Psycho (1960)

Horror Thriller Mystery Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
→ Influenced 8 films ← Inspired by 6 films

When larcenous real estate clerk Marion Crane goes on the lam with a wad of cash and hopes of starting a new life, she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates cares for his housebound mother.

Sources

Influenced By

  1. M (1931)
    "Hitchcock's psychological-killer film traces directly to M's innovation — the killer as sympathetic-pathological subject rather than mere monster." source
  2. Peeping Tom (1960)
    "Directed by Michael Powell, this film explores voyeurism and psychological horror. Released just months before *Psycho*, both films feature mild-mannered protagonists who are secretly serial killers, reflecting a shared exploration of disturbed psyches." Peeping Tom %281960 film%29 Wikipedia
  3. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
    "A seminal work of German Expressionist cinema, this film's distorted sets and psychological themes influenced Hitchcock's visual style and narrative approach, particularly in creating unsettling atmospheres." Brightlightsfilm source
  4. Les Diaboliques (1955)
    "Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, this French psychological thriller features a plot involving a murder conspiracy and unexpected twists. Hitchcock was reportedly envious of Clouzot's film and fashioned *Psycho* as a similarly bleak black-and-white film." Entertainment Weekly source
  5. Destiny (1921)
    "Directed by Fritz Lang, this film's themes of death and the supernatural, along with its visual storytelling, left a mark on Hitchcock's narrative techniques and thematic choices." 5 Mystery Movies That Inspired Alfred Hitchcock Shannon Raphael Murder & Mayhem
  6. House by the Railroad (1925)
    "This painting by Edward Hopper is said to have inspired the design of the Bates house in *Psycho*, reflecting a sense of isolation and eerie stillness that permeates the film." House by the Railroad Wikipedia

Influenced

  1. Body Double (1984)
    "The shocking violence and psychological depth in *Body Double* reflect the influence of *Psycho*. De Palma's use of suspense and unexpected plot developments mirrors Hitchcock's groundbreaking techniques in *Psycho*." 10 Movies Clearly Inspired By Alfred Hitchcock's Directing Style Ben Protheroe ScreenRant
  2. Scream (1996)
    "Alfred Hitchcock's *Psycho* is considered one of the first slasher films. In *Scream*, the character Billy Loomis quotes, "We all go a little mad sometimes," directly referencing *Psycho*. Additionally, Billy's surname, "Loomis," is a nod to the character Sam Loomis from *Psycho*." 10 Classic Movies Referenced In Scream Ben Sherlock ScreenRant
  3. Dressed to Kill (1980)
    "Dressed to Kill is essentially De Palma's semi-remake of Psycho: an early shower set-piece, the mid-film murder of an apparent protagonist (Angie Dickinson in the Janet Leigh role), and a killer whose identity carries Psycho's gender-coded reveal. The film closes with a second shower scene as one-upmanship." source
  4. Parasite (2019)
    "Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller inspired Bong, particularly in the use of staircases and the multi-level house structure, which he incorporated into "Parasite."" "Parasite's" Bong Joon-ho: "Voyeurism is an essential part of cinema" Mary Elizabeth Williams Salon.com
  5. Whiplash (2014)
    "Alfred Hitchcock's *Psycho* influenced Chazelle's approach to building tension and suspense in *Whiplash*, particularly in the use of close-up shots and editing techniques to convey psychological intensity." Nick Warner - Whiplash Analysis Sites
  6. Halloween (1978)
    "Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller significantly impacted "Halloween." Carpenter named Dr. Samuel Loomis after a character from "Psycho," and cast Jamie Lee Curtis, daughter of "Psycho" star Janet Leigh, as Laurie Strode." The Halloween Franchise Is Full of References to 'Psycho' and Other Hitchcock Movies Shawn Van Horn Collider
  7. Se7en (1995)
    "Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller inspired *Se7en*'s unexpected narrative twists and its exploration of the human psyche." Bfi source
  8. Gone Girl (2014)
    "Gillian Flynn, the author of "Gone Girl," has expressed admiration for Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," particularly noting a childhood crush on the character Norman Bates." Gillian Flynn on 30 Rock, Flowers in the Attic, and 19 Other Things That Have Influenced Her Work Amanda Dobbins Vulture

Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, was inspired by 6 earlier films — including M, Peeping Tom, and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari — and has been cited as an influence on 8 later works, such as Body Double, Scream, and Dressed to Kill. Check out the citations below.