Sub Genres of Thrillers

Thriller is a genre of film but even within this genre, films can be broken into different sub genres. These different sub genres can include:

Action Thriller

it’s defining elements a back seat, and focus on the action, and you have an action-thriller. This is more common in movies than novels because of the visual appeal of explosions and violence. An example of an action thriller is Taken

Conspiracy Thriller

In this sub genre the protagonist must confront a large, powerful organization whose threat only he sees, most times he must do so alone. An example of an conspiracy thriller is X Files

Crime Thriller

This sub genre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and evading the police feature heavily instead of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal. An example of an crime thriller is Pulp Fiction

Disaster Thriller

In this sub genre a natural disaster is occurring, and the protagonist is either trying to stop the disaster, the reduce the extent of the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out and the disaster has run its course. An example of a disaster thriller is 2012

Legal Thriller

This sub genre takes place in and around the courtroom. Usually the protagonist is a lawyer who has found their case threatening death for either them or their client. An example of a legal thriller is Michael Clayton

Medical Thriller

This sub genre 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 are usually doctors. An example of a medical thriller is Contagion

Mystery Thriller

This is a sub genre of both mysteries and thrillers. It differs from a regular mystery by being much more fast-paced, with the protagonist on the run and the looming threat of another crime serving as the movitation for the protagonist. Examples of mystery thrillers are The Usual Suspects and Gone Girl

Political Thriller

In this sub genre political relations or the whole government is at stake, and the protagonist is employed by the government to stop the threat. An example of a political thriller is Snowden

Psychological Thriller

In this sub genre a lot of the action is mental, instead of physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity or life. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of their intelligence. An example of a psychological thriller is Shutter Island

Religious Thriller

This sub genre uses the history and myths of religion. Usually a religious artifact or historical secret is discovered, and different people and groups compete for control. An example of a religious thriller is Constantine 

Romantic Thriller 

This is a sub genre of both thrillers and romantic novels. The plot line follows a typical thriller’s tension, suspense, and excitement, but a main element is relationship between two characters. An example of a romantic thriller is The Adjustment Bureua 

Spy Thriller

This sub genre focuses on the high adventures of field agents. It is usually set against the backdrop of some war. An example of spy thriller is Tinker Tailor Solider Spy

Supernatural Thriller

In this sub genre supernatural elements are introduced, usually as an antagonistic force, but  the plot line and feel or distinctly that of thrillers. Some characters may have psychic abilities and other supernatural novel elements may be present. An example of a supernatural thriller is The Sixth Sense

Techno-Thriller

This genre is a mix 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. An example of a techno-thriller is The Matrix