Who Needs Therapy When You Have Horror? The Best Horror Film Ever Made!
So, gather around, all you horror fanatics and thrill-seekers! According to the illustrious AlloCiné spectators—who clearly have taste that goes beyond just watching cat videos—the best horror film ever made is none other than Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. With an impressive average rating of 4.417 out of 5, it’s just the kind of flick that makes your skin crawl and your popcorn fly!
What Makes Psycho The Best?
Released back in 1960, this masterpiece not only put the ‘fun’ in fundamental horror but introduced us to the infamous Norman Bates, played with eerie finesse by Anthony Perkins. Imagine the scene: a quaint little motel, a nervous Alex Reed, and a mother who just can’t seem to stay out of the picture. Literally. It’s all wrapped up in Hitchcock’s beautifully sinister black-and-white cinematography, ideal for binge-watching under the light of a flickering bulb.
Let’s talk about Anthony Perkins for a second, shall we? The man not only slipped into the skin of Bates but practically swam in it! His portrayal walked that fine line between violence and gentleness, so much so that some critics forgot he wasn’t actually one knife-wielding lunatic—though I hear bachelor parties in Vegas might disagree!
The Plot Twist Nobody Saw Coming!
As if that wasn’t enough to induce nightmares, Hitchcock had the audacity to kill off the leading lady, Marion Crane, just 30 minutes into the film! Janet Leigh was brutally stripped of her plot armor while taking a shower, which, by the way, is still the most analyzed murder scene in cinema history. How’s that for a shower thought? If you’ve ever showered while listening to grainy classical music and feeling a bit paranoid… you can thank Hitchcock for that!
Why Is It Still Relevant?
Having raked in nearly $50 million at the box office—on a budget that could barely afford a couple of cups of coffee—Psycho is proof that you don’t need CGI monsters or a superhero in spandex to scare the socks off an audience. It’s pure terror, embodied in a character who could easily be your next-door neighbor… or your therapist.
And let’s not forget the supporting cast! There’s Martin Balsam as the private detective whose curiosity got him into a world of trouble (take note, Sherlock), and Vera Miles as Marion’s sister who clearly didn’t get the memo that it’s always best to not poke your nose into Bates’ business.
Oscar Snubs and Timelessness
Even with four Oscar nominations—Best Director, Best Supporting Actress for Janet Leigh, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design—Psycho left the ceremony empty-handed. A travesty! But as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… or in this case, a timeless classic. Sixty-four years later, and folks are still buzzing about it! Try tearing your eyes away during that shower scene; it’s a struggle of epic proportions.
Wrapping It Up
Whether it’s Halloween or just a Tuesday, Psycho remains a masterclass in horror film-making—a VHS tape that still sends shivers down the spine of audiences both old and new. So, do yourself a favor this spooky season: grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and sink into the twisted minds of Hitchcock and Bates. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until you hear that shower running!
So what are you waiting for? Head over to AlloCiné and check out their ranking of the best horror films. Just be prepared for old Norman to keep you company—he’s utterly charming while he sharpens his knife!
With an average rating of 4.417 out of 5, do you know what the best horror film ever made is according to AlloCiné spectators? A perfect movie for Halloween!
Released in 1960 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, with an average rating of 4,417 stars out of 5, the best horror film according to AlloCiné spectators is… Psychosis.
One of the most perverse, terrifying and totally captivating horror films of all time, the master’s only horror film shot in black and white, Psycho is carried at arm’s length by its main actor, Anthony Perkins, who plays in it. the role of Norman Bates, a young manager of a lost motel afflicted with a terrible split personality, provoking in him violent murderous impulses…
Originally commissioned for television and with a low budget, Psycho turned out to be the filmmaker’s most profitable film with nearly $50 million in worldwide Box Office revenue.
The masterful interpretation of Perkins, who embodies his character with a mixture of violence and gentleness, paralyzes the spectators and the critics, to the point that the latter sometimes comes to confuse his work as an actor and his character, plunging the person concerned first in embarrassment then in silence: several months after the release of the film he refused to answer any questions about his incarnation of Norman Bates.
Universal
Alongside Perkins is of course Janet Leigh in the guise of Marion Crane, whom Hitch had the audacity to kill – something unheard of at the time – in the first 30 minutes of the film, dying from knife wounds during the most analyzed murder scene in the history of cinema. And imitated many times, but never equaled.
Without forgetting of course Martin Balsam in the guise of the private detective Arbogast, who pays with his life for his excessive curiosity, as well as Vera Miles, who plays the sister of Marion Crane, launched in search of him.
Although Psycho was nominated four times for the Oscars, in the categories of Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Janet Leigh), it unfortunately did not win any. Posterity will fortunately be responsible for repairing this damage. 64 years after its release, the power of the film is still there, intact, as on the first day. It is the timeless mark of masterpieces.
Find the AlloCiné ranking of the best horror films.
Top 10 horror movies of all time
**Interview with Film Expert on Hitchcock’s Psycho: The Best Horror Film Ever Made**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today! The recent ranking by AlloCiné has crowned Alfred Hitchcock’s *Psycho* as the best horror film ever made with a staggering average rating of 4.417 out of 5. What do you think makes *Psycho* resonate so strongly with audiences even after all these years?
**Expert:** It’s a pleasure to be here! *Psycho* is a landmark film that set new standards for the horror genre. Hitchcock masterfully combined psychological suspense with shocking elements that audiences had never seen before. The innovative use of black-and-white cinematography creates a chilling atmosphere that enhances the film’s eerie themes.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of themes, the character of Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, is iconic. Can you shed some light on what makes his performance so memorable?
**Expert:** Absolutely! Perkins brings a chilling complexity to Norman Bates. His ability to oscillate between vulnerability and menace taps into a primal fear of the familiar turning sinister. Bates embodies the idea that horror can exist in seemingly ordinary people—it’s both unsettling and fascinating. Perkins’ nuanced portrayal keeps viewers on edge, as we’re never quite sure what to expect from him.
**Interviewer:** One of the most talked-about moments in *Psycho* is the infamous shower scene. Why do you think it remains the most analyzed murder scene in cinema history?
**Expert:** That scene is a masterclass in editing and sound design. Hitchcock’s decision to kill off the leading lady early on turns audience expectations on their heads, creating a profound sense of shock. The strategic use of quick cuts and Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score amplifies the tension, making it unforgettable. It challenges the viewer’s sense of safety, which is crucial in horror films.
**Interviewer:** Despite its groundbreaking success, *Psycho* received several Oscar snubs. What does that say about the film’s legacy?
**Expert:** It’s often said that the Academy doesn’t always recognize the true value of genre films, especially horror. *Psycho* might not have taken home any Oscars, but its impact is undeniable. It redefined the horror genre, influencing countless filmmakers and creating a benchmark for psychological thrillers. Its timelessness is a testament to its quality.
**Interviewer:** With nearly $50 million at the box office on a low budget, what does this tell us about audiences’ appetites for horror during its release and today?
**Expert:** It demonstrates that audiences have always craved quality storytelling and psychological depth, not just gore and special effects. *Psycho* delivered both, skillfully blending traditional horror elements with a compelling narrative. This continues to hold true today; audiences appreciate films that challenge them and evoke genuine emotions.
**Interviewer:** As we approach Halloween, why do you think *Psycho* is still a go-to film for horror enthusiasts?
**Expert:** *Psycho* remains a staple because it taps into our deepest fears about the human psyche and our perceptions of normality. Whether it’s Halloween or just a regular Tuesday, its themes of paranoia and isolation make it a chilling watch any time of the year. Plus, who doesn’t love a good scare wrapped in brilliant filmmaking?
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights! It sounds like *Psycho* is as relevant today as it was at its release.
**Expert:** Thank you! It truly is a timeless classic, and every horror fan should experience it at least once—preferably with the lights dimmed!
