30 Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked
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Hitchcock Blondes, why Alfred Hitchcock was such a great director, and the best Alfred Hitchcock Movies & Filmography ranked from the ‘Master of Suspense.’
Alfred Hitchcock was nicknamed “The Master of Suspense,” for good reason, his mastery of the suspense genre and how he kept audiences in suspense for decades across his long career.
A number of his films consistently rank as the greatest films of all time.
Hitchcock directed over 50 films, in addition to helping with dozens of other films, and also directed a famous television series.
Although he launched his career in the UK (his "British period"), upon arriving to Hollywood, he was able to create bigger productions with famous stars from the Hollywood Golden Age.
Why was Alfred Hitchcock such a successful director?
Alfred Hitchcock was such a successful director since he harnessed his incredible IQ, palpable film fanaticism, and brute work ethic into a singular goal--turning his cinematic dreams into reality.
This included meticulously managing every aspect of making a film.
Every single intricate detail mattered to him, including the story, setting, characters, actors, and even their wardrobes.
“I depend on style more than plot. It is how you do it, and not your content that makes you an artist. A story is simply a motif, just as a painter might paint a bowl of fruit just to give him something to be painting.”
In terms of wardrobes and costumes, Alfred Hitchcock paid passionate detail to his characters' styles and looks.
Their outfits set the mood and atmosphere, and brought his stories to life.
Whether it was the leather bomber coat of a military man on the run or it was Kim Novak's iconic gray suit in Vertigo, these was crucial elements to his films.
For 11 of his films, he enlisted the legendary Old Hollywood costume designer Edith Head, to work with him.
Hitchcock was also paid painstaking detail to the casting of his characters.
From the leads to the side characters, he chose the very best for the role.
Some of his favorites included the Old Hollywood legends like Cary Grant, Joseph Cotton, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Ingrid Bergman.
Hitchcock Blondes
"Blondes make the best victims. They're like virgin snow that shows up the bloody footprints." -- Alfred Hitchcock
Hitchcock is also famous for creating the idea of a "Hitchcock Blonde.”
This is basically the vintage version of a bond girl...or perhaps more fitting, the 50’s version of the film noir era’s femme fatales.
They are perfectly coiffed and dressed, cool and aloof, always sexy and sometimes dangerous.
Think of Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief or Kim Novak in Vertigo.
According to The Take, a Hitchcock blonde is:
“...a beautiful, sophisticated, poised woman who carries with her an air of mystery and indirect sex appeal. She carries the film as an unexpected source of duplicity, and can be a cunning and intelligent adversary. She also represents Hitchcock’s idea of a perfect woman.”
We done our very best to rank the Hitchcock films below, but they are the work of a genius, so you could say that they are in no particular order.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #1 - Vertigo (1958)
A romantic mystery thriller starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Barbara Bel Geddes.
A former San Francisco police detective, who struggles with a crippling fear of heights, is pulled into a web of intrigue, after his friend asks him to trail his hauntingly beautiful (and possibly insane) wife.
Kim Novak portrays a cool “Hitchcock blonde” in Vertigo, with Hitchcock helping design her wardrobe, along with Edith Head.
For a movie recap and to see all of her stunning fashion in the film, you might like:
Kim Novak’s Wardrobe in Vertigo makes her the Ultimate Hitchcock Blonde
Greatest Alfred Hitchcock Filmography #2 - North by Northwest (1959)
A suspenseful thriller starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason.
A dashing New York advertising executive goes on a cross country run for his life, after he is mistaken for an important government agent. Foreign spies, double-crosses, and a love affair with a beautiful and mysterious blonde are all part of this incredible thriller from the Master of Suspense.
Old Hollywood Fashion (1950s Style):
Alfred Hitchcock didn't like any of wardrobe sketches from the studio for Eva’s wardrobe.
Instead he took Eva Marie Saint shopping at Bergdorf Goodman to help her personally pick out her outfits for the film.
Imagine Alfred Hitchcock as your personal shopping assistant!
To see all of Eva Marie Saint’s outfits in the film:
Eva Marie Saint North by Northwest | Your 1959 Hitchcock Blonde Inspiration
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #3 - Psycho (1960)
A suspenseful horror thriller starring Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, and Janet Leigh.
When a gorgeous secretary on the run for embezzlement holes up in a rural and creepy California hotel, little does she suspect danger from the repressed hotel proprietor.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #4 - To Catch a Thief (1955)
A romantic mystery thriller starring Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, and Jessie Royce Landis.
On the sunny banks of the French Rivera, a famous and sexy cat burglar is called out of retirement. His mission? Catch a new thief who imitating his old style, and trying to implicate the Cat Burglar!
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1950s Style):
Hitchcock partnered with the famous costume designer Edith Head to develop the wardrobe for this film. We love to see the stunning 1950s fashion in technicolor.
For more on the fabulous 1950s fashion in To Catch a Thief:
To Catch a Thief Grace Kelly - 10 Elegant Outfits You’ll Love
Cary Grant To Catch a Thief Clothes - 10 Life-Changing Outfits to Inspire Your Summer Wardrobe
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #5 - Rear Window (1954)
A slow burning thrilling mystery starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, and Thelma Ritter.
A successful action photographer is tied to his wheelchair after an accident. Bored, he spends his afternoons watching his neighbors from the Rear Window of his flat. The plot thickens after he and his gorgeous fashion model girlfriend become convinced that a murder has occurred.
Old Hollywood Fashion (1950s Style):
In this film, Alfred Hitchcock teamed up once again with his favorite costume designer, the legendary Edith Head, to produce one of the most iconic 1950s wardrobes of Old Hollywood.
For more on Grace Kelly’s stunning wardrobe in the movie:
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #6 - Notorious (1946)
A dramatic romantic suspense film starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains.
A gorgeous woman with a tainted past goes undercover to infiltrate Nazis in South America. The plot thickens when the Nazi leader falls in love with her.
For more on the 1940s fashion in the film, as well as the characters played by Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant:
Greatest Alfred Hitchcock Filmography #7 - Strangers on a Train (1951)
A dramatic film noir starring Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Walker.
A thriller about two strangers whose chance meeting on a train leads to a discussion about an "exchange" murder for those on their "most hated" list. However one of the strangers is a psychopath, and he is determined he has the blueprint for the perfect murder.
If you love films noirs, you might also like:
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #8 - Rope (1948)
A mysterious crime drama starring: James Stewart, John Dall, and Farley Granger.
In this dark macabre drama, two cocky friends strangle a fellow classmate and then throw a festive party for the victim's friends and family. They believe they've plotted the perfect murder.
Greatest Alfred Hitchcock Filmography #9 - Dial M for Murder (1954)
A suspenseful crime thriller starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, and Robert Cummings.
A husband plots the perfect murder for his gorgeous, rich, and adulterous wife.
For more on Grace Kelly’s 1940s fashion in the film:
Grace Kelly in Dial M for Murder 1954 - Storyline and 1950s Fashion
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #10 - Marnie (1964)
A compelling romantic drama starring Tippi Hedren, Sean Connery, and Diane Baker.
In this psychological thriller about a beautiful disturbed woman, her gorgeous (and very smitten) new husband is certain he can redeem her.
Vintage Fashion Scoop (1960s Style):
The stunning Hitchcock Blonde, Tippi Hedron, also dazzles with a fabulous collection of 1960s style outfits, ranging from her mesmerizing green skirt suit, to pajamas, and gorgeous evening gowns.
To see all of her gorgeous outfits in the film:
Greatest Alfred Hitchcock Filmography #11 - The Birds (1963)
A thrilling mystery starring Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, and Suzanne Pleshette.
A gorgeous San Francisco socialite trails a handsome potential boyfriend to a small town in Northern California. The plot thickens when all types of birds start viciously attacking people.
For the full scoop on the incredible 1960s fashion in this film:
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #12 - Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Watch on Amazon
A thriller film noir starring Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotten, and Macdonald Carey.
A teenager girl is overjoyed that her Uncle Charlie is coming to visit her family in their quiet small town in California. However she quickly starts suspecting that he is the "Merry Widow" killer who targets wealthy women for money.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #13 - The Wrong Man (1956)
A dramatic film noir starring Henry Fonda, Vera Miles, and Anthony Quayle.
Based on a true story, in 1953 an innocent and talented musician is arrested and imprisoned for an armed robbery gone wrong. Will he be able to escape the trap of the heartless criminal justice system?
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #14 - The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
A crime mystery thriller starring Leslie Banks, Edna Best, and Peter Lorre.
When a British couple is vacationing abroad, they find themselves suddenly thrust in the middle of an international political intrigue, after their young daughter is kidnapped by spies.
Fun Fact!
This film was one of the most successful and critically acclaimed movies of Hitchcock's British period.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #15 - Saboteur (1942)
A war thriller starring Priscilla Lane, Robert Cummings, and Norman Lloyd.
A man falsely accused of sabotage goes on a cross-country run from the law, while he tries to uncover the real spies.
Old Hollywood Outfits (1940s Style):
You'll love the behind the scenes scoop on 1940s styles for the men and women factory workers. Plus, Robert Cummings in a classic leather bomber jacket and lots of men in uniform make this a real treat. Also, Priscilla Lane provides fabulous vintage style inspiration in her fur lined wool coats and tailored two piece skirt suits.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #16 - Rebecca (1940)
A dramatic romance and mystery starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, and Judith Anderson.
After a whirlwind romance and marriage to a wealthy aristocrat, a shy young woman moves to his foreboding estate. The new bride is frightening to discover that her husband's late wife's ghost seems to haunt everything and everyone, including her new brooding husband.
If you love the haunting story of Rebecca, and would like to see the gorgeous 1930s fashion on display in full glorious color (from the 2020 Rebecca movie) read:
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #17 - Spellbound (1945)
A mysterious film noir starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, and Michael Chekhov.
A beautiful psychiatrist falls in love with an amnesia patient who is accused of murder. She helps hide his identity while trying to help him recover his lost memory.
Old Hollywood Fashion (1940s Style):
The romantic sizzle between Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman is only rivaled by their fantastic 1940s wardrobe. We love the inside look at professional attire for women in the 1940s, which Ingrid Bergman pulls off with effortless class.
For more of her 1940s wardrobe in the film, read:
Spellbound Ingrid Bergman (1945) - Her Beautiful 1940s Fashion
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #18 - Foreign Correspondent (1940)
An exciting suspenseful drama starring Joel McCrea, Laraine Day, and Herbert Marshall.
In London on the eve of Word War II, an American reporter gets pulled into an assassination plot with enemy spies.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #19 - Frenzy (1972)
A suspenseful thriller starring Jon Finch, Alec McCowen, and Barry Foster.
In London a serial murderer is on the loose. He is strangling women with a necktie. The police believe they have a suspect, but it's the wrong man. So it's a rush against time as he tries to find the real murderer and prove his innocence.
Greatest Alfred Hitchcock Filmography #20 - Family Plot (1976)
A tense comedy crime drama starring Karen Black, Bruce Dern, and Barbara Harris.
A wealthy old woman hires a phony psychic to help to track down her missing heir. The crazy plot thickens when the pretty psychic enlists her taxi driving boyfriend to assist, in the hopes of getting the fortune themselves. Before they know it they stumble on the real kidnappers and murderers.
Fun Fact!
This witty mystery thriller was Alfred Hitchcock's last picture. Since this film was produced in the 70s, and the film censorship code was abandoned in the late 60s, to be replaced with age-based ratings that still exist today, Hitchcock wasn't afraid to boundaries with dark and racy humor.
Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked #21 - Blackmail (1929)
A thrilling crime drama starring Anny Ondra, John Longden, and Cyril Ritchard.
After killing a man in self defense, a beautiful woman's life is turned upside down with blackmail.
Old Hollywood Fashion (1920s Style):
We love the 1920s fashion that is on full display in this film, from the impeccably styled menswear, to the fabulous womens' wardrobes. From lacy negligees, to day dresses, to formal evening gowns, and fur trimmed wool jackets, the wardrobe and costumes in this film are a vintage fashionista's dream!
Fun Fact!
From silent films to talkies... This film was published only two years after sound in movies debuted!
For history buffs and those that love old movies, you'll love the inside look at Hitchcock's first experiment with spoken dialogue in movies.
Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked #22 - I Confess (1953)
A dark suspenseful drama starring Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter, and Karl Malden.
The screen legend Montgomery Clift plays the role of a conscientious priest who is unwittingly drawn into a murder after hearing a confession. Does he dare break the sacred seal of the confessional to clear his name?
Old Hollywood Outfits (1950s Style):
In keeping with the legendary Hitchcock style, this film's 1950s wardrobe is fabulous. You'll love the inside look at 1950s menswear, from clerical wardrobes, to everyday wear, to officers uniforms and formal attire. And who doesn't love to see the gorgeous Montgomery Clift in uniform? Also, the stunning Ann Baxter holds her own in a wonderful collection of classic 50s style outfits, ranging from day dresses, to fitted skirt suits, to the 50s' little black dress, paired with pearls.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #23 - The Trouble with Harry (1955)
A romantic mystery starring Edmund Gwenn, John Forsythe, and Shirley MacLaine
The mysterious death of Harry leaves the entire town puzzled. The locals are baffled... who killed him... why... and what do they do with his body?
Greatest Alfred Hitchcock Filmography #24 - Sabotage (1936)
A crime thriller starring Sylvia Sidney, Oskar Homolka, and John Loder.
An undercover Scotland yard detective races against time to unmask a saboteur, who is plotting to set off a deadly bomb in London.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #25 - Lifeboat (1944)
A war drama starring Tallulah Bankhead, William Bendix, and Walter Slezak.
In this military drama set in World War II, a number of male and female American and British civilians cling to life aboard a packed lifeboat, after their steamer is torpedoed. When a German officer, responsible for u-Boat bombing, is also pulled onto the lifeboat, tension and treachery mount.
Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies Ranked# 26 - The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)
One of the most iconic silent movies.... A suspenseful crime mysteries starring Marie Ault, Arthur Chesney, and June Tripp.
In early 20th century London, a murderer is loose in London. "The Avenger," is a Jack the Ripper type of serial killer. His marks? Young blonde women. Soon a landlady starts to suspect that her new boarder is this very madman.
Fun Fact!
The legendary director, Hitchcock himself, called this "the first true Hitchcock film".
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #27 - The Lady Vanishes (1938)
A thrilling mystery starring Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, and Paul Lukas.
During her travels in Europe, a beautiful young rich playgirl's adventures are interrupted when an avalanche forces her and all of the passengers from the train to crowd to safety at the nearby inn. When they resume their journey, an elderly governess seems to be mysteriously missing.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #28 - The 39 Steps (1935)
A suspenseful crime thriller starring Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, and Lucie Mannheim.
In London, tension runs high in a high stakes game of counter espionage, spies rings, and murder in a quest to steal top secret information.
Old Hollywood Fashion (1930s Style):
We love the impeccable wardrobes showcasing classic 1930s women and women’s fashions, ranging from tailored suits to fur lined coats and vintage veil hats.
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies Ranked #29 - Jamaica Inn (1939)
A suspenseful adventure crime drama starring Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, and Leslie Banks.
In 1819, a beautiful young woman visits her aunt and uncle at their inn off of an eerie and rocky English coast. She soon discovers that her rich uncle is the mastermind of a ruthless gang of ship wreckers, murderers and thieves. Romance and corrupt authorities only thicken the suspenseful plot.
Behind the Curtains!
Sir Alfred Hitchcock loved the Daphne Du Maurier novels, and this film would be the first of three that he would produce. The next two were Rebecca (1940) and The Birds (1963).
Alfred Hitchcock Best Movies #30 - The Ring (1927)
A silent sports melodrama starring Carl Brisson, Lillian Hall-Davis, and Ian Hunter.
Two very different boxers compete in and out of the ring for the love of a beautiful woman.
Fun Fact!
Similar to the other early Hitchcock films produced in the 1920s, this silent movie is a historical novelty that is a great boxing film.
This post was all about the Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies
What is your favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie?
“I think the important thing is one’s work, using the mind, all of your talent, all of your experience. You find that as you go along one problem becomes more and more difficult: How do you avoid the cliché?”
References:
Wikipedia, Alfred Hitchcock
IMDB, Alfred Hitchcock