Thriller films are usually mistaken for horror films when in fact the former has a much broader meaning. Thrillers are characterized by fast pacing, frequent action, and heroes who use their resources to thwart the plans of more powerful and better-equipped villains. It is also known for extensively employing literary devices like suspense, red herrings (elements that would distract the audience from the plot), and cliffhangers (putting the hero in precarious situations).

Because thriller films can overlap on other film genres, it is not surprising that there would be sub-genres of film involving thrillers. Here are some of the types of thriller films that may include elements from other film genres.

Action thriller

This type of thriller film involves a race against the clock. It has a lot of violence, as well as an obvious antagonist. Action thrillers usually have frequent usage of guns, explosions, and large elaborate set pieces where the action would take place. There may also have elements of mystery and crime, but action would still be front and center. Examples of action thrillers include James Bond films, Speed, The Transporter, and the Jason Bourne series.

Crime thriller

It is a hybrid of crime films and thriller, offering a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime (or crimes). A crime thriller often focuses on the criminal rather than those who pursued the criminal, as it usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. Examples of crime thrillers include Seven, Reservoir Dogs, The Godfather, and The Killing.

Disaster thriller

The main conflict is between a set of characters against natural or artificial disaster such as floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, meteor collisions, and nuclear disasters among others. Examples include Deep Impact, Earthquake, and Armageddon.

Drama thriller

The story consists of thriller elements intertwined with drama. Compared to thriller films, this sub-genre is comparatively slower in pacing and involves a tremendous deal on the character development and plot twists. Examples include The Interpreter and The Prestige.

Erotic thriller

It is a combination of erotica (sexually-arousing depictions) and thriller, which has become popular since the 1980s and the rise of VCR market. Basic Instinct, Dressed to Kill, Color of the Night, Eyes Wide Shut, and Fatal Attraction are some of the examples.

Horror thriller

The conflict between the main characters is mental, emotional, and physical. The main character is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves, and directly feel the fear that comes by attracting the mother's attention. Examples of this sub-genre include the Saw series, Psycho, and Silence of the Lambs.

Political thriller

The hero must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. Seven Days in May, The Day of the Jackal, and The Manchurian Candidate are good examples of this sub-genre.

Psychological thriller

The conflict between the main characters, until the often violent resolution, is mental and emotional instead of physical. Examples include M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense by and Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Supernatural thriller

The conflict is between main characters, one of whom has supernatural powers. This type of thriller combines tension of the regular thriller with the basic horror-oriented elements like ghosts, the occults, and psychic phenomenon. Examples of this sub-genre include Stephen King's Carrie and M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable.