How Every Movie Fits Into These 10 Storytelling Formulas

Think you know your movie genres? Horror, comedy, romance—sure, but what if I told you there's a deeper structure at play? Blake Snyder’s Save The Cat!, there are 10 story genres that go beyond surface-level labels and reveal every story's core DNA. Understanding these genres can help filmmakers, screenwriters, and storytellers craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. At Full View Productions, we know that great storytelling is the backbone of compelling video content. Let’s explore how these genres shape the films we love.

1. Monster in the House

This genre is often considered one of the oldest and most primal forms of storytelling. At its core, the "Monster in the House" (MITH) structure revolves around three key elements: a "monster," an evil force with supernatural powers (it doesn't always have to be magical—insanity can serve as the monster's power), a "house," which could be an enclosed space such as a family unit, a town, or even an entire world, and a "sin," the wrongdoing that brings the monster into this space. The sin can take many forms: an actual sin (as seen in Fatal Attraction), hubris (Jurassic Park), or even ignorance (Alien). MITH stories often include the figure of the "Half Man"—a character who has encountered the monster before and is scarred by the experience, like Quint in Jaws. Some classic examples of MITH include The Ring, Saw, Psycho, The Shining, Jaws, Get Out, It, and Hereditary.

2. Golden Fleece

Inspired by the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, the Golden Fleece (GF) genre is all about a journey—both literal and metaphorical. It typically follows the "road trip" format, whether it's a physical journey across land or seas (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Planes, Trains & Automobiles) or a more spiritual quest (Chariots of Fire, Bad News Bears). The key components of GF stories are a "road" (which can span oceans, time, or even a short walk down the street) and a "team" or "buddy" who aids the protagonist in their pursuit of a "prize." This prize could be a return to home, a treasure, or regaining something lost. Some of the most memorable GF stories include The Wizard of Oz, Saving Private Ryan, Ocean’s Eleven, Tangled, Argo, and Hell or High Water.

3. Out of the Bottle

This genre draws its inspiration from the tale of Aladdin and is closely linked with fantasy. The message is simple but powerful: be careful what you wish for. In an Out of the Bottle (OOTB) story, a "wish" is either asked for or granted, followed by a "spell," which operates under a strict set of rules. This wish, though powerful, often comes with a lesson that the hero must learn. Many OOTB tales feature a crucial Act III moment where the protagonist wins without relying on magic. Notable examples of OOTB stories include What Women Want, Shallow Hal, Big, Liar Liar, Midnight in Paris, and, of course, Aladdin.

4. Dude with a Problem

In the Dude with a Problem (DWAP) genre, the ordinary person is thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The hero is often an "innocent," someone unaware of the dangerous world they are about to enter, and they are propelled into a "sudden event" that transforms their life. The story usually revolves around a "life or death battle," where the survival of the self, family, society, or even the world is on the line. While most DWAP tales end with a "Triumph of the Spirit" (Alive), some leave us with a more somber conclusion (The Perfect Storm). Key DWAP films include Open Water, Lorenzo's Oil, Taken, The Hunger Games, Room, The Martian, and Drive.

5. Rites of Passage

More of a modern, post-Freudian phenomenon, the Rites of Passage (ROP) genre focuses on the life transitions from one stage of existence to another. This genre deals with the universal problems of life, from puberty to midlife to death. The protagonist often follows a "wrong way" of dealing with a problem, only to realize that true growth requires them to embrace a difficult truth about themselves. The story reflects the knowledge that it is not the world that needs to change, but the hero. Some standout ROP examples include The 400 Blows, 28 Days, Ordinary People, Kramer vs. Kramer, Up in the Air, and Lost in Translation.

6. Buddy Love

In the Buddy Love (BL) genre, transformation occurs through the relationship between two characters. The protagonist is often an "incomplete hero," someone who needs another person to help them find completion. This "counterpart" could be a romantic partner, a friend, or even an unlikely ally. The central conflict usually involves a "complication" that threatens the bond, whether it's a misunderstanding, an ethical dilemma, or an outside force like society. Sub-genres of BL include Pet Love, Epic Love, Forbidden Love, and Professional Love. Iconic BL stories include Gone with the Wind, The Princess Bride, Lethal Weapon, Titanic, Frozen, and When Harry Met Sally.

7. Whydunit

A common foundation for many mysteries, the Whydunit genre focuses not on the "who" or "what" but on the "why." In this type of story, the audience is aware of the crime, and often even the perpetrator, but the mystery lies in the reasons behind it. The key figure in a Whydunit is the "detective," who serves as a guide for the audience through a world of secrets, ultimately uncovering truths through an often dark journey. This genre features a "dark turn," where the detective may break all the rules to uncover the truth. Classic examples of Whydunit stories include Chinatown, Fargo, The Big Sleep, Mystic River, Blade Runner, and All the President’s Men.

8. The Fool Triumphant

In the Fool Triumphant genre, the central character is an outsider—often an ignorant, naive figure who unwittingly becomes a thorn in the side of a powerful establishment. The "fool" is initially dismissed or overlooked, but their inherent nature or unique perspective eventually exposes the folly of the system. The fool’s journey often involves a "transmutation," where they shed their initial identity or appearance to emerge as someone completely transformed. Sub-genres of Fool Triumphant include Sex Fool, Undercover Fool, Political Fool, and Fish Out of Water. Notable Fool Triumphant films include Being There, Amadeus, Tootsie, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Elf.

9. Institutionalized

The Institutionalized (INS) genre explores the conflict between the individual and the collective. These stories often depict the clash between personal identity and the demands of a larger system, be it a family, organization, or business. The protagonist is caught in a constant struggle with "the system," and must make a choice: to join it, burn it down, or destroy themselves in the process. This genre may include figures like the "Brando" (someone who reveals the flaws of the system), the "Naif" (an innocent who becomes the hero), or the "Company Man" (a cog in the system who faces eventual collapse). Key examples of Institutionalized films include American Beauty, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, MASH, Pulp Fiction, and The Devil Wears Prada.

10. Superhero

Perhaps the most self-explanatory genre, the Superhero (SH) story features a protagonist with special powers—be it physical strength, mental abilities, or a larger mission to fulfill. Every hero faces a "nemesis," often a dark reflection of themselves, and contends with a "curse" or flaw that they must overcome, sometimes succumbing to it along the way. These stories often explore themes of responsibility, identity, and self-sacrifice. Notable examples of Superhero stories include Superman, Iron Man, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Raging Bull, and Joker.

What this means for storytelling

Each of these genres brings a unique storytelling formula, tapping into deeply rooted human themes and emotions, offering timeless and varied narratives that speak to audiences in profound ways. Now that we know more about story genres, think about some of your favorite movies and what genres they fit in using this method. Understanding these structures allows filmmakers and storytellers to craft narratives that engage audiences on a deeper level.

At Full View Productions, we specialize in storytelling that captivates and connects. Whether you're creating a short film, branded content, or a corporate narrative, our expertise ensures your story stands out. Let’s bring your vision to life!