Top 20 Suspenseful Alfred Hitchcock Silver Screen Gems

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Written By Lori C.

Lori C. writes about movies, TV shows, and the latest updates from the world of entertainment. She studied Film and Television many years ago at university and uses her knowledge to dissect the newest releases. When not in front of a laptop, she wanders around various European cities with a backpack and a little dog.

There’s no denying the lasting influence Alfred Hitchcock had on modern-day film-making. Known as the Master of Suspense, his filmography ranges from silent films made in the 1920s to modern classics of the 1970s. With a filmography spanning decades, many of his masterpieces still hold up by contemporary standards, further proving his genius. 

During his 60-year career, Hitchcock directed 50 movies. From spine-tingling thrillers to mesmerizing mysteries, his filmography stands as a testament to his ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Here are the best classic chills by the famed director, ranked according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores. 

Suspicion (1941) – 97%

Joan Fontaine and Cary Grant in Suspicion (1941)
Image credit: RKO Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Bruce

Official synopsis: A charismatic gambler with a penchant for borrowing, crosses paths with the reserved Lina McLaidlaw on a train. Their courtship leads to marriage, but Lina’s idyllic honeymoon takes a sinister turn as she unravels Johnnie’s true nature.

Young and Innocent – 100%

George Curzon, John Longden, Nova Pilbeam, and Edward Rigby in Young and Innocent (1937)
Image credit: General Film Distributors via IMDB
  • Starring: Derrick de Marney, Nova Pilbeam, Percy Marmont, Edward Rigby

Official synopsis: An actress is slain by her jealous ex-husband, sparking a series of events that lead to Robert Tisdall’s wrongful arrest. Mistaken for the killer, Robert joins forces with Erica, a determined Police Constable’s daughter, to evade capture and expose the true murderer.

Marnie (1964) – 83%

Sean Connery and Tippi Hedren in Marnie (1964)
Image credit: Universal Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Tippi Hedren, Sean Connery, Diane Baker, Martin Gabel

Official synopsis: Marnie Edgar’s life of lies and theft takes a turn when she crosses paths with the captivating Mark Rutland. After preventing her from her usual schemes, Mark compels Marnie into marriage. But their honeymoon exposes her deep-seated aversion to intimacy, straining their relationship.

Spellbound (1945) – 85%

Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, and Leo G. Carroll in Spellbound (1945)
Image credit: United Artists via IMDB
  • Starring: Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov, Leo G. Carroll

Official synopsis: Dr. Constance Petersen is a dedicated psychiatrist at Green Manors mental asylum who finds herself entangled in a web of mystery as the new head, Dr. Anthony Edwardes, takes the helm. A love story unfolds amidst the enigmatic atmosphere, but cracks emerge as Dr. Edwardes exhibits peculiar behaviors and unsettling shifts in personality.

Frenzy(1972) – 91%

Barry Foster and Barbara Leigh-Hunt in Frenzy (1972)
Image credit: Universal Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Jon Finch, Barry Foster, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, Anna Massey

Official synopsis: In a city gripped by terror from The Necktie Murderer, London faces a series of brutal killings. When Richard Blaney’s ex-wife becomes a victim, he finds himself accused by the police and goes on a desperate run to uncover the truth and prove his innocence. As he navigates a treacherous path to clear his name, the chilling hunt for the real killer intensifies, revealing a gripping tale of suspense and survival.

Dial M for Murder (1954) – 90%

Grace Kelly in Dial M for Murder (1954)
Image credit: © 1954 Warner Bros.
  • Starring: Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Bob Cummings, John Williams

Official synopsis: In the heart of London, Margot Wendice seeks to mend her marriage after a dalliance with writer Mark Halliday. With her husband Tony’s return, their world seems to stabilize, until a stolen letter resurfaces, leading to blackmail. Tony, driven by greed, hatches a sinister plot to eliminate his wife and inherit her wealth.

To Catch a Thief (1955) – 92%

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief (1955)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis, John Williams

Official synopsis: Living luxuriously on the Riviera, retired cat burglar John Robie must find a copycat thief to avoid blame for a spree of jewel heists. He’s drawn into the world of Jessie Stevens and her daughter Frances, racing against time to safeguard their romance and outwit his pursuers amid the glitz of stolen treasures.

Rope (1948) – 92%

James Stewart, John Dall, and Farley Granger in Rope (1948)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger, Joan Chandler

Official synopsis: In a New York City apartment, Brandon and Philip, believing themselves intellectually superior, hatch a chilling plan to murder their friend David Kentley. The duo carries out the gruesome act and uses a chest to conceal the body during a party they host. Among the attendees are David’s father, his fiancée Janet, and their former teacher Rupert, who unknowingly inspired their dark ideas.

Vertigo(1958) – 92%

James Stewart and Kim Novak in Vertigo (1958)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore

Official synopsis: Retired detective John Ferguson, known as Scottie, becomes consumed by his infatuations with two enigmatic women. The alluring platinum blonde Madeleine Elster, seemingly possessed by a tragic spirit, and Judy Barton, an ordinary brunette who uncannily resembles Madeleine. Scottie’s obsession unravels a complex tale of identity and transformation, complicated by his acrophobia-induced vertigo.

The Birds (1963) – 94%

Tippi Hedren in The Birds (1963)
Image credit: Universal Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Suzanne Pleshette, Jessica Tandy

Official synopsis: Socialite Melanie Daniels playfully pranks lawyer Mitch Brenner, leading her to Bodega Bay, his family’s weekend retreat. The town’s birds turn deadly, triggering chaos and a battle for survival as the community faces relentless and inexplicable attacks.

Foreign Correspondent (1940) – 95%

Foreign Correspondent (1940)
Image credit: © 1940 – Warner Bros.
  • Starring: Joel McCrea, Laraine Day, Herbert Marshall

Official synopsis: Action reporter Johnny Jones is handed a thrilling new role as a European correspondent, assigned to uncover the hidden truth behind a confidential treaty brokered by diplomat Mr. Van Meer. But the mission takes an unexpected turn, leading Jones to team up with a resourceful young woman. Together, they plunge into a dangerous world of espionage and intrigue. 

Notorious (1946) – 95%

Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, and Leopoldine Konstantin in Notorious (1946)
Image credit: © RKO Radio Pictures
  • Starring: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern

Official synopsis: In the aftermath of her father’s treason conviction, Alicia Huberman seeks solace in a life of indulgence. A government agent, T.R. Devlin, recruits her to infiltrate a Nazi group in Rio de Janeiro. As their alliance grows, so does their romance. Yet, Alicia’s dedication to the mission begins to consume her. 

The 39 Steps (1935) – 96%

Madeleine Carroll and Robert Donat in The 39 Steps (1935)
Image credit: © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
  • Starring: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Godfrey Tearle, Lucie Mannheim

Official synopsis: Canadian visitor Richard Hannay’s ordinary London trip takes a dark turn when he meets a woman fleeing sinister pursuers. After sheltering her, he awakens to find her murdered. Fearing he’ll be blamed, Hannay embarks on a frantic escape, determined to unravel a spy conspiracy and clear his name.

Psycho (1960) – 96%

Anthony Perkins in Psycho (1960)
Image credit: Universal Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin

Official synopsis: The classic movie many tried to remake follows Marion Crane, Phoenix office worker frustrated with her loveless situation who seizes a chance for change. Entrusted with $40,000, she flees town to start anew with her lover Sam. Seeking refuge at the Bates Motel during a storm, she encounters the enigmatic Norman, seemingly under his mother’s sway. As events unfold, Marion’s choice spirals into a sinister game of secrets and suspense.

North by Northwest (1959) – 97%

Cary Grant, James Mason, and Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest (1959)
Image credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer via IMDB
  • Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Leo G. Carroll

Official synopsis: Advertising executive Roger Thornhill’s life takes an unexpected twist when a mistaken identity plunges him into the treacherous world of espionage. Targeted by foreign spy Philip Vandamm, Thornhill faces danger at every turn, falsely accused of murder. Desperate and on the run, he crosses paths with the captivating Eve Kendall, who offers assistance but hides her secrets.

The Lady Vanishes (1938) – 98%

Cecil Parker, Basil Radford, Linden Travers, and Naunton Wayne in The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Image credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer via IMDB
  • Starring: Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Dame May Whitty, Paul Lukas

Official synopsis: Stranded by an avalanche in a remote European inn, a diverse group of passengers on a train forms an unlikely camaraderie. When the train finally departs, Iris Henderson is alarmed to realize that Miss Froy, an English governess she befriended, is missing. However, her claims are met with skepticism, leading Iris and fellow traveler Gilbert to uncover a sinister conspiracy aboard the train.

Strangers on a Train (1951) – 98%

Alfred Hitchcock in Strangers on a Train (1951)
Image credit: Warner Bros. via IMDB
  • Starring: Robert Walker, Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, Leo G. Carroll

Official synopsis: Bruno Antony concocts a devious scheme to eliminate his despised father, enlisting tennis player Guy Haines as his unwitting partner. Their sinister plan involves trading murders: Bruno will kill Guy’s estranged wife, Miriam, while Guy will eliminate Bruno’s father.

Rebecca (1940) – 98%

Joan Fontaine and Judith Anderson in Rebecca (1940)
Image credit: United Artists via IMDB
  • Starring: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson, George Sanders

Official synopsis: In Monte Carlo, a quiet lady’s companion meets and marries wealthy Maxim de Winter and relocates to his Cornwall estate, Manderley. There, she encounters the lingering influence of Maxim’s deceased first wife, Rebecca, which triggers conflicts with the eerie housekeeper. As secrets unravel, the new Mrs. de Winter must confront the haunting legacy of Rebecca and navigate the treacherous waters of her new life at Manderley.

Rear Window (1954) – 98%

Grace Kelly and James Stewart in Rear Window (1954)
Image credit: © 1954 – Paramount Pictures
  • Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Raymond Burr

Official synopsis: Injured photographer Jeff becomes a voyeur from his New York apartment, peering out at his neighbors due to a broken leg. He becomes fixated on a potential murder in a nearby apartment and suspects foul play. Seeking assistance, he teams up with his fashion-conscious girlfriend Lisa and nurse Stella to uncover the truth.

Shadow of a Doubt (1943) – 100%

Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright in Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Image credit: Universal Pictures via IMDB
  • Starring: Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotten, Macdonald Carey, Hume Cronyn

Official synopsis: Charlie Newton’s mundane life transforms when her charming Uncle Charlie Oakley arrives unexpectedly. As he captivates the town, Charlie notices his unsettling behavior and becomes suspicious. When strangers inquire about him, her fears intensify, and she begins to unravel a sinister truth about her beloved uncle.

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