Are Parody Films a Sub Genre of Comedy?

Comedy films represent a unique type of film. In which the purpose behind the creation is to make the audience laugh. Comedies are consistently popular throughout cinematic tradition. With early slapstick comedies taking center stage followed by several other sub genres of comedy films over the years. Such as screwball comedy, black comedy, and the parody. But are parody films a sub genre of comedy? 

What is a Parody Film?

A parody film, or spoof film, represents a common type of film in which people or situations are impersonated, ridiculed, or otherwise scoffed at in order to generate a laugh from the audience.

Like other forms of comedy, the parody film is created with the intention of providing a comic effect. But the style is of deliberate exaggeration of a particular event or situation, imitating, commenting on.

Or otherwise using satirical or ironic means to ridicule. And make fun of the underlying theme or event.

Sometimes called a spoof, take-off, lampoon or a send-up. The parody film often imitates the artistic works of another to make fun of it, sort of like a spin-off, with a twist. Many parody films are the mashup of imitations of several different films or styles of film assembled together. 

Are Parody Films a Sub Genre of Comedy?

Parody films are considered a subgenre of comedy. And in fact are one of several sub genres within the comedy group of films. It might make sense to define a “sub genre” and what it means in filmmaking.

Film subgenres represent specific styles that fall within a broader genre category. Each genre of film, comedies, dramas, crime movies, horror movies, etc may have any number of potential subgenres. 

Comedy, as a genre of film, has several sub genres including the parody.

Additional sub genres within the genre Comedy include:

• Slapstick 
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• Farce
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• Romantic comedy
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• Comedic thrillers
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• Black comedy
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• Mockumentary
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• Musical comedy
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• Buddy comedy
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• Sports comedy

So Are They?

So, when you ask, “are parody films a sub genre of comedy,” the simplest answer is, “yes” and in a more refined approach, we examine the fact that a parody is a comedic film that mocks the genre elements that are found in various other film styles, for the purpose and intent of humor.

All comedy films will elicit humor of some kind, and will find different means of achieving a laugh out of the audience.

A Flexible Sub Genre

For a parody, one of several sub genres in comedy. The laughs are achieved by poking fun at particular situations or elements. Or otherwise mocking other forms of art.

They achieve this while equally allowing audiences to analyze preconceived notions about the actual source of or origination of the ridicule.

Parody comedies, also sometimes taking the form of documentary films, are an incredibly flexible sub genre of comedy that allows filmmakers to dive in.

And experience various types of comedy. While eliciting profound laughs from their audiences. And, many times, eliciting equally profound profits at the box office.