Action film is a film genre in which the protagonist or protagonists end up in a series of challenges that typically include violence, close combat, physical feats and frantic chases. Action films tend to feature a resourceful hero struggling against incredible odds, which include life-threatening situations, a villain, or a pursuit which generally concludes in victory for the hero. The genre is closely associated with the thriller and adventure film genres, and it may also contain elements of spy fiction and espionage.