For many families, going to see a movie provides a needed escape from everyday life, and an activity both kids and parents can enjoy. These viewers enjoy animated films, adventures and family-friendly thrillers. Because this is a large market, many movies are specifically made to attract families, such as adaptations of popular children's books and computer-animated comedies. Families tend to see movies at larger theater chains, rather than small independent cinemas.
Another category of movie viewers are film school graduates or fans of art films, such as the types of movies that debut at film festivals. These viewers are looking to be intellectually stimulated by a movie. While this type of audience has traditionally been smaller, the recent success of many "independent" films has led to an increase in the production of small, "quirky" films and their distribution to bigger theater chains.
Many couples attend movies on dates, so numerous production companies make romantic comedies and dramas intended to appeal to men and women. These types of movies usually involve a romantic plot with several subplots that will appeal to male viewers. Romantic comedies are a staple in cinema, so directors and screenwriters often try to complicate the genre while maintaining its appeal; for example, an ensemble romantic comedy will involve several romantic plots that intersect throughout the film.
Young men are another important demographic to the movie business, and the types of films that tend to draw this audience are action movies, including science fiction and fantasy. Many movies released in the summer months are intended to draw this audience to the theater, so there is a fair amount of crossover with families. Both groups might attend a science fiction film with a PG-13 rating, for example.