Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
On August 13th, we celebrate what would have been the 126th birthday of Alfred Hitchcock – the Master of Suspense and one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. Across six decades and 57 feature films, from Number 13 (1922) to Family Plot (1976), Hitchcock redefined the thriller, blending meticulous craftsmanship with psychological depth and an unmatched command of tension. His films are master classes in storytelling and audience manipulation, leaving a legacy that continues to influence directors today. He’s firmly cemented on my personal Mount Rushmore of Directors alongside Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese – visionaries whose work remains timeless.
In honor of Hitchcock’s enduring legacy, let’s draw back the curtain, step into the shadowy corridors of his filmography, and count down his 10 most unforgettable works.
10. Strangers on a Train (1951)
9. Notorious (1946)
8. Dial M for Murder (1954)
7. Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
6. Rebecca (1940)
5. The Birds (1963)
4. North by Northwest (1959)
3. Rear Window (1954)
2. Psycho (1960)
1. Vertigo (1958)
LIFEBOAT! One of his most underrated and definitely best films.
I agree. It was my first AH film. I watched it on PBS one weekend in my early teens. I remember it well.
Another often overlooked AH film is “Family Plot”. It’s kind of unique as it’s very comical.
Currently I'd go with:
1. Vertigo
2. Rear Window
3. Strangers on a Train
4. Notorious
5. The Wrong Man
6. Psycho
7. North by Northwest
8. To Catch a Thief
9. The Lady Vanishes
10. I Confess