13 Movies and TV Shows That Defy Categorization
Netflix, ABC
These movies and tv shows are a lot like hesitant partners with serious commitment issues… They “don’t like labels.” Fine, Cheryl, then we’re through! Sorry, we were talking about genres weren’t we? That’s one area that we’re more than okay with some fluidity in the label. And we’re not just talking your basic, run of the mill romantic comedy here. Feel free to throw the “comedy” label on any action, horror, drama, sci-fi, or thriller movie if there’s some decent laughs in there. That’s all well and good, but we’re here for the singular pieces of work that incorporate so many genres, themes, and overall tones that it’d be damn near impossible to put them in a box.
Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.
Pieces like these are rare, because they can be hard to follow, and the drastic tonal shifts can be jarring enough to reach for the remote. The story itself is going to have to be compelling enough to keep the audience along for the twists, turns, and feels. If not, it can just seem like a thrown together mess. You won’t find those messes here. These 13 stand alone movies and TV shows are some of the best genre-benders in the game, and we implore you to categorize them!
We can’t put a label on it, we just know the greasy feeling we get watching it.
HBO
Whatever you’re doing in the shadows, it’s damn hard to define.
FX
Give it a chance, people!
ABC
Happy or tragic ending? You tell us!
MGM
There hasn’t been or will ever be anything like ‘Parasite.’
Barunson E&A
Even if you could define one episode, they’re already onto the next.
Netflix
Name one other movie like it… We’ll wait.
20th Century Studios
Yes, the voices are funny, but are they joking around? Nope.
Gramercy Pictures, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Wait… Vampires? Is this the same movie?
Miramax Films
It’s definitely its own beast.
Focus Features, Universal Pictures
What are you, Barry?!
HBO
What kind of “beef” though? Funny beef? Thrilling beef? You tell us!
Netflix
Of course it tackles mental health. The show itself is bipolar.
Netflix