Crime films revolve around themes of criminal activities, the lives of criminals, and their effects on the people around them. These films can be based on fictional characters or be a Biopic of real life criminals/criminal organisations. Common themes revolve around gangsters and gangs (Gangster Film), Vigilante characters, heists (Heist Film), detectives and the investigation process (Whodunit). Crime itself is a common theme of many Film noir movies.
Thrillers are a popular movie genre focused on exciting and surprising its viewers. They attempt to manipulate viewers by leaving red herrings, introducing sudden plot twists, and utilizing dramatic irony. They are often fast-paced but sometimes utilize a slower pace to build suspense, particularly in pivotal scenes. The thriller often co-exists with other genres, such as Mystery, Crime, Action, and Horror, but may also exist independently.