Sub-genre Research

A sub-genre film is generally a subcategory within a particular genre; these sub-genre films are basically films that include themes of more than one genre. Here is a list of the sub-genres you may find in a thriller film:

Psychological Thriller:
The psychological sub-genre is used to play with the audiences minds and produce suspense in the film. In this sub-genre most of the conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist may be involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity; it shows the mentality of a character and the thought processes that they go through - therefore, making this sub-genre so tension and suspenseful. 'Black Swan' is a prime example of a mindbending psychological thriller.


Crime Thriller:
This sub-genre focuses on crime, and is usually spectated from the criminal’s point of view. This mostly involves physical action; crime thrillers usually emphasise action over psychological aspects, although there may also be a psychological part to this genre as well. The main topics of the films consist of serial killers & murders, robberies, heists, chases, shootouts and double-crosses. 'Seven' is a film which has a sub-genre of a brutal crime thriller.

Action Thriller:

An action thriller is where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases in order to resolve their problem. They occasionally have a resourceful character struggling against incredible odds such as, life-threatening situations, an evil villain, and/or being chased in several ways of transportation - for instance cars, bikes, trucks, etc. - with victory achieved at the end after difficult physical efforts and violence. 'Inception' consists of an fast pace action genre.

Mystery Thriller:
This particular sub-genre relates a lot to crime thrillers, however, differs from a regular mystery by being much more fast-paced while focusing mainly on the efforts of the detective or private investigator in order to solve the mystery. Mystery sub-genre is used in the film 'The Number 23'.


Disaster Thriller:

This particular sub-genre follows the characters survival when in conflict with natural or artificial disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcanoes. This type of sub-genre plays with what the future is going to bring for mankind if such disasters were to happen. '2012' has a disaster thriller genre.

Conspiracy Thriller:
This sub-genre consists of the protagonist overruling the evil in the world. Conspiracy thrillers often use the secrecy of governments and major organisations in history; this type of genre has some sort of hero/heroine who finds themselves trapped in a very powerful organisation. These companies are then brought down by the protagonist character. The film 'V for Vendetta' is a great example for a conspiracy thriller.

Supernatural Thriller:
Supernatural thrillers often bring an otherworldly element to show something unordinary happening to a protagonist, which they then have to overcome this obstacle/problem. This genre may also create tension and suspense in addition to also having an unsuspected twist during the film. The protagonist or even villains usually have a supernatural gift that help them get to the main source of the problem. 'Paranormal Activity' consists of supernatural powers making the genre a supernatural thriller.

Spy Thriller:
This sub-genre focuses on the high adventures of field agents; it is usually set against the backdrop of some war/conflict between enemies. This sub-genre also deals with the subject of fictional espionage, either in a realistic way or as a basis for fantasy spying. 'Mission Impossible 3' uses all aspects of a spy thriller.


Eco-Thriller:

In eco-thrillers the protagonist must stop a threat to the environment - this could be natural or man-made - that will have consequences for environment and society if left unresolved. The damage of the threat could be local, however, the use of threat to the nation or world-wide stakes are more dramatic. 'The Cove' is a documentary film which the genre consists of an eco-thriller.

Techno Thriller:
Techno thrillers involve the manipulation of technology which plays a prominent part in taking over the world and giving the new world order where from now mankind is over run and controlled by robots. This particular sub-genre is mainly based as a fictional theme on life that tends to follow and relate to a science fiction trend. Themes that may be linked in with this sub-genre are world wars and science fictional occurrences such as aliens taking over with new technologies. 'Terminator: Salvation' is an obvious techno thriller.


Religious Thriller:

A religious thriller sub-genre relates to the use of religious objects, institutions and questions. Many religious related films usually unravel the good and bad points that are involved about religion; this however usually empathises the good and how it will overcome the bad, while journeying through a quest to find out the truth. 'Constantine' is a religious based film.

Political Thriller:
This sub-genre looks into the stability or corruption of a government, while most the reliance being on a hero or heroine who must keep the stability of the government that employs them; this must be done in order to prevent bad things happening. The commonly used scenarios are themes of US presidential elections and the preventions of world wars occurring. The film 'State of Play' is an example of a political thriller.