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.
20. The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)
For as many masterpieces as he has, Hitchcock has just as many films that few have ever seen or heard of. While certainly not obscure or forgotten by any stretch, The Lodger is still buried within his first twenty films that no one cares about, so I feel as though it doesn’t get talked about as much despite being his only great silent film. Set against the backdrop of a fog-shrouded London, the film unfolds with a sense of palpable tension and mystery. The central premise revolves around a series of gruesome murders perpetrated by a shadowy figure known only as “The Avenger.” As panic grips the city, suspicion and paranoia permeate the air, turning everyone into would be detectives, or potential victims. At the heart of the story is the enigmatic character of the lodger (Ivor Novello), a mysterious stranger with ambiguous motives, he becomes the focal point of suspicion, particularly for his landlady and her daughter. As the audience is drawn deeper into the unfolding drama, Hitchcock masterfully manipulates their perceptions, keeping them guessing about the true nature of the lodger’s identity. The film is essentially a what if. What if the person you’re renting a room to was actually Jack the Ripper? It’s a strong enough premise for any amateur director to get something great out of but in the hands of Hitchcock, it becomes a minor classic.
–Sailor Monsoon
19. Saboteur (1936)
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows the journey of Barry Kane, who is falsely accused of sabotage. In his quest to clear his name, Kane embarks on a thrilling adventure across the United States, encountering a range of complex characters and dangerous situations along the way. The film’s plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, which leave viewers guessing until the very end. The sharp dialogue and tense atmosphere create a palpable sense of unease, while Hitchcock’s expert direction adds an extra layer of suspense to the story. Saboteur is a classic example of Hitchcock’s mastery of suspenseful storytelling, with each scene carefully crafted to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie’s stunning visuals and gripping narrative make it a must-watch for fans of Hitchcock and lovers of thrilling cinema.
–Jinxy
18. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
Although the remake is far more popular and polished, the original The Man Who Knew Too Much is still a worthy addition to Hitchcock’s oeuvre. Despite being one of his earlier works, the film exhibits many of the stylistic and thematic elements that would come to define his later masterpieces. While on vacation in Switzerland, a couple (played by Leslie Banks and Edna Best) become unwittingly entangled in an international conspiracy. After inadvertently learning of an assassination plot, the couple finds themselves in a desperate race against time to prevent a political murder and save their daughter, who has been kidnapped by the conspirators. Like many of his films, it involves the “wrong man” caught in an impossible situation and watching them try and get out of it alive. Bob and Jill’s journey from unsuspecting tourists to reluctant heroes is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, as they grapple with the moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices demanded by their newfound knowledge. It’s a set up Hitch loved so much, he decided to remake it about twenty years later. While better in almost every regard, this version has at least two things that that version doesn’t have — Peter Lorre and the climactic showdown at the Royal Albert Hall. The former makes everything he’s in better and the latter is an emotionally gripping and suspenseful climax that justifies this film’s existence. Whether viewed as a thrilling espionage thriller, a failed experiment or a meditation on the human condition, the film stands as a testament to Hitchcock’s enduring legacy as one of cinema’s greatest auteurs.
–Sailor Monsoon
17. Marnie (1964)
Marnie is a captivating psychological thriller that showcases Alfred Hitchcock’s mastery in creating tension and suspense. The film revolves around the enigmatic character of Marnie, a troubled woman with a dark past that drives her erratic behavior. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a suspenseful journey, trying to unravel the mystery behind Marnie’s past and her present actions. The movie features an outstanding performance by Tippi Hedren, who brilliantly portrays Marnie’s complex character. Hitchcock’s masterful direction keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, making them guess until the very end. Despite not being as popular as some of his other works, Marnie is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of trauma and identity and is a gripping and unsettling classic that showcases Hitchcock’s brilliance as a filmmaker. It is an excellent addition to any movie lover’s collection, especially those who enjoy suspenseful and psychologically thrilling films.
–Jinxy
16. The 39 Steps (1935)
Feeling like a greatest hits of all of Hitchcock’s favorite themes (the wrong man, mistaken Identity, espionage, and the pursuit of truth and justice), The 39 Steps is a great entry point for people who’ve only seen his most famous movies. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the film follows a man (Richard Hannay) wrongly accused of murder who goes on the run to clear his name and uncover a spy ring. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman (Lucie Mannheim) reveals a plot involving the theft of vital British military secrets known as “The 39 Steps” that is so important, assassins are tasked with eliminating anyone involved in their disappearance. From there, you can pretty much guess where the film goes but just because it’s similar to other things he’s directed, doesn’t mean it’s not without its own twists and turns and surprises. The 39 Steps is widely regarded as one of Hitchcock’s early masterpieces and remains a classic of British cinema. It has inspired numerous adaptations, including a 1959 version directed by Ralph Thomas and a 1978 version directed by Don Sharp. The film’s themes of espionage and mistaken identity have also influenced countless other works in literature, film, and television.
–Sailor Monsoon
15. Suspicion (1941)
A shy and naive young woman (Joan Fontaine) falls in love with a charming but irresponsible playboy (Cary Grant) and despite warnings from her friends and family about his dubious character, she marries him. As their relationship progresses, she begins to suspect that he may be hiding dark secrets, including potential involvement in murder. One of the most compelling aspects of Suspicion is its exploration of trust, paranoia, and the complexity of human relationships. Joan Fontaine delivers a mesmerizing performance as Lina, capturing the character’s vulnerability and internal conflict as she grapples with her suspicions about her husband. Cary Grant, known for his charismatic and suave persona, delivers a nuanced portrayal of Johnnie, blurring the lines between charm and manipulation. Hitchcock masterfully builds tension throughout the film, utilizing his signature techniques such as suspenseful camera angles, atmospheric lighting, and a haunting musical score. The director keeps the audience guessing until the very end, with a climax that is both shocking and thought-provoking. Censors made sure audiences left with a happy ending but if you know Hitchcock, you know that ending is bullshit. Of all the films he had to tone down to appease the censors, this one suffered the most. He really wanted Grant to play against type and go really dark. He compromised and made it more ambiguous but if he was able to fulfill his vision, this might be his darkest film. Still a classic but that alternate ending could’ve turned this into a masterpiece.
–Sailor Monsoon
14. The Wrong Man (1956)
Unlike many of Hitchcock’s other works, The Wrong Man is based on a true story, adding an extra layer of realism and intensity to the narrative. The film stars Henry Fonda as Christopher Emmanuel “Manny” Balestrero, a hardworking musician who is wrongly accused of committing a series of robberies. When Manny is arrested and charged with the crimes, he and his wife, Rose (Vera Miles), must navigate a bewildering and Kafkaesque legal system to prove his innocence. What sets The Wrong Man apart from other Hitchcock films is its focus on the psychological toll of being falsely accused and the impact it has on Manny and his family. Henry Fonda delivers a powerful performance as a man whose life is turned upside down by a case of mistaken identity. Vera Miles is equally impressive as Manny’s devoted wife, Rose, who struggles to cope with the emotional strain of her husband’s ordeal. At its core, The Wrong Man is a haunting exploration of innocence, guilt, and the fragility of human identity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of a flawed justice system and the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.
–Sailor Monsoon
13. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Alfred Hitchcock’s remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much is a masterfully crafted film that seamlessly blends suspense, intrigue, and drama to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Hitchcock’s signature style is evident throughout the film, as he meticulously builds tension and creates a sense of unease that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The lead actors deliver captivating performances, drawing the audience into their character’s world and making us feel invested in their journey. The plot twists are intricately woven into the story, leaving the audience guessing and engaged until the very end. The film pays homage to the original while adding its unique flair, making it a must-watch for fans of Hitchcock’s work.
–Jinxy
12. Notorious (1946)
It’s a true testament to the strength of Hitchcock’s filmography that this isn’t in his top ten. It has the greatest casts he’s ever worked with and it has easily the most complex and rewarding plot of any of his films. The story follows the daughter of a convicted Nazi spy (Ingrid Bergman) who is recruited by American intelligence agent (Cary Grant) to infiltrate a group of Nazis living in Brazil. She reluctantly agrees, and soon finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of espionage. She begins a romantic relationship with the agent, but their love is complicated by his reluctance to fully trust her and her growing feelings of isolation and vulnerability. As she delves deeper into the world of espionage, she becomes embroiled in a plot to smuggle uranium out of Brazil, orchestrated by a suave and sinister agent (Claude Rains), who is also in love with her. As the tension mounts, her loyalty and courage are put to the test, and she must navigate a treacherous web of deception to survive. It may not have the iconic thrills of North By Northwest, the unforgettable twist of Psycho or memorable location of Rear Window but Notorious is every bit as well crafted and suspension as they are. Hitchcock famously said that all you need to do to build suspense was introduce a bomb into a scene and the ticking clock will automatically create tension. Notorious proves that all he needed to make a great movie was three great actors, and this has three of the best.
–Sailor Monsoon
11. Rebecca (1940)
Adapted from Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, Rebecca is a haunting exploration of love, obsession, and the lingering influence of the past. Set in a sprawling English estate called Manderley, the story follows a young woman (Joan Fontaine) who becomes the second wife of the enigmatic and wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier). As she settles into her new role as the lady of the house, the unnamed protagonist finds herself haunted by the memory of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, whose presence seems to linger in every corner of Manderley. Hitchcock masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and unease from the very beginning, drawing viewers into a world where nothing is as it seems. The hauntingly beautiful cinematography, combined with Franz Waxman’s evocative score, sets the stage for a story filled with mystery and intrigue. While not as popular as his most famous works, Rebecca is unquestionably Hitchcock’s most acclaimed film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1941. The Oscars might’ve famously hated him but they at least have the golden man to one of his best.
–Sailor Monsoon
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What is your favorite Hitchcock film? Maybe you’ll see yours on tomorrow’s list!