What frame rate is standard for film?

The standard frame rate for film is 24 frames per second. This frame rate has been established as the industry standard for cinematic productions since the late 1920s and has remained the benchmark for film due to its effective balance of motion smoothness and the visual aesthetic it provides. At 24 frames per second, the movement appears natural and fluid, which is critical for storytelling in filmmaking.

Using a different frame rate can alter the perception of motion; for example, higher frame rates like 30 or 60 frames per second are often associated with television broadcasts or video formats where smooth motion is prioritized, but they may not deliver the same cinematic feel that audiences expect from traditional film. Therefore, 24 frames per second is not only historically rooted but also serves as a creative choice that filmmakers use to evoke the desired emotional response.