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Twitter Thread Shows There’s 20 Types Of Movie Posters And Now We Can’t Unsee Them
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Twitter Thread Shows There’s 20 Types Of Movie Posters And Now We Can’t Unsee Them

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Do you feel like you’ve seen most movie posters somewhere before? You’re not wrong⁠—there are some tried-and-true tropes that designers just keep going back to, and once you notice them, you won’t be able to stop seeing them everywhere you look.

People on Twitter can’t stop talking about these collages put together by French film blogger Christophe Courtois, whose lineups of film posters show color schemes and design trends that have become emblematic of certain genres, storylines and time periods. At the end of 2019, art and design news site Creative Bloq posited that a major contender for “movie poster trend of the decade” was text over a central character’s face, usually in low or desaturated lighting. Here are some more major trends and traditions that the internet has noticed.

People are talking about the most ubiquitous patterns in movie posters

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The collages were made by French film blogger Christophe Courtois

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Tropes aren’t a bad thing. In a way, they show us what to expect. There’s comfort in choosing a product with qualities that we’ve had positive experiences with before, so you can’t blame advertisers for choosing them. Business Insider suggests that maybe the reason why they pop up so often is because of the astronomical price tag of advertising movies in the 21st century⁠—it’s possible that with such a high cost, the marketing team is more inclined to put their money where they’re confident it will pay off, and order a product similar to what has already done well with consumers.

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Alternatively, these tropes can be used to subvert our expectations for comic effect, like Puss in Boots, which positions its adorable, furry protagonist’s backlit silhouette facing away from the viewer like an edgy anti-hero. You can also see from Courtois’ collages how some trends, like the spread legs and red dresses, go many decades back and create a campy feel when used to advertise contemporary comedies.

People also commented with their favorite niche movie poster trends, such as the “foreshortened overhead 90s comedy” look of cult stoner movies, and suggested their favorite movie posters that they felt took much-needed creative risks and promised something fresh.

Commenters had some observations of their own and named their favorite posters

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parmeisan avatar
Parmeisan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How did they find 48 yellow movie posters and not one of them is The Full Monty or Kill Bill? I would have thought that those be the most famous examples of that category.

davenyc88 avatar
Dave P
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People dont realize that the head art people for posters are the same few people or the pupils of those same few people so because of that most film posters fall into those particular style. It is very simple. Plus studios know subconsciously people now associate certain styles with certain genre's and they want you to make that connection when you see the poster

kobitka-artworkstumblr avatar
Kobitka-artworks Tumblr
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Poland, as the most recognizable type of poster, we have white surface and lots of popular actros' names which is use for romantic comedies

captaindash avatar
patriciaross avatar
tuzdayschild
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They forgot tiny people on the cover, such as: Ready Player One, Captain Marvel Movie, Clockwork Orange and Auntie Mame

martatavares avatar
fenerbahche avatar
Nasren Jak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess Dragon Ball poster made by a Reddit user and posted on the site months later the Infinity War movie released.

Load More Replies...
lilskittleme avatar
Hermione Granger
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about all the kids movies such as trolls or abominable? And Disney classic movies? Those almost always look alike. Princesses? They missed a few.

blaasdf2 avatar
Hugo Raible
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bored Panda showing an uncensored female nipple? I'm impressed. Happy searching :)

paulina_krasinska avatar
Paulina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Moody misty" type could be called "Mufasa". Because it's basically someone appearing in the sky above other, small character(s)

ed_25 avatar
Electric Ed
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This explains why "there is never anything to watch" on Netflix. Its because "I have already seen that one".

aprilsimnel avatar
April Simnel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saul Bass: iconic graphic designer who died in 1996, and was known for his movie posters (one of them was for "The Shining", featured in the "Yellow" section here), film trailers, and logos. Look him up. He was the best. I don't understand why no one today has bothered to try like he did. I would, but I can't draw for s**t, much less come up with ideas like his, but surely someone out there can.

katieandjaredcoates avatar
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought the point was the other way around. It was Infinity War that felt like DBZ. That's probably why the fan art was created in the first place. But maybe you're right. Maybe the one who posted that comparison didn't know.

Load More Replies...
alexcalljaidar avatar
Alex Call
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sicario wasn't in any of the categories. Also the character collage trope has been a thing even in the times of Raider of the Lost Ark!

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same is also true of books (I work in a book shop), you can tell at a glance whether a book is a crime, or a romance or a humorous chic lit/summer read etc. I'm not gonna dig out loads of examples, just have a look next time you go into a book shop

photoshop_expert avatar
Gary Burley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

blade runner, apocalypse now, 2001. they don't fit these stereotypes

andreacarelesskelk avatar
Andrea Careless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bored Panda, I'm getting concerned about your grammar, so I'm going to start giving you trivial little comments. :-). Your title: "Twitter Thread Shows There’s 20 Types..." It shouldn't be "There's" ... Should be "There are." There are 20; not there is 20.

phil-lucas avatar
Lucas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FFS English is unlikely to be their first language. You go get the grammar right in Lithuanian. Stop with the grammar nazi c**p. It is rude and so boring. We aren't here to learn how to speak or to teach anyone else.

Load More Replies...
meghanturnis avatar
Meghan Turnis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez I've seen so many orange and blues! And pretty much all the ensemble sci-fi/fantasy, because I'm that kind of nerd. I love the shout-out to John Wick, too.

villagetalkiesdm avatar
Village Talkies
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great information!!! Thanks for your wonderful informative blog. Village Talkies a top-quality professional corporate video production company in Bangalore and also best explainer video company in Bangalore & animation video makers in Bangalore, Chennai, India & Maryland, Baltimore, USA provides Corporate & Brand films, Promotional, Marketing videos & Training videos, Product demo videos, Employee videos, Product video explainers, eLearning videos, 2d Animation, 3d Animation, Motion Graphics, Whiteboard Explainer videos Client Testimonial Videos, Video Presentation and more for all start-ups, industries, and corporate companies. From scripting to corporate video production services, explainer & 3d, 2d animation video production , our solutions are customized to your budget, timeline, and to meet the company goals and objectives. As a best video production company in Bangalore, we produce quality and creative videos to our clients.

quinnalexander avatar
Quinn Alexander
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, what's to unsee? Are you telling me you DON'T see there's a logic to poster design? You need a Graphic Design Degree to get into the field in the first place! It's like saying "Twitter thread shows most buildings are rectangular and now we can't unsee it!"

dcloud1943 avatar
Dorothy Cloud
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't remember the last time I actually saw a movie poster. Where are the posted?

emmarohrbaugh avatar
Bean59
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the "ensemble" Posters are the most popular. Also, DON'T PUT FINN AS THE BEST FRIEND! HIM AND REY BELONG TOGETHER! KYLO REN IS BAD AND UGLY!!!! COME ON PEOPLE!

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fin had his eyes first on that Asian chick, then the black chick in the new one. I don't think he's into vanilla.

Load More Replies...
lillikern avatar
Lilli
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow I never realized there were so many movies that were so alike! Makes me wonder...

ps421 avatar
Guy MacGregor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why put "Mass Effect" in the list ? It's not even a movie ! Credibility lost at first image smh

luizfalco avatar
Luiz Falcão
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think Mass Effect qualifies as an "Orange and Blue Action MOVIE"...

parmeisan avatar
Parmeisan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How did they find 48 yellow movie posters and not one of them is The Full Monty or Kill Bill? I would have thought that those be the most famous examples of that category.

davenyc88 avatar
Dave P
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People dont realize that the head art people for posters are the same few people or the pupils of those same few people so because of that most film posters fall into those particular style. It is very simple. Plus studios know subconsciously people now associate certain styles with certain genre's and they want you to make that connection when you see the poster

kobitka-artworkstumblr avatar
Kobitka-artworks Tumblr
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Poland, as the most recognizable type of poster, we have white surface and lots of popular actros' names which is use for romantic comedies

captaindash avatar
patriciaross avatar
tuzdayschild
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They forgot tiny people on the cover, such as: Ready Player One, Captain Marvel Movie, Clockwork Orange and Auntie Mame

martatavares avatar
fenerbahche avatar
Nasren Jak
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess Dragon Ball poster made by a Reddit user and posted on the site months later the Infinity War movie released.

Load More Replies...
lilskittleme avatar
Hermione Granger
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about all the kids movies such as trolls or abominable? And Disney classic movies? Those almost always look alike. Princesses? They missed a few.

blaasdf2 avatar
Hugo Raible
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bored Panda showing an uncensored female nipple? I'm impressed. Happy searching :)

paulina_krasinska avatar
Paulina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Moody misty" type could be called "Mufasa". Because it's basically someone appearing in the sky above other, small character(s)

ed_25 avatar
Electric Ed
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This explains why "there is never anything to watch" on Netflix. Its because "I have already seen that one".

aprilsimnel avatar
April Simnel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saul Bass: iconic graphic designer who died in 1996, and was known for his movie posters (one of them was for "The Shining", featured in the "Yellow" section here), film trailers, and logos. Look him up. He was the best. I don't understand why no one today has bothered to try like he did. I would, but I can't draw for s**t, much less come up with ideas like his, but surely someone out there can.

katieandjaredcoates avatar
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought the point was the other way around. It was Infinity War that felt like DBZ. That's probably why the fan art was created in the first place. But maybe you're right. Maybe the one who posted that comparison didn't know.

Load More Replies...
alexcalljaidar avatar
Alex Call
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sicario wasn't in any of the categories. Also the character collage trope has been a thing even in the times of Raider of the Lost Ark!

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same is also true of books (I work in a book shop), you can tell at a glance whether a book is a crime, or a romance or a humorous chic lit/summer read etc. I'm not gonna dig out loads of examples, just have a look next time you go into a book shop

photoshop_expert avatar
Gary Burley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

blade runner, apocalypse now, 2001. they don't fit these stereotypes

andreacarelesskelk avatar
Andrea Careless
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bored Panda, I'm getting concerned about your grammar, so I'm going to start giving you trivial little comments. :-). Your title: "Twitter Thread Shows There’s 20 Types..." It shouldn't be "There's" ... Should be "There are." There are 20; not there is 20.

phil-lucas avatar
Lucas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FFS English is unlikely to be their first language. You go get the grammar right in Lithuanian. Stop with the grammar nazi c**p. It is rude and so boring. We aren't here to learn how to speak or to teach anyone else.

Load More Replies...
meghanturnis avatar
Meghan Turnis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez I've seen so many orange and blues! And pretty much all the ensemble sci-fi/fantasy, because I'm that kind of nerd. I love the shout-out to John Wick, too.

villagetalkiesdm avatar
Village Talkies
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great information!!! Thanks for your wonderful informative blog. Village Talkies a top-quality professional corporate video production company in Bangalore and also best explainer video company in Bangalore & animation video makers in Bangalore, Chennai, India & Maryland, Baltimore, USA provides Corporate & Brand films, Promotional, Marketing videos & Training videos, Product demo videos, Employee videos, Product video explainers, eLearning videos, 2d Animation, 3d Animation, Motion Graphics, Whiteboard Explainer videos Client Testimonial Videos, Video Presentation and more for all start-ups, industries, and corporate companies. From scripting to corporate video production services, explainer & 3d, 2d animation video production , our solutions are customized to your budget, timeline, and to meet the company goals and objectives. As a best video production company in Bangalore, we produce quality and creative videos to our clients.

quinnalexander avatar
Quinn Alexander
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, what's to unsee? Are you telling me you DON'T see there's a logic to poster design? You need a Graphic Design Degree to get into the field in the first place! It's like saying "Twitter thread shows most buildings are rectangular and now we can't unsee it!"

dcloud1943 avatar
Dorothy Cloud
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't remember the last time I actually saw a movie poster. Where are the posted?

emmarohrbaugh avatar
Bean59
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the "ensemble" Posters are the most popular. Also, DON'T PUT FINN AS THE BEST FRIEND! HIM AND REY BELONG TOGETHER! KYLO REN IS BAD AND UGLY!!!! COME ON PEOPLE!

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fin had his eyes first on that Asian chick, then the black chick in the new one. I don't think he's into vanilla.

Load More Replies...
lillikern avatar
Lilli
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow I never realized there were so many movies that were so alike! Makes me wonder...

ps421 avatar
Guy MacGregor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why put "Mass Effect" in the list ? It's not even a movie ! Credibility lost at first image smh

luizfalco avatar
Luiz Falcão
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think Mass Effect qualifies as an "Orange and Blue Action MOVIE"...

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