What type of film is the landmark "Nosferatu" considered?

"Nosferatu," directed by F.W. Murnau in 1922, is considered a landmark in cinema primarily because it is one of the earliest examples of the horror genre focusing on supernatural themes, specifically vampires. As an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," it captures elements of the eerie and the macabre associated with vampire lore, portraying Count Orlok as an iconic figure of horror. The film employs visual techniques such as shadow play and expressionistic settings to evoke feelings of dread and unease, which are hallmarks of supernatural films. This establishes "Nosferatu" as a critical piece in the evolution of horror cinema, particularly in how it represents undead figures within the context of early 20th-century art and film.

The other genres mentioned, such as musicals, documentaries, and romantic comedies, do not align with the themes or style of "Nosferatu," which distinctly emphasizes a supernatural horror narrative focused on the iconic vampire mythos.