Pulp fiction refers to a genre of popular literature that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its sensational and often lurid storytelling. These stories were typically published in cheap, mass-produced magazines known as pulp magazines, which were named for the low-quality paper they used. The genre includes a variety of themes, such as crime, adventure, and science fiction, appealing to a wide audience. The term "pulp fiction" gained further recognition with the release of the film Pulp Fiction in 1994, directed by Quentin Tarantino. This film is known for its nonlinear narrative and eclectic dialogue, drawing inspiration from the pulp stories of the past. Today, pulp fiction remains influential in both literature and film, celebrated for its bold and imaginative storytelling.