Five Forgotten Film Genres That Deserve a Comeback

While the big hitters like comedy, drama, action, and horror always have a spot at the box office, there’s a whole world of lesser-known genres that once had their moment but have since slipped off the radar. These niche categories often captured the spirit of their era, whether it was the psychedelic visuals of the late ‘60s or the blood-soaked chaos of early splatter films. Some, like folk horror or the classic beach party flick, just couldn’t keep up with changing tastes. Here’s a look at five genres that vanished before their time, from the stylish Italian giallo to the wild world of nunsploitation.

Biker Flicks: Rebels on Two Wheels

Back in the day, biker films were all the rage, tapping into the rebellious streak of the ‘60s. Kenneth Anger’s Scorpio Rising gave a glimpse into queer biker culture, while Marlon Brando’s turn in The Wild One set the standard for the genre. The ‘60s and ‘70s saw a wave of these films, from the trippy The Girl on the Motorcycle to the cult classic Easy Rider. Even exploitation directors had a go, with titles like She-Devils on Wheels and the British oddity Psychomania. Whether they were exploring the freedom of the open road or taking the mickey out of mainstream society, these films had a unique energy. These days, though, you’re more likely to see a car chase than a pack of bikers tearing up the screen. It’s a shame, really—there’s something about the roar of a motorbike and a bit of anti-establishment attitude that’s hard to beat.

Teen Films: More Than Just High School Drama

Teen films have always been a bit underrated, especially by anyone who’s not a teenager. But a well-done teen flick can really hit the mark, offering a mix of comedy and coming-of-age drama that sticks with you. The ‘80s gave us classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club, not to mention the sharp wit of Heathers. The ‘90s and 2000s kept the momentum going with Clueless and Mean Girls. Sure, there were plenty of cheesy ones, but the best have stood the test of time. Lately, though, the genre’s lost its spark, with recent offerings feeling a bit half-baked. Every now and then, something like Bottoms tries to recapture the magic, but it’s rare to see a teen film with the same bite as the old favourites.

Giallo: Italian Style and Suspense

Giallo films were a staple of Italian cinema in the ‘60s and ‘70s, blending murder mysteries with a splash of sex and a heap of style. Directors like Mario Bava and Dario Argento led the charge, creating neon-lit thrillers packed with jazzy soundtracks and buckets of fake blood. Films like Blood and Black Lace and Deep Red left a mark on everything from slasher flicks to modern thrillers. But giallo was a product of its time, thriving before slashers took over and exploitation cinema faded. By the late ‘80s, the genre had all but disappeared, leaving behind a legacy of bell-bottomed heroes and wild plot twists.

Erotic Thrillers and Nunsploitation: Pushing Boundaries

Erotic thrillers had their heyday in the ‘80s and ‘90s, with films like Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction drawing crowds keen for a mix of suspense and steamy drama. But as online content became easier to find, the thrill faded, and the genre struggled to keep up. These days, it’s rare to see a film that balances tension and sensuality without tipping into cliché or controversy.

Then there’s nunsploitation—a genre that’s as wild as it sounds. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, films about nuns wrestling with temptation and authority pushed boundaries and ruffled feathers. Some leaned into horror, like Mother Joan of Angels and Alucarda, while others went for full-blown eroticism. While a few recent films have nodded to the genre, it’s mostly a relic of a time when filmmakers weren’t afraid to stir the pot. These days, anything too provocative tends to spark outrage, making a true nunsploitation revival unlikely.