The history of thriller films document traces the origins and evolution of the thriller genre from the 1920s onwards. It notes that Alfred Hitchcock released some of the earliest defining films of the genre like "The Lodger" in 1926. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Hitchcock and other British directors continued developing conventions of the genre. By the 1950s, classics like "Strangers on a Train" brought vast audiences to thrillers. Over subsequent decades, subgenres like psychological thrillers gained popularity as the genre became more defined and popular with new influential films released.

1. The history of
thriller films
By Richie Reay

2. 1920’s
• Alfred Hitchcock one of the most well known thriller
directors released the film that first defined the thriller
genre ‘The Lodger’ in 1926.
• It was a silent film based on the killings of Jack the
Ripper.
• In 1929 he released ‘Blackmail’ which was the first
thriller to be released with sound and increased the
popularity of the genre.

3. 1930’s
• In this period films such as 39 steps and The Man Who
Knew To Much were released they were recognised for
the development of the genre and embodying the
conventions that are present in the current films.
• In 1931 a emerged called “German Film” starring actors
such as Peter Lorre the story was based on a serial killer
and his life.
• There were many British directors noted for their work in
the 1930’s including Walter Ford and Victor Saville.
Scene from 39 steps

4. 1940’s
• During the 1940’s Sir Alfred Hitchcock continued his
work in which he produced outstanding films, one
winning an Oscar. “Rebecca” being the Oscar winner.
• He continued his craft releasing many films with one of
Hitchcock's favourite being “Shadow of a Doubt”.
• All the time the genre is becoming more defined as more
directors were becoming more invested in this genre and
as it result it was growing in popularity and genre was
becoming more defined.
Rebecca the Oscar winning film by Sir
Alfred Hitchcock

5. 1950’s
• In 1950’s Hitchcock released a new film named
Technicolour.
• There were also releases of classics such as “strangers on
a train”. This brought a vast audience to the thriller genre
as it increased in popularity.
• There were also films such as Niagara that were revealed
to the public which stared the world renounded Marilyn
Monroe.

6. 1960’s
• Peeping Tom was released prior to Psycho Hitchcock's
most famous piece of work with the infamous “shower
scene”.
• The spy films started to become more popular, such as the
“Harry Palmer” trilogy which were inspired by 007.

7. 1970’s and 80’s
• Through this period to the 80’s they went through a
violent period with many films being released in quick
succession.
• Stephan Spielberg released one of his most early films
“Duel” in 1971.
• The genre becoming increasingly more popular there
were developments of new sub-genres with the
psychological films gaining the most views.
• “Play Misty For Me” was very popular.

8. 1990’s to Present
• The famous Jonathan Demme brought us Silence of the
Lambs in 1991 were a young detective tries to solve the
crimes of the cannibalistic psychiatrist Hannibal Lector.
• Also in 1995 we were brought Se7en who brought about
the seven deadly sins.
• To date some of the better films include Eden Lake,
Cellular, Firewall etc.