Alfred Hitchcock is one of those iconic filmmakers who has solidified his place in film history and lore. His films have captivated audiences to this day with their unnerving thrills, gripping suspense, and unsuspecting twists. With a diverse catalog of psychological thrillers and suspense films expanding several decades, his content ranges from complex crime capers to deadly birds.
Naturally, he's inspired many succeeding directors like David Lynch, M. Night Shyamalan, Jordan Peele, and Steven Spielberg, who have drawn from his nuanced, stylistic, and often a cerebral brand of filmmaking.
And whether directly inspired or not, there's no shortage of gripping suspense films that hold some parallels with works from "The Master of Suspense" himself.
With that said, let's cover 10 of the best suspense films that Hitchcock fans should love.
Disturbia (2007)
As it happens, 2007's Disturbia closely parallels another Hitchcock film, in the form of the '54 classic Rear Window. In fact, in this case, D. J. Caruso's thriller is at least partly inspired by that film.
Like Rear Window, Kale (Shia LaBeouf) is restrained to the confines of his residence. Bouts of espionage through his binoculars lead him to suspect his neighbor of being a murderer as he notices suspicious happenings.
Despite the fun nature of this romp, critics have noted some lack of originality and occasional campiness. To its credit though, Disturbia does offer a creative spin on that Hitchcock classic with some flashier cinematography and heart-pumping action to boot.
The Game (1997)
Before the cult classic Fight Club, director David Fincher helmed this similarly ambitious, mind-twisty classic - 1997's The Game, starring Michael Douglas as wealthy banker Nicholas Van Orton. This film takes its audience on a surreal and cerebral ride with twists and turns, keeping the viewer engaged with its slew of action scenes and stylish cinematography.
By enlisting in the practices of an unorthodox company that sets up thrilling escapades, Nicholas decided to embark this a real-life game up action to spruce up his mundane life, setting chaotic events in motion.
The plot takes on something of a North by Northwest vibe, as it hones in on a protagonist who's left to question everything and everyone around him.
Body Heat (1981)
Despite dating back to 1981, this crime caper has been scarcely matched when it comes to clever plot twists and its gripping suspense-laced story. We follow a small-town lawyer, who's coaxed by a seductive femme fatale to kill her rich husband. But what starts as a basic murder plot escalates into a complex conspiracy of another kind, brimming with shocking revelations few will see coming.
Lawrence Kasdan's captivating drama takes a bit of film noir and some Hitchcock-style suspense along with eroticism to round out this memorable film. This is enhanced by the dynamic performances of William Hurt and Kathleen Turner who play Body Heat's passionate lovers.
The Invitation (2016)
Hitchcock had a knack for presenting leads in the midst of bizarre circumstances, often to the point of questioning their own sanity. This psychological thriller/suspense from '16 greatly captures this quality. It centers around a troubled man named Will (Logan Marshall-Green), who is called to attend a dinner party with his ex-wife, amongst the very property that saw their only son pass away.
Coupled with this emotional burden, Will experiences growing doubts and uneasiness as he senses an odd group among his old friends may have malicious intentions. It's an atmospheric and unnerving mental trip and draws from Hitchcock's style of coaxing the viewer to question what's happening from subtle cues.
Shutter (2004)
This film from Thailand puts a supernatural spin on the typically more grounded Hitchcock suspense, making for a thriller that's both creepy and rife with thought-provoking suspense. While Shutter received a 2008 remake with more mixed reception critically, this '04 foreign film was praised for its dynamic acting, gripping narrative, and visual flair.
It begins with a simple premise - a photographer and his girlfriend finding ominous shadows in their photos following a tragic accident. Yet, jaw-dropping revelations begin to unfold, leading to an epic crescendo, in true Hitchcock form.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
While many emphasize horror or suspense traits prominent in Hitchcock films, David Lynch tends to go in more of a psychological, trippy direction more akin to Vertigo. Mulholland Drive from 2001 definitely channels this mind-bending ride into insanity. This is strengthened through convincing performances by Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, who play the film's leads and troubled lovers.
This was originally meant to be a miniseries, and given its shifting settings and rich, in-depth narrative, it certainly shows.
We follow Betty's (Watts) Hollywood journey to become an actress and Rita's (Harring) battle with amnesia following a car accident. We're then left to put together the pieces of a complex, warped puzzle as it's increasingly hinted that something's very wrong here.
The Gift (2015)
Not to be confused with the 2000 suspense by the same name, 2015's The Gift also uses elements of mystery and suspense, but in a very different way.
We follow a well-off couple, who's new residence brings an unwanted guest claiming to be the old acquaintance of Simon (Jason Bateman). The film builds up an uneasy tension as the odd man continues to appear, which mushrooms into a deceptively complex tale wrought with character drama and shocking reveals.
Australian Director Joel Edgerton, who doubles as the strange guest, Gordo, captures that Hitchcock quality of unique cinematography and unexpected twists.
Midnight Lace (1960)
Taking its place as the oldest entry on our list, 1960's Midnight Lace runs with a premise and setting that rings similar to Dial M For Murder with added neo-noir flair for good measure.
This unsettling mystery-suspense stars Kit (Doris Day) who gets terrorized by ominous phone calls threatening to kill her. Tension builds as the threats increase and those around her are hesitant in believing her, putting her in danger. As the plot unfolds, escalating action and revelations captivate its audience and lead to a truly intense conclusion.
The Invisible Guest (2016)
Similar to "The Master of Suspense," Spanish director Oriol Paulo has a knack for keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with this mystery thriller. This is thanks to its crazy twists and turns that keeps its audience guessing, along with great performances by Mario Casas and Ana Wagener who play an accused murderer and lawyer.
In one sense, The Invisible Guest is a classic, rich tale of suspense and mystery, while injecting a tinge of psychological drama that allows it to shine. The film's nuanced hints and clever twists - leading to shocking character revelations - would surely make Alfred Hitchcock proud.
What Lies Beneath (2000)
There are a number of parallels to make between 2000's What Lies Beneath and Hitchcock works, aside from its sheer quality and heart-pumping thrills. You have the memorable performances by Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford to help bring the story to life. Yet, you've also got some truly clever "red herrings" and left turns that remind one of the classics that are Psycho and Vertigo.
We follow Claire as she's haunted by ghostly manifestations; a seemingly standard plot that escalates into an intense crime caper full of edge-of-your-seat scares and creative twists.