What Is A Thriller

A thriller is an exciting film that has a mystery and intrigue. There is an enigma to be resolved that will change the equilibrium. A common feature in the film will be a death, kidnapping or assault that will lead to a chase involving the heroes and villains. Binary opposition is essential in this process as it enables the audience to determine whose side they should be on. Another common convention used in the thriller is the anti-hero, a character that is flawed and put in a position that they don't necessarily want to be in, but ultimately they save the day. Watching a thriller generally involves willing suspension of disbelief - we know the idea is ridiculous but we buy into it for the duration of the film.
Different types of Thrillers include:

Psychological - A thriller story which emphasises the psychology of it's characters and their unstable emotional states. For example; Trance, Seven, Inception, Shutter Island, American Psycho

Sci-fi - A thriller story associated with science fiction and a futuristic setting. For example; Alien, 2001, Children of Men, Terminator

Action -  They deal with semi realistic storyline's all though most of the weapons or dooms day devices may be a bit far fetched, the plots of most Action thrillers are the same which contain terrorists, complete and utter Psychopaths. For example; James Bond films, Bourne, Speed, Source Code, Die Hard, Hurt Locker, Hanna.

Crime - These thrillers focus on crime, and are 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. For example; Sherlock, The Usual Suspects, Pulp Fiction, The Dark Night, Memento.

Conspiracy/Political -  The protagonist must confront a large, powerful organization whose threat only he sees. Usually he must do so alone. For example; JFK, Klute, Z, Capricorn One, Missing, The Insider.