9 Horror Movie Villains Who Turned Hero In The Sequel
3. Norman Bates - Psycho III
Yes, there is a Psycho III!
There's actually a Psycho IV, but that would be way too far down the rabbit hole.
In the second film, Norman Bates fights with his "Mother" persona before returning to her murderous ways right at the film's climax. This sets up the third movie, which was also directed by Bates actor Anthony Perkins.
Probably as an apology for tarnishing his greatest ever performance.
Norman continues to battle his alter ego throughout the movie until "Mother" confronts Tracy, a journalist who has been reporting on his actions. Tracy pleads for her life, explaining to Norman his twisted family backstory.
We'd try and sum it up here, but we just don't have the time.
In the end, Norman takes control of his own mind and breaks loose from "Mother's" control. Whilst being led away by police, he gets told he'll never be let out of prison again. He responds with "But I'll be free."
In overcoming his own mind, Norman finally takes control of his life and becomes the hero of his own story.
And technically, it was "Mother" who did all the killing, so Norman's in the clear.