The word “classical” is used a lot these days I myself am guilty of overuse But “classic” is an understatement when discussing the 1960 horror thriller “Psycho” by legendary director Alfred Hitchcock

More than 60 years after its initial release, the impact of “Psycho” continues to be felt It has inspired countless filmmakers and left a distinct mark on the horror and thriller genres Today, some of its techniques and narrative elements may seem formulaic, but that is only because so many films have copied it since

I'm a big fan of classic films, and I'll admit that some of the films from Hollywood's Golden Age (generally speaking, between the late 1920s and early 1960s) don't hold up that well But “Psycho” is definitely not one of those films; even in 2024, it is still a captivating, unnerving, and seriously tense film, and now that it has been added to Netflix US, there is no excuse to miss it

If you're looking for a skin-crawling thriller to get you in the mood for the Halloween season, “Psycho” is the perfect choice Here's everything you need to know about this legendary film and why you should watch it now that it's available on Netflix

Most people reading this article have at least heard of “Psycho,” but for those who don't know the basic synopsis of the film, it's about a young woman named Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) who steals a lot of money from her employer and plans to elope with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John The film begins with her making a plan to elope with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin)

While driving through the back roads of California to meet Sam, Marion encounters a storm and decides to take shelter at the nearby Bates Motel Here she meets the motel's owner, Norman (Anthony Perkins) Norman is a seemingly timid young man who is rubbed down by his overbearing mother

The murders that follow have shocked viewers for 65 years

Alfred Hitchcock has the nickname “The Master of Suspense,” a fitting title for this British director His knack for creating tension remains almost unmatched, and Psycho is a remarkable example of his talent in this area You will grab the couch in horror

The film builds suspense slowly, especially in the first act, where the sense of creeping dread lingers, and when it culminates, the result is seriously memorable For example, the iconic shower scene, which you've probably seen (or at least heard its famous music) and is arguably the strongest sequence in the film, is just one of several moments that show what a gifted filmmaker Hitchcock was

Another great strength of the film is the character of Norman Bates Skillfully brought to life by Anthony Perkins, Norman Bates has captivated generations of moviegoers And it is quite telling that the ongoing “Psycho” franchise (yes, even the studios of the 1960s were into making franchises) focuses primarily on his character

It is perhaps not shocking to say that “Psycho” enjoys a status among critics and audiences worthy of its legendary reputation It currently holds a score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and viewer ratings are almost as high at 95%

This is certainly not a film that only the most entrenched moviegoers can truly appreciate If you want to delve into the impressive technical aspects, do so But if you are looking for a gripping story or a satisfying final mystery to solve, you will be equally satisfied

Oh yeah, one piece of movie trivia: “Psycho” was the first American film to show a flush toilet on screen It may not seem like a big deal, but some audiences were outraged by the appearance of a flushing toilet, as it was considered quite scandalous at the time to film a flushing toilet

“Psycho” is arguably one of the greatest films of all time To this day, many modern thrillers (and horror films) owe a great debt to Hitchcock, and the influence of “Psycho” continues to wane with each passing year

Speaking of age, “Psycho” holds up really well It is rendered in black and white (but that's never a bad thing, I suppose), and its driving sequences look rather tawdry by modern standards, but its story, characters, and escalating sense of dread have not diminished with the passing of the years It remains the gold standard of the psychological thriller

Looking for something a little longer to enjoy, Netflix also just delivered a critically acclaimed thriller TV show that's perfect for binge-watching And if you're looking for something a little fresher, this week is full of top-rated new movies, including the streaming debut of Deadpool & Wolverine

Watch “Psycho” on Netflix now