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Psycho

Psycho

A new and altogether different screen excitement!!!

1960109 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Alfred Hitchcock
Starring
Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin

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.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Psycho?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Psycho streaming on AMC+ via Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock and Shudder via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Psycho?

Psycho earns 13 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Psycho worth watching?

Psycho's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 2.3M ratings across 6 sources. 92% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1960s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

86 /100

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1960s

Critics 97 · Audience 85

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

92% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1960s
92% rated it 7–108% rated it 1–6

Critics 97% · Audience 95%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 4 Oscar noms · 8 wins / 14 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actress in a Supporting Role
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White

99th percentile

2.3M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1960s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 10% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$807K
Domestic gross$32M
Worldwide gross$32M

Returned 40.1× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a landmark of psychological horror with a legendary shower scene and an unforgettable central performance, though its impact has been diluted by decades of imitation.

Fans praised

  • Anthony Perkins' nuanced performance as Norman Bates, blending charm and menace
  • Bernard Herrmann's iconic all-strings score that amplifies suspense
  • Hitchcock's masterful direction and innovative black-and-white cinematography

Detractors panned

  • Slow pacing and dated shock value fail to impress modern viewers
  • Overrated classic that relies on a single famous scene and a predictable twist

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive98

Herrmann's screeching strings are legendary; detractors find it overplayed

ActingDivisive95

Anthony Perkins' iconic portrayal; Leigh also praised by fans, detractors find Perkins monotone

OriginalityDivisive95

Groundbreaking for its time, but detractors see it as dated and no longer fresh

CinematographyDivisive90

Stark black-and-white visuals, expressive camera angles and lighting

AtmosphereDivisive90

Ominous motel and house, pervasive dread and vulnerability

CharactersDivisive88

Norman Bates as a complex, sympathetic monster; detective and sister well-drawn

TensionDivisive85

Suspense built through parlor scene and stalker cop, but detractors feel none

Plot and storyDivisive70

Innovative structure killing lead early, but detractors find it slow and predictable

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Psycho like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCold
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material completely straight, with Hitchcock's own detachment not undercutting the sincerity; it is a serious, suspenseful drama.
The rideThe film sustains a near-constant atmosphere of dread and tension from the first shot to the final explanation, with a cold, clinical feel that never lets up.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological narrative from Marion's flight to the investigation and revelation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering unease through its bleak ending and the disturbing revelation of Norman's psyche.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryEnigma
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

with Tragedy underneath

Why this archetypeThe film is driven by the mystery of Marion's disappearance and the secret of the Bates house, with Norman living under his mother's identity.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% (this title) · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsGuilt · 3% of filmsTrauma · 7% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is fundamentally about a fractured identity — Norman's mind literally split into two selves — and the consuming guilt and trauma that caused the split.
StanceThe film's stance toward its primary theme (fractured identity / psychosis) is cautionary — it presents a terrifying case study of what unchecked mental illness and guilt can produce, with no celebration or simple moral.

The world

ContemporaryRuralInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Bernard Herrmann
Settinga secluded motel off a bypassed highway near Fairvale, California, and the neighbouring Victorian house
MusicThe shrieking string stabs during the shower scene are among the most iconic and imitated cues in cinema history.

Content guide

Is Psycho okay for kids?

R

Psycho is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (59/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at minimal (5/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (8/100) and frightening material at intense (76/100). Overall it is heavier than 22% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 27 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany18
  • France18
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+16
  • CL18
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece13
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary18
  • Israel16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia18+
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 22% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 35%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 27%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 2%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 73%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Psycho have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Psycho?

Cast

Janet Leigh won the Globe for this film.

Anthony Perkins
as Norman Bates
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Janet Leigh
as Marion Crane
Globe win: Golden Globe — Best Supporting ActressTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Vera Miles
as Lila Crane
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
John Gavin
as Sam Loomis
Martin Balsam
as Det. Milton Arbogast
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
John McIntire
as Sheriff Al Chambers
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Simon Oakland
as Dr. Fred Richman
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Frank Albertson
as Tom Cassidy
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Patricia Hitchcock
as Caroline
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Vaughn Taylor
as George Lowery
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Psycho?

Movies like Psycho include Psycho III (1986), Psycho II (1983) and Psycho (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Alfred Hitchcock, and half are films about guilt.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Robert Bloch wrote 4 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Psycho?

2.9K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: psychological horror. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.