Horror vs. Thriller: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 19, 2023
Horror primarily evokes fear through supernatural elements; thriller emphasizes tension and suspense.
Key Differences
Horror focuses on creating an atmosphere of fear and dread, often using supernatural or macabre elements to do so. Thriller, on the other hand, centers on suspense, tension, and the complex psychological effects of the events on its characters.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
In horror, the main goal is to shock and scare the audience, making them confront their deepest fears. In a thriller, the objective is to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next move.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Horror often deals with the unknown or otherworldly, with monsters, ghosts, or malevolent spirits. Thriller typically remains in the realm of the plausible, involving real-world situations like espionage, crime, or mysteries.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Protagonists in horror frequently find themselves up against insurmountable odds, often battling pure evil. In thriller, the protagonists might be ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances, requiring their wit and will to survive.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Emotional responses differ: horror aims to evoke fear and shock, while thriller seeks to create suspense and excitement.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Typical Elements
Supernatural beings, ghosts, monsters
Real-world situations, mysteries, crimes
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Character Challenge
Battling pure evil or overwhelming odds
Overcoming dangerous situations using wit and will
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Objective for Audience
To shock and scare
To create suspense and keep them on edge
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Realm of Stories
Often otherworldly or unknown
Typically plausible and real-world
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
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Horror and Thriller Definitions
Horror
A genre intended to frighten, scare, or disgust the viewer.
The new horror movie left audiences terrified for days.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Thriller
A genre characterized by suspense, tension, and excitement.
The spy thriller had audiences biting their nails till the end.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Horror
An intense feeling of fear or dread.
The news of the accident filled her with horror.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Thriller
Something that thrills, especially a sensational or dramatic event.
The final match was a real thriller, with a last-minute winning goal.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Horror
An unfavorable or negative response to something.
To her horror, she realized she had forgotten the report at home.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Thriller
A work of fiction or drama designed to hold the interest by the use of a high degree of intrigue, adventure, or suspense.
His latest novel is a political thriller set in Washington, D.C.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Horror
Something causing feelings of fear or aversion.
The scene at the crash site was a horror to behold.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Thriller
A person or thing that causes thrilling excitement.
The new roller coaster at the amusement park is a thriller.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Horror
A shocking or revolting event or act.
The atrocities of war are unspeakable horrors.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Thriller
A story or situation filled with unpredictable twists and turns.
That detective show is a real thriller; you never know who the culprit is till the very end.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Thriller
One that thrills, especially a sensational or suspenseful book, story, play, or movie.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 28, 2019
Horror
A state or condition marked by this feeling
Stood in horror looking at the scene.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 28, 2019
FAQs
What kind of challenges do protagonists face in horror?
In horror, protagonists often face pure evil or insurmountable odds.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What does a thriller aim to evoke in its audience?
A thriller aims to evoke suspense and excitement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Can a movie or book be both horror and thriller?
Yes, many works blend elements of both horror and thriller.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How do thriller protagonists typically overcome challenges?
Thriller protagonists use their wit, intelligence, and determination to overcome challenges.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are jump scares more typical in horror or thriller?
Jump scares are more typical in horror.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What is the primary emotion targeted by horror?
Horror targets fear and dread.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are supernatural elements more common in horror or thriller?
Supernatural elements are more common in horror.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Is "psycho" a horror or thriller movie?
"Psycho" is often categorized as both a horror and thriller film.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Can real-world events be considered horror?
Yes, real-world events that are shocking and terrifying can be described as horror.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Which is more grounded in reality, horror or thriller?
Thriller is generally more grounded in real-world situations.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are detective stories considered thrillers?
Yes, many detective stories fall under the thriller genre due to their suspenseful elements.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Are thrillers always fictional?
No, thrillers can be based on true events or be purely fictional.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Which genre tends to have more gore, horror or thriller?
Horror typically has more gore compared to thriller.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Can a horror story be set in the past, present, or future?
Yes, horror stories can be set in any time period.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can horror elements be psychological?
Yes, psychological horrors play on human fears, anxieties, and phobias.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What's an example of a horror-thriller movie?
"The Silence of the Lambs" is an example of a horror-thriller movie.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Can comedy be mixed with horror and thriller?
Yes, there are sub-genres like horror-comedy and thriller-comedy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are mysteries and thrillers the same?
No, while both involve suspense, mysteries focus on solving a puzzle or crime, whereas thrillers emphasize tension.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What's the key difference between a horror novel and a thriller novel?
Horror novels aim to scare readers, while thriller novels aim to create suspense.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Do thrillers always have a happy ending?
No, thrillers can have a range of endings, from triumphant to tragic.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
