Research into Thriller Sub-genres

There are many different sub-genres within the thriller genre, each of which have it's own set of conventions:

Action Thriller

These often contain race-against-time, violence and an obvious antagonist. These films often contain weapons, explosions, and large elaborate sets/locations for the action to take place. These films often overlap with mystery thrillers and crime thillers, however these elements are usually not the main focus of the film. An example would be the James Bond films.

Crime Thriller
This particular genre is a hybrid of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasise action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include serial killers/murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, heists and double-crosses. Examples include Reservoir Dogs, Seven, Ocean's 11 and No Country for Old Men.

Conspiracy Thriller
These often revolve around a hero/heroine confronting a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. For example, Enemy of the State.

Disaster Thriller
In these films the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes or nuclear disasters. An example is The Day After Tomorrow.

Erotic Thriller
These are a mix of erotica and thriller. It has become popular since the 1980s and the rise of VCR market penetration. An example would be Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut.

Legal Thriller
In these films, the lawyer confronts enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. Michael Clayton is an example.

Medical Thriller
This genre involves the hero/heroine, who are often medical doctors/personnel, working to solve an expanding medical problem. For example, Coma.

Mystery Thriller
Suspense films where characters attempt solving, or are involved in, a mystery. A good example is Shutter Island.

Political Thriller
In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. An example is In the Line of Fire.

Psychological Thriller
In which (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. For example, Phone Booth and Psycho.

Religious Thriller
In these films, the plot is closely connected to religious objects, institutions and questions. A good example is The Da Vinci Code which has led to a current boom in religiously orientated thrillers.

Supernatural Thriller
In which the film brings in an otherworldly element mixed with tension, suspense and plot twists. Sometimes the hero and/or villain has some psychic or supernatural ability. For example, The Sixth Sense.

Techno Thriller
A suspense film in which the manipulation of sophisticated technology plays a prominent part. An example would be The Matrix trilogy.

Eco-thriller
 In which the protagonist must avert or rectify an environmental or biological calamity - often in addition to dealing with the usual types of enemies or obstacles present in other thriller genres. This environmental component often forms a central message or theme of the story.


Horror Thriller
In these films, the conflict between the main characters is mental, emotional, and physical. What sets the horror thriller apart is the main element of fear throughout the story. The main character(s) is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves and directly feel the fear that comes by attracting the monster's attention. An example is 28 Days Later.

Spy Thriller
This genre often involves the hero being a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or (in recent years) terrorists. For example, The Bourne Identity.