Hulu genre guide: Discover must-watch shows and movies in every category

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - “Once Upon a Time in the West” - Charles, Oliver & Mabel are whisked to Los Angeles where a legendary film studio intends to adapt their podcast. However, Hollywood’s glitz is overshadowed by a stunning clue about Charles’ stunt double & friend Sazz Pataki. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
STEVE MARTIN, SELENA GOMEZ, MARTIN SHORT
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - “Once Upon a Time in the West” - Charles, Oliver & Mabel are whisked to Los Angeles where a legendary film studio intends to adapt their podcast. However, Hollywood’s glitz is overshadowed by a stunning clue about Charles’ stunt double & friend Sazz Pataki. (Disney/Eric McCandless) STEVE MARTIN, SELENA GOMEZ, MARTIN SHORT /
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Hulu offers an impressive variety of genres, from suspense-filled thrillers to light-hearted rom-coms. While this is a nice feature, it can make it a little daunting for new subscribers in a hurry to find something to watch.

Hulu’s most popular genres and top picks

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The Handmaid’s Tale -- “Safe” - Episode 510 -- Under threat, June must find a way to keep herself and her family safe from Gilead and its violent supporters in Toronto. Janine (Madeline Brewer), shown. (Photo by: Sophie Giraud/Hulu) /

Hulu has many standout selections across many genres, with some of the most popular being drama, comedy, horror, action, and family-friendly content. Each genre is filled with both Hulu Originals and classic favorites.

Some top picks include hit comedies like Only Murders in the Building, intense dramas like The Handmaid’s Tale, and thrillers like Castle Rock, and you will find plenty more personal favorites in time.

Drama – where stories come to life

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9-1-1 LONE STAR: L-R: Rob Lowe, Jim Parrack, Brian Michael Smith, Natacha Karam, and Julian Works in the "My Way" episode of 9-1-1 LONE STAR airing Monday, Oct 14 (8:00-9:02 PM ET/PT) on FOX. © 2024 Fox Media LLC.CR: Kevin Estrada/FOX. /

There are many dramas on Hulu, from personal journeys to social commentary and historical epics. Some great options include 9-1-1, True Blood, and Interior Chinatown.

In addition to its popular shows, Hulu offers viewers many great movies, such as the horror drama She Will, The Creator, and Higher Learning. For viewers who crave complex narratives, Hulu’s drama selections are both rewarding and diverse.

Comedy – find laughs in every form

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Schitt's Creek -- "Motel Review" -- Image Number: SCH308_4355.jpg -- Pictured (L-R): Annie Murphy as Alexis Rose, Daniel Levy as David Rose, Catherine OHara as Moira Rose and Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose -- Photo: 2020 Pop Media Group LLC. /

Hulu’s comedy lineup is guaranteed to bring laughter from sitcoms to stand-up specials. Schitt’s Creek and Superstore offer hilarious ensemble casts, while Hulu Originals like Palm Springs and History of the World Part 2 bring unique perspectives to the comedy scene.

Movies in this genre include light-hearted favorites like Quasi, perfect for a night of laughs. Hulu’s comedy offerings ensure there’s something for everyone, whether you enjoy quirky humor or classic slapstick.

Abbott Elementary and the 15 best comedies on Hulu

Horror and thrillers – a suspenseful experience

American Horror Stories
American Horror Stories -- Season 2 -- “American Horror Stories” is a spinoff of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s award-winning hit anthology series “American Horror Story.” “American Horror Stories” is a weekly anthology series that will feature a different horror story each episode. Since 2011, the creators of “AHS” have redefined the horror genre with various installments featuring a creepy asylum, a coven of witches, a traveling freak show, a haunted hotel and the apocalypse itself. The /

For fans of horror and thrillers, Hulu is a go-to platform for shows that keep you on the edge of your seat. Series like American Horror Story and Castle Rock blend psychological suspense with terrifying visuals, while horror movies like The Lodge add to the tension.

Thrillers on Hulu also span unique subgenres. Shows like The Old Man and Stephen King’s Rose Red offer mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists, appealing to horror fans and thriller enthusiasts alike.

The Old Man and the 7 best thriller shows on Hulu you need to binge

Documentaries – uncover real-life stories

How I Caught My Killer
How I Caught My Killer -- Season 1 -- “How I Caught My Killer” is a true-crime docu-series that highlights the real-life stories behind unique homicide cases with in-depth interviews, authentic archival material and cinematic recreations all packaged together into a fresh spin in the genre. (Courtesy of Hulu) /

Hulu’s documentaries are perfect for viewers who crave real-life stories. Series like Southern Gothic and How I Caught My Killer offer a look into unique historical phenomena, while films like Love Gilda bring raw, personal stories to the screen.

The platform also has true-crime documentaries like God Forbid, a dramatized retelling of shocking events. Hulu’s documentaries give viewers access to hidden stories, providing fresh perspectives on real-world events and issues.

True crime on Hulu: What draws us to these chilling stories?

6 true crime documentaries to watch this fall on Hulu

Top documentaries on Hulu about the music industry

Family and kids – entertainment for all ages

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THE SIMPSONS: A scene from the "The Winter of his Content" episode of THE SIMPSONS airing Sunday, March 16 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. THE SIMPSONS ª and © 2014 TCFFC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. /

Hulu has plenty of family-friendly options, from animated classics to new series that engage younger audiences. The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers appeal to teens and adults alike, while Ice Age and The Secret Garden are excellent picks for family movie nights.

For younger viewers, Hulu’s kids’ section offers educational content and animated favorites like The Powerpuff Girls and Rugrats. With a wide range of family-friendly titles, Hulu is an ideal choice for viewers of all ages.

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