Sub-Genres of Thrillers

Psychological Thrillers: 

This Sub-Genre of a Thriller usually follows the protagonist of the film through the emphasis of his or her unstable emotional health usually concluding in an gory ending. Psychological thrillers often incorporate elements of Mystery, Drama and Horror. Examples include:

Mystery Thriller:

The Sub-Genre Mystery often focuses on a solution of a problem usually a crime. Occasionally it focuses on a Private Investigator, usually the protagonist of the film, to solve the crime by following them on their journey gathering and piecing clues together, seeking evidence through investigations and concluding in tracking down the perpetrator. With this Sub-Genre of Thriller, suspense is often present by drawing out the moment, especially with the added effect of the usual non- diegetic music for dramatic effect as it is a very recognisable element of the sub genre of a Mystery. An example is 'China Town' starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, directed by Roman Polanski.  Also related into the Sub-Genre of Mystery is Spy themed films such as 'James Bond'. 

Conspiracy Thriller:

A Conspiracy Thriller or also known as a Paranoid Thriller is another Sub-Genre of a Thriller. The protagonists of Conspiracy Thrillers are often individuals who find themselves unravelling a conspiracy by what they think is a small coincidence and then following it out to reveal and expose occasionally a propaganda through lies, rumours and theories attempting to ascertain the truth.  A good example of a conspiracy thriller is 'The Pelican Brief' with Julia Roberts and Denzel washington

Disaster Thriller:

A Disaster Thriller is a Sub-Genre that has an inevitable or forgone conclusion that a disaster will occur as its core subject. Disaster films can include themes of natural disasters and other disasters or accidents such as car, plane and vehicle crashes or can be large in proportion disasters like Worldwide uncontrollable diseases. Usually these films are seen through the point of view of the lead character involving the attempt to escape or defeat the disaster. These films rely on a strong build-up to create the disaster itself and sometimes the aftermath. These films often feature large casts of actors and extras and also includes a large budget involved within the project. An example of a disaster thriller is 'The Impossible' starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor.

Supernatural Thriller:

Supernatural Fiction is another Sub-Genre of a Thriller which includes plot devices and themes within the Supernatural world. This means certain characters posses abnormal abilities which contradict our everyday life. Ghost Stories traditionally embrace the supernatural world as they appear unrealistic and unusual to some people as their existence is not yet proven.  An example of a Supernatural Thriller is 'The Sixth Sense' with Bruce Willis.

Legal Thriller:

This Sub-Genre of Thriller and Crime Fiction usually consists of the protagonists as lawyers and their clients (the victim) together as they are involved in proving a case to a judge in court, as well as also solving the crime occasionally the lawyers own lives become quite personally involved into the case adding more determination to get justice. Our real system of justice today has always been a major part of the planning of these works to create the storyline as our legal system provides us with the structure to create a authentic Legal thriller.  An example of this genre is 'The Client' starring Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones

Political Thriller:

This type of Thriller is usually set on the very real problem of todays political struggles usually designed to conclude the film with giving power to one character usually the protagonist. Theses films usually involve both national and international political situations and scenarios including terrorism, corruption and welfare with some based on true events, with this Sub-Genre there is also a strong overlap with the Sub-Genre of a Conspiracy Thriller.