What is a thriller?

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Thriller and Suspense Films are types of films known to promote intense excitement, suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension. Thriller and suspense films are virtually synonymous and interchangeable categorizations, with similar characteristics and features.


A genuine thriller only has one goal - to provide thrills and leave the audience feeling the suspense and cliff-hanging throughout - until the climax. The typical narrative of a thriller film creates the tension and connects the audience with the main character. The main character usually endures a danger/ escape situation, additionally to the audience the escape can seem impossible, which provides more shock and tension. Life itself plays a key role within thrillers; it is threatened because of the situations put under. Furthermore, the narrative and plot have characters which experience conflict with forces unknown and carry mysterious and dark tone.


Thriller sub-genres:
- Action-Adventure thriller (e.g. The Transporter films)
- Disaster thriller (e.g. The Day After Tomorrow)
- Historical thriller (e.g. JFK)
- Medical thriller (e.g. Awake)
- Religious thriller
- Serial Killer thriller
- Techno thriller
- Conspiracy thriller (e.g. the Bourne films)
- Drama thriller (e.g. The Interpreter)
- Horror thriller (e.g. 28 Days Later)
- Legal thriller
- Political thriller (e.g. The Manchurian Candidate)
- Psychological thriller (e.g. The Sixth Sense)
- Spy thriller (e.g. Mission: Impossible)
- Supernatural thriller (e.g. Torchwood)
- Techno- thriller (e.g. The Hunt for Red October)
- Science fiction thriller (e.g. I Am Legend)
- Crime thriller (e.g. Se7en)


Additionally, while men have typically been seen as the leading character, women are now playing more of a role. For example, the recent Resident Evil films have a main female character that shows more strength and power than the male characters within the film.


Thrillers are also distinguished through their plot. The crimes involved are harmful to all, which connects the audience even more. There is also always a hero and a villain. In the end the hero will not only save their own life, but the lives of others.