10 Best Second Kills In Horror Movies

Psycho will of course forever be best remembered for its shocking first kill, where apparent protagonist Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is suddenly stabbed to death in the shower mid-way through the movie, totally derailing audience expectations for the remainder.

But the second and final kill in Alfred Hitchcock's seminal genre classic is no slouch either, when private investigator Milton Arbogast (Martin Balsam) is suddenly attacked and killed by "Mrs. Bates" on the hotel's staircase.

The terrifying swiftness with which Arbogast is slashed in the face, falls down the stairs, and promptly stabbed is one thing, but the gorgeous cinematography - especially the iconic shot of Arbogast tumbling down the steps - and Bernard Herrmann's piercing score are simply impossible to forget.

Marion's demise will always be Psycho's most statuesque and indelible moment, but while the movie's follow-up death could've easily paled in comparison, Arobgast's is tough to shake in its own right.