Difference Between Horror And Thriller (Explained)

The horror and thriller genres have distinct differences that define them. While both aim to evoke emotions in the audience, horror focuses on scaring and terrifying viewers, while thrillers seek to create suspense and thrill. The primary goal of horror is to build feelings of dread, impending doom, and terror, often using surprise, shocks, and suspense to scare the audience. Thrillers, on the other hand, aim to hold the audience at arm’s length, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience filled with tension and unpredictability. These differences can be seen in the perspective, storytelling techniques, and overall themes of each genre.

Key Takeaways:

• Horror focuses on scaring and terrifying viewers, while thrillers aim to create suspense and thrill.
• Horror builds feelings of dread, impending doom, and terror, while thrillers provide adrenaline-pumping experiences.
• The perspective in horror often focuses on the victim, while thrillers may change perspectives to create unpredictability.
• Horror can sometimes follow a formulaic structure, while thrillers thrive on unpredictability and unexpected twists.
• There are films that blur the lines between horror and thriller, incorporating elements from both genres.

On The Edge Of Your Seat vs. Have To Change Your Pants

In a thriller, the audience is meant to be on the edge of their seat, experiencing suspense and excitement throughout the story. The main focus is on adrenaline-pumping moments that keep viewers engaged. In contrast, horror films aim to scare the audience and evoke feelings of fear and terror. The emotions built upon in horror are centered around dread and impending doom. Whether through surprise, shocks, or suspense, the goal is to elicit fear and make viewers “have to change their pants.” The difference lies in the main focus of the genre, with thrillers emphasizing the adrenaline rush and horror focusing on fear and terror.

“In a thriller, you’re coming into it because you’re going to be scared and you’re on the edge of your seat, but you expect to be entertained, as well. The goal of horror is to provoke an emotional response and scare you, and that’s why suspense is such an important element.” – Wes Craven

The distinction between horror movies and thriller movies can be seen in the impact they have on viewers. Thrillers often keep audiences engaged through suspenseful plot twists and unexpected turns, while horror movies aim to elicit a primal fear response. The suspense in a thriller may keep you guessing, but the fear in a horror film can be more visceral and intense. Both genres have their own unique ways of captivating audiences, whether it’s through gripping suspense or terrifying fear.

At the end of the day, the difference between horror and thriller lies in the emotions they elicit from the audience. While both genres have elements of suspense, it’s the focus on fear and terror that sets horror movies apart. Thrillers may keep you on the edge of your seat, but horror movies have the power to make you question turning off the lights at night. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of a thriller or the spine-chilling fear of a horror film, both genres have their own unique appeal.

Table: Differences Between Horror and Thriller Genres

It’s All In The Perspective

The perspective of the storytelling plays a significant role in distinguishing horror from thrillers. Horror films often focus on the point of view of the victim, generating feelings of dread and fear through their experiences. This intimate connection with the victim builds a stronger connection to the villainous characters and intensifies the horror. Thrillers, on the other hand, may change perspectives or even focus on the point of view of the attackers and pursuers to create a more unpredictable narrative. The emphasis on different perspectives contributes to the differing experiences and themes of horror and thriller genres.

In horror movies, the audience is placed in the shoes of the victims, experiencing their terror firsthand. This approach creates a sense of vulnerability and helps to enhance the fear factor. For example, in movies like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” the camera follows the victims as they are chased by a psychopathic killer, creating a sense of helplessness and fear. This intimate perspective allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level and understand their plight.

In contrast, thrillers often employ multiple perspectives and shifting narrative points of view. By showing the motivations and actions of both the protagonist and antagonist, thrillers create a sense of unpredictability and suspense. This technique keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as they try to piece together the puzzle and anticipate the next move. In films like “Gone Girl,” the audience is given insights into the thoughts and actions of both the husband and wife, blurring the lines between trust and suspicion.

Overall, the perspective of storytelling in horror and thriller genres directly influences the emotional impact and connection with the audience. Whether placing viewers in the shoes of the victim or providing a multi-dimensional perspective, these approaches shape the unique experiences offered by each genre.

Formulaic vs. Unpredictable

In the realm of horror vs. thriller, the level of predictability stands out as a distinguishing factor. Horror films can sometimes follow a formulaic structure, incorporating certain expected story beats and tropes. However, this does not diminish their ability to scare and evoke fear in audiences. Take, for example, the classic horror film “The Exorcist,” which adheres to certain narrative conventions yet still manages to deliver terrifying moments.

On the other hand, thrillers thrive on unpredictability. The element of surprise and unexpected twists is crucial in creating suspense and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The unpredictable nature of thrillers adds to the thrill and excitement that viewers experience. It’s this focus on emotional values and suspense that makes thrillers more unpredictable in nature compared to horror.

Comparing Formulaic Structures:

This table highlights some key differences between horror and thriller in terms of their formulaic structures. While horror may incorporate expected story beats and utilize familiar tropes, thrillers focus on creating tension through unpredictable narrative elements and unexpected plot developments.

Clarity Over Blurred Lines

Defining the boundaries between the horror and thriller genres can sometimes be challenging, as there are films that blur the lines and incorporate elements from both genres. While thrillers often delve into the psychological aspects of fear, horror films typically focus on fear-inducing elements that are more corporeal, such as mortal danger and imminent death. However, there are also psychological horrors and thrillers that exist, exploring the internalization of fear while maintaining a sense of terror. The distinction lies in the emphasis on psychological elements in thrillers and the more visceral nature of horror.

In psychological horror, the focus is on the internal struggles and fears of the characters. It delves into their deepest fears and the darkness of the human psyche. Films like “Psycho” and “The Shining” are prime examples of psychological horror, as they explore the psychological torment and breakdown of the characters, creating a sense of unease and terror. The fear is generated from within, making it more psychologically unsettling.

On the other hand, psychological thrillers use psychological elements to create tension and suspense. These films often involve complex characters, intricate plots, and mind games that keep the audience guessing. Movies like “Gone Girl” and “Black Swan” are psychological thrillers that manipulate the audience’s perception and challenge their expectations. The fear in psychological thrillers stems from the uncertainty and unpredictability of the characters’ motives and actions.

Table: Comparing Psychological Horror and Psychological Thriller

While the line between psychological horror and psychological thriller may sometimes be blurred, understanding the nuances of each genre can help both filmmakers and viewers appreciate and create engaging stories. Whether it’s the exploration of internal fears or the manipulation of perception, these genres offer unique experiences that tap into the depths of human emotions and fears.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between the horror and thriller genres is crucial for filmmakers and viewers alike. While horror aims to scare and evoke fear in its audience, thrillers seek to create suspense and thrill. The two genres have distinct perspectives, themes, and storytelling techniques.

Horror films focus on building feelings of dread, impending doom, and terror. The goal is to elicit fear through surprise, shocks, and suspense. On the other hand, thrillers hold the audience at arm’s length, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience filled with tension and unpredictability. The emphasis is on creating a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere.

It’s important to note that there are films that blur the lines between horror and thrillers, incorporating elements from both genres. These movies explore the psychological aspects of fear while maintaining a sense of terror or suspense. The distinction lies in the emphasis on psychological elements in thrillers and the more visceral nature of horror.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of storytelling is to focus on the story itself and the emotions and perspectives that align with it. Whether you’re a fan of horror or a lover of suspense, understanding the distinctions between these genres can help you appreciate and create engaging stories within them.