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Psycho

Psycho

1960
Suspense/Thriller, Horror
1h 49m
A young female embezzler arrives at the Bates Motel after stealing $40 thousand, which has terrible secrets of its own in the form of an odd proprietor and his domineering, never-seen mother.
Your probable score
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Psycho

1960
Suspense/Thriller, Horror
1h 49m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 75.81% from 12361 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(12361)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 18 Feb 2007
5
91st
Once you get past all of Psycho's influence and its absorption into pop culture, it's easier to realize that it really is that good. In fact, it's pretty much flawless, and only benefits from rewatches that reveal the depth and detail of the character of Norman Bates. The movie doesn't rely on its famous twist as a crutch, and with each watch certain details are revealed that went unnoticed before. Not quite my favorite Hitchcock, but clearly way up there.
Rated 17 Jan 2008
93
96th
Absolutely stunning cinematography. More than anything else in the film I loved the cinematography, in fact I was memorized by it's quality. Every single shot can be paused and printed off and then hung on the wall as an elaborate photograph. Anthony Perkins is amazing as the mentally disturbed Norman Bates and the infamous shower scene most certainly lives up to every expectation set. Essential for any film or film enthusiast.
Rated 09 Feb 2007
5
93rd
One of the linchpins in a master filmmaker's body of work, progenitor of the entire slasher genre, and harbinger of all cinema's widespread transformation into modernity. Its enduring influence simply cannot be overstated. Academic importance notwithstanding, its power is also immediate. Psycho is still inventive and exciting: stacked with nervy discomfort, ratcheting tension, jarring viscera, and a performance for the ages from Perkins.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
10
98th
Arguably the best film score ever and Norman Bates is easily one of the creepiest, most badass movie villains of all time. I wish it would've ended in the house though.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
97th
The tension builds beautifully, the scares are potent (although admittedly a bit less so after several viewings) and Anthony Perkins gives a dynamite performance. The obvious low point is the psychobabble at the end, which really is quite lamentable, but otherwise it's practically flawless with so many brilliant touches.
Rated 14 Sep 2008
94
98th
The masterpiece in terms of narrative! Absolutely stunning, maybe taken for granted today, but definitely really inventive in 1960!
Rated 30 Jun 2007
94
95th
Everything that can be said about Psycho has already been said. You got Anthony Perkins portraying with excellence the infamous Norman Bates character, proprieter of the Bates Motel, and you got one of the most famous scenes in the history of film: the shower scene. One of the most horrifying film experiences to witness. This is a unique film, I mean the main character dies halfway through the film, if that isn't unique I don't know what is. A Horror Masterpiece, the kind only Hitchcock can make
Rated 24 Oct 2010
100
98th
Perkins is so good in this role he played it for the rest of his life. "This is me, this is who I am, let's take a shower."
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
98th
Hitchcock's second-greatest film after VERTIGO, but in some ways his most masterful achievement. Some remarkable directorial decisons. The first and best horror film in the sense in which we understand this genre today. The ludicrous psychiatrist scene is obviously highly unfortunate. With this and L'AVVENTURA, 1960 was certainly the year in which apparent female protagonists disappear from the narrative part-way through a film.
Rated 05 Jul 2015
100
97th
A nerve-shattering thriller from Master Hitch.
Rated 08 Jul 2019
100
94th
In my opinion Hitchcock's true masterpiece I envy anyone going to see this the first time And although the shower scene is a classic it's not my favorite kill Best kill for me ....Detective Arbogast flying backwards down the steps spiraling backwards and flailing arms Scared The CRAP Outta Me!
Rated 10 Jan 2020
93
94th
What can I say about Psycho that wasn't already said by the psychiatrist at the end of Psycho? Thank god they didn't go with the original title, "Crazy Guy"
Rated 05 Feb 2008
92
97th
Everyone talks about the two memorable scenes, the shower scene and the revelation at the end, but Psycho is an incredible suspense film all the way through. Perkins is great as the deranged motel keeper and the script sparkles with dry wit and excellent twists.
Rated 27 Jul 2017
98
99th
The Alfred Hitchcock movie whose reputation precedes it by a mile. The words "iconic" and "classic" get thrown around a lot, but the words are most fitting describing this film. The movie's hype was strong years after, its now recognized legendary impact, and with the story and twist known somehow the film managed to exceed my high expectations. Pretty much everything has already been said about the film so all I can add is that, I don't like candy corn. I just don't understand the appeal of it.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
1
0th
Not scary
Rated 10 May 2007
88
87th
Really wish they hadn't brought in that psychiatrist to explain fucking everything at the end. I'd expect Hitchcock to have a bit more respect for his audience than that.
Rated 18 Jan 2008
90
97th
Hitch's second-best film (or my second favorite, that is, after 'Vertigo'). Not only does it contain one of film history's most well-known scenes, it kickstarted a new form of horror and its twist still amazes to this day, even if the very last scene is a bit much.
Rated 25 May 2007
100
99th
What can you say about PSYCHO that hasn't already been told? Well, that this is a masterpiece. Because there are never enough compliments for this film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
97th
Wonderfully composed and paced, punctuated with stand-out scenes and performances. Terrific.
Rated 19 Oct 2007
10
97th
Psycho is a timeless gripping masterpiece, a film that ranks among great thrillers like The Shining. The last few minutes really connect with your deepest fears. A must see !!!
Rated 21 Oct 2007
90
94th
I wish that this film wasn't so embedded in pop culture so its surprises would've had a greater impact. Despite this it's still a great and suspenseful film, not too far from perfection I would say. I agree with many folks about the psychologists lengthy oral presentation about Norman's condition at the end. It should've been cut short and it would've been just fine. Otherwise I can't really complain.
Rated 26 Oct 2011
90
95th
The ultimate thriller. Psychiatrist was a little overboard, but the style and setup is incredible. The over-looming silent fear of the cash was a great side angle. Awesome film.
Rated 22 Sep 2013
90
93rd
This is for horror what 'The Godfather' is for the gangster genre. And to think: Earlier the same year Michael Powell held a test screening of 'Peeping Tom' for journalists, who were outraged by the themes and the horror displayed. A controversy that ended Powell's career in the UK. Knowing this, Hitchcock skipped test screening, when he released 'Psycho', and it became an instant (though critically loathed) hit. To think what cineasts could have been robbed of, if not for 'Peeping Tom'.
Rated 05 May 2016
85
97th
It's virtually impossible to say anything new about Psycho. It's a cultural touchstone that has been analysed and imitated to death. While its superbly crafted set pieces no longer shock like they once presumably did, they wouldn't be nearly as effective if the film surrounding them failed to provide adequate structural support. A technical marvel, Psycho rewrote the rule book of horror, while Perkins' nervy performance bristles with boyish menace. Hermann's hair raising score seals the deal.
Rated 02 Feb 2007
85
73rd
Hitchcock's most iconic but not his best. It comes off as almost a bit silly at times, although it certainly has a great plot with many surprises (if you've somehow managed not to have them spoiled for you), tons of excellent scenes and an awesome performance from Anthony Perkins.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
100
95th
Still righteous no matter how many times you've seen it
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
89th
Psycho is one of Alfred Hitchcock's many masterpieces. It is frightening and original; a true vision of fear and insanity. The cinematography is brilliant, and the acting is superb, most notably by Anthony Perkins who plays the deranged and depraved Norman Bates chillingly well. Awesome!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
99th
A horror classic. Anthony Perkins is so genuine as Norman Bates, and terrifying at the same time.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
9
98th
If the horror genre is a great oak, this film is right at the sturdy base of its trunk; an absolute fundamental and classic. The tone and eeriness and bold black and white photography and mood and characterization draw you in and enrapture, and of course the shower scene is one of cinema's most iconic. Bernarrd Hermann's music which veritably attacks you from the first second is key, to where Hermann is nearly as much an author of the film as Hitchcock himself. This film wouldn't hurt a fly...
Rated 08 Feb 2008
92
96th
Another one that's just hard to discuss. How do you talk about something like "Psycho", which is more of a cultural touchstone than an actual film. Strikingly effective and crafted, with Janet Leigh's early death remaining one of the greatest shocks in movie history.
Rated 27 Jun 2008
90
97th
Great
Rated 16 Aug 2008
100
99th
Classic in every way. It contains several memorable scenes in history of the cinema. One of the first films that deal with the serial killer theme. Script perfect, work to master.
Rated 22 Apr 2009
10
97th
*insert music here*. Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece.
Rated 21 Jul 2009
68
70th
I love the first hour, perhaps also the Martin Balsam part, but after that it deteriorates and the conclusion is not only disappointing but you get hit on the head with it. What makes it such a good thriller at first is that it has that nervous atmosphere but also retains ambiguity, keeps you guessing, even sends some false clues as to where it's going. Perkins' performance is absolutely fantastic and John L. Russell's cinematography deftly creates a feeling of dread.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
95
97th
Alfred Hitchcock's masterpeice plays out like a Shakespeare play. Anthony Perkins gives one of those rare performances in cinema as Norman Bates. I can't say anything about the score that hasn't already been said and possibly one of the best endings ever that will leave you haunted. At the top of the horror genre with Silence of The Lambs.
Rated 20 Dec 2009
97
97th
Innovative, and still creepy after all these years.
Rated 19 Jan 2011
98
96th
Each actor gives great performances in this film. Janet Leigh, along with Faye Wray, is a classic "Scream Queen." But the person who steals the show is Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. Perkins' is still, to this day, renowned for his nervous tension and boyish smile that brought life to this legendary screen icon. "Psycho", like most of Hitchcock's films, will leave you at the edge of your seat. It is a true masterpiece made by a true cinematic master.
Rated 18 Aug 2011
98
99th
What's great about Psycho (ok well just one thing of many) is that the moments of heart-drop terror come in such tantalizing, fast flashes, they never get old, never lose their punch. Hitchcock cuts so fast and uses angles that prohibit a clear, objective view so their shock remains after multiple viewings.
Rated 30 Jan 2012
94
99th
Let's remake this in color shot for shot. No, shot for shot. An exact remake except, you know, terrible.
Rated 19 Aug 2016
9
92nd
The fugitive first act offers solid suspense, but the film reaches another level of intrigue with Marion's arrival at the isolated Bates Motel run by the charmingly chatty yet discomfortingly awkward and odd Norman (Perkins' detailed portrayal is superb-see his nervous candy eating). With some disconcerting slow pans and zooms and a few unsettling edits (see the shower murder), Hitchcock adds just the right amount of flair to the perfectly paced mystery as it builds to its shocking conclusion.
Rated 27 May 2019
80
88th
This was like The Exocist for me, when I appreciated the pioneering efforts and the technical aspects but the plot and the overall thrill was weakened by a generation of references, copycats, parodies, and simply scarier subsequent movies. Good atmosphere and set up with Janet Leigh running from the law. If I didn't know about the shower scene, it would be a complete surprise to kill the main character that early. Surprised at the post-code bra scenes. Fav scene: light bulb swinging in basemen
Rated 03 Jan 2007
86
84th
A classic of course, but the shocks may have worn off by now. Not my favorite Hitchcock, but a must-see in case you haven't already. Best seen late at night when you're all alone...
Rated 26 Feb 2007
90
97th
To this day this film manages to shock, thrill, provoke, and amuse audiences. Hitchcock proved that you don't need a big budget to make a great horror film, you need inventive film-making, a solid story, and wonderfully deranged performances (supplied here by Perkins).
Rated 02 Mar 2007
60
62nd
Classic horror.
Rated 08 Mar 2007
70
24th
This film is simply good for the genre of films it would play father too. This one isn't that utterly terrifying but it's the fact that it would pave the way for what this kind of film would become. It's worth a watch, and will deliver a chill or two.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
97
97th
Psycho is Hitchcock's greatest work. It puts you as a true voyeur in this sick little world of Norman Bates. Excellent in every way.
Rated 01 Aug 2007
90
96th
A classic. I adore this movie, the remake was not bad either, but the original was great. Did you know that in the shower scene chocolate sauce was used for the blood- but you can't tell because it is black and white
Rated 04 Aug 2007
55
7th
Unfortunately, just doesn't work any more as horror.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
96th
Masterfully done. You know it, I know it, the whole world knows it. There's are a few dozen reasons why everyone wants to emulate Hitchcock, and this film is one of them.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
23rd
Would have rated it higher in 1960, but today it's dead-on mediocre.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
98th
What can I say other than if you have not seen this film go and rent it now!
Rated 19 Aug 2007
70
23rd
Interesting in its setup and execution but not one of Hitchcock's best works. It's tragic that Anthony Perkins did so well here only to have it backfire on him and limit his career.
Rated 21 Oct 2007
100
99th
The best pure horror film of all time and even the sequels are worthwhile if you've never seen them. Norman Bates is a genius. I want to be him.
Rated 09 Nov 2007
91
94th
47 years after its release it still works like magic.
Rated 31 Mar 2008
90
69th
Everyone loves this movie as one of the defining films in Hitchcock's ouevre, but it's nowhere near as fun as his thriller pictures for me.
Rated 30 Aug 2008
7
99th
Worthy of all its acclaim - probably more.
Rated 03 Sep 2008
60
21st
I want to understand where those who rate Psycho highly are coming from. I first saw the movie in 2008 and it is incredibly tame and the big reveal only made me laugh.
Rated 07 Sep 2008
48
41st
Definitely has its moment. And it's a relief for me that this was Hitchcock's first film I ever sat through comfortably (Rear Window made me yawn and North by Northwest bored me to death). This film, at least, had suspense and some scary scenes. Btw, this film, still, is overrated and is flawed.
Rated 11 Oct 2008
100
97th
An astonishing masterpiece with an ending that will still, 48 years later, haunt you for days.
Rated 07 Nov 2008
94
95th
Often it is said that in order to appreciate Psycho one must take it within the context of the time it was first released. I think this presumes that the film has lost its edge and scariness in the intervening years, which couldn't be more false. It's scary and subversive, both in its own time and by today's standards, and there are few shots in cinema history as disturbing as the final closeup of Anthony Perkins, whose Norman Bates has finally succumbed to the new "dominant" personality.
Rated 12 Jan 2009
35
22nd
Well, it's not only not working as horror at the moment - it hardly works as a movie.One of the most overrated films of all times.Cheap thrills...I hate them :) .
Rated 17 Jan 2009
90
92nd
Creepy classic everyone needs to watch at least once.
Rated 18 Feb 2009
5
93rd
"Timeless classic."
Rated 01 Mar 2009
100
97th
The most famous and imitated horror film of them all, this was conceived by the master of suspense as both a black joke on the audience and an attempt to ride the crest of the low-budget shockers just coming into vogue at the time. Whole volumes have been written on this movie, the best-remembered and most popular work of the most famous director of all time. This was inspired by real-life Wisconsin maniac and ghoul Ed Gein
Rated 05 Mar 2009
100
91st
Hitchcock's macabre masterpiece broke all of the existing rules for horror films and filmmakers, set the standard for a generation of new ones, and kept uncounted masses out of their showers. Today, it remains unexcelled in its brilliant manipulation of audience expectations.
Rated 16 Mar 2009
100
95th
Hitchcock counted on his directorial stature and broke all the rules. This changed the Hollywood horror film forever.
Rated 19 Mar 2009
0
3rd
Maybe 50 years ago this was cool, but to me as the modern audience: this plot is not compelling, the characters are not interesting, and the situations are not intense or even entertaining.
Rated 26 Mar 2009
98
99th
watched this again recently......certainly it goes without saying that this is much more than just a "shower scene".... hitch's most commercially successful film and the one he personally financed is a definite must see! clear rating
Rated 05 Jul 2009
90
95th
A truly terrifying movie. People say its dated but i beg to differ. The lighting, the setting and the overall atmosphere of this film are what make it really frightening. It's the sort of horror film that doesn't go away - it makes you think rather than reach for the cushion, and the shower scene really is one of the best made killing in cinema history.
Rated 30 Jul 2009
75
81st
It's fucking Psycho.
Rated 08 Oct 2009
70
40th
Groundbreaking, but not really "great"
Rated 25 Oct 2009
7
60th
I don't know what I expected of this but it was pretty good. I kind of enjoyed looking at black and white shots of American women more than I should have...
Rated 21 Nov 2009
98
99th
The greatest set-up in movie history: it's a film about Janet Leigh absconding...psych! Even though I've saw the key scenes (including the ending) before hand, this film still impressed the heck out of me.
Rated 27 Dec 2009
91
95th
immensely iconic and for good reason. Anthony Perkins is godly, and Herrmann's soundtrack is timeless despite having been copied so many times.
Rated 26 Feb 2010
90
96th
Convinced me that classic cinema is that for a reason. I really, really enjoyed this and this proves to films like Saw that you don't have to be over the top to be a good thriller.
Rated 14 Mar 2010
90
96th
Just a classic in every sense of the word. This film probably gave inspiration to most of the grindhouse and horror classics to come. It still holds up well because of Hitchcock's talented eye for suspense. What makes this transcend the genre is that it's also an in depth character study that doesn't cop out at any point. A must see for film buffs.
Rated 28 Mar 2010
7
88th
A classic back in its time but I'm not sure it has not held up as one. A lot lamer than I remembered it. Some scenes are actually laughable and the ending is insulting, So whatever you think just shut it off at the hour and forty minute mark, before the scene at the station. Deserves respect for its influence and its cinematography.
Rated 21 Jun 2010
95
98th
Really fantastic movie. I had a geniun scare at some point. The atmosphere, directing, acting, editing.. everything is great. Hitchcock is God
Rated 13 Aug 2010
91
94th
Absolute masterful filmmaking. I can't imagine what I would have thought had I not known almost every single plot point (There were a few surprises, though, which was nice). Genuinely frightening at times.
Rated 03 Sep 2010
80
72nd
it goes under with Marion Crane's car
Rated 25 Sep 2010
88
91st
Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is one the greatest characters in any Hitchcock film. The rest of the movie is excellent as well. I can only imagine what it was like to see this in a theater when it was released.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
95
99th
Universally famous, copied and parodied. Perkins is amazing, and it's still pretty spooky after 52 years and I don't know how many viewings.
Rated 23 Dec 2010
100
97th
Absolute masterpiece. This is one of the few movies where I can't find any flaws, it's one of the very few I can say is absolutely perfect. 50 years later and it still remains scarier than any modren film, and one of the most suspenseful movies I've ever seen. One of the best cinematic experiences of all time. Blew me away.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
80
68th
My mother only wishes I loved her that much.
Rated 16 Apr 2011
46
28th
Watched it for the first time April, 2011. As much as I appreciate its historical significance, it just hasn't aged well. Unfortunately, the shower scene is so insanely well known that the switcheroo loses all impact, and on top of that, the story ultimately flat on its face because of the fact that Marion hears Mrs. Bates speak--and actually accepts it! Plot twist was also ridiculously predictable. The soundtrack and Perkins are both good, though, and that director guy ain't no slouch either.
Rated 05 Oct 2011
90
92nd
Despite an intimate pop-culture based familiarity with most of the work, it's great how much it manages to still be thoroughly engaging, and frightening. The shower scene, for example, is so immaculately composed on every level, from its pacing to its dual expression of sexual desire and deranged aggression, or, in other words, the rabid film-viewing public. The music is, of course, a Hermann classic, up there with Jason and the Argonauts and North by Northwest as among his best.
Rated 05 Jan 2012
70
54th
The psychiatrist scene... Oh God, the psychiatrist scene... Had there not been one, it would have been a nearly perfect film.
Rated 08 Feb 2012
85
90th
I'm pretty sure this is the only film in the world that you can discuss without any fear of spoilers, so I'll say that I love it up until Janet Leigh dies, but I'm not so keen on the stuff that comes after. The first half, driven along by that amazing Bernard Herrmann score, is absolutely electric and stacked with tension. The second half gets a little hokey and is diluted by too many superfluous characters. The six minute trailer is hilarious.
Rated 25 Oct 2012
96
90th
I will have to go back and watch this, becuase I don't think one viewing gave me the chance to fully take everything in (not that there is too much to misunderstand), but the acting is all quite good and I'm sure it was a real shock for some people who saw this in 1960 in theaters. Great filmmaking from a master of suspense and horror himself bumps this up as one of the best of the genre for a reason.
Rated 14 Nov 2012
95
93rd
It remains far more terrifying than any fifty-year-old pop-culture standby has any right to. Even the scenes that every movie fan knows backwards remain truly frightening, and the mounting sense of dread in the movie's later scenes are unparalleled. The way the story takes a turn so horrifically divergent from the original premise is downright genius, a structural device everything from ER to Duel would replicate in later years.
Rated 19 Nov 2012
95
97th
I love the use of the MacGuffan; it just changes gears and becomes more about Norman Bates for the last 3/4 of the movie. It's classic, scary, intense at times and if you don't like it, you're a knob.
Rated 02 Apr 2013
89
84th
I'm a huge fan of Hitchcock and this movie is an excellent example of his title "The Master of Suspense". This movie has some interesting pacing where someone gets killed, there is an investigation, killed, investigate, killed, investigate... it becomes a bit much and the final scene is a little silly and over-explains a little too much. The acting though is fantastic especially from Norman played by Anthony Perkins. Amazing. Also, if you don't know the twist already, it's just darn great.
Rated 02 May 2013
95
92nd
Re-watching it after more than ten years, there's more to like than I recall. It's stylish, bold and unsettling. Perkins is incredible with every tick and darting eye. The closeups, camerawork and music add to the atmosphere. The only real detractor is the awkward exposition involving the psychiatrist. That scene is awful and overblown. Other than that, it's among Hitchcock's best.
Rated 16 Jul 2013
6
86th
the entire final act is a mistake, not just the expository psychiatrist. a momentous achievement regardless for the way it brings about the most comprehensively devastating of all cinema's rug-pulls. it's not merely the passé death of a woman, but of so many values, institutions and narratives the american moviegoer believes in or holds dear, as built into the subtext of the narrative by hitchcock's rich web of associative visual details and complex shifts in identification.
Rated 21 Feb 2014
88
94th
This is a classic film and one of Alfred Hitchcock's best. The casting is great as both Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh are superb. The script is outstanding and quite groundbreaking when the movie was first released. I highly recommend this great classic.
Rated 25 Feb 2015
90
92nd
The final scene with the psychiatrist explaining the entirety of the preceding movie is dated as all hell, and kind of takes away a bit of the power of the movie right at the end. But that's a minor complaint; the rest is spot-on horror filmmaking that still holds up over half a century later.
Rated 28 Jun 2015
99
98th
To me, there are very few films as thrilling as Psycho. Even in black and white, it shocks and surprises like almost no other thanks to Hitchcock's masterful direction and the incredibly memorable score. Anthony Perkins turns in an amazing performance as Norman Bates, while Vera Miles and Janet Leigh do great work as the sister female leads. It may seem dated to some fans of modern horror, but this is a thrill ride that I won't soon forget.
Rated 26 Aug 2019
77
82nd
Didn't really appreciate this on my first watch back in high school. Seeing it again recently made me realize what a great film it is. The misdirection is hard to appreciate given that so much of this movie is in the public conscience, but it is masterfully handled as a film. Anthony Perkins' performance is something else, as well as the score.
Rated 23 Jun 2020
89
86th
Wow and I thought Rear Window had a bad exposition dump at the end. Hitchcock just can't help but do irreparable harm to his films in the last few minutes (Vertigo included). The Amazon Prime cut has an extra 25 minutes of dead air tacked on btw. Who uploaded it, a soundcloud rapper?
Rated 27 Dec 2020
80
74th
This is a film that reaches a great climax, and then we have another 20 minutes of very obvious exposition to allow us to go to bed without any nightmares. Oaklands explanation, straight from an Agatha Christie novel, explains (unecessarily) who done it, where and why. Its a shame, because the movie has a huge amount going for it ... I still dont think peoples motives and actions were as naive and trusting as this, even in the 50's ... and Bates Motel appears to move around all over the State.

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