The Decade of Movie Genres: A Look Back at the 2010s

1. The Resurgence of Spy Thrillers

In the 2010s, spy thrillers experienced a renaissance, captivating audiences with their high-stakes espionage and adrenaline-pumping action. Movies like Kingsman: The Secret Service and the groundbreaking Spy, led by Melissa McCarthy, revitalized the genre with their fresh take on the classic spy narrative.

Melissa McCarthy in All Black, Holding and Pointing a Gun in Spy

The James Bond franchise also continued to thrive, but it was the diverse range of spy content that truly defined this era. The excitement and intrigue surrounding these films made the 2010s a golden age for spy thrillers, a phenomenon that has yet to be replicated in the following decade.

R and Other Zombies Gathering Together in Warm Bodies

2. The Rise of Legacy-quels

The 2010s witnessed a surge in legacy-quels, bringing beloved classics back to the big screen with a modern twist. Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Blade Runner 2049 reignited the nostalgia for cult favorites, captivating audiences with their seamless blend of old and new.

Jackson (Bradley Cooper) and Ally (Lady Gaga) Singing Together in A Star is Born

The revival of these iconic franchises struck a chord with fans, establishing legacy-quels as a prominent genre of the decade. While the 2020s have seen a few noteworthy legacy-quels, the sheer impact of this genre is unparalleled, firmly cementing its legacy in cinematic history.

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury Singing on Stage in Bohemian Rhapsody

3. Musical Dramas: A Resounding Symphony

A surprising surge in musical dramas took center stage in the late 2010s, captivating audiences with their heartfelt storytelling and mesmerizing performances. Films like A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody rekindled the magic of musical cinema, earning critical acclaim and capturing the essence of the genre.

Jackson (Bradley Cooper) and Ally (Lady Gaga) Play the Piano in A Star Is Born

The emotional depth and raw power of these musical dramas resonated deeply with viewers, marking a renaissance for the genre. While the 2020s have seen their share of musical successes, the profound impact of the late 2010s' musical dramas remains unmatched, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in a Bath Robe Looking Serious in Bohemian Rhapsody

4. Roles-Reversed Movies: Shifting Perspectives

The 2010s set the stage for a shift in representation and diversity with the rise of roles-reversed movies. Ocean's 8, boasting an ensemble of female star power, and Ghostbusters challenged traditional gender roles, paving the way for a new wave of inclusive storytelling.

Sarah Paulson, Sandra Bullock and Rihanna Looking Concerned in Ocean's 8

While not every film in this genre received unanimous praise, the impact of these roles-reversed movies was undeniable, sparking important conversations about representation in the industry. As the 2020s prioritize diverse narratives, the legacy of the roles-reversed genre continues to shape the future of cinema.

5. The Resilience of Science Fiction Dystopias

The 2010s witnessed the rise of science fiction dystopias, captivating audiences with their immersive worlds and thought-provoking narratives. The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner set the stage for a wave of young adult sci-fi, inspiring a new generation of storytelling and world-building.

Jennifer Lawrence and Stanley Tucci as Katniss and Caesar on Stage in The Hunger Games

While the allure of dystopian fiction remains, the fervor that defined this genre in the 2010s has waned in the subsequent decade. However, with the recent release of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the genre may yet experience a revival, reigniting the imagination of audiences once more.

6. The Evolution of Parody Movies

The 2010s saw a resurgence of parody movies, infusing the genre with fresh creativity and comedic flair. Kick-Ass and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping brought an invigorating energy to the screen, redefining the art of parody and leaving audiences in stitches.

Kick-Ass in Costume and in Trouble Looking Shocked

While the 2020s have seen a shift in comedic trends, the legacy of these parody films endures, reminding us of the laughter and joy they brought to the cinematic landscape. Their impact, though subtle, continues to influence the evolution of comedy in film.

7. Vampire Movies: A New Dawn

The vampire craze of the 2010s brought a fresh perspective to the age-old genre, reimagining the mythos of these immortal creatures. Films like Only Lovers Left Alive and What We Do in the Shadows offered a diverse range of vampire stories, captivating audiences with their unique narratives.

Adam and Eve Looking in the Distance in Only Lovers Left Alive

As the genre evolved, it reached a saturation point in the 2020s, leading to a decline in the popularity of vampire movies. While the allure of these supernatural tales persists, the fervent fascination that defined the 2010s has given way to new horizons in cinematic storytelling.

8. The Transition of Immediate Shared Universes

The 2010s marked the era of immediate shared universes, as cinematic universes dominated the silver screen with their interconnected narratives. The DCEU and the ill-fated Dark Universe sought to replicate the success of the MCU, ushering in a new era of collaborative storytelling and world-building.

Henry Cavill's Debut as Superman Looking Serious in the DCEU's Man of Steel

While the 2020s continue to explore the potential of shared universes, there has been a shift in the approach to interconnected storytelling, emphasizing the individuality of each film's narrative. The legacy of immediate shared universes lives on, shaping the future of cinematic storytelling.

9. The Decline of Young Adult Movies

The 2010s marked the pinnacle of young adult movies, with a plethora of compelling stories that resonated with a generation. From The Perks of Being a Wallflower to The Hunger Games, these films addressed the issues of youth in a profound and impactful manner, shaping the cinematic landscape for years to come.

Logan Lerman as Charlie Kelmeckis and Emma Watson as Samantha "Sam" Button Sitting at the Stairs During a Party in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

However, as the decade drew to a close, the fervor for young adult franchises waned, giving way to new storytelling frontiers. While the legacy of these films endures, the 2020s have embraced a different narrative landscape, marking a transition from the reign of young adult movies to new and diverse storytelling realms.