20 Serial Killer Movies You Must See Before You Die

5. Psycho (1960)

What can be said about Psycho that hasn't been said already? Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece is often regarded as the greatest thriller/horror movie of all-time, and - even now, all these years later - it still has the power to shock and awe. The plot hones in on Janet Leigh's ill-fated Marion Crane, who steals a bunch of money, goes on the run and makes a terrible decision when she decides to hole up at the Bates Motel. Psycho is infamous for its iconic shower scene, of course - one which leaves the film without a central character for its second half. The best thing about the film, however, aside from its tricksy plottings, is Anthony Perkins' portrait of serial killer Norman Bates; the actor manages to make us feel rather sorry for Bates whilst also being incredibly wary of him, too. Eerie and progressive (with a wonderfully scary score by Bernard Hermann), Psycho is a definite serial killer classic that everyone should experience at least once.