Sub-genres and Hybrids

A genre for a film is a motion picture category based on similarities in either the narrative elements or the emotional response to the film. Its sub-genre will be its subcategory within a particular genre. It may also be a hybrid, if it is a fiction that blends themes and elements from two or more different genres. 

Action Thriller

An Action Thriller uses physical action to create suspense within the film. Like a traditional Action film, this sub-genre often has continuous motion and action including physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. Often, these scenes will contribute to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist is facing.

Examples: Heat, Taken, Leon

Crime Thriller

Crime Thriller film is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot. This sub-genre's plot usually centres on a serial killer, murderer, robbery, or manhunt. As opposed to traditional crime films, the storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense.

Examples: Layer cake, Lock stock and two smoking barrels, Drive

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Film-Noir

Film Noir is not simply a sub-genre, but rather a term for a distinct, stylistic type of crime-drama or thriller that was popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Film-Noir is characterized by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. The main character is usually a cynical hero. Film-Noir relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot.

Examples: Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, Sweet Smell of Success.

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Psychological Thriller

In addition to the traits of a regular Thriller, a Psychological Thriller incorporates elements of drama and mystery film. More often than not, they entirely focus on the characters and their mental challenge. The suspense in this sub-genre comes from the mind, rather than from a psychical threat. The protagonists in Psychological Thrillers must rely on their mental resources to solve the situation. Because of their nature, many Psychological Thrillers cross over into the Horror genre.

Examples: Vanilla sky, Taxi Driver, Fight club

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Science Fiction Thriller

Science Fiction Thriller incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film. Traditionally, a Science Fiction film will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology. These elements can be used in a Science Fiction Thriller to create anticipation and suspense. Often, this sub-genre will explore the “future-gone-bad” theme, including plots that revolve around alien invasions, dystopian scenarios, and super-diseases.

Examples: Blade runner, Gravity, Prometheus

Disaster Thriller
In this subgenre a natural disaster takes place, and the protagonist is either trying to stop the disaster, the extent of the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out and the disaster has stopped. Furthermore, they are commonly based on true event.


Examples: 2012, I am Legend, The Perfect Storm