The master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, has created an abundance of films that have thrilled and mystified audiences for generations. His unique storytelling and cinematic techniques have set a benchmark in the thriller and mystery genres. Distilling Hitchcock’s extraordinary filmography to a mere 20 best movies is a challenge, but here’s our take on the cream of the crop, ranked:

1.The Wrong Man (1956) – A powerful account of mistaken identity that is based on true events.

2.Saboteur (1942) – This wartime thriller showcases Hitchcock’s penchant for high-stakes and high-altitude suspense.

3.The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) – A remake of his own 1934 film, this version stars James Stewart and Doris Day with the unforgettable song “Que Sera, Sera.”

4.Marnie (1964) – A psychological drama exploring the complexities of a deeply troubled woman, played by Tippi Hedren.

5.Family Plot (1976) – Hitchcock’s final film, which is lighter than his earlier works but still offers a delightful mystery.

6.The Trouble with Harry (1955) – A dark comedy about a dead body that keeps popping up in a small town.

7.Shadow of a Doubt (1943) – A chilling examination of evil lurking beneath the surface of small-town America.

8.Strangers on a Train (1951) – The fascinating concept of ‘criss-cross’ murder makes this one of Hitchcock’s most compelling thrillers.

9.Frenzy (1972) – Hitchcock’s return to British filmmaking marked by a more graphic approach to murder.

10.The Birds (1963) – This apocalyptic tale remains one of cinema’s most effective horror movies.

11.Spellbound (1945) – Merging psychology with mystery, this film includes a dream sequence designed by Salvador Dali.

12.Notorious (1946) – A tale of espionage with Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant that features one of the longest kisses in film history.

13.Dial M for Murder (1954) – An intelligent and suspenseful exploration of an almost perfect crime gone awry.

14.The Lady Vanishes (1938) – Hitchcock’s early triumph in mixing comedy with suspense on the precipice of World War II.

15.Rear Window (1954) – Starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, it turns voyeurism into nail-biting suspense.

16.North by Northwest (1959) – This cross-country chase film is filled with iconic scenes and set-pieces.

17.Vertigo (1958) – This complex psychological thriller challenges viewers’ perceptions and has grown in stature over time.

18.Psycho (1960) – Perhaps Hitchcock’s most famous film, it revolutionized the horror genre with its shocking twists and infamous shower scene.

19.To Catch a Thief (1955) – A glamorous and romantic cat-and-mouse game set against the backdrop of the French Riviera.

20.Rebecca (1940) – Hitchcock’s first American project won an Academy Award for Best Picture and remains a haunting exploration of memory and obsession.