Thriller Audiences

Within the genre thriller, there are many sub-genres which appeal to different audiences.


Action Thrillers
This type of thriller would appeal to a younger audience compared to the other sub-genres. This is because it involves a lot more guns, car chases and explosions and doesn't require much thought. It usually attracts a male more than a female audience because of these conventions. However, occasionally females take on the heroic role in films like Tomb Raider and Charlies Angels which attracts a female audience but at the same time would attract a male audience because the heroines are attractive. Examples of action thrillers would be some James Bond films and The Bourne Series.


Horror Thrillers
An older audience would be more likely to attract a wide older audience (ranging from teenagers to adults) because there are usually high certificates (15, 18) and are very violent and disturbing. However, because of this limit on age it could cause the younger audience to want to go and see the film even more. It would appeal to both a male and female audience as you often see couples going into the cinema - usually a scenario where the female is scared and the male will comfort her. Although there is a wide age range, you have to be a certain type of person to be able to watch horror films. For example a person with a weak stomach for violence and is easily scared wouldn't enjoy a horror thriller. Examples of horror thrillers include Jaws, Psycho, Alien and The Excorsist.


Psychological and Mystery Thrillers
This type of thriller the conflict between the characters is often mental and emotional rather than physical which would attract perhaps a female audience slightly more than a male audience. Psychological thrillers also have some kind of mystery to work out and there can also be an element of horror in them as some can be very disturbing. Therefore would attract an older, more intelligent audience because if the audience were not able to work it out, they might find it boring. Examples of psychological thrillers include Shutter island, Phone Booth, Blue Velvet and Suspicion.


Crime Thrillers
This sub-genre of thriller is a combination of both crime films and thrillers which explore successful or failed crimes. They usually emphasise on the criminals rather than the policemen. They usually focus more on action over psychological aspects. Topics include serial killers, murderers, robberies, chases, shootouts and heists. Because crime thrillers tend to be similar to action thrillers they attract a similar audience - more of a younger male audience. Examples of crime thrillers include Se7en, Silence of the Lambs, Ocean's 11 and Reservoir Dogs.

Legal Thrillers
In which the heroes/heroines (lawyers and their employees) confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. They are similar to crime thrillers but obviously focus more on the lawyers rather than the criminals. They also have elements of mystery in them. This sub-genre could attract an older BC audience rather than a younger one because people with similar occupations to a lawyer may identify with the story. Examples of legal thrillers include Michael Clayton, The Pelican Brief and Primal Fear.


There are many other sub genres of thriller like:
- Comedy Thriller
- Supernatural Thriller
- Conspiracy Thriller
- Disaster Thriller
- Political Thriller
- Religious Thriller
- Techno Thriller
- Erotic Thriller