Top 7 Hitchcock Movies

Michelle Warmuz, 4 Mar 2025

Alfred Hitchcock, often hailed as the "Master of Suspense," redefined cinema with a career that spanned over five decades. Born in Leytonstone, London, in 1899, Hitchcock grew up in a strict Catholic household, with tales that his early life was bound by discipline that unearthed his a vivid imagination.

Hitchcock began his career in the British film industry as a title card designer during the silent film era, but his ambition took hold and he quickly rose to the role of a Director in the early 1920s. His first major film success was The Lodger screen in 1927, a tale of innocece intertwined with danger and desire. Hitchcock grew up a voracious reader with a keen interest in crime and psychology. His literary and artistic influences inlcude Edgar Allan Poe and German Expressionism, symbolic motifs often featuring in his movies. In 1939, he moved to Hollywood, where he produced some of the most influential thrillers in cinematic history.

What set Hitchcock apart was his meticulous storyboarding, his unyielding control over every frame, and pioneering use of camera and editing techniques to build suspense. He also became a master of self-promotion, making cameo appearances in his own films and cultivating a public persona that intrigued audiences.

Hitchcock’s popularity stemmed from his ability to consistently merge art with entertainment. His suspenseful narratives, complex female characters, and macabre humor resonated with viewers worldwide, making him a household name. His work won numerous accolades, including the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1979 and multiple Academy Award nominations, though an Oscar eluded him.

Hitchcock’s Seven Top-Rated Films on Rotten Tomatoes

1. Psycho (1960, 97%)
2. Rear Window (1954, 98%)
3. Vertigo (1958, 94%)
4. North by Northwest (1959, 97%)
5. Rebecca (1940, 100%)
6. Shadow of a Doubt (1943, 100%)
7. Strangers on a Train (1951, 98%)

Rotten Tomatoes rates these films highly for their storytelling brilliance, masterful direction, and groundbreaking suspense. Alfred Hitchcock remains a towering figure in film history, whose artistry and innovation continue to influence filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.