I found this interesting graph on Digg (from the Times Online UK Blog, which had a dead link at the time of posting). It takes a look at how sci-fi, adventure, horror, western, crime, action, animation, romance, porn, documentary, comedy, drama, and short genres have evolved over the years. Check it out below and click for hi-res.
The complete and utter decline of the western genre is quite depressing and for those wondering what led to the odd jump in the crime genre in 1970’s it can be explained here. (Spoiler: The Godfather had some influence). It is very cool to look at the flow of genres and what that could mean now.
How do you see film genres changing in the future? Does the history surprise you?