At what frame rate does film typically play?

Film typically plays at 24 frames per second, which has been the standard for cinematic film since the 1920s. This frame rate is ideal for achieving a balance between motion smoothness and film utilization. At 24 frames per second, the human eye perceives the motion as fluid, but not overly smooth, creating a characteristic "film look" that audiences associate with movies.

Options like 30 frames per second are more common in television and video formats, offering a slightly smoother motion typically suitable for live broadcasts. Frame rates of 60 frames per second are often used in high-definition video formats and gaming, which can enhance the clarity of fast-moving scenes but are less traditional for narrative cinema. A frame rate of 15 frames per second would result in choppy motion that is generally not acceptable for film viewing, leading to a less immersive experience.