The best of Alfred Hitchcock: five films every fan of classic movies should see -.

Alfred Hitchcock, often referred to as the Master of Suspense, is one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema. Born in 1899 in London, Hitchcock’s career spanned more than six decades, and he became known for his ability to create tension, suspense and intrigue, often combining psychological depth with suspenseful storytelling. His films are often about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances, where mystery and danger lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life. Hitchcock was a meticulous director, known for his mastery of visual storytelling and for pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream cinema, especially in terms of psychological complexity and dark themes.

Below we explore five of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films, ranked from fifth to first, and dive into their stories and the underlying messages that make them masterpieces of suspense and intrigue. So let’s waste no more time. This is what we consider the best of Alfred Hitchcock.

5. The Birds (1963)

For some reason, my mother has been terrified of birds ever since she saw this movie as a child (I think that actually says it all). In The Birds, a wealthy San Francisco socialite, Melanie Daniels, follows a potential romantic interest, Mitch Brenner, to the small town of Bodega Bay. What begins as a peaceful trip soon turns into terror as all kinds of birds inexplicably begin attacking the town’s residents, creating an atmosphere of chaos and fear.

The Birds is one of Hitchcock’s most disturbing films, combining natural horror with psychological suspense. The film refuses to provide a clear explanation for the bird attacks, which contributes to the pervasive sense of unease. Hitchcock plays with the theme of the unpredictability of nature and how humans are often powerless in the face of natural forces beyond their control. This ambiguity makes the film even more terrifying as it explores the fragility of human life when faced with inexplicable, primary aggression. The Birds is a chilling reminder that terror can strike without reason or warning and turn normalcy upside down.

4. North by Northwest (1959)

No matter how many times you watch it, this film will leave you on the edge of your seat with its clever twists and fast-paced action. In this action-packed thriller, Cary Grant plays Roger Thornhill, an advertising man from New York City who is mistakenly identified as a government agent by a group of foreign spies. On the run across the United States, Thornhill is pursued by dangerous enemies as he tries to uncover the truth and clear his name. Along the way, he meets the enigmatic Eve Kendall, whose loyalty remains a mystery.

In our opinion, North by Northwest is one of Hitchcock’s most exciting films, combining suspense with humor and adventure. It explores themes of mistaken identity and the paranoia of Cold War espionage. The predicament of Roger Thornhill – an ordinary man caught up in a dangerous game of international intrigue – speaks to Hitchcock’s fascination with the “wrong man” trope, where innocent people become entangled in extraordinary situations beyond their control. The film also explores the nature of deception and trust, particularly in the relationship between Thornhill and Eve, where nothing is what it seems. At its core, North by Northwest is an exciting chase film, but it also underscores the anxiety of a world where appearances and identity can be easily manipulated.

3. Dizziness (1958)

My god, I was absolutely fascinated by the haunting beauty of this film. In Vertigo, James Stewart plays Scottie Ferguson, a former San Francisco police detective who suffers from vertigo (fear of heights). He is hired by an old friend to follow his wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), who is acting strangely. As Scottie becomes obsessed with Madeleine, he is drawn into a terrifying and complex mystery where nothing is what it seems.

Vertigo is often considered Hitchcock’s most psychologically complex film, delving into themes of obsession, identity and the destructive nature of desire. Scottie’s obsession with Madeleine mirrors Hitchcock’s fascination with control, manipulation and the often blurred line between love and fixation. The film explores the idea of trying to emulate a lost ideal, with Scottie trying to mold another woman in the image of Madeleine. This psychological tension is reflected in the film’s use of dizzying camera angles and the iconic “vertigo” effect, which visually represents Scottie’s inner turmoil. Ultimately, Vertigo is a tragic exploration of how far a person can fall – both literally and figuratively – when haunted by the past and consumed by obsession.

2. Rear Window (1954)

In Rear Window, James Stewart shines as LB Jeffries, a photographer confined to a wheelchair after an accident. As he recovers, Jeffries becomes a voyeur and spies on his neighbors from his apartment window. His casual observation turns into suspicion when he believes one of his neighbors, Lars Thorwald, has committed murder. With the help of his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly), and his nurse, Jeffries tries to unravel the mystery.

Rear Window is a brilliant exploration of voyeurism, morality and the nature of observation. Hitchcock uses Jeffries’ perspective to explore how we as viewers often act as voyeurs in the lives of others, consciously or unconsciously. The film raises questions about privacy, ethics and our tendency to make assumptions based on limited information. Jeffries’ obsession with watching his neighbors mirrors the audience’s role in watching the characters on screen, and Hitchcock blurs the line between innocent curiosity and invasive investigation. Through the thrilling unraveling of the murder mystery, Rear Window forces us to face the dark side of human nature, where the act of observation can turn into a dangerous compulsion.

1. Psycho (1960)

I’ll never forget the first time I saw this movie – the suspense was excruciating, and that twist…. Psycho follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a secretary who steals a large sum of money and goes on the run. She ends up at the remote Bates Motel, run by the shy and repressed Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his domineering mother. What unfolds is a shocking and terrifying descent into madness and murder as dark secrets about Norman and his mother come to light.

Psycho is perhaps Hitchcock’s most famous and influential film, known for its groundbreaking plot twists and chilling psychological depth. The film explores themes of guilt, oppression and duality, with Norman Bates a prime example of a character torn between conflicting identities. Hitchcock plays with our expectations, especially in the infamous shower scene, which shatters the traditional rules of film narrative by killing off the apparent protagonist early in the story. Psycho is a master class in building suspense and delving into the darker aspects of the human psyche. Hitchcock’s exploration of madness, family dysfunction and hidden desires make Psycho a timeless psychological thriller that continues to influence filmmakers today.

And that’s all for today! Alfred Hitchcock’s films are remarkable not only for their suspense and thrills, but also for their deep psychological and thematic resonance. Through his mastery of visual storytelling and his ability to respond to audiences’ fears, Hitchcock created films that remain relevant and chilling decades after their release. Whether exploring the terror of the unknown in The Birds, the thrill of mistaken identity in North by Northwest, or the psychological complexity of obsession in Vertigo, Hitchcock’s work transcends the thriller genre and delves into the darkest corners of human nature. His legacy as the Master of Suspense is well-deserved, and his films continue to fascinate and intrigue us all.

Now we’d love to hear your experiences with Alfred Hitchcock’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? Do you have any memorable moments from his films? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!