Thriller Sub-Genres

 SUB-GENRES OF THRILLER MOVIES

Action Thriller: A genre that may contain a complex storyline that raises anticipation, excitement, fear, surprise and/or anxiety within its audience, however, all types of thriller raise the viewers adrenaline. The thriller genre could include many themes, for example a chase scene, crime related, top secret spies and psychological mind games etc. They typically include fight scenes, car races/crashes, explosions and legal aspects.



 

 

Conspiracy Thriller: A genre that contains a protagonist that is fighting or quarrelling with a large association, such as the FBI or a powerful organisation. They may be arguing or the protagonist may be on the run. The protagonist will usually hand himself in at the end of the film once he has completed what his aim, the aim is usually something that the opposing characters are against.

 

 

 

Crime Thriller: This subgenre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and eluding the police take the place of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal. It is similar to a conspiracy thriller in the fact that there is usually one person against a large organisation, it also withholds similar traits and conventions to an action thriller.

 



 

 

Disaster Thriller: In disaster thrillers there is a natural disaster that disturbs a small town ranging to a capital city, the disaster could be an earthquake or a flood. However, it could also be a mix with a science fiction plot, where perhaps a monster attacks a city and an organisation is trying to defeat them, for example Pacific Rim.

 

 

 

Legal Thriller: This type of thriller is set in a courtroom and the protagonist is usually the judge or a member of the court. The case that they are trying to solve will affect their life greatly and put them in danger; they may even play a part in the case themselves and be guilty of something. Legal thrillers require the actor/writers to research and obtain knowledge on legal issues related to the specific case.

 

 

 

Medical Thriller:  This subgenre involves something usually used for medical purposes becoming a deadly weapon. Often it is a virus that is leaking out to the public. The protagonist or antagonist or both are doctors.

 

 

 

Mystery Thriller:  A fast paced thriller, where the protagonist is typically on the run from danger or a specific threat and encounters obstacles along the way. A mysterious element is present, especially relating to the antagonist and the storyline.

 

 

Psychological Thriller: In this subgenre a lot of the conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of wits.

 

Lesser know thriller sub-genres:

Eco-Thriller: In this subgenre the protagonist must stop a threat to the environment (man-made or natural) that will have consequences for society if left unchecked. The damage could be local, but nation or even world-wide stakes are more dramatic.

 

Forensic Thriller: The protagonist(s) are forensic scientists that are involved in an unsolved crime/series of crimes. Their involvement threatens their lives and puts them in danger. This subgenre includes a lot of conventions from other subgenres of thriller; action is always involved and crime may also be present.

 

Political Thriller: In this subgenre political relations or the whole government is at stake, and the protagonist is employed by the government to stop the decline. The protagonist may have been low-level before having attracted attention.

 

Religious Thriller: This subgenre uses the history and myths of religion. Usually a religious artifact or historical secret is discovered, and different people and groups die for control.

 

Romantic Thriller: This is a subgenre of both thrillers and romantic novels. The plot line follows a typical thriller’s tension, suspense, and excitement, but a main element is the growing relationship between two characters.

 

Spy Thriller: It’s hard to call this a genre mash-up when spy novels almost have to be thrillers. At any rate, this subgenre focuses on the high adventures of field agents. It is usually set against the backdrop of some war.

 

Techno-Thriller: This genres is a cross between near-future science fiction and thrillers. Cutting-edge technology plays an important role, either as something to obtain, or working for or against the protagonist.