Alfred Hitchcock is widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time, and his reputation as the master of suspense is well-deserved. His ability to create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue is unparalleled, setting him apart from other filmmakers. What truly sets Hitchcock apart, however, is his consistent ability to deliver high-quality films across a wide range of genres, including horror, spy thrillers, and psychological thrillers. Hitchcock’s unique talent lies in his ability to keep the audience hooked from the very beginning, with his films often leaving viewers guessing until the final scene. His works are a testament to his remarkable storytelling and directorial skills, cementing his place as a true cinematic icon.
This week we’re celebrating the master’s work, and looking back on the 20 Best Alfred Hitchcock Films.
10. The Lady Vanishes (1938)
François Truffaut claimed this was his favorite of Hitchcock’s movies and the best representation of his work and I wholeheartedly agree. This has always been my favorite Hitchcock film. It has the best mixture of his trademark suspense, humor, action and amazing performances. It’s about as perfect a film as you’ll ever find. In an idyllic hotel in the fictional European country of Bandrika, a group of disparate characters are waiting for the next train. Among them is Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood), a young socialite who is returning to England to marry a wealthy aristocrat. She befriends a kindly old governess named Miss Froy (Dame May Whitty). However, when Iris awakens from a nap, Miss Froy has vanished, and no one on the train seems to remember ever seeing her. Iris is determined to find out what happened to Miss Froy, but her fellow passengers, including a charming young musician named Gilbert (Michael Redgrave), dismiss her concerns as delusions. As Iris and Gilbert investigate, they uncover a complex web of intrigue involving espionage, political conspiracy, and mistaken identities.
While trying to piece together the mystery, the two encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a suspicious doctor and a sinister government official. The best of which are a quirky pair of cricket enthusiasts named Charters and Caldicott (played by Basil Radford and Naunton Wayne) which proved to be so popular, the duo popped in numerous things together, most notably Night Train to Munich. One of the film’s most memorable scenes is the climax, set aboard the speeding train, where Iris and Gilbert confront the villains and finally uncover the truth about Miss Froy’s disappearance. The resolution is both satisfying and surprising, with Hitchcock delivering his trademark twist ending. This is the master of suspense operating on all cylinders and delivering a mystery classic that has spawned many imitators but has yet to be topped.
–Sailor Monsoon
9. Strangers on a Train (1951)
When discussing the filmography of Hitchcock, three points are always made: 1) how good he is at suspense 2) how good the twist endings are and 3) how good his casts are. One of the strongest qualities of his films often gets left by the wayside and that’s their premises. Some of his films have iconic set ups with Strangers on a Train arguably being the best of the bunch. The story revolves around two men, Guy Haines (Farley Granger) and Bruno Antony (Robert Walker), who meet by chance on a train. Guy is a successful tennis player with dreams of divorcing his unfaithful wife, while Bruno is a charming but unstable man with a fascination for murder. In a conversation that starts innocently enough, Bruno suggests a twisted plan: they will swap murders, each killing the person the other wants dead, thus providing each other with a perfect alibi.
Guy dismisses Bruno’s proposal as a joke, but Bruno takes it seriously and proceeds to carry out his end of the bargain by murdering Guy’s wife. Shocked and horrified by Bruno’s actions, Guy finds himself ensnared in a web of blackmail and manipulation as Bruno insists that Guy must fulfill his part of the agreement and murder Bruno’s overbearing father. As the tension escalates, Hitchcock skillfully ratchets up the suspense, drawing viewers into the moral and psychological dilemmas faced by the protagonists. With its gripping plot, unforgettable characters, and Hitchcock’s masterful direction, it remains a timeless classic of the thriller genre, captivating audiences with its suspense and psychological depth for generations to come.
–Sailor Monsoon
8. Rope (1948)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope is a cinematic masterpiece that brilliantly demonstrates the director’s mastery of building tension and suspense through captivating storytelling and clever camera work. The film’s unique real-time, single-shot format, which was groundbreaking for its time, elevates the intensity of the plot as two characters commit a murder and host a party in the same apartment, all while the guests remain completely unaware of the heinous crime taking place. James Stewart’s performance as a former professor is nothing short of exceptional, as he skillfully portrays a character whose intuition and intellect lead him to suspect the truth behind the party. Rope is an outstanding example of psychological thriller filmmaking that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end, leaving them in awe of Hitchcock’s unparalleled ability to create suspenseful and captivating films.
–Jinxy
7. North By Northwest (1959)
This movie is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and action that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. The film’s iconic scenes, such as the thrilling crop dusting chase, where the protagonist is pursued by a crop duster, and the dramatic climax on Mount Rushmore, where the protagonist has to evade the villains, are masterfully crafted and leave a lasting impact on the viewer. The chemistry between the lead actors, Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, is electrifying and adds depth to the story. Their performances are so convincing that the viewers can feel the tension and the emotions between the characters. Hitchcock’s meticulous direction and use of visual storytelling are truly remarkable. The way he frames the shots, uses camera angles, and creates suspense with the music and sound effects is a testament to his genius. The film’s pacing is perfect, and the plot twists keep the viewers guessing until the very end. North by Northwest is a must-see movie that continues to stand the test of time. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that will keep you entertained and engrossed until the credits roll.
–Jinxy
6. The Birds (1963)
The Birds is a thrilling and eerie masterpiece that grips the audience’s attention from the very first scene. The relentless bird attacks create a haunting atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge throughout the film. As the story unfolds, the tension between the characters intensifies, adding an extra layer of suspense that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. Hitchcock’s masterful direction and use of special effects make this film a standout in the horror genre, immersing the viewers in the terrifying world of the bird attacks. With its unforgettable imagery and haunting sound design, The Birds is a cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
–Jinxy
5. Dial M For Murder (1954)
When a former tennis pro discovers that his wife has been having an affair, he immediately hatches a plan to seek revenge for her infidelity. He blackmails an old acquaintance into murdering her while he’s away on a business trip. However, the plan goes awry when she manages to kill him in self-defense. This unexpected turn of events sets off a chain reaction of suspenseful moments as he desperately tries to cover his tracks and frame his wife for the murder. The tension escalates as Chief Inspector Hubbard, a sharp and intuitive detective, becomes suspicious of his motives and actions. Through a series of clever deductions and intense interrogations, Hubbard begins to unravel the truth behind the man’s death and his elaborate scheme. One of the most iconic scenes in the film is the gripping climax, where Hubbard reveals his understanding of the murder plot in a dramatic and suspenseful confrontation with the insidious husband. The tension is palpable as the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, wondering if his plan will succeed or if justice will prevail. Dial M for Murder is 90 minutes of an evil man spinning as many plates at the same time as possible. While you want them to eventually crash on the floor because if they don’t, he gets away with it but at the same time, you also want to see just how long he can maintain them spinning and how many more plates will get added to the act.
–Sailor Monsoon
4. Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Shadow of a Doubt is an enthralling thriller that skillfully blends elements of suspense, mystery, and intricate family drama. The movie’s narrative unfolds at a measured pace, masterfully building tension as the plot progresses. The cast delivers exceptional performances, with Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright giving standout portrayals. Hitchcock’s genius in creating a palpable atmosphere of unease and suspense is on full display, making Shadow of a Doubt an immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience.
–Jinxy
3. Rear Window (1954)
Rear Window is an exceptional and iconic movie that showcases Hitchcock’s mastery of storytelling and visual craftsmanship. The movie stars James Stewart, who delivers an outstanding performance as the wheelchair-bound photographer Jeff, who is confined to his apartment due to a broken leg. As Jeff becomes increasingly bored, he starts spying on his neighbors through his window. Things take a sinister turn when he thinks he may have witnessed a murder in one of the apartments. The confined setting of a single apartment complex intensifies the feeling of confinement and paranoia while adding to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Hitchcock’s meticulous attention to detail in both the visuals and the storytelling creates a palpable sense of unease and dread. For instance, the director uses the camera to replicate Jeff’s perspective, showing only what he can see from his apartment window. The audience is drawn into Jeff’s voyeuristic and morally ambiguous world, and the suspense builds as he tries to unravel the mystery of the possible murder. The supporting characters are just as intriguing as the main character, with each neighbor having their own unique story and quirks. The film’s climax is an unforgettable and thrilling sequence that masterfully ties all of the narrative threads together. Overall, Rear Window is a timeless classic of the suspense genre. It is a meticulously crafted and unforgettable movie that showcases Hitchcock’s genius as a filmmaker.
–Jinxy
2. Vertigo (1958)
Vertigo is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and for good reason. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that offers a deeply immersive and thrilling experience to its viewers. The movie centers around a troubled detective, played by James Stewart, who is drawn into a complex web of obsession and deception. As the plot unfolds, the audience is taken on a suspenseful journey, filled with intricate twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seats. What makes Vertigo truly remarkable is its technical brilliance. The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with its stunning use of color and composition. The score, composed by Bernard Herrmann, is equally evocative and heightens the emotional impact of the story. Together, these elements create an immersive world that draws the audience in and refuses to let go. At its core, Vertigo is a story about love, betrayal, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. It’s a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences, decades after its release. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch for any movie lover who wants to experience the magic of cinema at its finest.
–Jinxy
1. Psycho (1960)
Psycho is an iconic and timeless cinematic masterpiece that has captured the imaginations of audiences for over half a century. The film’s groundbreaking storytelling, iconic scenes, and chilling atmosphere make it a true work of art. Anthony Perkins’ portrayal of Norman Bates is both disturbing and haunting, with his nuanced performance drawing the audience into the character’s twisted psyche. Hitchcock’s direction is masterful in building suspense and tension, with each shot and edit carefully crafted to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. The infamous shower scene, with its rapid cuts and screeching violins, remains one of the most shocking moments in cinematic history and solidifies Psycho as a classic in the horror genre. Every aspect of the film, from the production design to the sound design, is expertly crafted to create an unforgettable experience. Overall, Psycho is a must-see for any film enthusiast who wants to witness a true masterpiece of cinema.
–Jinxy
20-11
What is your favorite Hitchcock film? Drop it in the comments below!