List of Sub-genres (and what makes them different) within the Thriller Genre

Name of sub-genre	Description	example
Conspiracy Thrillers	In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognises.	Enemy of the State (1998)
Crime Thrillers	This particular genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasise action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include serial killers/murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, heists and double crosses.	Se7en (1995)
Disaster Thrillers	In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc, or nuclear disasters as an artificial disaster.	The day after Tomorrow (2004)
Erotic Thrillers	A type of thriller that has an emphasis on eroticism and where a sexual relationship plays an important role in the plot. It has become popular since the 1980s and the rise of VCR market penetration.	Fatal attraction (1987)
Legal Thrillers	In which the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives.	A few good men (1992)
Medical Thrillers	In which the hero/heroine are medical doctors/personnel working to solve an expanding medical problem.	Contagion (2011)
Mystery Thrillers	Suspense films where characters attempt solving, or involved in, a mystery.	Psycho (1960)
Political Thrillers	In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him.	The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Religious Thrillers	In which the plot is closely connected to religious objects, institutions and questions.	End of days (1999)
Psychological Thrillers	In which (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical.	Shutter Island (2010)