Thriller Sub Genres

Conspiracy Thriller

Normally based around an investigator of some kind, for example a journalist, who uncovers a government plot, of great mystery and vast consequences.

Recent examples:

-"Flightplan" (2005)

-''Edge of Darkness" (2010)

Crime Thriller

Usually set around a crime, where the main character is normally a police officer or detective , investigating particular crime or series of crimes, or a certain killer.

Recent examples:

-"Seven"

(1995)

-"No Country For Old Men"

(2007)

Disaster Thriller

Disaster thrillers tend to be based around either an artificial or natural disaster, such as an earthquake, a flood, or something more manufactured, like a nuclear war or a ship crash.

Recent examples:

-"2012"

(2009)

-"Knowing"

(2009)

Legal Thriller

These kind of thrillers are usually set around a key figure like a lawyer or judge, and set inside a courtroom, or in and out of a series of court cases, with often the opposition played a key role.

Recent examples:

-"Fracture"

(2007)

-"A Time To Kill"

(1996)

Mystery Thriller

Mystery thrillers tend to be a lot more ambiguous, and the film probably won't make sense or unravel itself towards the end of the movie.

Recent examples:

-"Shutter Island"

(2010)

-

"Memento"

(2000)

Government Thriller

These will often be set around a government party, and one of its members, who will play a key role in the government and has a struggle to keep the stability of its government.

Recent examples:

-"The Constant Gardener"

(2005)

-"The Interpreter"

(2005)

Psychological Thriller

The key factors in a psychological film will be the conflict or certain emotions and thoughts, instead of more physical action, they tend to more ambiguous like a mystery thriller.

Recent examples:

-"Red Eye"

(2005)

-"Phone Booth"

(2002)