Evening, everyone. At one point, I merely knew the name Alfred Hitchcock. However, with the arrival of Covid-19, I found myself at home and decided to delve deeper into his work by watching numerous films. As a result, I’ve become quite an enthusiast of his!
Apart from having directed one of the best-ever Best Picture winners, the 1940 film “Rebecca”, this director is also renowned for creating some unforgettable movies throughout cinema history. So, it’s likely that your favorite director has this individual as their top pick or among their favorites.
Having Netflix just added seven timeless Hitchcock classics to their library, I find myself eager to share some viewing suggestions! Indeed, these films are must-sees! But, you might wonder about the optimal watching order. Well, following a similar approach as in my article on movies to kickstart your Kubrick journey, let me suggest an order for Hitchcock’s films. To begin with…
Start Off With Rear Window
Why not kick off your movie night with “Rear Window,” a film that features Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Raymond Burr, among other talented actors? It’s a near-perfect choice.
This movie could be described as a “bottle film” due to its focus on a single setting, where a wheelchair-bound photographer (Stewart) primarily observes the world outside through his cameras or binoculars. One intriguing day, he believes he has witnessed a murder, and he invests much of the storyline in verifying his suspicions. However, as the plot unfolds, he finds himself potentially in harm’s way because of his investigation.
It’s quite likely that Rear Window, a film by Hitchcock, is my top pick. The suspense in it is off the charts, and Raymond Burr fits perfectly as a potential culprit. What’s more, the film has an intense heatwave-like atmosphere, given the constant mentions of the scorching weather by the characters.
You might want to begin with this part primarily since it serves as an excellent starting point for understanding Hitchcock’s work. Additionally, Jimmy Stewart, who stars in two additional films listed here, is introduced in this section.
Feel free to begin at any point, as they’re all great (though, I must admit, I wouldn’t suggest starting with the last three from this list). However, if you’re seeking a suggestion on where to start, I’d recommend “Rear Window”. Moving forward…
Move On To The Birds
Hitchcock primarily specialized in creating suspenseful thrillers, although some of his films had horror elements. However, it’s generally thought that he only directed three authentic horror films: ‘Frenzy’, ‘Psycho’, and ‘The Birds’. Both ‘Frenzy’ and ‘Psycho’ are included on this list.
If you’re a horror enthusiast, here’s some great news: All three of Alfred Hitchcock’s horror films are available on Netflix right now! Given that context, I recommend starting with The Birds because it’s filmed in color. Now, I understand that some people appreciate black and white movies (I’m one of them), but keep in mind that Frenzy is also colored. Nonetheless, when it comes to Hitchcock classics, this particular film is often ranked quite high.
Featuring Jessica Tandy, Rod Taylor, and Tippi Hedren in her initial screen appearance, the movie titled The Birds centers around a chilling premise: aggressive avian creatures. To put it another way, this film is essentially about menacing birds terrorizing Californians. While there’s a romantic subplot between Taylor and Hedren’s characters, the main focus of the story lies on the unexpected bird attacks in California.
The film is quite chilling, much like “The Happening” you might recall. However, unlike Shyamalan’s work, “The Birds” manages to be genuinely captivating. What I admire most about it is the mystery surrounding why birds are suddenly attacking people, which only adds to its unsettling atmosphere.
So, The Birds, and then…
Slide Into Psycho
Without a doubt, one of Hitchcock’s most iconic works is the movie titled “Psycho”. If you’re unfamiliar with its storyline, chances are you’ve at least recognized the memorable main theme composed by Bernard Herrmann.
The excellent Anthony Hopkins/Helen Mirren biopic ‘Hitchcock’, available on Netflix, was based on the movie ‘Psycho’ from 1960, which features Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and other actors in a very unsettling horror film.”
Here’s another option: “The Hitchcock biopic starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren on Netflix is inspired by the 1960 horror movie ‘Psycho’, which has Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and more stars in a chilling role.
Instead of revealing everything, I’ll simply say this: A character named Leigh, who is involved in embezzlement, encounters a mild-mannered hotel owner, Bates, during her journey. From there, events unfold.
Here’s another way of expressing it: You might be familiar with the story, but I’m deliberately being cryptic. Instead of beginning with it, I decided to introduce a unique film that stands out on this list due to its monochrome nature (being the only black-and-white movie here) and its unsettling imagery (even considering contemporary standards).
To be honest, Hitchcock’s film isn’t my top pick, but given its legendary status, it seems fitting to give it a watch right now. Let’s proceed further…
The Man Who Knew Too Much Should Be Next
Is it surprising to learn that this is actually the second film version of “The Man Who Knew Too Much” directed by Hitchcock? The initial adaptation from 1934 featured actors Leslie Banks and Peter Lorre.
The movie “Doris Day and Jimmy Stewart” appear as the second leads, with its release in 1956. Many might favor the second over the first, but don’t miss out on the 1934 version. It’s equally excellent and offers a unique take!
To put it simply, the 1956 version of the movie, where the classic song “Que, Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” originated, follows a couple, Stewart and Day, whose son is kidnapped after they unwittingly witness a murder. Faced with this harrowing situation, they must navigate their own path to recover their child. Although the plot can be summarized in a few words, it’s the palpable tension throughout the film that truly makes it exceptional.
Without a doubt, one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most thrilling movies, “TMWKTM” is full of unexpected twists and turns, just as a captivating mystery-thriller should be. The chemistry between Stewart and Day is exceptional, while the backdrop of Marrakesh offers an intriguing and distinctive atmosphere.
I’m placing this particular film over there as it’s much more relaxed compared to Psycho, making it an ideal transition for Stewart’s discussion of the following movie.
Now Would Be A Good Time For Vertigo
To tell you the truth, “Vertigo” isn’t really my cup of tea among Hitchcock’s movies. I find it quite slow and heavy. Yet, similar to how I don’t particularly enjoy Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”, it’s often regarded as his masterpiece. That’s why I usually place it at the top when ranking Hitchcock’s films.
In a similar fashion, it’s worth mentioning that “Vertigo” is frequently regarded as Alfred Hitchcock’s magnum opus. Notably, in Sight & Sound’s Greatest Films of All Time survey of 2012, it secured the top position, dethroning “Citizen Kane,” which had held the number one spot for quite some time.
Essentially, it’s highly recommended that you give this film a try. Featuring Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak, the plot revolves around a former police officer (Stewart), who is emotionally scarred by the death of his fellow officer, who fell from a roof. The story takes an unexpected turn when Stewart’s character is tasked with watching over a friend’s suicidal wife. However, as events unfold, the narrative delves into complex psychological realms that might require repeated viewings to fully grasp and appreciate.
While I didn’t find it problematic, I must acknowledge that it’s often hailed as Alfred Hitchcock’s magnum opus. However, compared to his other works, it lacks the usual dynamism and pace that one might expect.
If you’re someone who appreciates patience and delves into complex, psychologically engaging films, then “Vertigo” might just be the movie for you.
I Think You’re Ready To Check Out Frenzy
You know what? I find myself more drawn to the movie “Frenzy” compared to “Vertigo”. The plot revolves around a serial murderer who chokes women with a tie.
Although it’s his second last movie and is rated R, I still can’t rank it higher than his more traditional films, despite my fondness for it.
In the movie, the villain, portrayed by Barry Foster, turns out to be a rapist instead, and throughout much of the storyline, our main character, played by Jon Finch, is on a quest to identify the murderer, even as suspicion falls upon him.
This is a really sordid film, and interesting since it distinctly takes place in London.
I only put it down here because I feel it feeds into his final film…
Now Close With Family Plot
It’s peculiar that Alfred Hitchcock’s last film incorporates comedic aspects, which is quite unexpected. What’s more surprising, though, is the fact that Netflix carries this movie.
Currently, the movie titled “Family Plot” isn’t exactly terrible; it’s more of a story that revolves around an unconvincing psychic (portrayed by Barbara Harris) and her partner (Bruce Dern). They are given the mission to track down a nephew who was adopted long ago but has now reached adulthood.
However, it was discovered that the nephew had a tendency towards violence, and him and his partner (Karen Black) disliked being pursued intensely. This situation led to an extremely lively period.
Actually, “Family Plot” isn’t terrible, but among Hitchcock’s works, there are quite a few others that I’d love to suggest to you. Unfortunately, since this is the only one currently streaming on Netflix, those options aren’t accessible at the moment.
Either way, I hope you enjoy these flicks!
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2025-06-14 16:10