Sub-Genres of the Hollywood Thriller
Suspense Films Fall Into Several Different Categories
‘Thriller’ is a very broad term that is often separated into several sub-genres. These sub-genres often overlap with each other. Here are a few of them:
Action Thriller
These films are characterized by fast-paced, hero-centered narratives full of action and excitement. They often have elements of mystery and crime films, but these elements take a back seat to the action.
- Die Hard (1988)
- The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- Point Break (1991)
- Cliffhanger (1993)
- Air Force One (1997)
Conspiracy Thriller
Only the hero knows the truth about a particular person, group, or situation, and he or she must prove it to the rest of the world before disaster strikes and the bad guys win.
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
- The Conversation (1974)
- JFK (1991)
Crime Thriller
These films often focus on criminals dealing with a successful or failed crime and the suspenseful results. Common themes include robberies, murders, and double crosses.
- Double Indemnity (1944)
- The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Sin City (2005)
- No Country for Old Men (2007)
Disaster Thriller
These films deal with some type of disaster, either natural or man-made. Along with sometimes showing the disaster itself, these films concentrate on the chaotic events surrounding the disaster, including survival strategies and the effects on the characters and their loved ones.
- Deep Impact (1998)
- Final Destination (2000)
- The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
- Cloverfield (2008)
Erotic Thriller
A sensational genre that is a mix of erotic and thriller films.
- Body Heat (1981)
- Fatal Attraction (1987)
- Basic Instinct (1992)
Legal Thrillers
In which the main character is a lawyer and must confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom. These heroes are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives.
- A Few Good Men (1992)
- The Pelican Brief (1993)
- A Time to Kill (1996)
Medical Thriller
In these films the hero is a medical professional struggling to solve some type of dangerous/frightening medical problem.
- The Andromeda Strain (1971)
- Coma (1978)
- Awake (2007)
Psychological Thrillers
The ones that mess with your head. In these types of thrillers the suspense is character-driven rather than action-driven. Characters play deceptive games and try to destroy one another. Sometimes the conflict exists within one character's mind.
- Freaks (1932)
- Laura (1944)
- Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Political Thriller
The main character must ensure the stability of the government that employs him or her against enormous odds.
- Notorious (1946)
- The Crying Game (1992)
- In the Line of Fire (1993)
- Valkyrie (2008)
Religious Thriller
Thrillers based on religious teachings, events, and customs. Religious prophecies, evils unleashed, and ancient scriptures often come into play. At times they can be quite controversial as they examine people's beliefs, not always in a flattering way.
- The Omega Code (1999)
- The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- Angels and Demons (2009)
Spy Thriller
The hero is usually a government agent who must take violent action against agents from a rival government or terrorists.
- Mission Impossible (1996)
- The Bourne Identity (2002)
Supernatural Thrillers
These are very similar to horror films, but are often not as violent. The character (could be the hero or the villain) has some sort of supernatural power that must be called upon. Supernatural thrillers often find the protagonists either battling an evil paranormal force or placed in a situation controlled by an other-worldly force beyond their comprehension.
- Cat People (1942)
- Carrie (1976)
Most thrillers are formed in some combination of the above, with horror, conspiracy, and psychological tricks used most commonly to heighten tension. The sub-genres overlap and can be put into several different categories. All of them create tension, suspense, and excitement for the viewers.
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