Thriller films target audience

General Target Audience:

Some common themes in most thriller films are violent or contain psychological issues. These both may be a
problem for younger audience, but they may also be intellectually demanding for younger audiences. Because of
this, the thriller genre as a whole is often aimed at more adult audiences. However, there are several sub-genres
to the thriller genre, each of which often has different target audiences.
Horror thrillers
Horror thrillers are often less intellectually demanding, and are therefore often aimed at young adults.
The common themes of violence gore and mature themes may be unsuitable for audiences younger
than this. A good example of a horror thriller is the film Insidious (2010).
Action thrillers
Action thrillers are often aimed at a similar audience range to horror thriller, as they are more likely to
appeal to young adults due to the exciting and fast-paced nature of them. These thriller films are often
aimed at boys rather than girls. An example of an action thriller is Taken (2008).
Psychological thrillers
Psychological thrillers are the most intellectually demanding of all the thriller sub-genres, and are
therefore often aimed at older, adult audiences, often ageing form 25 onwards. The confusing twists and
turns and mature themes of psychological thrillers story lines may be too much to handle for younger
audiences. An example of a psychological thriller is Se7en (1995).
Political thrillers
Political thrillers are also another thriller sub-genre that is not suitable for younger audiences, as they
are likely to contain mature themes and violence. These are another sub-genre that may be
intellectually demanding. These are often aimed at older males. An example of a political thriller is
Enemy of the State (1998).
Romantic thrillers
Romantic thrillers are more likely to appeal to girls/women due to their obvious romantic nature, but are
often aimed at young adults/adults as they can often be confusing, with dark themes that may not be
suitable or understood by younger audiences. An example of a romantic thriller is Cracks (2009).
Supernatural/fantasy thrillers
Supernatural and/or fantasy thrillers are often aimed at younger adults in particular females. Its a very
small sub-genre of the thriller genre. An example of a supernatural/fantasy thriller is The Gift (2000).
Techno thrillers
Techno thrillers often involve a futuristic theme often with futuristic technology being a main theme.
These may be aimed at all ages, but particularly in young adults, who the themes may be more
appealing to. An example of this is Fast and Furious 6 (2013).