7. Psycho II (1983)/ Psycho III (1986) /Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)
How could I not add the Psycho sequels into the mix here? These follow-ons from Hitchcock's 1960 masterpiece tend to get a bad rap, being dubbed shameless cash ins on the director's original. However, these three features prove that their was plenty of life left in the Psycho story. Anthony Perkins even reprises his role as Norman Bates in all three features -even directing Psycho III. Psycho II serves as a direct sequel to Hitchcock's original, picking up twenty-two years after the original film. Norman appears reformed after years of intense psychiatric treatment, despite much campaigning from Lila Loomis (Vera Miles reprising her role from Psycho) to get him reincarcerated. However, Norman's return is also met with contempt from his neighbours - which slowly pushes him back to his old ways. Perkins is magnificent and Tom Holland's clever screenplay proves there are still more twists and turns to be found in the Psycho universe. Three years on, Anthony Perkins helmed the third entry into the series which moves more into horror/slasher territory than its predecessor. Psycho III sees Norman fall in love with a rebellious nun and face a scheming rocker and nosy journalist. Praise should go to Perkins for taking the series in a new direction, with the director having a clear vision for the character. Psycho IV: The Beginning served as the final feature in the original series. Fusing elements of prequel and sequel, the film was relegated to a TV movie, fortunately with Perkins reprising his role in bookend segments. It's a solid, watchable effort, yet marks a decline in quality from the previous features. For those still hungry for more Psycho, check out TV pilot Bates Motel (1987), Gus van Sant's deplorable Psycho remake (1998) and TV update, Bates Motel (2013).