Top Ten Favorite: Alfred Hitchcock Movies

 “There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.”
(Alfred Hitchcock)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

    If there is one thing that everyone knows about me, it’s that I am a total, unapologetic superfan of Alfred Hitchcock. When I say I love all things Hitchcock, I really mean it! From the classic films that keep you on the edge of your seat to the books and that iconic TV show, I just can’t get enough of his legendary suspense. It has become such a huge part of my world that Mike has truly gone above and beyond to fuel my obsession. For both my birthday and this past Christmas, he surprised me with a fantastic set of movies and the TV series, which was honestly the best gift ever.

I’ve lost count of how many times I have watched his films, but they never seem to get old. There is just something so special about the way he tells a story. The best part, though, has been sharing this passion with Mike. I’ve officially managed to get him hooked on them, too! We’ve made it a tradition to have our movie nights every Sunday and Monday, which are his days off work. Since Monday is my designated night to pick what we watch, you can probably guess what’s usually on the menu. There is nothing better than settling in for a little "Master of Suspense" magic to start the week off right!

    If you’ve ever felt that delicious chill down your spine or found yourself gripping the armrest of your couch during a movie, you likely have Alfred Hitchcock to thank. Selecting just ten favorites from his legendary career is a bit like trying to pick a favorite child, impossible, but we’re going to do it anyway!

    Let’s start with a classic that really makes you think twice about making small talk with a fellow traveler: Strangers on a Train. There’s something so terrifyingly simple about the idea of "criss-cross" murders, and Hitchcock executes it with such stylish flair. And speaking of execution, we can’t talk Hitchcock without bowing down to the cultural phenomenon that is Psycho. It changed cinema forever, and honestly, who among us hasn’t felt just a little bit nervous stepping into a shower after seeing that iconic silhouette through the curtain? It’s a masterclass in making the mundane feel absolutely menacing.

If you’re looking for something that feels like a high-wire act, Rope is such a treat. It’s filmed to look like one continuous shot, which makes you feel like an uninvited guest at the most awkward dinner party in history. On the flip side, Rear Window turns us all into neighborhood voyeurs. Watching Jimmy Stewart watch his neighbors is somehow both cozy and nail-biting, proving that you don't need a sprawling set to create massive tension, just a window and a pair of binoculars. Then there’s Rebecca, his first American film, which wraps you in a gothic, haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s less about jump scares and more about that deep, psychological unease that Hitchcock did better than anyone.

For those who love a bit of mystery with a side of charm, The Lady Vanishes (1938) is a total delight. It’s got wit, disappearing old ladies, and a train setting that keeps the energy moving at full speed. If you prefer your drama a bit more staged and colorful, Dial M for Murder brings the tension of a stage play right into your living room with a plot so precise it feels like a ticking clock. And of course, we have to mention Vertigo. It’s a gorgeous, dizzying exploration of obsession and identity that feels more like a dream, or perhaps a nightmare, than a standard thriller.

To round out this incredible list, we have the brisk, adventurous spirit of The 39 Steps, which basically invented the "man on the run" genre we see in every action movie today. It’s fast-paced, funny, and incredibly clever. Finally, we cap things off with the ultimate cinematic rollercoaster: North by Northwest. Between the crop duster chase and the frantic scramble across Mount Rushmore, it’s the absolute gold standard for adventure. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to these black-and-white (and Technicolor!) treasures, there is truly nothing like a Hitchcock movie night to remind you why we love the magic of the movies. 


Top Ten Favorites: Alfred Hitchcock Movies
1. Strangers on a Train
2. Psycho
3. Rope
4. Rear Window
5. Rebecca
6. The Lady Vanishes (1938)
7. Dial M For Murder
8. Vertigo
9. The 39 Steps 
10. North By Northwest

So glad you could make it. Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, I hope it’s a great one. Until we cross paths again—take care!