Thrillers and the Sub-Genres of Thrillers

Thrillers: This is a genre that is based around anticipation and suspense. The aim for this genre is to keep the audience alert constantly. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, mission or mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will always emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a sudden plot twist new-equilibrium (ending).

Action Thriller: This Sub-Genre uses physical action to create suspense throughout, it will also oftenly have continuous motion/action; which includes physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. Normally, these scenes will contribute to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist will face. Examples: Die Hard, Kill Bill Vol. 1, The Bourne Identity.

Crime Thriller: This is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot: the plot usually focuses on a serial killer, murderer, robbery, or manhunt. Which opposes to traditional crime films, where the story line focuses both around the antagonist and the protagonist. Crime Thrillers use both action along with psychological aspects to build tension and suspense within the story line. Examples: The Usual Suspects, The Fugitive, Jagged Edge.

Film-Noir: It is not simply a sub-genre, however it is rather a term for a distinct type of crime-drama or thriller that was popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. This Sub-Genre is characterised by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. The main character is usually a cynical hero. It relies on a narrative voice along with various flashbacks which are there to explain the plot. Examples: Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, Sweet Smell of Success.

Psychological Thriller: In addition to a regular Thriller or a Psychological Thriller it incorporates elements of drama and mystery film. The suspense in this sub-genre comes subconsciously, rather than from a psychical threat. The protagonists in Psychological Thrillers must rely on their mental resources to solve the situation and normally gives the story line a twist that the audience would not expect to happen. Examples: Memento, Rear Window, Taxi Driver, Shutter Island, Inception.

Science Fiction Thriller: This incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film; a Science Fiction film will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology. These elements can be used to create anticipation and suspense throughout the media. It will usually explore the “future-gone-bad” theme, including plots that revolve around alien invasions, dystopian scenarios and super-diseases. Examples: Aliens, Inception, District 9.

Religious Thriller: This incorporates religious themes; which includes religious questions, ceremonies, and objects. Although some films can sometimes base themselves around a specific church. Many of these include supernatural experiences not focusing a certain religion. Exorcisms, demon possession, and church cover-ups are typical themes of Religious Thrillers. Examples: The Devil’s Advocate, The Ninth Gate, The Da Vinci Code.