform, educate, and engage audiences.
documentary	military-and-war-documentary	Roman Empire	Non-fiction title about war and/or military
documentary	music-documentary	The Beatles: Get Back, The Defiant Ones	Non-fiction title about music and/or the art of artists or bands.
documentary	nature-documentary	Planet Earth, Our Planet, Life, Blue Planet	Non-fiction title about nature, including all life-forms and earth sciences. Documentaries about sustainability might fit best under environmental-documentary.
documentary	politics-documentary	Wormwood, Amend	Non-fiction title about politics, or focused socio-political themes.
documentary	religion-and-spirituality-documentary	Headspace, The Story of God	Non-fiction title about religion and spirituality.
documentary	science-and-technology-documentary	Mythbusters, Cosmos	Non-fiction title about science and/or technology.
documentary	social-documentary	An Idiot Abroad, The Way Down	Non-fiction title about social issues.
documentary	sports-documentary	Formula 1, The Last Dance	Non-fiction title about a sport or game.
documentary	travel-documentary	Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, Long Way Up	Non-fiction title about locations.
drama	docudrama-drama	The Crown, The Dropout, Inventing Anna, Chernobyl	A drama based on a true story.
drama	domestic-drama	This is Us, Parenthood, Shameless	A drama revolves around family issues and relationships.
drama	epic-drama	Ozark, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
drama	k-drama	Flower of Evil, Crash Landing on You	The Korean Drama (K-Drama) subgenre features TV series that highlight South Korea's entertainment industry through its addictive, romantic and thrilling dramatic storytelling. Korean Dramas can range from action dramas and horror to the emotional romantic drama.
drama	legal-drama	Suits, Law & Order, Goliath	The plot takes place in a legal setting or around court proceedings.
drama	medical-drama	Grey's Anatomy, House	The plot takes place in a medical setting, such as a hospital.
drama	political-drama	The Crown, The West Wing	The plot takes place in a political setting.
drama	psychological-drama	Severance, Russian Doll, Sharp Objects, Maniac	The plot features the viewpoint of stressed characters, revealing their distorted mental perceptions
drama	supernatural-drama	Stranger Things, Supernatural	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
drama	teen-drama	Euphoria, One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
drama	telenovela-drama	La Reina del Sur, The Return (2013)	The Telenovela subgenre features TV series that highlight the larger than life passion, drama and romance of Latin American soap operas. These stories often contain unsuspecting plot twists, love triangles and even murder.
drama	workplace-drama	Severance, Chicago Fire, Billions	The plot takes place in an office setting that's not covered by other sub-genres (ex: medical-drama, legal-drama, academic-drama).
drama	period-drama	Bridgerton, The Last Kingdom, Vikings	A drama set in a specific time period at least a decade before the release date.
drama	cop-drama	The Rookie, NCIS	The main character(s) are police officers.
drama	coming-of-age-drama	Sex Education, Hacks, Girls, Euphoria	The plot features the psychological and moral growth or transition of the main character(s) from youth to adulthood.
drama	academia-drama	How to Get Away with Murder, Greek, Felicity	The plot takes place in an higher-education academic setting.
drama	costume-drama	Bridgerton, The Last Kingdom, Downton Abbey	A drama set between the middle ages and the start of World War I.
drama	showbiz-drama	The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Better Things, The Morning Show, Hacks, Call My Agent	The plot takes place in an entertainment business setting.
drama	soap-opera-drama	Desperate Housewives, General Hospital	The plot features melodrama, often in a domestic setting.
family	animals-family	Bluey, Paw Patrol, Paddington	A family-friendly plot that features non-human animals as the main character(s).
family	holiday-season	The Santa Clauses (2022-2023)	The holiday genre features winter holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or other cultural and religious celebrations. These stories often capture the spirit, traditions, and emotions associated with these special times, making them ideal for seasonal viewing. The holiday genre can further branch into subgenres like holiday comedy, holiday romance, and holiday family.
family	holiday-family	The Santa Clauses (2022-2023)	The holiday family subgenre features themes related to the holidays, with a focus on family dynamics, cultural traditions, and the magic of the holiday season. These films are often heartwarming, light-hearted, and family-friendly as they capture the spirit of various winter holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or other cultural and religious celebrations.
family	kids-family	Blippi, Yo Gabba Gabba!, The Smurfs	A family-friendly plot catered specifically for young children (7 and under).
fantasy	epic-fantasy	Game of Thrones, Lost, The Wheel of Time	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
fantasy	dark-fantasy	Game of Thrones, The Witcher, Penny Dreadful	Incorporates dark or unsettling themes.
fantasy	fairy-tale-fantasy	Once Upon a Time, Grimm, Carnival Row	May or not feature fairies, but draws on themes and images from the classic folklore.
drama	financial-drama	Billions, Succession	The financial drama subgenre features characters and situations in the financial industry, corporate boardrooms, or economic crises. Financial dramas explore the complexities of money, power, greed, and the impact of financial decisions on individuals and society as a whole.
fantasy	sword-and-sorcery-fantasy	Game of Thrones, The Witcher, The Wheel of Time	The main character(s) yield swords or wands in their quests.
fantasy	steampunk-fantasy	Arcane, His Dark Materials	Incorporates retro-futuristic technology and/or aesthetics.
fantasy	teen-fantasy	Stranger Things, Vampire Diaries	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
fantasy	superhero-fantasy	Peacemaker, Loki, Daredevil	The main character(s) have superhuman powers, or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, which are are typically used to protect the public.
fantasy	supernatural-fantasy	Stranger Things, Supernatural	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
game show	panel-game-show	Taskmaster	A show in which a panel of celebrities participate.
game show	quiz-game-show	Jeopardy!, What's My Line?	A show in which contestants compete by answering knowledge questions
game show	survival-game-show	Survivor, Beyond the Edge, Naked and Afraid	A show in which contestants compete by attempting to outlast the competition
game show	physical-game-show	Beyond the Edge, Takeshi's Castle	A show in which contestants compete through physical challenges
game show	talent-game-show	Ru Paul's Drag Race	A show in which contestants compete based on a personal talent
game show	beauty-game-show	America's Next Top Model	A show in which contestants compete based on physical appearance
game show	dating-game-show	The Bachelor, Too Hot to Handle	A show in which contestants compete in a dating environment
game show	skill-game-show	Making the Cut, Project Runway	A show in which contestants compete based on a personal skill
game show	race-game-show	The Amazing Race	A show in which contestants compete through a race
game show	cookery-game-show	Hell's Kitchen, Masterchef, Top Chef	A show in which contestants compete based on cooking skill
game show	puzzle-game-show	Match Game, Wheel of Fortune, Countdown, Blockbuster	A show in which contestants compete by solving problems or brain-teasers
game show	deception-game-show	The Circle	A show in which contestants compete using deceiving tactics
game show	business-game-show	The Apprentice, Shark Tank, Dragon's Den	A show in which contestants compete based on business skill
game show	elimination-game-show	Big Brother	A show in which contestants compete to decides which team or player will take part in the next stage of the game
history	alternate-history	The Last Kingdom, Gentleman Jack	The plot features a historical event that occurs or resolves differently than it did in real life.
history	epic-history	The Last Kingdom, Vikings, The Crown	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
history	sword-and-sandal-history	Spartacus, Rome, Rise of Empires	Set in the Greco-Roman or biblical time period that is based on real-life events of historical significance featuring real-life characters (allowing for some artistic license).
horror	supernatural-horror	Stranger Things, American Horror Story	The plot features the suspenseful and mysterious presence supernatural creatures or happenings within the real world, where magic and fantastical creatures are not perceived as normal.
horror	psychological-horror	Servant, The Twilight Zone, The Haunting of Hill House	The plot features the viewpoint of stressed characters, revealing their distorted mental perceptions
horror	zombie-horror	The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead	The main character(s) are or fight zombies.
horror	vampire-horror	The Vampire Diaries, What We Do in the Shadows	The main character(s) are or fight vampires.
horror	witch-horror	Chilling Adventures of Sabrina	The main character(s) are or fight witches.
horror	monster-horror	Stranger Things, Supernatural	The main character(s) are or fight a non-natural creature. Natural creatures (sharks, anacondas) may fit best under nature-horror.
horror	folk-horror	Lovecraft Country, Lore	Derives horror from naïve outsiders coming up against the actions and beliefs of people rather than explicitly supernatural elements. Often in rural settings
horror	slasher-horror	American Horror Story, Chucky, Scream	The plot involves a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, usually by use of bladed tools.
horror	teen-horror	Stranger Things, The Vampire Diaries	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
music	concert-music	Stop Making Sense, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour	The concert music subgenre features live musical performances and events, including recordings of musical artists or bands performing their music in front of a live audience.
mystery	whodunnit-mystery	The Flight Attendant, Criminal Minds	A detective unravels a complicated plot to identify the author of a crime.
mystery	suspense-mystery	Outer Range, Russian Doll	Features a mystery that generates uncertainty and psychological unease.
mystery	bumbling-detective-mystery	Psych	The main characters investigate a crime, but are incompetent or perhaps inexperienced, generating some comic relief.
mystery	cozy-mystery	Midsomer Murders, Murder She Wrote	The crime take place off-camera, and the detective is likely an amateur.
reality TV	cooking-reality-tv	Ugly Delicious, The Chef Show	The cooking & food lifestyle subgenre features cooking, culinary experiences, and tasks that center around cooking techniques, recipes, culinary exploration, and the culture surrounding food.
reality TV	competition-reality-tv	RuPaul's Drag Race, Too Hot to Handle, Survivor	Reality competition.
reality TV	lifestyle-reality-tv	Queer Eye, Keeping Up with the Kardashians	The lifestyle genre features content focused on various aspects of everyday life, personal interests, hobbies, and cultural trends. Lifestyle content often offers viewers information, tips, and inspiration related to different aspects of their lives, allowing them to explore and enhance their interests, preferences, and activities.
reality TV	crime-reality-tv	The First 48, Cops, 60 Days In	Reality crime.
reality TV	dating-and-romance-reality-tv	Love Is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days	Reality show about dating, relationships and romance.
reality TV	docusoap-reality-tv	Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Orange County	Reality show with some enacted soap components.
reality TV	hidden-camera-reality-tv	Impractical Jokers, Punk'd, Overhaulin'	Reality show produced using a hidden camera.
reality TV	supernatural-reality-tv	Ghost Adventures, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch, Mountain Monsters	Reality focused on supernatural themes.
reality TV	travel-reality-tv	Below Deck, Top Gear, Below Deck Mediterranean	Reality travel show.
reality TV	business-and-occupation-reality-tv	The Curse of Oak Island, Below Deck, Below Deck Mediterranean	Reality show about business and/or occupations.
reality TV	home-makeover-reality-tv	Home Town, Love It or List It, Flip or Flop	Reality show around home makeovers.
reality TV	beauty-makeover-reality-tv	Queer Eye (2018-), Queer Eye: Germany, Queer Eye (2003)	Reality show around people makeovers.
reality TV	food-reality-tv	The Great British Baking Show, Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen	Reality focused on food.
romance	feel-good-romance	Grey's Anatomy, Friends	A romance with a happy ending, often a romantic comedy.
romance	teen-romance	Heart Stopper, The OC	The main character(s) are teenagers (ages 13-19).
romance	steamy-romance	Bridgerton, Sex/Life	Features repeatedly explicit intimate scenes.
sci-fi	space-sci-fi	Star Trek Picard, The Mandalrian	The plot is set in space.
sci-fi	alien-invasion-sci-fi	Invasion, War of the Worlds	The plot features an alien invasion.
sci-fi	dystopian-sci-fi	The Handmaid's Tale	The plot is set in a future where a controlling institution or a calamitous disaster has created a state of great suffering and injustice.
sci-fi	robot-sci-fi	Westworld, Battlestar Galactica	The main character(s) are robots or androids (robots designed to look human).
sci-fi	artificial-intelligence-sci-fi	Westworld, Humans	Focused on the implications of AI.
sci-fi	time-travel-sci-fi	Doctor Who	Focused on time travel.
sci-fi	space-opera-sci-fi	The Mandalorian	Focused on space warfare, with melodramatic and romanticized elements.
sci-fi	epic-sci-fi	Star Trek Picard, The Handmaid's Tale	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.
sci-fi	superhero-sci-fi	The Boys, The Flash	The main character(s) have superhuman powers, or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, which are are typically used to protect the public.
talk show	comedy-talk-show	Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee	Comedy talk show.
talk show	late-night-talk-show	The Tonight Show, Last Week Tonight	Late-night talk show.
talk show	celebrity-talk-show	Ellen, The Graham Norton Show	Celebrity talk show.
talk show	politics-talk-show	The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight	Politics talk show.
talk show	morning-talk-show	Good Morning America	Morning talk show.
talk show	daytime-talk-show	Oprah, Ellen	Daytime talk show.
talk show	lifestyle-talk-show	The View, Jerry Springer	Lifestyle talk show.
western	classical-western	Gunsmoke	A western produced during the golden age of the genre, subsequently defining the genre.
western	contemporary-western	Yellowstone	The plot takes place after 1950.
western	epic-western	1883	Features large-scale, sweeping scope, and spectacle - often focused on a heroic character.

Plot Timeframe

Used to specify what timeframe the title's plot is set in.

The level of precision can be either period, century, or decade and all applicable precisions can be contributed to a title. For example, Fences (2016) is set specifically in the 1950s, so should have the keyword "1950s" but can also have the keyword "20th-century."
If the plot moves between multiple timeframes, then the title should have a keyword for each. For example, Back to the Future (1985) moves between the 1950s and 1980s, so should have the keywords "1950s," "1980s" and "20th-century."
The timeframe keyword should only be applied to the plot of the title, not the decade that the title was produced and released. For example, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope was released in 1977, but shouldn't have the keyword "1970s" applied to it, as it isn't set in the 1970s.

Expand the lists below to see suggested plot timeframe values. It is possible to contribute other values not listed below, however please follow the same format:

Plot Timeframes should no longer be prefixed with "timeframe-." Selecting the "Plot Timeframe" category is sufficient.
Centuries should be ordinal (i.e. 1st/2nd/3rd/4th etc.) and suffixed with "-century."
Decades should be the full year (e.g. "1990s" not "90s") ending with "s."

See here for suggested values for plot timelines

Plot Details

A plot detail is any notable object, concept, or action that takes place during a title. Plot details do not include other types of keywords that have their own dedicated categories, such as subgenres and plot timeframes. Plot detail keywords are open-ended - they are not constrained to a specific list of words. However, please adhere to the following guidelines.

Invalid plot details

Please avoid the following:

Plurals: Use singular words. For example, trains should be train
Episode-specific keywords submitted to the TV series page: Keywords submitted to the TV series page should be relevant to and describe the entire series. Keywords that are specific to a particular episode should be added to that episode only.
Accented words: For example, café should be cafe
Non-English words: Keywords should be in the English language
Repeating the title: For example adding shawshank-redemption as a keyword to the title Shawshank Redemption. If the movie Shawshank Redemption is mentioned or referred to during a title, you can use the keyword reference-to-shawshank-redemption
Repeating genres: For example, we have the genres Romance and Drama so you can submit these as genres to the title rather than submitting the keyword romantic-drama. For an exceptional genre on an episode that does not relate to the overall series, please see the -episode special keywords below.
Production Company: The production company for a title will not be accepted as a keyword (e.g. amazon-studios)
Distribution Company: The distribution company for a title will not be accepted as a keyword (e.g. netflix)
Names without context: This includes actors/actresses/crew members/real life people (e.g. marilyn-monroe or barack-obama). Exception: We do accept name keywords with a relevant descriptive signifier (e.g. reference-to-barack-obama, marilyn-monroe-parody, john-williams-satire, jennifer-lopez-sketch, viola-davis-interview).

Other

Used to capture any keywords that do not fit into the above categories. IMDb may create dedicated categories for some of these keywords in future. Please note that the "Other" category is currently only displayed on the title keywords subpage and not the main title page.

Special Keywords

The following keywords trigger specific display functions on the site:

Category	Keyword	Usage
Other	reenactment	Used for a Documentary so that actors portraying scripted people are not listed as 'Self' if they have a character name.
Other	non-fiction	Used for a non-Documentary title, like a Talk-Show, to indicate that the people are portraying themselves.
Other	tv-special	Affects the display of a title; it will say 'TV special' instead of 'TV movie' at the top of the page. Also acts like the non-fiction keyword.
Other	tv-mini-series	Affects the display of a title; it will say 'TV miniseries' instead of 'TV series' at the top of the page.
Plot Details	hardcore \| sex	These two keywords, combined with the Adult genre, will restrict the display of a title to those people who have chosen to see adult titles
Other	-character	Used to denote a character's appearance in a title. The formatting should be presented as the name of the character first, followed by "-character." So, for Star Wars, we'd list Han Solo as "Han-Solo-character." This can be used for both fictional characters, and fictional portrayals of real life people (including when someone is playing a fictionalized, scripted portrayal of themselves). Please note that if the character is recurring in a series the character keyword should only be added to the parent and not individual episodes.

The following keyword have specific meanings:

Category	Keyword	Usage
Other	f-rated	Used for any title which is either directed by a woman and/or written by a woman.
Other	triple-f-rated	Used for any title which is directed by a woman, written by a woman and features significant women on screen in their own right.
Other	-episode	Used on an episode of a series to assign a genre where that particular episode is "out of the ordinary" and is unlike most others in the series i.e. "musical-episode" on Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More, with Feeling. Especially useful for anthology series.

Duplicate Keywords

A duplicate keyword is one which offers no additional or differentiating value to a keyword already listed. This could be the result of a spelling error or alternative spelling being used. To report a duplicate keyword please go to our contact form and let us know the details of the keywords you think should be combined.

Tracking Your Contribution

You can now track the status of your keyword submission and if it does not show as approved in your Contribution History, we'll tell you the reason why.

More information on how to do this can be found on our Contribution History help page.

Did this answer your question?

IMDb general support

Our support community is always around to help

Need more help? Visit the official IMDb support community powered by Sprinklr.

Issues logging in to IMDb? Get login help.

Industry professional, not a member yet? Join IMDbPro.

Precision	Year range	Keyword
Period	Before 5000 BCE	pre-history
Period	5000 BCE - 500 CE	ancient-history
Period	500 CE - 1500 CE	post-classical-history
Century	1500 - 1600 CE	16th-century
Century	1600 - 1700 CE	17th-century
Century	1700 - 1800 CE	18th-century
Century	1800 - 1900 CE	19th-century
Century	1900 - 2000 CE	20th-century
Century	2000 - 2100 CE	21st-century
Decade	1900 - 1910 CE	1900s
Decade	1910 - 1920 CE	1910s
Decade	1920 - 1930 CE	1920s
Decade	1930 - 1940 CE	1930s
Decade	1940 - 1950 CE	1940s
Decade	1950 - 1960 CE	1950s
Decade	1960 - 1970 CE	1960s
Decade	1970 - 1980 CE	1970s
Decade	1980 - 1990 CE	1980s
Decade	1990 - 2000 CE	1990s
Decade	2000 - 2010 CE	2000s
Decade	2010 - 2020 CE	2010s
Decade	2020 - 2030 CE	2020s
Decade	2030 - 2040 CE	2030s
Decade	2040 - 2050 CE	2040s
Period	After 2050 CE	after-2050