The 12 best Alfred Hitchcock movies and where to watch them

A discourse on the greatest film directors of all time would be incomplete without delving into the works of Alfred Hitchcock.

A well-known English author, often called the “Master of Suspense,” innovated and perfected numerous filmmaking methods that still greatly impact movies today. Through his work, he crafted many cherished and esteemed films that have left a lasting impression on cinema.

The person often referred to as the “Master of Suspense,” who was English, developed and excelled in various film techniques that remain influential up to the present day. He produced several highly regarded and respected films during this time, contributing significantly to cinema history.

Over the course of six decades, Alfred Hitchcock created more than 50 films, starting with silent movies in the UK and reaching his peak as a prominent figure in Hollywood. He worked with numerous A-list actors from that Golden Age, including Cary Grant, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, and many others.

Even after all these years, enjoying many of his classic films still offers an exhilarating experience, and remarkably, four of his movies made it into the top 100 listed in the latest edition of the highly esteemed Sight & Sound critics poll.

His filmography is so abundant with masterpieces that no list of his greatest works can ever be exhaustive, yet we’ve selected 12 of his most outstanding productions for your viewing pleasure, along with information on how to stream them.

Read on to find out our picks.

The 39 Steps (1935)

By 1935, Alfred Hitchcock had already directed numerous films, yet this particular movie can be considered his first true masterpiece. Based on the novel of the same name by John Buchan, the film chronicles a Canadian tourist in London who unknowingly becomes embroiled in a spy conspiracy and is compelled to travel to Scotland as part of the plot’s unfolding.

The strong chemistry between Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll, along with memorable scene designs, make it clear that many of the themes prevalent in Alfred Hitchcock’s future work are already present. Despite multiple remakes, Hitchcock’s original production remains unrivaled.

Where to watch: Free with a subscription on Prime Video and ITVX Premium.

The Lady Vanishes (1938)

As a devoted admirer, I’d confidently say that among Hitchcock’s works before he ventured to America, this film stands out as my favorite. The unique blend of quintessential British humor and the iconic suspense that only Hitchcock could craft makes it an extraordinary piece. It’s a captivating balance of laughter and tension, offering both comic relief and heart-pounding thrills.

The story revolves around a passenger on a train who talks to an older woman during a stop in their journey, but she vanishes when the train starts moving again. Various other travelers – some quirky individuals among them – join forces to unravel this puzzle.

Where to watch: Stream for free on Plex, or rent or buy from £4.99 on Prime Video and Apple TV.

Rebecca (1940)

While promoting his 2021 Netflix adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s book, director Ben Wheatley made sure to emphasize that the movie wasn’t a re-creation of the Hitchcock version.

In my perspective, it’s quite understandable why one might steer clear of comparisons when discussing this 1940 masterpiece, being Hitchcock’s debut in American cinema and an almost flawless rendition of the renowned gothic novel. The exceptional performances by Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine in the pivotal roles certainly add to its allure. Interestingly enough, it stands alone as Hitchcock’s sole film to secure the coveted Best Picture Oscar, triumphing over timeless films like The Philadelphia Story and The Grapes of Wrath.

Unfortunately, the movie isn’t streaming anywhere right now, but you can purchase a DVD version of it on Amazon.

Suspicion (1941)

This film, while not as famous as others in Alfred Hitchcock’s portfolio, holds significance as it marked the debut collaboration between Hitchcock and the esteemed Hollywood actor Cary Grant. Grant later became a recurring presence in some of Hitchcock’s most celebrated films, including Notorious and North by Northwest.

In a new role, Joan Fontaine portrays a shy woman who starts to fear for her life after marrying a charming but suspicious man. Her worries intensify when the man’s business partner meets an untimely and enigmatic end.

Where to watch: Available on BBC iPlayer.

Notorious (1946)

In this rephrased version, I’ve aimed to make the sentence more conversational while maintaining its original meaning:

Cary Grant and Hitchcock’s second team-up might just be the most romantic film directed by Hitchcock – yet somehow, it manages to retain all the thrilling suspense without compromise.

In this production, Grant assumes the role of an undercover agent, while iconic Golden Age actress Ingrid Bergman takes on the character of a socialite. The daughter of a German war criminal who has been convicted, she is enlisted to infiltrate a clique of Nazi sympathizers residing in Brazil. This movie showcases classic Hollywood storytelling at its finest and is undoubtedly one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces.

Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video from £5.99.

Rope (1948)

As a film aficionado, I can’t help but express my excitement about diving into one of the four extraordinary collaborations between the legendary Alfred Hitchcock and the timeless cinematic icon, James Stewart. The intriguing thriller, “Rope,” follows two close friends who, believing they have committed the ultimate crime, choose to host a lavish gathering for their social circle – all while subtly revealing that the victim of their alleged perfect murder is hidden within the very room where the party unfolds.

In this rephrased version, Stewart plays the role of the ex-headmaster from their prep school who sparked their interest in philosophical discussions which ultimately led them to commit a terrible deed. However, it becomes evident that while he found these discussions intriguing in theory, he does not support such actions in reality. This realization sets the stage for a highly tense confrontation between him and the pair.

You can stream or purchase the movie for £2.49 on several video-on-demand platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Strangers on a Train (1951)

In simpler terms, if Alfred Hitchcock is renowned as the master of suspense in filmmaking, Patricia Highsmith can undoubtedly be considered the literary counterpart. Given that her debut novel was adapted with a screenplay penned by Raymond Chandler himself, this production was bound to be a resounding success from the start.

The story revolves around an unexpected encounter between a charismatic yet chilling individual and a skilled tennis player on a train. This mysterious character proposes an intriguing proposition: they would each carry out a murder for the other. Initially, the tennis player dismisses this as a jest, but soon realizes the gravity of the situation when he finds himself in a precarious position where he must demonstrate his innocence to avoid being implicated in the crimes.

Brimming with his signature tension, the movie showcases some of Hitchcock’s top-notch sequences, particularly an exhilarating carnival scene that appears near the end.

You can rent the movie for £3.49 on various video-on-demand platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Rear Window (1954)

This masterwork by Hitchcock and Stewart, their second collaboration, can hardly be surpassed when it comes to crafting a gripping thriller. The plot unfolds primarily within a single room, with Stewart’s character, a photojournalist, recuperating from an injury. However, the excitement ensues outside his window as he secretly observes his neighbors through it.

When he firmly believes that one of his neighbors is responsible for murdering his ailing wife, he frantically attempts to convince his upper-class companion (Grace Kelly), the visiting nurse Stella, and his detective buddy Doyle of this theory, yet struggles to persuade them.

You can stream the movie for £2.49 rental fee on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Sky Store.

Vertigo (1958)

In 2012, this movie overtook Citizen Kane as the top film in Sight and Sound’s critic poll for the best film of all time (however, another film displaced it from that position in 2022 by the name Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles). It’s quite clear why.

This movie excellently embodies the noir genre with an impeccable script and captivating lead performances. The role of the retired detective John “Scottie” Ferguson, portrayed by James Stewart, finds a new calling when he agrees to help his friend locate Judy, the distressed wife, played by Kim Novak.

Scottie develops an intense, long-distance love for Judy, but unfortunately, he can’t stop her from taking her life in a tragic turn of events. However, things aren’t as they seem – months later, he encounters a woman who looks strikingly similar to the deceased Judy, plunging him into a puzzling mystery that could potentially shatter him.

You can rent the movie for £2.49 on several video-on-demand platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Sky Store.

North by Northwest (1959)

In this exceptional spy-thriller, Alfred Hitchcock once again collaborated with Cary Grant. Similar to The 39 Steps, it’s about an ordinary man, Roger Thornhill – a modest advertising executive, who unwittingly gets entangled in a perilous conspiracy. Due to a misunderstanding, he is wrongfully identified as an American intelligence operative and becomes the target of foreign spies.

Packed with intense suspense, a dash of dark comedy, and two captivating standout moments – one involving a rebellious airplane and another a thrilling conclusion atop Mount Rushmore – this is yet another undeniable masterwork by Hitchcock.

You can rent the movie for £3.49 on various Video On Demand (VOD) platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Psycho (1960)

Without a doubt, this is one of Hitchcock’s most memorable films and includes his most renowned scene – the startling shower sequence. In essence, Psycho was a precursor to the slasher genre, with its storyline centering around Marion Crane, a woman in flight who finds temporary shelter at the seemingly ordinary Bates Motel.

Upon my arrival, I quickly discover that this place holds more peril than I initially suspected – the enigmatic motel owner, Norman Bates, proves to be far from reliable. Anthony Perkins delivers a chilling performance as Bates, whose strange bond with his mother adds an unsettling layer to the film’s intrigue.

You can stream the movie at no extra cost if you have a NOW or Sky Cinema subscription. Alternatively, it’s available for rental at £3.49 on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Sky Store, among others.

The Birds (1963)

Possibly, this could be rephrased as: This film, considered by many as one of Hitchcock’s final great works, is another suspenseful masterpiece from the renowned director. The story revolves around a high-society woman (Tippi Hedren) living in San Francisco who ventures with her new lover to the coastal town of Bodega Bay, hoping for a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to deepen their relationship.

During the journey, things take an unexpected turn when the local bird population starts causing chaos by launching coordinated assaults on the town’s inhabitants. This event will forever change how you perceive a group of birds.

Here are some options to rephrase the given text in a more natural and easy-reading manner:

1. You can watch the film for free if you have a NOW or Sky Cinema subscription. If not, it’s also available for rent at £2.49 from services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.

2. The film is accessible through a NOW or Sky Cinema subscription at no extra cost. If you don’t have one of those, you can rent it for £2.49 on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.

3. To watch the movie, you need either a NOW or Sky Cinema subscription since it’s included for free there. Alternatively, you can rent it from various VOD services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube for £2.49.

2025-09-12 10:02