The Thriller Genre

"A thriller is a broad genre of television, literature or film. It incorporates elements of mystery, tension, excitement and suspense which drives the narrative and appeals to an audience"




Sub-genres of Thrillers

Disaster Thriller - A thriller based around a disaster that could affect multiple people on a large scale, such as a tidal wave or a tornado. Examples are 2012 (2009) and The Day After Tomorrow (2004).

Political Thriller - This sub-genre became more popular after the assassination of President Kennedy, and are often based on historical events like this. Examples are Proof of Life (2000) and Topaz (1969).

Horror Thriller - A combination of a thriller and a horror film, incorporating elements from both genres such as unnerving scenes that have a strong impact on the viewer. Resident Evil (2002) and The Hills Have Eyes (1977, remade in 2006) are examples.

Erotic Thriller - A thriller including features of erotica such as sex scenes. Examples include Dressed To Kill (1980, pictured above) and Basic Instinct (1992).





Supernatural Thriller - A thriller that mixes in otherworldly elements to somewhat create a feel of fantasy. Common features included in these films are character with psychic abilities or inhuman strength. Examples of Supernatural Thrillers are The Skeleton Key (2005, pictured above) and Lady in the Water (2006).





Crime Thriller - A hybrid of the thriller and crime genres, often focused on the criminal instead of the detective/policeman. Incorporates elements such as mystery, robbery, murder and blackmail. Generally are more focused on action than on psychological aspects, but often include both characteristics. Examples include Seven (1995, sometimes stylized as 'Se7en') and Ocean's Eleven (1960, remade in 2001).





Psychological Thriller - A thriller containing elements which would have a psychological, unnerving impact on a viewer; elements such as stalking, mind games and obsession. Instead of physical contact between the characters, these films usually consist of emotional and mental conflict. Examples are Psycho (1960, pictured above, remade in 1998) and The Butterfly Effect (2004).





Mystery Thriller - A thriller based around the main character attempting to solve or have some involvement some form of mystery or crime. Examples of this sub-genre are Shutter Island (2010) and Identity (2003).

Revenge Thriller - A film that emphasizes on typical thriller themes such as tension and suspense over supernatural and psychological elements, with the obvious underlying theme of revenge. Kill Bill (2003, 2004 - released in two 'volumes', pictured above) and I Spit on Your Grave (1978, remade in 2010) are examples of revenge thrillers.

Religious Thriller - This sub-genre contains films which have plots linked closely to religious stories, objects, beliefs and icons whilst still incorporating thriller elements. The Da Vinci Code (2006) and Angels & Demons (2009) are examples.

Techno Thriller - A thriller in which advanced technology plays a pivotal role both within the film and in its presentation. Examples of this sub-genre are The Matrix (1999, pictured) and I, Robot (2004). 

Basic Ingredients of a Thriller

Thrillers generally portray the society at the time of the film's setting as being corrupt and dark, and they also rely heavily on features such as plot twists and cliffhangers in order to maximise the viewer's interest and concentration. Thrillers are known to enhance a viewer's senses and moods - creating feelings such as terror, adrenaline, anticipation and expectation. A thriller generally incorporates a plot driven by a main villain or enemy whom the main character or hero must overcome. Despite the generally dark and dangerous atmosphere featured in most thrillers, they usually have a happy ending in which the main character achieves their super objective of thwarting the enemy, usually by having them arrested or by killing them.