Difference Between Horror and Thriller

Horror vs Thriller

A thriller and a horror movie are very related. Both produce almost similar results unto their respective viewers as their movie genres cause viewers to grab the edges of their seats! This is also the reason why many moviegoers are easily confused with these two distinct movie genres. And whenever they become scared or nervous by watching a certain movie, they almost always associate the genre as both horror and suspense making the two terms synonymous. Unfortunately, this shouldn’t be the case.

The two genres actually speak for themselves in terms of the purpose they were created. For thriller movies, this genre was created so as to “thrill” the viewers. That’s why thrillers easily make their viewers sit at the edge of their seats but not to the point of making them shake on them. By contrast, horror films are designed to “horrify” their viewers. It literally makes you shout, scream, or even jump from your seats.

Although Hollywood has blurred the gap between a thriller and a horror movie, still the former usually carries more suspense. At the end, thriller films give more ways for viewers to discuss the events that transpired in the movie. A horror film just makes this improbable as it will leave you spooked and horrified after leaving the movie house.

Another point of comparison is the plot. Often viewers expect thriller films to bear the greater substance and have a better plot. This does not come as a surprise as many thrillers today are modern adaptations of best-selling suspense novels. There are lots of twists in thriller movies as well. Usually, you are left to guess the antagonist from start to end. On the contrary, most horror films are basically predictable. You’ll immediately have an idea of what’s going to happen next.
Thrillers also have that peculiar characteristic of highlighting the stories of serial killers and stalkers who, in the end, become dead. This genre actually presents a more practical and realistic setup. Horror films differ because the theme deviates from reality. The antagonists can literally come back from the dead. Oftentimes, the horror genre embraces more supernatural elements than thrillers. It has more gore, and there are more gruesome casualties involved.

Summary:

1.Thrillers are meant to thrill while horror films are meant to horrify the viewers.
2.Thrillers are predominantly witty, usually twisted, and contain better plots while horror films are, more often than not, predictable.
3.Horror films are often less practical and less realistic than thrillers.
4.Horror films usually have more supernatural elements than thrillers.

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