Horror Revealed as Illinois’ Most Popular Movie Genre

• New data has revealed the most popular movie genres in America, with horror taking the top spot nationwide.
• The research examined the search popularity of terms for different film genres to determine the most popular genre among Americans.
• Horror was identified as the most popular movie genre in Illinois.

Millions of Americans love a trip to the movie theater to check out the latest film releases or indulging in cozy movie nights from the comfort of their homes.

That’s why the social casino website Hello Millions conducted a study to determine the most popular movie genres nationwide according to their Google search popularity.

The average number of monthly Google searches over the past 12 months for terms relating to different film genres, such as “thriller movies”, “new horror movies” and “best comedy movies”, were analyzed to calculate the ranking.

In Illinois, Horror was identified as the most popular movie genre, with an average of 250 Google searches per month per 100,000 people. A tradition particularly during the fall months and around Halloween, horror movies are extremely popular with Americans – although they can be polarizing among those too frightened to watch. Some favorites in the US include The Exorcist, The Shining, Scream, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Following in second was Comedy, generating an average of 138 monthly searches per 100,000 people. While comedy movies can be some of the most feel-good watches, they are often considered a guilty pleasure. However, many comedies are beloved by critics and audiences alike, such as Barbie, The Big Lebowski, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Mean Girls.

Third was Romance, which produced 86 searches per 100,000 people on average per month. Romance movies can evoke some of the strongest emotions from viewers. Titanic, When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride, and Roman Holiday are romantic films enjoyed by American cinephiles.

Ranking fourth was Family, with an average monthly Google search volume of 81 per 100,000 people. Family films typically explore wholesome or inspiring themes that are intended to be enjoyed by both children and their parents. Some of the most popular family films include Paddington, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, and The Goonies.

Rounding out the top five was Action, which generated an average of 80 monthly searches per 100,000 people. Many major Hollywood blockbusters are action movies, as their explosive stunts and fight scenes are a huge draw for mainstream audiences. Die Hard, Kill Bill, Aliens, and Raiders of the Lost Ark are among the most popular action films.

The top 10 most popular movie genres in Illinois

Placing sixth was War, with an average of 58 monthly searches per 100,000 people. War movies depict either fictional or real-life wars. Some of the most acclaimed war movies include Apocalypse Now, Inglorious Basterds, Saving Private Ryan, and 1917.

Animation followed in seventh, averaging 56 searches per month per 100,000 people. CGI or hand-drawn animation film is a popular form of storytelling. Many of these films are produced by studios such as Disney Animations, Pixar, Dreamworks, or Studio Ghibli, and some of their most popular films include The Lion King, Toy Story, Shrek, and Spirited Away.

Eighth was Thriller, generating an average of 55 searches per 100,000 people per month. Thriller films typically make for intense viewing experiences and are characterized by suspenseful, exciting, and anxiety-inducing elements. Some of the most popular thrillers include Vertigo, The Silence of the Lambs, Black Swan, and Shutter Island.

Documentary ranked ninth, producing an average of 50 searches per month per 100,000 people. Documentary films are non-fiction works intended to depict real life, often for educational or informative purposes. Night and Fog, Bowling for Columbine, Paris is Burning, and Blackfish are among the most popular documentary films.

Completing the top ten was Sci-Fi which had a monthly average of 40 Google searches per month. The science fiction genre examines speculative and futuristic concepts such as travel through time and space, extraterrestrial life, and advanced science and technology. Popular sci-fi films include The Matrix, Interstellar, Blade Runner, and Back to the Future.

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Hello Millions said:

“Film genre popularity is typically shaped by a combination of cultural trends, audience preferences, and societal shifts. For example, rom-coms were extremely popular throughout the ‘90s and early-to-mid-’00s but experienced a major slump before the recent resurgence. On the other hand, movie musicals were popular in the late ‘00s and early 2010s but have declined in popularity in recent years.

“Horror films tend to have more timeless appeal because they often depict a manifestation of enduring societal fears, from supernatural threats to brutal violence to psychological horror, allowing them to stay relevant across generations and time periods. Horror also tends to have a cult following with many people tuning in to every new release. Thriller films may have more longevity due to their often fast-paced nature, shock factor, and intriguing suspense that appeals to a variety of audiences.”

“Action films have been among the most successful films in recent years because of their exciting spectacle. By contrast, drama films may be considered too ‘slow’ or ‘boring’ and therefore have a more niche audience. Ultimately, genre popularity can change depending on the emotional and psychological needs of viewers, but the vast array of film genres in theatres and on streaming services means that there is always something for everyone to watch.”

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Photo credit: iStock

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