A system and method for menu-based navigation to view audio and/or visual media is disclosed. A user can navigate through a menu system by moving a cursor between various categories listed in a menu in a first display area. When the user selects a category, the menu changes to display sub-categories within the category, with the chosen category listed in a home position of the first display area. A second display area can display available selections within a selected category or sub-category. A third display area can display additional information about the selected media item. There also can be a display area where a user can create a filter within a selected category or sub-category. The menu selections can contain representations of categories. The categories can be genres or lists of movies or music. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.