Genre and sub-genre

Genre is a distinctive category of media products. The word is  French and means “type” or “class”. A genre can be recognized by its common set of distinguishing features, which are associated with a genre’s style and content may be, for example, a particular setting, character types, technical codes. These features are acknowledged and institutions use them to meet audiences’ expectations and therefore create more popular texts.

Sub-genre forms when media texts require more specification. It breaks down the classifications created by genres into more defined subjects. Due to the amount of the artistic material in the world today, sub-categories of major topics make searching material easier because it is a well-organised format.

Hybrid genre is a combination of two or more stylistic, themed categories. Certain guidelines are followed and common features of each genre are present within the work, although elements of one of them may be stronger.

Thriller sub-genres


Thrillers are usually defined by the mood they elicit. Suspenseful stories and stories creating fearful excitement are its two definitions. Because of this, thrillers are crossed with almost every other genre.

I.E.Gone Girl(2012)

Action Thriller

Take any other thriller subgenre, give it’s defining elements a back seat, and focus on the action, and you have an action-thriller. This is more common in movies than novels because of the visual appeal of explosions and violence.

I.E. Taken Series (2006 - 2014)

Conspiracy Thriller

In this subgenre the protagonist must confront a large, powerful organization whose threat only he sees. Usually he must do so alone.
I.E.Money Monster (2016)

Crime Thriller

This subgenre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and eluding the police take the place of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal.
I.E. Pulp fiction (1994)

Disaster Thriller

In this subgenre a (usually) natural disaster is taking place, and the antagonist is either trying to stop the disaster, the extent of the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out and the disaster has run its course.
I.E. Deep Impact (1998)

Eco-Thriller
In this subgenre the protagonist must stop a threat to the environment (man-made or natural) that will have consequences for society if left unchecked. The damage could be local, but nation or even world-wide stakes are more dramatic.
I.E. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Forensic Thriller
In this subgenre the protagonist(s) are forensic scientists whose involvement in an unsolved crime threatens their lives.
I.E. The Skin I live In (2011)

Legal Thriller
This subgenre takes place in and around the courtroom. Usually the protagonist is a lawyer who has found their case threatening death for either them or their client.
I.E. The Firm (1993)

Medical Thriller
This subgenre involves something usually used for medical purposes becoming a deadly weapon. Often it is a virus that is leaking out to the public. The protagonist or antagonist or both are doctors.
I.E. Outbreak (1995)

Mystery Thriller
This is a subgenre of both mysteries and thrillers. It differs from a regular mystery by being much more fast-paced, with the protagonist on the run and the threat of another crime serving as the “ticking clock.”
I.E. Zodiac (2007)

Political Thriller
In this subgenre political relations or the whole government is at stake, and the protagonist is employed by the government to stop the decline. The protagonist may have been low-level before having attracted attention.
I.E. Argo (2012)

Psychological Thriller
In this subgenre a lot of the conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of wits.
I.E. Donnie Darko (2001)

Religious Thriller
This subgenre uses the history and myths of religion. Usually a religious artifact or historical secret is discovered, and different people and groups vie for control.
I.E. The Ninth Gate (1999)

Romantic Thriller
This is a subgenre of both thrillers and romantic novels. The plot line follows a typical thriller’s tension, suspense, and excitement, but a main element is the growing relationship between two characters.
I.E. Perfume (2006)

Spy Thriller
This subgenre focuses on the high adventures of field agents. It is usually set against the backdrop of some war.
I.E. Body of Lies (2008)

Supernatural Thriller
In this subgenre otherworldy elements are introduced, usually as an antagonistic force, but just as in the romantic thriller, the plot line and feel or distinctly that of thrillers. Some characters may have psychic abilities and other supernatural novel elements may be present.
I.E. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Techno-Thriller
This genres is a cross between near-future science fiction and thrillers. Cutting-edge technology plays an important role, either as something to obtain, or working for or against the protagonist.
I.E. Source Code (2011)