Thrillers as a genre

The thriller genre is characterised by having fast pacing, frequent action and resourceful heroes who regularly are opposed by obstacles and villains better equipped than they are. There are a myriad of sub-genres however, ranging from crime or psychological, with further expand on the basis established in the genre. It typically relies on literary techniques such as red herrings, cliff hangers and suspense. It also can enforce the anti-hero character type. Ultimately they are defined by causing the primary emotion of excitement, typically fearful, usually in a very climatic style.

Homer's Odyssey, an epic poem, is one of the earliest examples of a tale showcasing thriller elements. It tells the story of all the obstacles one man faced on his means to travel home. Similarly, The Three Apples is the first example of a "murder mystery", showcasing elements of suspense and crime. Its use rapidly expanded in the world of literature, with hugely famous examples of The Count of Monte Cristo and Dracula, with clear development of full-fledged sub-genres -- such as a supernatural thriller. However, The Bourne Identity is the earliest conventional thriller that we acknowledge today, and can be cited as one of the primary influences as the thriller genre in the film industry, becoming its own film series itself as well as laying standards for future films to copy. The most popular thrillers are psychological, known by huge films such as Fight Club (also previously a novel) and Se7en, legal/forensic/criminal, also in the example of Se7en, and also action thrillers, much like The Bourne Identity. Because of the thriller's primary association being excitement, it has become a much-used marketing term to create interest in a product, suggesting edge-of-your-seat excitement. As well as that, some of the most influential thriller films have been political thrillers, such as Day of the Jackyl.