A few thousand people visit my blog every day, and at least half of you are passionate about the incredible world of movies. When you’ve been immersed in cinema for years, you naturally pick up all kinds of film terminology—or at least have a pretty good idea of what it means. I’ve written so many reviews over the years that I now use certain expressions without even thinking about it.
That’s why I decided to put together a simple glossary for anyone who wants to learn more about the language of film.
This isn’t meant to be a complete encyclopedia (despite what the title might suggest), but rather a collection of the most common terms and abbreviations you’ll come across in movie reviews and discussions. I think you’ll find most of the essential ones here, but if I’ve missed something, let me know in the comments and I’ll update the list. From now on, we’ll all know exactly what we’re talking about. The order is completely random!
Sequel – A film that continues the story of an earlier movie, expanding its plot or characters. Example: The Matrix Reloaded.
Prequel – A film set before the events of the original story. Examples: The Hobbit, Fantastic Beasts.
Interquel – A film whose story takes place between two existing installments. Example: Fast & Furious (2009).
Midquel – A story that unfolds during the same time period as another film, showing parallel events. Example: The Bourne Legacy.
Reboot – A fresh start for a film franchise with a new cast, continuity, or storyline. Example: Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
Remake – A new version of an existing film that keeps the core story while reimagining its execution.
Spin-off – A standalone story focusing on a supporting character or side plot. Example: Penguins of Madagascar.
Versus – A film that pits two well-known characters against each other. Example: Freddy vs. Jason.
Crossover – A story that brings together characters from different franchises or series. Example: The Avengers.
Fan Fiction – Stories created by fans using characters or worlds from an existing franchise.
Adaptation – A film based on another work, such as a novel, comic book, or video game.
Dub – A version of a film where the original dialogue has been replaced with another language.
Cliffhanger – An ending that leaves the audience in suspense.
VOD (Video on Demand) – Streaming services that let you watch movies whenever you want, such as Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video.
Spiritual Successor – A film that shares themes, tone, or style with another but isn’t directly connected to it. Example: The Meg and Jaws.
Final Girl – The last surviving female character in a horror movie. Examples: Laurie Strode, Sidney Prescott.
Found Footage – A filmmaking style presented as „discovered” or recovered recordings. Example: The Blair Witch Project.
Heist Movie – A film centered around a major robbery or elaborate theft. Example: Ocean’s Eleven.
Spoiler – Revealing important plot details that can ruin the experience for someone who hasn’t seen the film.
Update: Here are a few more advanced terms for those who want to dive even deeper into the language of cinema!
Cold Open – An opening scene that plays before the title sequence or opening credits.
One-Shot (One-Take) – A scene filmed in one continuous, uninterrupted take.
Diegetic / Non-Diegetic Sound – Sounds that characters can hear within the story world (or cannot, such as background score).
Chekhov’s Gun – The storytelling principle that if something is introduced, it should serve a purpose later.
Breaking the Fourth Wall – When a character directly acknowledges or speaks to the audience. Example: Deadpool.
Foreshadowing – Subtle hints that suggest future events in the story.
Jump Cut – An abrupt edit that creates a noticeable break in continuity.
Tracking Shot – A camera movement that follows a character or object through a scene.
Dutch Angle – A tilted camera shot used to create tension or unease.
Auteur – A director whose personal artistic vision strongly shapes their films.
B-Roll – Supplemental footage used to enhance the main visuals.
Establishing Shot – A wide shot that introduces the location or setting of a scene.
Voice-Over – Narration spoken over the visuals by a character or narrator.
Easter Egg – A hidden reference or inside joke for attentive fans.
MacGuffin – An object or goal that drives the plot but isn’t important in itself.
Montage – A sequence of edited shots used to show the passage of time or progress.
Omniscient Narrator – A narrator who knows everything about the story and its characters.
Plot Twist – An unexpected turn that changes the audience’s understanding of the story.
Product Placement – The intentional appearance of a real brand or product within a film.
Post-Credits Scene – An additional scene shown after the credits, often teasing a sequel or future installment.
Fun fact: A bird’s-eye view is a shot filmed from directly above, while a worm’s-eye view is filmed from below, making the subject appear larger or more imposing.
