The film industry is full of trends, some coming and others leaving the spotlight. While in some cases it’s a popular actor, other times it’s a film genre that stays at the forefront of the box office for years before finally relinquishing the limelight. This doesn’t mean that the genre never comes back, or hasn’t done so in recent years, but the main fanfare surrounding it has lessened. Below are six examples of movie genres that went out of fashion for various reasons.
6. Sword-and-Sandal
Starting our list of movie genres that went out of fashion are sword and sandal movies. This particular genre was kind of a subsection of epics, and was huge when epics were, and then had a resurgence in the early 2000s. This includes films like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Troy, King Arthur, and 300. Even The Lord of the Rings could fall into this genre. While this genre has done well over the years, it has faded somewhat due to the popularity of sci-fi and fantasy, though Gladiator II came out in recent years.
5. Zombie Movies
Fifth on our list of movie genres that went out of fashion is zombie movies. While the zombie genre will probably never fully die out, much like its focus creature, the genre came to life in the 1960s. Staying strong through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the genre gained another resurgence in the 2000s thanks to films like 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead. Other prominent examples include The Walking Dead, Train to Busan, and Warm Bodies. While there are still some zombie films being made, they are away from the spotlight for now.
4. Rom-coms
Next on our list of movie genres that went out of fashion is rom-coms. Also known as a romantic comedy, the film is filled with love and comedic moments that make the viewers simultaneously swoon and laugh. The genre reached its height in the 1990s and early 2000s with When Harry Met Sally, She’s All That, and Crazy, Stupid Love. Today, the genre still produces some films, but not at the same quality or popularity as past films.
3. Musicals
Rounding out the top three movie genres that went out of fashion is musicals. Musicals used to be extremely popular, and many of them won Best Picture at the Academy Awards before 1970. However, the genre can be a hard sell to some viewers, as characters breaking out into song constantly doesn’t mirror real life. Plus, others may enjoy action in every scene, rather than a new song. While some musicals have been made in recent years, such as The Greatest Showman and Wonka, they are less prevalent than other genres.
2. Hand-Drawn Animation
Second on our list of movie genres that went out of fashion is hand-drawn animation. This genre has a special place in many people’s hearts, as it took a painstaking amount of time to create each scene by drawing out every movement. This includes many Disney films, such as Tarzan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and The Little Mermaid. However, when computer-animated films came on the scene, they largely pushed hand-drawn animation to the side. Hand-drawn animated films now would have to excel in stylistic choice rather than advanced animation skills.
1. Westerns
Last but not least on our list of movie genres that went out of fashion is westerns. The genre has died and been reborn so many times, and often focuses on the American West’s ambiance and the people’s struggles during that time. Classic components of the genre are cowboys, Native Americans, gunfights, and crime. Westerns were extremely popular between 1945 and 1965, but after that, the genre has fluctuated up and down in popularity. Some of the most popular westerns include Clint Eastwood at the forefront.